Short Haired Cat Breeds

Short haired cat breeds are some of the most popular felines in the world of cat fancy. And there’s good reason, too!

For starters, short haired cats are a lot easier to groom than their furrier counterparts. If you’ve ever had a fluffy, long haired cat, you know how intense the grooming can be. These dramatically furry beauties can require a good combing session nearly every day! Not to mention the shedding that goes on during the warmer months, when long haired cats can produce enough fur to stuff a sofa or two.

So you’ll be relieved to find out that the grooming is nowhere near as intense when it comes to short hair cats. Thanks to their low-maintenance fur, you can get away with less grooming and less combing – not to mention that there’s less chance of matter fur and hairballs.

And that’s not the only advantage short hair cats have going for them. The fact of the matter is, there are a lot more short hair cat breeds than there are long haired cats and they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personality types. The result? You’ll be able to find one that is purrfectly suited for you in every way possible!

Ready to get started? Here are some gorgeous short haired cats you’ll want to get to know!

Abyssinian

Coat: Short and thick with agouti or ticked bands

I’m a high-spirited stunner with looks that rival the sacred cats portrayed in Egyptian murals. But I’m no elegant lap cat – I prefer to live life on the edge, fueled by my insatiable curiosity to climb to the highest heights of the home, investigate everything my humans are up to and explore anything that catches my ever-alert attention. Read more about the Abyssinian.

Bengal

Coat: Short to medium yet very lush and thick, with prints similar to a leopard’s and other wildcats

Large and exotic, I look a lot like my wild ancestors. And like them, I can be a lot to handle with my super high energy levels, exceptional athleticism, and an abundance of smarts. But I am also a load of fun and can be trained, taken for walks and even swims! Read more about the Bengal.

Bombay

Coat: Sleek, short and very black

Jet black and beautiful, I am nowhere near as mysterious as my looks suggest. In fact, I’m an open book – wide open to giving and receiving as much lovin’ affection to and from every single member of my family – including the little ones. I’ll even follow you all around ’til I get my fill of love…so, pretty much forever. Read more about the Bombay.

British Shorthair

Coat: Thick, short and dense

With my round, fluffy teddy-bear looks, it’s no wonder I’m the most popular cat in Britain. And it’s not just my looks that keep me ranking on the world’s most popular cat charts, either – I am a well-mannered, genteel feline with a zen-like disposition toward life and fellow creatures. A true pleasure to be around and no trouble at all. Read more about the British Shorthair.

Burmese

Coat: Short, has a satin-like texture and almost has no undercoat

Curious, trusting, and very playful, I am the social butterfly of the feline world. I spend my days in active pursuit of new things to discover and new beings to befriend, which never gets old – even well into adulthood. I’m wonderful fun to be around, I hear, ‘though admittedly, I have no sense of boundaries. Read more about the Burmese.

Burmilla

Coat: Short to long, fairly smooth and silky

I get my good looks – and my personality – from two exceptional cat breeds – the playful and mischievous Burmese and the laid back and affectionate Chinchilla Persian, which makes me the purrfect mix of the two temperaments: fun-loving and sociable yet quiet, gentle, and very easy to get on with. My upbeat yet laid-back disposition makes me one of the easiest felines to take care of – just keep in mind I tend to be a bit clumsy and store away your breakables! Read more about the Burmilla.

Chartreux

Coat: Slightly fuzzy and short to medium in length

Bonjour. My refined, well-mannered ways has resulted in a long and illustrious history of association with the cr me de la cr me of French intellectual society, but I’m as much of a doer as a thinker. In addition to my sweet, quiet nature, I’m an excellent ? seriously, top-notch ? mouser. Read more about the Chartreux.

Chausie

Coat: Short to medium in length, with a fairly rough overcoat and soft undercoat

True to my wildcat lineage, I am a fearless feline – exceptionally fast on my feet and capable of heart-stopping feats of athleticism, like leaping six feet into the air! I’m clever, too, which means I’ll be able to navigate to the highest, most out-of-reach spots around the house…better stash away your valuables. Read more about the Chausie.

