Last Updated: 2 months ago
Looking for the perfect domestic short-haired cat breed for your family?
Short-haired 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 short-haired cats still shed and need regular grooming to keep cat fur around the house to a minimum.
Popular Short-Haired Cat Breeds
Here are 12 domestic short-haired 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
Look at those expressive almond-shaped eyes, cute ears, and giant paws! It’s hard not to fall in love with these domestic short hair cats, right?
The exotic Abyssinian impresses not only with its stunning appearance but also with its charming personality. It’s an energetic cat that lives life 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 short-haired cat loves to be the center of attention, acting silly to make you laugh at it.
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 short haired 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 that of 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 short-haired 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.
#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
Have you ever wanted to have a mini tiger? Then you won’t be disappointed with the Bengal and its fun-loving temperament, affectionate disposition, and unique appearance.
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 short haired 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 or 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
It’s easy to recognize the Burmese with its short silky hair, muscular body, and Siamese-like expressions.
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
The Cornish Rex takes your breath away with its unique characteristics – a unique wavy coat, high cheekbones, and large ears set on a small, oval face.
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.
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
Do you know that the Egyptians used to worship cats and mummify them?
Cats were invaluable in Ancient Egypts because they took care of rodents and kept the grain safe.
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.
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?
The Oriental is another Siamesed-based breed, which explains their chattiness, clinginess, and intelligence.
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.
#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.
This domestic short haired cat breed has a short, dense coat, perfect for protecting the body from the elements. As such, these cats shed a lot more than you’d expect.
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.
#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
Mix the wild African cat with a domestic short haired one, and you get the stunning Savannah, one of the largest domestic short haired cat breeds.
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
The Scottish Fold is one of those breeds, which you can’t easily mistake for another cat. Just look at those cute folded ears and big, oval faces!
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
A few short haired cat breeds are more popular than the aristocratic Siamese with its pointed-colored coat and piercing eyes.
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.
FAQs
Are Domestic Short hair Cats Good Pets?
Yes, domestic short hair cats are excellent household pets, thanks to their friendly disposition, affectionate temperament, and playfulness.
Is a Domestic Short haired Cat Rare?
No, domestic short hair cats aren’t rare. In fact, people often use the term “domestic short hair” to name all cats with short hair and no pedigree.
So, there are more than 80 million domestic short hair cats in the USA alone.
Are Domestic Short haired Cats Hypoallergenic?
There are not 100% hypoallergenic cats. However, some cat breeds shed little allergic proteins and are less likely to bother people with allergies.
As such, some domestic short hair cats could be called “hypoallergenic.” But it depends a lot on the specific breed and how much fur and allergens it sheds.
Final Word
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:
Deanna is a passionate cat lover and freelance writer. She lives with her Chi dog and a ragdoll cat. When she’s not writing, Deanna loves listening to country music or watching Dancing With The Stars.
