Short-Haired Cats: Breeds, Temperament, and Prices – Cat Breed

Essential takeaways (TL;DR):

• Short-haired cats are easier to maintain because their coats do not need daily brushing.
• They are well suited to family life, but they still need play, interaction, and mental stimulation to thrive.
• Even if they are generally hardy, some breeds can carry a predisposition to inherited diseases.

What are the domestic short-haired cat breeds?

The American Curl

The American Curl is a cat breed from the United States, instantly recognisable for its ears that curl backward. This distinctive feature comes from a spontaneous genetic mutation. American Curls are affectionate, curious, and highly sociable, and they enjoy being around people as well as other animals. Their coat is short and can come in many different colours. They are active and playful, but they also know how to relax. They are widely appreciated for their intelligence and their ability to adapt to different living environments. This breed usually gets along well with children and other pets in the home.

The American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is an extremely popular breed in the United States. Known for its athletic build and dense short coat, it is a great choice for families or for anyone looking for a cat that is independent yet affectionate. Its calm temperament and ease of adaptation make it an excellent companion in many types of households. Because of its history as a working cat, the American Shorthair is a natural hunter, but it is also laid-back and does not demand constant attention. It stays close to its people without being intrusive, which is part of what makes it such a reliable pet.

The Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is the short-haired version of the Persian, with the round face and large eyes that characterise that breed. With a dense, silky coat, the Exotic Shorthair is a gentle, calm, and affectionate cat. It enjoys human companionship and likes spending time relaxing in a peaceful setting. Because of its calm personality and its appealing look, it is ideal for homes looking for a low-maintenance but loving cat. It also tends to adapt well to children and other animals.

The Ocicat

The Ocicat is a breed with a wild and exotic appearance, resembling an ocelot while being fully domesticated. Its short spotted coat gives it a striking feline look. Highly energetic and curious, the Ocicat loves to explore. It is an intelligent cat that is easy to train and can learn complex games or tricks. Very sociable, it gets along well with children and other animals and may even bond with other species. Although it is quite independent, it still enjoys spending time with its owners and often seeks interaction.

The Oriental

The Oriental is an elegant cat with fine features and a graceful body. It has a short, silky coat that can appear in many colours and patterns. Very similar to the Siamese in temperament, the Oriental is affectionate, intelligent, and sociable. It loves the company of its owners and can become deeply attached. This cat is also very curious and active, and it enjoys exploring its surroundings. Its personality makes it a great companion for families and lively households that want an interactive, energetic, and talkative cat.

The Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is an elegant and athletic cat breed, famous for its short, silky coat with a “ticked” effect, where each hair has more than one colour. Originating in Ethiopia, it is one of the oldest and best-known breeds. Highly curious and intelligent, the Abyssinian enjoys exploring its environment and interacting with its owners. It is also very affectionate, but in a subtle way, since it is not usually a clingy cat. It loves games and generally gets along well with children and other animals, provided they respect its space.

The Bengal

The Bengal is an impressive breed, recognised for its marbled or spotted coat that recalls the look of wild big cats. This cat is both elegant and muscular, with plenty of energy. It is curious, playful, and loves water, which is unusual for a cat. Highly intelligent, the Bengal can learn interactive games easily. Although it is independent, it still seeks out its owners and can be quite vocal. The Bengal is also well suited to active families and homes with other pets.

The Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is an elegant cat with a characteristic blue-grey coat and green eyes. This breed is known for its calm, reserved, and affectionate temperament. Although it may seem distant with strangers, it forms a strong bond with its owners and is an excellent companion for people looking for a gentle, quiet cat. The Russian Blue is also very intelligent, easy to train, and not especially demanding. It prefers calm, orderly environments and can be especially affectionate in private.

The Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is a cat breed with a very short tail that looks like a small pom-pom. A symbol of good luck in Japan, this cat is known for its cheerful personality and sociable nature. Japanese Bobtails are very active, love to play, and enjoy interacting with their owners. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train. Their coat is short and simple to care for, although it is dense and soft to the touch. These cats are very affectionate and usually get along well with children, other animals, and strangers.

The Bombay

The Bombay is an elegant, compact cat with a glossy black coat that gives it the look of a miniature panther. With its large copper eyes and soft expression, it is often compared to a mini-leopard. Despite its wild appearance, the Bombay is extremely affectionate and calm. Very sociable, it loves being close to its people and tends to form strong attachments to its owners. It is also very quiet and adapts well to indoor life. Its gentle, easygoing nature makes it a good match for families or individuals looking for a calm companion.

The British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a sturdy, compact cat with a dense, short, and very soft coat. This breed is known for its calm and independent temperament. British Shorthairs are affectionate, but they do not need constant company and are often content with quiet cuddle sessions. Their easygoing nature suits many types of homes, including those with children and other pets. They are also intelligent and adaptable, making them a good fit for apartment living. Their peaceful temperament makes them excellent companions for both families and busy owners.

The Burmese

The Burmese is an elegant-looking cat with a short, silky coat that comes in several colours, including sable and chocolate. Very affectionate and closely attached to its owners, it constantly seeks human company and loves spending time nearby. The Burmese is social and playful, enjoys attention, and has no hesitation about asking for cuddles. It is also a curious and intelligent cat that can learn tricks and solve problems. It is especially well suited to active homes and to people looking for a friendly cat that always wants to be part of family life.

