Cats have been training humans to care for them for thousands of years. That’s right, any cat lover will tell you who’s really in charge. Shorthair cats are popular in America for many pet parents because their coats are easier to manage in a home as compared to their longhaired counterparts. We looked to our sources to learn about the top five best shorthair cat breeds for those looking to welcome a fuzzy friend into their home.
People love cats, and some are willing to weather daily allergy flare-ups in the name of feline companionship. For many people, spending time in a house with a pet cat can leave them sneezing and wheezing for days. Simply put, cat allergies can be beyond frustrating for sufferers. However, a recent study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reveals a promising experimental approach that improves the effectiveness and speed of standard cat allergy treatment. Doctors say combining treatment with a monoclonal antibody might just be the game-changer cat lovers need. Published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the study highlights how this new method produced long-lasting benefits even after treatment ended.
Is the emotional connection with cats the only reason for their appeal? Some pet parents also claim that their pets help them live greener lives. According to a recent survey, your answer might also reveal how likely you are to recycle. Out of 2,000 cat and dog owners in the United States, 69 percent believe they enjoy a more sustainable lifestyle in comparison to the average American. This includes 74 percent of dog owners and 66 percent of cat owners.
One in three say they’re even making better use of their pet’s shedding fur or hair; like leaving it outside for birds to use as nesting material or composting it with their food waste. Speaking of waste, 46 percent of pet owners have swapped to better biodegradable poop bags, all-natural cat litter, or other more sustainable waste disposal methods.
These pint-sized purring predators have earned their place in homes across the nation. This list is a fun examination into the best shorthair cat breeds, according to feline aficionados. Let us know your favorite cat breeds in the comments below!
The List: Best Shorthair Cat Breeds, According to Experts
1. American Shorthair
This all-American kitty is number one on our list and number one in the United States. “Thick-coated and strong, the American shorthair cat has long been enemy to vermin stalking American soil—early ancestors of the American shorthair made quite the mousers aboard the Mayflower. Today’s American shorthair cats are friendly family pets, fitting in well with children and furry friends alike. Much like the less-strictly-defined domestic short haired cat, American shorthairs range dramatically in coat and eye color. Nonetheless, their stout stature, short ears, and round faces serve as distinct identifiers of a proud purebred pedigree,” explains Daily Paws.
“American Shorthairs are also playful and happy but with an independent personality, which means they aren’t as needy as other breeds. While these kitties may not be well-known for athleticism, they are surprisingly muscled and have robust features established from years of hunting rodents,” writes Pet Keen.
“In 1906, The Cat Fanciers Association recognized the American Shorthair cat that came aboard the Mayflower to the United States. During this recognition, they referred to the American Shorthair as a ‘Domestic Shorthair’ which they later, in 1966, termed the ‘American Shorthair’ to differentiate between the two breeds. These ‘working cats’ were readily valued for their rodent-eradicating hunting skills,” adds Cattitude Daily.
2. Sphynx
Known colloquially as ‘hairless cats’ the sphynx cat breed is certainly one of the most unique shorthair breeds. “This striking breed does not lack hair entirely. TICA[The International Cat Association] said: ‘Fine down covers the skin of most Sphynx cats, giving the skin a chamois or suede-like texture.’ Light hair is also visible on the nose and backs of their ears,” according to Newsweek.
“The Sphynx cat breed originated from the birth of a domestic cat. Born with a genetic mutation that was found to be natural, this breed isn’t always completely hairless. For some Sphynx cats, it’s noted that there’s short hair present, hence, the addition to the list of domestic shorthair cats,” writes Cattitude Daily.
“It arrived in Europe in the last century, but the breed is actually said to be much older! If we have to admit that his physique is quite special and can attract amused glances, his temperament is however ideal! The Sphynx is very sociable and is not afraid of anything or anyone, it is very affectionate and easy going and gets along very well with children and other animals!” exclaims Pet Rescue.
3. British Shorthair
This popular breed is easily identified by their stout stature. “Their plush, thick coat comes in just about any colour you can imagine and they possess an incredibly sweet appearance with their round head, cheeks and big eyes. In terms of their personalities, they tend to be quite calm and reserved, which many believe to be very British of them,” details Purina.