Colorpoint Shorthair

Coat: Short, lustrous and very close to my body

Affectionate and sensitive, I’m the sort of feline that’s very in touch with my emotions – and I like to tell you all about them by following you around the house to engage you in lively conversation or prompting you toward an extended pampering session. I hope you like company, ’cause I’ll rarely stray from your side. Read more about the Colorpoint Shorthair.

Devon Rex

Coat: Very short, wavy and silky

My large eyes and ears combined with my short, wavy coat has earned me a few nicknames, including ‘elf cat’ and ‘poodle cat,’ but the most accurate is ‘monkey in a cat suit’ for my dexterous climbing and jumping abilities as well as my people-pleasing performances. Read more about the Devon Rex.

Exotic Shorthair

Coat: Short to medium in length, silky in texture and very dense

Love the cuddly good looks of the Persian but can’t deal with all the fur? Then I’m purrfect for you, since I’ve got all the adorable looks of the Persian minus the high-maintenance coat. I’ve even inherited the Persian’s easy-going, affectionate disposition, but with another crucial difference – I’m actually active and playful. Read more about the Exotic Shorthair.

Havana Brown

Coat: Short, thick and in warm and rich reddish-brown

I thrive on affection and attention. They’re the twin motivating forces in my life and everything I do from snooping on everything you do around the house to engaging you in lively banter is all a means to a most desired end: a long, pampering session of belly rubs and cuddling. Read more about the Havana Brown.

Japanese Bobtail

Coat: Short to medium-long and can be very thick and silky

Confidence is key and I have it in spades. Which makes socializing, adapting, playing well with others, and public speaking – with my characteristic sing-song coo – a breeze for me. The best part? I’m self-assured enough to enjoy solitude as much as company – I’m rarely ever a bother. Read more about the Japanese Bobtail.

Khao Manee

Coat: Fairly smooth, short and pure white

With a pure white coat and odd-colored eyes – one of gold and one of silver (blue) – I am one of the most striking felines you’ll ever lay eyes on…if you’re lucky enough to, since I’m still a very rare breed. For those fortunate enough to get ahold of me, ‘though, you and anyone who visits your home will never quite be able to free of me as I am one sociable, devoted people cat. Read more about the Khao Manee.

Korat

Coat: Short, thick and silky coat in silver-tipped blue, bluish gray

I love being the center of attention. And I’ll use everything I’ve got – including my range of vocal chords and above-average intelligence – to make sure yours is focused on me. The limelight is mine, so if you’re planning on seeing other pets, make sure they know that I am and will always be your favorite. Read more about the Korat.

Manx

Coat: Short to long, thick and very silky

My lack of a tail isn’t the only un-feline thing about me. I’m also highly sociable, protective of my home, and enjoy a game of fetch as much as your average canine. Oh, and did I mention I can be taken for walks and bathed in water as well? Told you I wasn’t your average cat. Read more about the Manx.

Munchkin

Coat: Short to long, thick and dense, all patterns and colors accepted

I may be miniature, but I’ve got a big heart. I socialize with everyone and am always open to being adored – even if that translates to being picked up. And my short stature never prevents me from living life to the fullest. In fact, I’m every bit as active and playful as my longer-legged counterparts. Read more about the Munchkin.

Ocicat

Coat: Short, fairly silky, smooth and lies close to its body

My exotic, wildcat looks are a tad deceptive – I don’t have a drop of wild DNA in my genes. As such, my nature is pure domestic feline, friendly and affectionate. But I’m not just an indoor kind of cat. I’m also adventurous and playful and can be taken out on walks…with a leash, of course. Read more about the Ocicat.