The Chartreux

The Chartreux is a calm, elegant cat with a distinctive grey-blue coat and a gentle personality. Very attached to its owners, it is known for its loyalty and affectionate nature. This cat tends to be reserved, but once it bonds with someone, it becomes a devoted companion. Intelligent and curious, it also enjoys exploring its surroundings. The Chartreux adapts well to children and other pets as long as they respect its space. Its natural calm also makes it an excellent apartment cat.

The Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a particularly unique cat, known for its curly coat. It is also famous for its lively personality and playful character. Cornish Rex cats are active and curious, and they love interacting with their owners. They are always ready to play, and their intelligence means they can easily learn tricks. Their social temperament and strong affection for people make them ideal companions for active families or anyone looking for a dynamic cat.

The Devon Rex

The Devon Rex has a striking look, with a soft, wavy coat. These cats are very affectionate, curious, and playful. The Devon Rex enjoys interacting with its owners and can be especially outgoing, often seeking attention wherever it can get it. It is also known for its intelligence and quick learning. Highly sociable, it usually gets along well with children and other pets and can feel comfortable even in busy households. This energetic, intelligent cat is a great match for families or anyone wanting an interactive companion.

The Havana Brown

The Havana Brown is an elegant cat with a dense, shiny chocolate coat. Gentle and affectionate, it is very close to its owners and does not hesitate to seek attention. This cat is also intelligent and curious. Although it is independent, the Havana Brown prefers human company and enjoys being around its family. With its calm and sociable temperament, it usually gets along well with children and other animals, while remaining an excellent choice for anyone seeking a sweet and loyal companion.

The Korat

The Korat is a small cat breed from Thailand with an athletic build. Its short, silver coat is one of its defining features, and its heart-shaped green eyes give it a striking appearance. The Korat is very affectionate but reserved around strangers. It forms a deep bond with its owners and enjoys their company. Intelligent and curious, it is also active and likes lively play. Its calm, gentle temperament makes it a strong choice for quieter homes, where it can build close relationships with the people it trusts.

The LaPerm

The LaPerm has a distinctive coat that may be curly or wavy, depending on genetics. This breed is known for its friendly and affectionate temperament. The LaPerm is sociable and enjoys attention, often seeking out its owners’ company. Although it is strongly attached to people, it is also fairly independent and can entertain itself when needed. Intelligent and playful, this cat is easy to live with and suits a wide range of households. It is a very good choice for families looking for a cat that is both affectionate and engaging.

The Manx

The Manx is distinctive because of its unusual anatomy: it may be tailless or short-tailed. This cat is also known for its affectionate personality and calm nature. Deeply attached to its family, the Manx likes to be near its owners and often looks for their company. It is intelligent and enjoys interactive games, but it also appreciates quiet moments. The Manx adapts well to different households, including those with children or other pets, thanks to its gentle and social temperament.

The Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is an ancient cat breed from Egypt, famous for its distinctive spots and glossy coat. Very agile and energetic, the Egyptian Mau is a lively cat that loves exercise and play. It is also very affectionate and constantly seeks the company of its owners. Known for its loyalty and intelligence, it can learn tricks and behaviours quickly. Sociable and curious, it usually gets along well with other animals and children, making it a great match for active families looking for a dynamic, interactive companion.

The Pixie-Bob

The Pixie-Bob is a unique breed, recognised for its large size and short tail. It has a wild look but a gentle and affectionate temperament. Very intelligent and playful, the Pixie-Bob enjoys interacting with its owners, often joining in games or learning tricks. Although it is a bit more independent than some other breeds, it remains loyal and strongly attached to its family. It is also known for being sociable with children and other animals and for adapting well to family life.

The Savannah

The Savannah is an exotic, wild-looking breed created by crossing a serval with a domestic cat. This cat is tall and elegant, with a spotted coat that recalls its wild ancestry. The Savannah is highly intelligent, curious, and energetic. It loves exercise and interactive play. Sociable and affectionate with its owners, it can be more reserved with strangers. This breed is best suited to active families with plenty of space, because the Savannah needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation.

The Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold is a very distinctive cat breed, known for its folded ears. It has a calm, gentle, and endearing personality. Scottish Folds are highly sociable and enjoy being around their owners, but they are also fairly independent and can spend time alone without difficulty. They are affectionate and enjoy cuddles, often seeking the company of the people they trust. With their peaceful temperament and sweet nature, they are well suited to families, including those with children and other pets.

The Selkirk Rex

The Selkirk Rex has a unique coat that can be wavy or curly. This distinctive trait gives it a soft, woolly appearance. The Selkirk Rex is known for its calm and affectionate temperament. It is sociable, enjoys cuddles, and can become deeply attached to its owners. Very intelligent, it likes games and interaction but can also appreciate quiet time. Suitable for many different households, including those with children or other pets, the Selkirk Rex is a good choice for people looking for a gentle yet playful companion.

