12 Domestic Short-Haired Cat Breeds That Melt Our Hearts

Looking for the perfect domestic short-haired cat breeds for your family? Check out 12 that absolutely melt our hearts!

Shorthaired cats are ideal for those who don’t want to spend eternity grooming their cat’s magnificent coat. And some are the perfect companions for people with allergies. 

However, it is important to note that shorthaired cats still shed and need regular grooming to keep cat fur around the house to a minimum. 

Here are 12 domestic shorthaired cat breeds, along with their origin, size, coat features, lifespan, common traits, average weight, and popular colors.

1 – Abyssinian

• Origin – Egypt
• Size – medium
• Coat – dense and soft
• Lifespan – 14-15 years
• Traits – active, energetic, and gentle
• Weight – males and females: 7-10 pounds
• Colors – black, chocolate, cinnamon, and fawn

The exotic Abyssinian impresses not only with its stunning appearance but also its charming personality. It’s an energetic cat that lives to the fullest and is always ready for mischief. 

These medium-sized cats are the perfect pets if you don’t mind your cat climbing up the drapes or fishing cat toys from under the fridge.  

The Abbysians are also smart and can learn many cat tricks when properly motivated. And this shorthaired cat loves to be the center of attention, acting silly to make you look at it. [1]

While Abyssinians don’t require much grooming, they’re highly active domestic cats. Keeping up with their playful nature can be a struggle even for experienced cat owners. 

But these shorthaired cats adapt well to any environment and adore children.

2 – American Bobtail

• Origin – United States
• Size – medium to large
• Coat – dense and plush
• Lifespan – 11-15 years
• Traits – interactive, lively, and sensitive
• Weight – males: 12-16 pounds, females: 7-11 pounds
• Colors – black, cream, fawn, and white

The American Bobtail has a typical wild cat appearance – a powerful body, tufted ears, and a short tail. However, there’s nothing wild in this adorable domestic cat.

In fact, the American Bobtail has a dog-like personality, and owners often compare its temperament to a Golden Retriever. 

It’s playful, loyal, and charming, even to strangers. Moreover, this striped cat likes to walk on a leash, enjoys puzzles, and won’t say no to a game of fetch.

And unlike other domestic shorthaired cats, the American Bobtail is a great travel companion and makes an excellent emotional support animal. 

Moreover, the American Bobtail’s short coat requires only a weekly brushing and these intelligent felines get along well with children, dogs, and other cats.

Make sure to check out our list of most doglike cat breeds.

3 – Bengal

• Origin – United States
• Size – medium to large
• Lifespan – 12-16 years
• Traits – agile, energetic, and rambunctious
• Weight – males: 10-18 pounds, females: 6-12 pounds
• Colors – black, brown, cream and ruddy

There’s a good reason why Bengals have such a strong resembles wild cats. They’re a mix between an Asian leopard and a domestic shorthaired cat. 

As such, Bengals are a high-energy breed with superb climbing abilities and a penchant for mischief. They’re not your usual house cat and will keep you on your toes all the time. 

Moreover, Bengals are smart, talkative, and alert. These tabby cats love playing in the water, enjoy puzzle toys, and like sleeping in your lap. 

But the Bengal’s short hair is easy to maintain with occasional brushing, and the fur comes in several stunning colors and patterns. 

4 – Bombay

• Origin – United States
• Size – medium
• Coat – glossy and sleek
• Lifespan – 12-16 years
• Traits – dependent, gentle, and playful
• Weight – males: 8-11 pounds, females: 6-9 pounds
• Colors – black

Some people consider black cats bad luck, but they’ve never met such an extraordinary black cat breed as the Bombay. 

While Bombay is named after India’s most famous city, its roots are in America. The American breeders created it by mixing a Burmese and a black American Shorthair.

As such, Bombay takes the best from these two breeds. These black cats are adaptable, affectionate, and social, thriving when they’re the center of attention. 

The Bombay is also moderately active, making it a great short-haired cat for apartments. And this black cat doesn’t mind dogs and other cats and gets along great with children.

5 – Burmese

• Origin – Burma/Thailand
• Size – medium
• Coat – glossy and silky
• Lifespan – 15-16 years
• Traits – curious, gentle, and lively
• Weight – males: 8-12 pounds, females: 6-10 pounds
• Colors – blue, champagne, platinum, and sable

In general, the Burmese is very close to its Siamese cousin – it’s energetic, vocal, and clingy. It’s going to explore every nook and cranny in your home and get in tons of trouble. 

Having a Burmese also means a complete lack of privacy. This short-haired cat will insist on sleeping in your bed and stay close to you, even in the bathroom. 

Unfortunately, Burmese are prone to several health conditions, including diabetes, head defects, and eye disorders. 

6 – Cornish Rex

• Origin- United Kingdom
• Size- medium
• Coat- curly and silky
• Lifespan- 11-14 years
• Traits- affectionate, curious, and intelligent
• Weight- males: 6-9 pounds, females: 5-7 pounds
• Colors- black, cream, silver, and white

But it’s the dog-like personality you fall in love with – this short-haired cat is loyal, friendly, and social. They often do goofy things to bask in the spotlight. 

