Numerous shorthair cat breeds were discovered and developed throughout the years. We have compiled an A–Z list featuring 40 shorthaired cat breeds along with their colorful history and personalities.
1. Abyssinian
Lifespan: 12–15 years
The sleek and exotic-looking Abyssinian Cat is a shorthair cat breed with a shrouded past. However, she is thought to be of Egyptian origin judging from her resemblance to felines in ancient Egyptian murals and sculptures.
The shorthaired Abyssinian Cat breed was almost eradicated due to the onslaught of World War II. Fortunately, after the war, cat fanciers were able to save her from extinction.
2. Aegean Cat
Lifespan: 9–12 years
One of the most ancient domesticated shorthair cat breeds is the Aegean Cat. She is believed to have existed for over 10,000 years in her native land, the Greek Isles.
This shorthaired cat breed is one of the few felines with a big affinity for water and fishing. The Aegean Cat is also rare to find outside the Greek Isles.
3. American Bobtail Cat
Lifespan: 13–15 years
The shorthaired American Bobtail Cat is a large breed with a wild look. For this reason, she was rumoured to be an offspring between a wild bobcat and a domestic cat, but this turned out to be false.
Many speculate that this shorthaired cat breed was born from a mating of a short-tailed male Tabby Cat and a sealpoint Siamese Cat.
You may also like: 12 Impressive Domestic Big Cat Breeds
4. American Polydactyl Cat
Lifespan: 14–15 years
The shorthaired American Polydactyl Cat is well known for having an abnormal number of toes. Some may possess up to 9 digits on their front and back paws.
The extra toes allow them to easily navigate snowy landscapes and hunt with stealth. Whilst popular in the United States, this shorthaired cat breed is rarely found in Europe, as she is associated with witchcraft and superstitious beliefs.
5. American Shorthair Cat
Lifespan: 15–20 years
The American Shorthair Cat breed is a seasoned working cat with a strong hunting extinct. It is believed that she was originally from Europe and came to America by way of ships.
An expert mouser, she hunted rodents and mice in ships. Her urge to hunt prey remains strong, although she is primarily kept as a house cat.
American Shorthair Cats are not to be confused with the Domestic Shorthairs. The former are purebred cats. The latter, on the other hand, is a catch-all, referring to alley cats and domesticated felines of mixed ancestry that remains unknown.
Moreover, these cats come in different shapes and sizes, unlike American Shorthairs that are typically medium to large in size and possess strong, broad bodies. Feline DNA tests can help trace and determine the precise genealogy of Domestic Shorthair Cats.
6. American Wirehair Cat
Lifespan: 14–18 years
The American Wirehair Cat has a unique steel wool-like coat. This is a result of genetic mutation without human intervention.
This shorthaired cat breed is considered rare. Most of the time, American Wirehair Cats are only kept for breeding and participating in cat shows.
7. Australian Mist
Lifespan: 15–18 years
This shorthaired Australian Cat breed, formerly known as the Spotted Mist, has a distinctive ticking on her fur, giving her a misted look.
Over 30 foundation cats were used to develop this shorthaired cat, breeders used over 30 breeds of cat including the Burmese, Abyssinian, and Australian Moggy. As a result, she inherited their intelligence and people-loving nature.
8. Bombay Cat
Lifespan: 15–20 years
Resembling a panther, the shorthaired Bombay Cat sports the blackest coat in the feline world. This cat breed was created by crossing a black American Shorthair Cat and a sable Burmese cat.
The Bombay Cats’ striking wild appearance earned them the monickers “Parlor Panther” and “Mini Panther.”
9. Brazilian Shorthair Cat
Lifespan: 14–20 years
The Brazilian Shorthair Cat breed is a medium-sized feline. She is the first breed to originate from Brazil.
The development of this shorthaired cat breed is credited to Paulo Samuel Ruschi. His inspirations behind creating the breed are the mixed breed cats living on the streets of Brazil and felines in the Iberian Peninsula.
