Shorthaired cat breeds are a fantastic choice if you're after a kitty with a low-maintenance coat that will require little more than a weekly brush to keep it looking in tip-top condition.
Generally speaking, shorthaired breeds shed a lot less than longhaired breeds and this can make them a good choice for those who suffer with mild to moderate allergies. While they require less grooming, investing in one of the best cat brushes is still worth your time as pampering your feline friend can be a great way to bond.
It's worth bearing in mind that a low-maintenance coat doesn't always translate into a low-maintenance personality! While some of the cat breeds listed below are quiet and calm, others are talkative and energetic, so you'll want to consider temperament and your lifestyle, as well as grooming needs, before adopting a cat.
Still, if you have your heart set on a kitty who won't leave too much fur all over your floors, here are our favorite shorthaired cat breeds that don't require daily grooming...
Shorthaired cat breeds
1. British Shorthair
Known for their chunky bodies, plush fur and teddy bear good looks, British Shorthair cats are a stunningly beautiful breed and their nature makes them a true joy to have in the home. Wonderfully relaxed and laid back, they're quiet and calm cats who adore being around their favorite humans.
Personable and deeply loyal, they like attention and affection but are never needy. Independent enough to happily do their own thing if you're too busy to play with them, the British Shorthair is adaptable and will be quite content to cohabit with other pets as long as they're introduced properly.
Because they're not prone to separation anxiety, they're a fantastic choice for busy households. They also tend to be gentle and patient, which makes them suitable for families with young children. And as an added bonus, their dense coat is relatively low maintenance, although they do shed heavily twice a year.
2. Russian Blue
Russian Blue cats are known for being gentle, sensitive, quiet and independent. But don't let their tendency to want to do their own thing sometimes fool you – they are very devoted to their owners and enjoy being around their people.
Valuing peace, stability and a slow pace of life, Russian Blues do best in homes that are low-energy as they prefer a tranquil rather than boisterous setting. While not cuddly or clingy, they are very sweet natured and bond deeply with their humans.
If you're looking for a cat that's easy to live with, low maintenance and affectionate in their own way, the Russian Blue is well worth considering. Highly intelligent with keen observational skills, you'll want to offer them a predictable routine as this is a breed that doesn't like change.
3. Burmese
If you're after a spunky, chatty and super bright feline friend who will enjoy a cuddle just as much as they enjoy zooming around the house, the Burmese is hard to go past. There are so many reasons to love Burmese cats – their dog-like personality being top of the list.
This breed adores playing fetch, prefers to be by your side rather than being left alone, and is extremely loving and people-oriented. Because they thrive in social environments, they're a great choice for homes with children but bear in mind that they are quite high-maintenance so they're not ideal if you're looking for a feline friend who you can leave to their own devices.
Velcro cats with a curious and mischievous nature, Burmese cats are incredibly endearing and if you're wondering whether you can train a cat, the answer is a definite yes if you have a Burmese. They respond well to clicker training and love interactive puzzles. And as for their coat? It's silky soft and requires just a weekly brush outside of shedding season to keep it looking its best.
4. Abyssinian
Abyssinian cats make fantastic family pets thanks to their energetic and social nature. A medium-sized cat with a long, lean and athletic body, they have a wedge-shaped head, large, almond-shaped eyes and a short, sleek and shimmering coat that only needs a weekly brush.
This is a very active and playful breed, so you'll want to make sure you have lots of toys, games and things for them to climb on as they love heights. However, on the whole they're independent and quite happy to amuse themselves as long as there's plenty around to keep them occupied.
Outgoing cats who thrive in busy households where there are plenty of people and other pets around, perhaps the most fun fact about Abyssinian cats is that they're one of the easiest breeds to train. Oh, and they adore learning new tricks, too!
5. Bengal
A cross between the domestic shorthair and the Asian Leopard cat, the stunning Bengal looks like they've wandered straight out of the jungle. Wild at heart, Bengals are highly active, curious cats who like to be on the go. If you're looking for a chilled-out lap cat who enjoys being picked up and held, then you might want to steer clear of this energetic breed.