“Rotund and teddy-bear-esque, it’s no surprise British shorthairs rounded out the top five most popular cat breeds in the world this past year. Often carrying blue-gray coats, these beauties are affectionately called British blues. Cheery and chubby-cheeked, the British shorthair is a delightful family pet just as content to curl up on the couch as he is to chase after a favorite toy from time to time,” according to Yahoo!Life.
“The medium- to large-sized British Shorthair has a chilled-out personality. While they’re affectionate and love their families, they’re also happy to entertain themselves or curl up for a nap while you’re out of the house. They enjoy cuddling next to people on the couch, but they’re not fans of being picked up or sitting on laps!” exclaims Excited Cats.
4. Abyssinian
On the other end of the shorthair spectrum is the sleekly muscled Abyssinian. “This cat is a beautiful short-haired and medium-sized breed with a long body and well-chiseled muscles. An Abyssinian cat has green or golden almond-shaped eyes that look larger in its face, a triangular head, and large ears that point forward on its head, showing the breed’s alertness,” offers Petkeen.
“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,” writes Purrfect Cat Breeds in a whimsical first-person article.
“Abyssinians are very distinctive with their lithe, muscular bodies and short ticked coats that comes in a variety of colours including usual, sorrel, blue, chocolate, lilac, fawn and silver. These short-haired cats are smart and super fun to be around and are known to make a bird-like trilling sound toward their humans. Abyssinians love to climb and will quickly shimmy up trees if given the chance, so it’s very important to include adequate climbing opportunities in your home,” details Purina.
5. Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is another majestic breed that is known for their distinctive coat. “As the breed’s name implies, the Russian Blue’s coat color is blue. It is a solid blue that can vary from dark to light and may also have some silver tipping. The breed standard calls for vivid green eyes, gray nose leather, and lavender/pink or mauve paw pads, all striking combined with the rich blue coat. The Russian Blue has an elegant, finely boned body type and a wedge-shaped head with large, widely set eyes,” writes Hepper Blog.
“The Russian Blue is a truly gorgeous short-haired cat with a plush, dark grey, silver tipped coat that almost appears blue. Their stunning coat paired with their almond-shaped, jade green eyes – these start off as yellow with green rims when they’re kittens – gives them a striking appearance that you won’t soon forget. They’re not just beautiful to look at though, they’re also incredibly loving and tend to follow their people around from room to room and are likely to even greet them at the door too,” raves Purina.
“His slender and graceful stature makes him a noble and dignified animal whose temperament seems to suit the gait perfectly. However, do not be fooled by its racy airs since it is very easy to maintain! The Russian blue cat is peaceful and easily attaches to his adopted family. He likes to play but is not very active either. Discreet, he meows little and stays away from people he does not know,” states Pet Rescue.
You might also be interested in:
Sources
- Daily Paws
- Purina
- Petkeen
- Hepperblog
- Newsweek
- Cattitude Daily
- Pet Rescue
- Yahoo!Life
- Purrfect Cat Breeds
- Excited Cats
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
The picture of the “sorrel” Abyssinian is really beautiful– they are known as “red” or now “cinnamon” in the US. The most common color is Ruddy here, which is why it’s called Usual elsewhere. They have an even more beautiful variant breed called the Somali; if you can imagine the cat in the picture with much longer body hair and a gorgeous plumed tail you would have my exquisite late Max. Check out the CFA website for more breed info.
I have Russian (mum)/British(dad) Blue litter sisters. They have a combination of the breed traits – the sitting next to but not on is very them, nervous around visitors, but completely attached to me (yes I do get followed and greeted at the door). The one thing that seems to go against either breed is how vocal they both are, seriously loud and argumentative! I can’t imagine living without them!
I have been a cat person all my life. I have seen many different “dispositions” in my 52yrs but the Russian Blue we adopted in October 2022 is a gorgeous gem. I’m still learning to speak “Charlie.” He is a Helper, Supervisor, Caregiver, Quiet Observer & is extremely athletic. Charlie is also super intelligent. For those looking to adopt a “Steely Blue” as we call them; be aware that they insist on a set routine. Before you give him that treat at bedtime, make sure to give it at a set time both human & Blue can live with for his lifespan. Sit back & enjoy endless zoomies & humourous antics.