10. British Shorthair Cat
Lifespan: 14–20 years
British Shorthair Cats are some of the oldest cats in the UK. They used to be called “British Blue” because of their famous blue coat color.
However, since this shorthaired British Cats comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, she is now called the British Shorthair. Here’s another fun fact: the Cheshire Cat was inspired by the British Shorthair Cat breed.
British Shorthair cats are highly prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is an uncurable heart disease. Thus, if you plan to care for one, keep up with regular vet-check ups. Consider acquiring a pet insurance too in case of sudden emergencies in the future.
You may also like:
- Do British Shorthair Cats Make Good Pets?
- A Guide on How to Care for a British Shorthair
- 7 Things You Should Know Before Getting a British Shorthair Kitten
11. Burmese Cat
Lifespan: 10–13 years
The shorthaired Burmese Cats originated in Burma or present-day Myanmar. These felines were valuable to priests, living their lives as palace and temple cats.
Affectionate and deeply trusting, the Burmese Cat is quick to instigate friendship with humans and other household pets.
You may also like: The 9 Most Affectionate Cat Breeds
12. Shorthaired Burmilla
Lifespan: 7–12 years
The Shorthaired Burmilla is a breed whose existence was created by mere accident. She is an offspring of an unforeseen mating between a Chinchilla Persian Cat and a Burmese Cat.
Since this shorthair cat is a newly developed breed, she is quite uncommon in many countries.
13. California Spangled Cat
Lifespan: 10–14 years
The California Spangled Cat is a shorthair breed whose looks are akin to a leopard or an ocelot. The creation of this feline was to heighten the awareness against the illegal trade of poaching and discourage buying fur coats.
14. Chartreux Cat
Lifespan: 12–15 years
The shorthaired Chartreux Cat is one of the oldest natural breeds. She was developed in France but was hunted down for her short, thick blue-gray coat. It was used to make thick blue pelts. After World War I, French cat breeders finally took a step to preserve the Chartreux Cat breed.
It was a good call because as the Second World War wreaked havoc, this shorthaired cat breed’s population greatly dwindled. Up until now, the Chartreux Cat remains a rare breed even in her land of origin.
15. Chausie Cat
Lifespan: 12–14 years
The shorthaired Chausie Cat is an exotic-looking feline who is a cross between a wildcat and a domesticated purebred feline. She has a dense coat, which allows her to adapt to both warm and cold weather.
Much like her wildcat ancestors, the strong-legged and shorthaired Chausie is highly active and always on the go. She also has a deep broad chest, which allows her to take deep breaths, increasing her stamina.
She is also not prone to health problems, making her one of the healthiest cat breeds.
16. Cheetoh Cat
Lifespan: 12–14 years
The shorthaired Cheetoh is another breed that resembles a wildcat. She is a product of selective breeding. To achieve her eye-catching appearance, Cheetoh breeders crossed Ocicats and Bengals.
Because this shorthaired cat breed was recently created in 2003, she is not yet accepted in the list of pedigree cats by The International Cat Association (TICA).
17. Colorpoint Shorthair Cat
Lifespan: 12–16 years
The Colorpoint Shorthair Cat breed is the result of breeding a Siamese and a red American Shorthair Cat. Often confused for a Siamese, this breed is distinguished through her 16 point colors, which include red, cream, red lynx, blue lynx, seal lynx, and lynx.
A sociable and nosy feline, the Colorpoint Shorthair Cat is talkative and loves to follow her owners around. This feline loves to eat, so setting limits on her cat food consumption is needed to keep her healthy.
18. Cornish Rex Cat
Lifespan: 11–14 years
The Cornish Rex Cat’s short hair has unique curls, which are attributed to natural mutation. The breed’s name was due to her Cornish origins and her close resemblance to the Astrex Rabbit. Cornish Rex Cats are intelligent felines who love to be the centre of attention.
You may also like:
19. Devon Rex
Lifespan: 9–15 years
The Devon Rex is a shorthaired cat breed whose looks are out of this world, with her large ears, big eyes, and curly coat. She is dubbed as the pixie of the feline world.