The Cornish Rex’s coat is so delicate and soft that you don’t have to worry about shedding – the hair is barely visible on clothes and furniture. [2]

However, these cats love climbing and are masters at manipulating doors and objects with their long toes. So, they aren’t the best choice if you want a lazy cat. 

7 – Egyptian Mau

• Origin – Egypt
• Size – medium
• Coat – resilient and silky
• Lifespan – 18-20 years
• Traits – agile, loyal, and playful
• Weight – males: 10-14 pounds, females: 6-10 pounds
• Colors – black, blue, silver, and smoke

Like their ancestors, the Egyptian Mau is an excellent hunter and will enjoy tossing and chasing toys around the house. This spotted cat is also vocal, affectionate, and devoted to the family. [3]

However, these spotted cats expect you to worship them and won’t be happy if you don’t provide a lap for them to nap on. 

8 – Oriental

• Origin – United States
• Size – medium
• Coat – fine and glossy
• Lifespan – 12-14 years
• Traits – energetic, playful and social
• Weight – males: 7-10 pounds, females: 5-8 pounds
• Colors – black, chestnut, cream and white

Who can resist those large ears and expressive eyes?

These short-haired cats don’t like to be alone and are so crafty they can learn to open doors and cabinets. They’re best suited for people who don’t mind lack of privacy and a cat that “talks” almost all day long.

Interestingly, the Oriental also comes in a longhaired variety, so they’re perfect if you want a Persian-like fluffy cat. But the Oriental is also energetic and requires a lot of mental stimulation to make it happy. 

Check our guide on other long haired cat breeds.

9 – Russian Blue

• Origin – Russia
• Size – medium
• Coat- dense and plush
• Lifespan – 10-16 years
• Traits – active, gentle and quiet
• Weight – males: 7-11 pounds, females: 5-8 pounds
• Colors – blue and silver

Reserved towards strangers but affectionate with the family is how most cat owners describe the Russian Blue.

The Russia Blue is sensitive, smart, and quiet. It likes to stay somewhere high to observe the hustle and bustle of the house but won’t mind being alone during the day. 

And these blue/gray cats aren’t prone to genetic diseases. You just have to be careful not to overfeed them. 

RECOMMENDED: British Shorthair Cat Breeds

10 – Savannah

• Origin – United States
• Size – medium to large
• Coat – slightly coarse
• Lifespan – 17-20 pounds
• Traits – adventurous, loyal and outgoing
• Weight – males and females: 8-25 pounds
• Colors – black, black silver spotted tabby, black smoke and brown spotted tabby

The Savannah is a high-energy cat, which won’t be happy to doze in your lap all day long. Instead, it’s going to run around the house, playing with toys, climbing, or exploring. 

As such, the Savannah does best with an outdoor enclosure to burn off its excessive energy. And not all states and countries allow you to keep a Savannah due to its mixed ancestry. 

11- Scottish Fold

• Origin – United Kingdom
• Size – medium
• Coat – dense and plush
• Lifespan – 11-14 years
• Traits – loving, social and sweet
• Weight – males: 7-11 pounds, females: 5-8 pounds
• Colors – black, cream, silver, white, and orange

In general, the Scottish Fold is relatively calm, sweet, and docile. This cat loves to pose in funny positions, stand on its hind legs like a meerkat, and sleep with paws in the air.

While most people imagine grey cats when talking about Scottish Folds, these cats come in many colors and patterns, including taby, calico, and bicolored.  

And since they get along well with children and cat-friendly dogs, this short-haired cat is the perfect companion for families.

12- Siamese

• Origin – Thailand
• Size – medium
• Coat – glossy and soft
• Lifespan – 12-15 years
• Traits – active, energetic, and social
• Weight – males: 11-15 pounds, females: 8-12 pounds
• Colors – blue, chocolate, lilac, and seal

People often describe it as a jealous cat, but that’s because the Siamese tends to bond to a single person and prefer to be the center of attention.

Moreover, the Siameses are alert, talkative, and smart. They learn to open doors with ease and are experts at manipulating you to do their bidding. 

Domestic Short-haired Cat Breeds: FAQs

Conclusion

Remember, if you’re thinking about bringing home one of these domestic short-haired cat breeds, adopt before you buy purebreds! There are SO, so, so many cats in shelters waiting for homes.

Do you have any of these domestic short-haired cat breeds? Share your favorites below.

Resources

• 1. Abyssinian Cat Breed Profile | Purina [Internet]. www.purina.com. Available from: https://www.purina.com/breeds/abyssinian-cat
• 2. Cornish Rex Coat | Veterinary Genetics Laboratory [Internet]. vgl.ucdavis.edu. [cited 2022 Feb 24]. Available from: https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/cornish-rex-coat
• 3. Egyptian Mau [Internet]. www.petmd.com. [cited 2022 Feb 24]. Available from: https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_egyptian_mau#:~:text=Personality%20and%20Temperament&text=It%20follows%20orders%20and%20is