That being said, while they're not fans of lying about or having a cuddle, that doesn't mean they're not people-oriented. They're very playful cats who love going on adventures with their owners and as long as you can give them the mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive, you'll have a friend for life.
When it comes to important facts about Bengals, it's worth noting that they're very quick learners. They respond well to positive reinforcement, are great candidates for leash and harness training, and love learning and performing tricks. Their spotted and marbled coats also shed very little and require minimal effort in the way of grooming.
6. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a medium-sized, muscular cat with an easygoing and adaptable nature. Wonderfully low-maintenance, this breed loves the company of their owners but is also independent enough to do their own thing if you're at work or too busy to amuse them.
Intelligent and athletic, the American Shorthair loves a challenge and responds very well to reward-based training. Playful, laid-back and social, they do well in almost any environment, so they're a good choice for singles, seniors and families with children.
Just be aware that if you're keen on owning an American Shorthair cat and you plan to let them outdoors, be prepared for them to bring you back a present or two. They have a reputation for being outstanding mousers and that coupled with their bold nature, means you're likely to have gifts brought inside for you on a fairly regular basis!
7. Devon Rex
Curly-coated cuties known for their distinctive, pixie-like appearance, the charming Devon Rex is a small to medium-sized cat breed with high cheekbones and large ears.
Originating in England, the Devon Rex is low-shedding which makes them a great choice for allergy sufferers. They have an incredibly happy-go-lucky nature, are highly intelligent, and are deeply devoted to their owners.
Known for being friendly and playful goofballs, they're a fantastic addition to homes with children as they're very funny and enjoy being a part of all aspects of family life. However, one of the things to know about Devon Rex cats is that what you're essentially getting is a second shadow. The good news, they won't struggle with separation anxiety if they have a fellow Devon Rex to snuggle up to when you're out and about.
8. Scottish Fold
The gentle and sweet-natured Scottish Fold is instantly recognisable thanks to their folded ears, round face and robust build. Lovingly referred to as 'Foldies', their ears are the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation which gives them their unique appearance.
Faithful friends with a docile personality, they make a brilliant addition to any home and tend to get on well with children, cat-friendly dogs and other pets. While they're affectionate cats who love the company of their owners, they don't require it all the time and are quite content to amuse themselves when home alone.
Bright cats, Scottish Folds do well with training and while they're not super active, they enjoy a daily play session with a teaser wand. Perhaps one of the most endearing things about this breed is the quirky way they like to sit up like a human which has become known as 'the Buddha sit'.
9. Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex cats are a medium-sized breed known for their striking wedge-shaped head, lean and athletic build, and short curly or wavy coats that feel as soft as cashmere. Low-shedding, they produce a lot less fur than other breeds, so if you have mild to moderate allergies, the Cornish Rex is worth considering.
Lively and social, this outgoing kitty tends to do well in bustling households and enjoys the company of other pets. Highly curious and very friendly, they enjoy meeting new people and they have a reputation for eagerly running to greet anyone who knocks on the door.
When they're not busy playing, the Cornish Rex will almost always be found following their favorite people around or curled up on their lap. They are real bundles of energy, so be sure to have a good cat tree that they can climb as well as lots of toys and games to keep them occupied.
10. Siamese
Looking for a chatty, affectionate and intelligent kitty companion with stunning good looks and a charming personality? Look no further than the Siamese cat! These playful and people-oriented cats have unique and eye-catching features, but while they're very gentle and friendly, they are definitely not for those in search of a laid-back feline friend.
Highly active, the Siamese needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Because they're so curious and smart, they can get into a lot of mischief when their brains and bodies aren't being worked out, so we recommend engaging their minds through training, learning new tricks and puzzle games.
Spunky and vibrant cats, they're ideal for anyone look for an affectionate and talkative kitty who will deeply devoted to them for life. And as long as they're introduced properly, the Siamese will be more than happy to live with children and other pets.
Read next: Hypoallergenic cat breeds
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
This feature was last updated in June 2025 by Kathryn Williams.