An active and energetic breed, nothing gives the shorthaired Devon Rex more delight than to play with her human companion. If your Devon Rex is overly active, think about neutering or spaying your pet as it helps in reducing her energy levels and calms her down. It also prevents unplanned mating and birthing of kittens.
You may also like: Is It Required to Neuter/Spay Your Indoor Cat?
20. Egyptian Mau
Lifespan: 12–15 years
The shorthaired Egyptian Mau cat originated in the Cairo region. She was first seen in a Rome cat show in the 1950s. The breed has disarming green eyes in a bright gooseberry shade.
The importation of shorthaired Egyptian Maus to America later happened in 1957. Then breeding programmes were established to further recreate the ancient cat that was revered by the Egyptians.
21. European Burmese Cat
Lifespan: 10–15 years
The shorthaired European Burmese Cat is a cousin of the Burmese Cat from North America. She was developed by adding redpoint Siamese and British Shorthair Cats in breeding programmes.
Compared to the Burmese Cat, the shorthaired European Burmese Cat has a slender build and slightly curved eyes.
22. Exotic Shorthair Cat
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Breeders of the Exotic Shorthair Cat were aiming to create a breed with the same traits as the Persian Cat. Except for their coat lengths, as the Persian has a long fur that requires meticulous grooming.
The Exotic Shorthair Cat breed is called the “Lazy Man’s Persian” as her short coat is low-maintenance.
23. Havana Brown
Lifespan: 10–15 years
The shorthaired cat Havana Brown got her name from the Havana cigar. Her coat color shares the same rich brown shade. As an extremely rare cat breed, she is at risk of extinction.
Breeders are making efforts to preserve this shorthaired cat breed by establishing an outcrossing programme. It allows Havana Brown Cats to be bred with unregistered Domestic Shorthair Cats and certain purebreds.
24. Japanese Bobtail
Lifespan: 9–15 years
The Japanese Bobtail is a shorthaired cat with an adorable short, thick tail like a bunny’s. Coming from the Land of the Rising Sun, this Oriental Cat breed is viewed as a symbol of good luck by the Japanese people.
Apart from her distinctive short tail, the Japanese Bobtail also possesses a rare trait known as odd eyes. It refers to cats that are born with eyes that have 2 different colours.
25. Khao Manee
Lifespan: 10–12 years
The shorthaired Khao Manee’s origins are embellished with nobility as she was greatly favoured by royals in Thailand.
The meaning of this shorthair cat breed’s name is a white gem because of her white coat and blue eyes. She is also called the “Diamond-Eyed Cat” due to her mesmerising baby blues.
26. Shorthaired LaPerm
Lifespan: 12–15 years
The Shorthaired LaPerm Cat possesses a distinctive curly coat resulting from a spontaneous genetic mutation. A smart cat with a humorous nature, she loves to play pranks on her human companions.
Although rarely chatty, Shorthaired LaPerm Cats are loving family pets who show their affection by sticking close to their owners.
You may also like: “Does Your Cat Love You?” Quiz
27. Lykoi
Lifespan: 10–15 years
The Lykoi’s name translates to wolf or werewolf in Greek. She is a shorthaired cat breed whose natural genetic mutation makes her partially hairless.
Despite the eerie appearance of the shorthaired Lykoi, she is a fun-loving and affable cat who gets along with people as well as other pets.
28. Malayan Cat
Lifespan: 12–18 years
The Malayan Cat is also known as the Asian Cat or Asian Shorthair Cat. Contrary to her name, she originally came from Great Britain. Malayan Cats are fun feline companions since they are playful and unabashedly affectionate.
29. Ocicat
Lifespan: 12–14 years
The shorthaired Ocicat is another cat breed born from an accidental mating of a sealpoint Siamese and an Abyssinian. Her coat color and pattern along with her wild appearance are reminiscent of that of the ocelot.
30. Oriental Shorthair
Lifespan: 10–15 years
The Oriental Shorthair Cat breed was believed to be developed from hybrid Siamese Cats. Dubbed as the “Rainbow Cat,” the Oriental Shorthair has a wide range of coat colors and coat patterns. There are approximately 300 of them, including white, black, smoke, and shaded.
