15 Shorthaired Cat Breeds With Big Personality and Less Fluff

• Lifespan: 12–20 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, devoted, gentle 

With a plush coat and round face, the British Shorthair’s teddy-bear look and affectionate personality make them a popular choice for families. Though not highly active, when these cats are not snuggling next to family members, they can entertain themselves. They can be a little reserved with strangers at first, but they’ll warm up when they get to know someone better.  

• Lifespan: 15–20 years 
• Temperament: Good-natured, independent, playful  

Families, singles, and seniors love American Shorthairs for their adaptable and easygoing nature, making them great for living in both apartments and homes. They fit into both quiet and busy households, and are typically accepting of children and other pets.  

Give them lots of toys, as this muscular breed loves to play with toys (and you). On the quieter side, this short- and dense-coated breed is known for their “noiseless” meow.

• Lifespan: 10–20 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, social, vocal 

Regardless of whether you’re a cat-lover, the graceful, beautiful, and muscular Siamese delights with their pointed ears; blue eyes; fine, glossy coat; and excellent communication skills.

With a variety of vocalizations and exceptional body language, they shower those they love—both human and animal—with attention and affection. However, these cats tend to pick one special person inside a family as their favorite. 

• Lifespan: 12–20 years 
• Temperament: High-energy, social, playful  

Everyone’s wild about the Bengal cat’s exotic looks, social disposition, and playful personality. They take to training well and are a good match for pet parents who provide lots of love, attention, and enrichment.

Highly intelligent and curious, these domestic cats are generations away from their leopard cat forefathers, although their coats’ marbling and rosettes are distinctive reminders.  

• Lifespan: 15–20 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, intelligent  

Unlike most of the other popular shorthaired cat breeds, the hardy and elegant Russian Blue comes in only one coat color (blue) and length (short).

Known for their intelligence, they can learn tricks and play fetch. Jumping, climbing (on cat trees or whatever else!), and opening doors are also part of their skill set. They also love their family—whether they’re young, old, or furry.

• Lifespan: 14–17+ years 
• Temperament: Active, playful, social 

Intelligent and curious, Abyssinians look like ancient Egyptian cats with their muscular and lean bodies, ticked coats, almond-shaped eyes, and alert, pointed ears. These natural athletes will climb every vertical space in your home—so provide tall scratching posts, cat trees, walkways, and perches, and they’ll be happy.

As social cats, they’re great for families with children, other cats, and pups.

• Lifespan: 9–13 years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, playful, social 

If you love lap cats, then you’ll love the Burmese. Intelligent and social, they’ll often engage by following you around the house. They’re good with children and the family dog, can learn tricks, and enjoy enrichment toys along with lots of attention.

Their muscles and bone structure make them heavier than they appear, while their silky coat, round head, and sweet face easily charm.

• Lifespan: 12–15 years 
• Temperament: Playful, social, vocal 

The elegant Oriental Shorthair comes in a large variety of color and pattern combinations; there is also a long-haired variety.

Talkative and lively, this very social breed loves their family, including children, other cats, and dogs. They need plenty of attention and are happier when not left alone. These kitties appreciate lots of toys and tall cat trees to keep them busy. 

• Lifespan: 8–15 years 
• Temperament: Easygoing, friendly, gentle 

The too-cute-for-words Exotic Shorthair has dense fur that can be a variety of colors and patterns; a flat face and cheeks; round eyes, a short nose; and small ears. Known for their easygoing nature, they fit right in with families who have children and other pets. They’re on the quieter side, but their curiosity sparks their love of play.  

• Lifespan: 11–16 years 
• Temperament: Calm, patient, sweet 

The Scottish Fold stands out due to distinctive folded ears lying flat on their heads, along with their plush, dense coat. A calm personality, social nature, and soft vocalization allow them to easily blend in with families who have children or other pets.

They will also make you laugh: Some Folds will assume a “prairie dog pose,” sitting or standing upright when something piques their curiosity. 

• Lifespan: 12+ years 
• Temperament: Affectionate, easygoing, playful 

Look into the brilliant golden eyes of a Bombay, and you’ll be hooked by these mini panthers’ sleek, jet-black coats and muscular bodies. They adapt to most families and living situations with an easygoing spirit—and they love to play, even if it’s with a box or paper bag. Don’t be surprised if they greet you with an affectionate headbutt.  

• Lifespan: 10–15 years 
• Temperament: Loyal, playful, sensitive 

The striking Egyptian Mau has an M on the forehead; a glossy, spotted coat; and gooseberry green eyes. The athletic breed seems to tiptoe as their hind legs are longer than the front.

These unique cats communicate with chortles, trills, wagging tails, and kneading paws. Sensitive and loving, Maus should be socialized as kittens (if possible) to different people, noises, and social settings.  

• Lifespan: 9–13 years 
• Temperament: Active, playful, social 

Known for an easy grooming routine, minimal shedding, and wavy coats, the Cornish Rex’s fun and playful personality brightens any home. These attention-loving kitties entertain families and guests alike. Good with children and other pets, this breed loves to play, jump, and run, and is always down for a good game of fetch. 

• Lifespan: 14–17 years 
• Temperament: Active, curious, social 

The Devon Rex is often likened to an elf or pixie due to their big eyes, oversize ears, prominent cheeks, and mischievous personality.

With little to no shedding and a wavy, soft coat, a Devon Rex is ideal for active households, or those with children or other pets. These cats insist on being part of the fun, and appreciate plenty of toys and attention. 

• Lifespan: 8–13 years 
• Temperament: Calm, gentle, loving 

The Chartreux’s pumpkin-colored eyes, blue-gray fur, and chill personality make them easy to adore. Give these kitties a good puzzle toy and they’ll be fine home alone, although they will enjoy walks with you on a harness and leash set.

Chartreux cats are highly adaptable to any household, fitting right in with single people, seniors, or families with young children and other pets.

Though relatively minimal grooming is one plus for these shorthaired cat breeds, make you’re your chosen cat’s temperament, energy level, and care needs fit your lifestyle as well. A quick once-a-week brushing, plus freshening with a cat grooming wipe, will keep these kitties’ coats in good shape.

Along with grooming, feeding a healthy diet, providing enrichment toys, pursuing regular veterinary care, and doling out plenty of pets will help your cat (or cats!) thrive.