Selected shorthair breeds of cats

name origin characteristics comments

Abyssinian probably Egypt regal appearance; lithe body with long, slender legs resembles the sacred cat of ancient Egypt

American Shorthair U.S. broad, muscular body; thick, dense fur hardy; natural hunter

American Wirehair U.S. medium to large in size; curly coat rare outside the U.S.

Bengal U.S. spotted coat; hind legs shorter than forelegs cross between Asian leopard cat and American Shorthair tabby

Bombay U.S. elegant appearance; resembles Indian black leopard cross between Burmese and black American Shorthair

British Shorthair (domestic shorthair) England broad body with short legs; short, thick tail oldest natural English breed; many varieties

Burmese Burma medium-sized; glossy, thick coat related to the Siamese

Chartreux France robust; all shades of blue-gray one of the oldest natural breeds

Cornish Rex (Rex cat) England curly, short coat; large ears named after the Rex rabbit

Devon Rex (Rex cat) England coat slightly coarser than Cornish Rex; pixie face nicknamed "poodle cat"

Egyptian Mau Egypt graceful body; distinct spot pattern and banded tail mau is Egyptian for "cat"

Japanese Bobtail Japan triangular head with large ears; rabbitlike tail symbol of good luck

Korat Thailand silver-blue coat; heart-shaped face native name Si-Sawat; considered to be good luck

Manx Isle of Man tailless or with stump; double coat tailless gene can cause skeletal defects and stillbirths if not bred with a tailed cat

Ocicat U.S. typically cream coat with dark or light brown spots and markings cross between Abyssinian and Siamese

Oriental Shorthair U.S., U.K. long, lithe body; vivid green eyes numerous colours unique to the breed

Russian Blue Russia blue with silver tipping; plush, double coat; fine-boned, but muscular considered omens of good luck

Scottish Fold Scotland typically folded ears; short, round, well-padded body folded ear gene can cause crippling when two such types are mated

Siamese Asia sapphire-blue eyes; long, lean body noted for its intelligence and unpredictable behaviour

Sphynx Canada hairless; large ears rare outside North America

Tonkinese U.S. blue-green eyes; medium-sized cross between Siamese and Burmese