If you’re looking for a low-maintenance cat breed that doesn’t require daily grooming sessions, then a shorthaired cat is what you need! If you’re not sure which cute shorthaired cat breed is the one for you, we’ve rounded up 15 of our absolute favorites for you to choose from!
Shorthaired Cat Breeds
1. American Curl Cat
American Curl cats have adorable, curled-back ears. Sometimes called the “Peter Pan” of cat breeds due to their kitten-like personalities, the American Curl is a small to medium breed that loves spending time with adults and children alike. They are affectionate and outgoing, getting along great in busy households full of kids and other pets.
2. Bombay Cat
The distinctive Bombay Cat is a medium-sized breed that comes in one color: black! They’re adaptable and energetic, so whether you’ve got a busy house full of other pets or a quiet apartment, they will easily make themselves at home. Bombays can be talkative and enjoy learning tricks, as well as indulging in plenty of playtime.
3. British Shorthair Cat
The medium- to large-sized British Shorthair has a chilled-out personality. While they’re affectionate and love their families, they’re also happy to entertain themselves or curl up for a nap while you’re out of the house. They enjoy cuddling next to people on the couch, but they’re not fans of being picked up or sitting on laps!
4. Cornish Rex Cat
Cornish Rex cats have large, bat-like ears and a short, wavy, and silky coat due to the lack of guard hairs. Their small to medium-sized body is slender and elegant. They love to play active games and never seem to grow out of their kitten personalities. Cornish Rexes make great family cats, and they also get along well with other pets.
5. Egyptian Mau Cat
The eye-catching Egyptian Mau has a distinctive spotted coat that can be smoke, bronze, or silver in color. Their large eyes are always green, and their medium-sized bodies are muscular and lithe. Egyptian Maus love playing with water, and they are extremely loyal to their families. These playful cats enjoy climbing, so you can expect to find them in strange and high-up places!
6. Havana Brown Cat
The medium-sized Havana Brown is often referred to as a puppy, as their loyal nature means they will follow their owners anywhere. They have outgoing and playful personalities, combined with a deep and velvety brown coat. They love to use their paws to investigate objects around the house, and their sociable natures mean they don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods.
7. Japanese Bobtail Cat
The Japanese Bobtail has, as their name suggests, a cute bobbed tail. In their native homeland of Japan, they’re revered as bringing prosperity and good luck to their homes. These cats are medium in size and have a mischievous and playful streak that means they’re never dull to live with! They can be taught plenty of tricks and even enjoy a good game of fetch!
8. Korat Cat
The Korat is a rare breed hailing from Thailand. These medium-sized cats are affectionate and gentle. While they do enjoy playing with kids, they can also be easily startled by loud noises, so a degree of care is required when interacting with them. They have a distinctive silvery-blue coat, which is described as “rain-cloud” gray.
9. Manx Cat
The Manx Cat is a medium to large natural breed, known for their lack of tail. Some Manx cats do actually have tails, while others have a short stump. These are referred to as longies and stumpies! True tailless Manx Cats are called rumpies. These adaptable cats are affectionate and will often seek out human company. Unlike many breeds, Manx Cats love to play with water!
10. Oriental Cat
The Oriental Cat is a small to medium-sized breed, with an elegant and slim body. This contrasts with their large ears and eyes to give them an unmistakable appearance. These talkative cats have a short and smooth coat, although they also sometimes have longhaired coats too. Orientals are devoted and loyal and prefer to live in households with plenty of company!
11. Pixiebob Cat
The medium to large Pixiebob looks similar to the wild Coastal Red Bobcat found around the Pacific Northwest. While they do look like their wild cousins, Pixiebobs are intelligent and people-oriented enough to learn tricks and even enjoy walking on a leash. Pixiebobs can be polydactyls, meaning that they can have seven toes, which is very unusual!
12. Russian Blue Cat
The eye-catching Russian Blue is a medium-sized shorthaired breed, with a distinctive blue coat that can range from pale silver to a dark slate. The tips of their hair are silver, giving the impression that these cats have been sprinkled in glitter when the sunlight catches them. They’re quiet cats, especially around strangers, but they’re incredibly loyal and loving.
13. Scottish Fold Cat
The sweet Scottish Fold is a medium-sized breed, whose shorthaired variant has a dense velvety coat of fur. Their folded-over ears are the result of a naturally occurring genetic mutation and give these cute cats a slightly owl-like expression. This breed is sociable, and while they’re not demanding, they prefer to live in a household where there’s almost always someone home as company.
14. Siamese Cat
The medium-sized Siamese are famous for their vocal and intelligent personalities. These playful cats thrive in a household where they get plenty of company and interaction. Somewhere with other pets and kids is their idea of a dream! Their color pointed coats come in a wide range of shades but are instantly recognizable, especially when combined with those striking blue eyes.
15. Singapura Cat
The adorable Singapura is one of the smallest breeds of cat, weighing up to 8 pounds. These extroverted and friendly cats thrive on human attention, so don’t be surprised if you have a constant small shadow following you around the house! They might be outgoing, but this breed is well known for their fear of loud noises, so they suit a quiet house where they can get plenty of attention.
- See also: Brazilian Shorthair
Featured image credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock
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