31. Pixie Bob
Lifespan: 13–16 years
The unintended breeding between a barn cat and a bobcat resulted in the birth of the Pixie Bob. This shorthaired cat breed appears to be exotic and wild, but she is a mellow feline companion.
The shorthaired Pixie Bob is a family-centred breed who wants to be in on her loved ones’ plans for the day.
32. Russian Blue
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Shorthaired Russian Blues exude elegance, from their pointy ears to their slim but strong limbs. Their refined appearance earned them the title “Doberman Pinschers of Cats.”
Shorthaired Russian Blues are also known for their “Mona Lisa” smile because of the slight upturn of their mouths. When it comes to well-being, they are healthy cats that are not predisposed to many illnesses.
33. Savannah Cat
Lifespan: 15–20 years
The shorthaired Savannah Cat has the blood of an wild African Serval coursing through her veins. Her other parent breed is the ever-affable Siamese Cat.
Shorthaired Savannah Cats sport spotted markings on their coat, making them look similar to the fierce cheetah.
34. Scottish Fold
Lifespan: 12–15 years
True to her name, the shorthaired Scottish Fold is known for her folded ears. But did you know that not all Scottish Folds manifest this trait? Some will have straight, pointed ears throughout their lives.
This shorthair cat breed’s origins can be traced back to a particular barn cat named Susie. She has naturally flat ears, which her offspring later on inherited.
You may also like:
35. Shorthaired Selkirk Rex
Lifespan: 10–15 years
The Shorthaired Selkirk Rex owns a dense curly coat due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation. Because of her unique physical characteristics, cat fanciers humorously call the breed “A Cat in Sheep’s Clothing.”
The Shorthaired Selkirk Rex’s teddy-bear looks and affectionate temperament have charmed the hearts of many cat fanciers.
36. Siamese Cat
Lifespan: 15–20 years
The Siamese Cat is a shorthair cat breed that originated in Thailand in the 14th century. She was dubbed as the “Royal Cats of Siam” for this outgoing feline was a favourite amongst Siamese nobles.
Aside from the shorthaired Siamese Cat’s friendly and chatty nature, she is also known for her beautiful blue eyes and silver grey coat.
37. Singapura
Lifespan: 12–15 years
One of the smallest cat breeds, the shorthaired Singapura may be a mini-sized feline, but her personality is far from tiny. Her small body is buzzing with energy and the need to learn about the world around her.
This shorthair cat breed hails from the streets of the Lion City, Singapore.
38. Snowshoe
Lifespan: 15–20 years
The Snowshoe was named after her cute white paws that look as if she is wearing snow boots. She is a relatively new and rare shorthaired cat breed. The difficulty in producing litters of kittens with desired markings makes this cat breed quite uncommon.
39. Tonkinese
Lifespan: 15–18 years
The shorthaired Tonkinese is a mix of Siamese and Burmese Cats. The crossing of these 2 shorthair cat breeds created a beautiful feline with an entertaining personality. Whilst she can be chatty, she is not as loud as the Siamese.
The shorthaired Tonkinese’s intelligence is on par with both of her parent breeds. She can be taught to walk on a lead and even play fetch.
40. Toyger
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Sporting the look of a mini tiger, the Toyger is a shorthair cat breed with a tiger-like striping on her coat. She was developed by a woman named Lady Sugden in hopes of raising awareness about tiger conservation.
The shorthaired Toyger may be inspired by a ferocious predator, but her temperament is anything but vicious. She is a wonderful feline companion that loves being around humans.
How much does a Shorthair cat cost?
A shorthair cat can cost anywhere from £200 to over £1,000. Many factors can affect the pricing, including her rarity and physical traits.
If you love cats and plan to get one of these shorthair cat breeds, we encourage you to adopt from shelter rescue organisations.
Countless cats are left neglected by their owners and need new loving homes. Consider opening your home for one to promote a better life for the cats waiting to be adopted.