The Siamese

The Siamese is an elegant cat with a slender body and short coat, distinguished by its intense blue eyes and dark markings on the paws and face. Very vocal, it loves attention and wants to be involved in family life. Sociable and affectionate, the Siamese forms strong bonds with its owners and constantly seeks their company. It is also highly intelligent and curious, and it enjoys exploring its environment. Because of its outgoing temperament, it is best suited to active households where it can receive the attention and playtime it craves.

The Singapura

The Singapura is a small, elegant cat with a silky coat, usually in a sandy colour. It is one of the smallest breeds, but it has plenty of energy. Very curious, the Singapura enjoys exploring and interacting with its owners. Although small, it is sturdy and active, always ready to play. Very affectionate, it bonds quickly with its family and loves human company. Well suited to apartment living, the Singapura is an excellent choice for households looking for an affectionate, intelligent, and lively companion.

The Tonkinese

The Tonkinese is an elegant, athletic cat with a short, shiny coat that can appear in many colours. It is an extremely sociable and affectionate breed. The Tonkinese is known for its friendly personality and love of cuddles. It seeks human company and likes being at the centre of attention. Very playful and curious, it enjoys exploring its surroundings and taking an active role in family life. Intelligent, it can learn tricks and interact playfully with its owners, which makes it an excellent companion for active households.

The Toyger

The Toyger is a cat breed that looks like a miniature tiger, with its distinctive striped coat. Native to the United States, it is very active and dynamic, and it enjoys exploring its environment and playing. Although it has a wild appearance, the Toyger is very affectionate and sociable, and it seeks out its owners’ company. It is also known for its intelligence and curiosity, which makes it a great companion for people looking for an interactive cat. The Toyger adapts well to different homes, including those with children and other pets.

The European Cat (or common domestic cat)

The European Cat, often called a “common domestic cat,” is a natural breed that developed from the crossing of various cats across Europe. It is sturdy and well proportioned, with a short coat that can come in many patterns. This cat, which may be grey or any other colour, is both sociable and independent, making it a good fit for many different households. Very intelligent and curious, it is easy to live with and adapts well to apartment life or to the countryside. It is also affectionate and enjoys spending time with its humans while still keeping its independence.

Santévet’s view: If you want to adopt a short-haired cat, you do not have to choose a pedigree breed. Shelters are full of kittens and adult short-haired European-type cats waiting for adoption.

Short-haired or medium-haired cats: what are the pros and cons?

Short-haired cats are generally easier to maintain because their coats do not require daily brushing. Their fur is less prone to tangles and does not get dirty as quickly. These cats are often better suited to indoor living because their coat is less dense, which can make them less exposed to parasites. In addition, short-haired cats often feel cooler in summer and may be more active.

Medium-haired or long-haired cats may need more frequent brushing, especially if their coat is thick, to prevent tangles and mats. Short-haired cats, on the other hand, may shed more often, which can be an issue for people with allergies. Some medium-haired breeds, such as Persians or Maine Coons, can also develop skin problems if their coats are not properly maintained.

Which brush should you use for a short-haired cat?

To care for a short-haired cat, you need a soft brush suited to its coat type. A soft-bristled brush or a grooming glove is ideal for this kind of coat. These tools help remove loose hair and stimulate blood circulation without irritating the cat’s skin. A grooming glove is especially practical because it lets you stroke the cat while removing dead hair, making grooming pleasant for the animal as well.

Even for a short-haired cat, regular brushing is recommended because it helps reduce hairballs and limits shedding, especially during moulting seasons.

How much does it cost to adopt a short-haired kitten?

Here is an estimated adoption price for a kitten of each breed:

• The American Curl: €800–€1,500
• The American Shorthair: €700–€1,500
• The Exotic Shorthair: €800–€1,500
• The Ocicat: €800–€1,500
• The Oriental: €600–€1,200
• The Abyssinian: €800–€1,500
• The Bengal: €1,000–€2,000
• The Russian Blue: €800–€1,500
• The Japanese Bobtail: €600–€1,500
• The Bombay: €800–€1,500
• The British Shorthair: €600–€1,300
• The Burmese: €700–€1,500
• The Chartreux: €600–€1,200
• The Cornish Rex: €800–€1,500
• The Devon Rex: €800–€1,500
• The Havana Brown: €800–€1,500
• The Korat: €800–€1,200
• The LaPerm: €800–€1,500
• The Manx: €700–€1,300
• The Egyptian Mau: €1,000–€2,000
• The Pixie-Bob: €1,000–€2,000
• The Savannah: €1,500–€3,000
• The Scottish Fold: €800–€1,500
• The Selkirk Rex: €800–€1,500
• The Siamese: €600–€1,200
• The Singapura: €800–€1,500
• The Tonkinese: €800–€1,500
• The Toyger: €1,000–€2,500
• The European Cat (or common domestic cat): free or between €50 and €150!

To that price, you should add the animal’s ongoing care costs: food (around €50 to €60 per month), accessories, and veterinary care, which may be reimbursed by cat health insurance.

In short, short-haired cat breeds are many and varied. This coat type has several advantages, especially when it comes to grooming compared with long-haired or medium-haired coats.