Ojos Azules

Coat: Fairly short, silky and lies close to the body

Blessed with a striking pair of the bluest eyes, I’m an absolute beauty. But I’m also hard to get, being one of the feline world’s best kept secrets. Even in this day and age of frenzied cat fancy, I am still one of the most rare breeds you can get your hands on. Read more about the Ojos Azules.

Oriental

Coat: Short to medium, very smooth and silky

I thrive on attention and will do anything to get it. That includes following you around ’til you give me belly rubs or exercising my vocal chords ’til you acknowledge my very acknowledge-able presence. I’m the purrfect companion if you’re looking for constant, active feline company. Read more about the Oriental.

Pixie Bob

Coat: Short to long with a light undercoat

I’m a smarty pants. If you want, you can even train me to understand some human words and take me for walks on a leash. Sort of like a canine, which I admit I do share similarities with such as my devotion to my humans, high activity levels, and easy-going sociability. Read more about the Pixie Bob.

Russian Blue

Coat: A short,double-coat that is dense and thick

Gentle and introverted, I tend to be shy around strangers and wary of noises and crowds. Socializing is just not my cup of catnip. I prefer the comfortable familiarity of just one or two humans with whom I can spend a quiet life full of tender affection and peaceful understanding. Read more about the Russian Blue.

Savannah

Coat: Short to medium in length with bold stripes and spots

Beautiful, athletic, and smart, I’m the sort of cat you’re going to want to show off to your friends. And you can, too, since I can easily be taught to walk on a leash and even master tricks like ‘fetch’ and ‘sit’. I’m not shy at all so you can even catch performances of my climbing skills and ability to jump 8 feet straight into the air. Read more about the Savannah.

Scottish Fold

Coat: Short to semi-longhaired, very soft and silky

With my huge eyes and droopy ears, I am possibly the cutest cat that ever lived. But my cuteness isn’t just fur-deep ? I am cute to the core. Sweet, gentle, and good-naturedly docile, I get along with everyone and retain my kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood. Oh, did I mention I rock at posing for pictures Read more about the Scottish Fold.

Serengeti

Coat: Short, fine and very smooth

I may be standoffish when we first meet, but that’s just initial shyness. Once I warm up to you, I turn into the ‘Velcro cat,’ following you around to nosy in on whatever you’re doing around the house. At other times, I’ll be working on my fitness by running laps and zipping to and fro. Read more about the Serengeti.

Siamese

Coat: Short, fairly smooth and silky

I am a straight up extrovert who loves to mingle and be right where the action is. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing – I’ll be there and you can bet I’ll have something to say about it. In fact, I’ll have a lot to say ’cause I’m one of the most talkative cats ever. But as loud and demanding as I can be, I’m also unabashedly affectionate and adoring with my humans which makes me a pleasure to have around. Read more about the Siamese.

Singapura

Coat: Very short, fine and silky

I am a pint-sized bundle bursting with energy. Not shy at all, I’ll jump and pounce my way into the center of all household affairs where all eyes will be – and will remain – focused on me. I love attention! And I’ll do anything for it, which is why I’ve been dubbed the ‘pesky people cat.’ Pesky, I may be, but I’m also unbelievably lovable. Read more about the Singapura.

Snowshoe

Coat: Short and fairly smooth with distinctive points

My elegant facial markings and fancy white paws make me appear a lot more dignified than I actually am. When you meet me, you’ll realize I’m a whirlwind of sociability and unbridled affection which I’ll unleash upon anyone I encounter. And once I get my paws on you, it’ll be hard to escape since I’ll follow you pretty much anywhere – even into the bathtub! Read more about the Snowshoe.

Sokoke

Coat: Short, dense and very close to the body with an African tabby pattern

I’m one of the rarest cat breeds in the world, blessed with a truly unique African tabby pattern and high intelligence. I bond closely with my humans and even have an uncanny ability to pick up on human emotions and act accordingly. I don’t adjust well to new humans or environments so make sure you can commit before you scoop me up. Read more about the Sokoke.