Among the many different cat breeds that exist today, smooth-haired cat breeds stand out. These beauties are distinguished by grace and elegance. They can be completely different in build, color, and character. But every cat will have smooth fur. More than thirty cat breeds with short hair are officially recognized by cat organizations, but slightly fewer species have completely smooth fur.
Abyssinian cat
The Abyssinian cat is an amazing breed, the appearance of which is associated with the mysterious Ethiopia. A beauty of iridescent color with smooth fur, huge eyes that leave a surprised expression on her face. The Abyssinian's habits resemble a wild lynx, but the beauty is extremely friendly, neat, clean, and attached to her owners.
Australian mist
Australian mist (smoky cat) - wears a fur coat of a very characteristic color, has gentle transitions between the pattern and the main color. This is an affectionate, devoted creature. It thrives in an enclosed space and has no need for walks.
Asian tabby
Asian tabby was born by crossing a chinchilla and a Burmese cat. Wears a necklace of spotted patterns around his neck. He never refuses the attention, care, and affection of his owner, but he does not trust strangers and greets guests with caution.
American shorthair cat
American shorthair cat - appeared on the continent in the company of sailors and travelers from Europe, quite strong build, excellent health. Many colors are allowed. The adaptability of the American Shorthair cat to any living conditions is remarkable.
American Curl
The American Curl is a gorgeous cat with characteristic ears turned back and silky smooth hair that fits tightly to the body. The creature is not at all capricious, playful, flexible.
Balinese cat
The Balinese cat is a color-point cat with silky thick hair without undercoat, lengthening from the ears to the tail. Smart, talkative, inquisitive, cute animal.
Bengal cat
The Bengal cat is a small leopard that lives in the house. He charms with his easy-going, gentle disposition, activity, and great mobility. This beauty cannot be classified as a sofa breed; she needs walks, games involving covering long distances or hunting for toys.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a large beauty, round and soft, with a pronounced fold around the head and thick plush fur. A kind, calm, almost phlegmatic animal.
Burmese cat
The Burmese cat is a well-proportioned, medium-sized beauty in the most delicate silk coat, colored with smooth transitions to darkening of color on the back and limbs. A soft, loving, tactful pet, maintaining playfulness until adulthood.
Bombay cat
The Bombay cat is a small, charming panther, of a very predatory appearance, with the yellow-amber eyes of a wild cat and sparkling black fur. The beauty is sociable, playful, easy-going, unobtrusive, but very talkative.
Devon Rex
Devon Rex is an exotic large-eared beauty dressed in astrakhan fur. An intelligent, loving creature, it can spend time constantly lying in the arms of its owner.
European Shorthair
The European Shorthair is a well-developed, muscular, strong individual. Possesses good health and is able to survive in difficult conditions. When kept at home, it retains independence, greatly appreciates affection and tenderness from a person, but will never impose its company on its owner.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a graceful, graceful, unusually flexible cat. The fur coat is painted with a characteristic spotted pattern, as if painted on silk fur. Quite an energetic nature, loves to be in the company of people, prefers playing in the water to other types of entertainment.
Korat
The Korat is a cat with a heart-shaped head. Handsome men older than two years old certainly have green eyes. Korats are always bluish in color, the most popular shade of color being blue-gray. A calm, open, trusting creature that does not like fuss, is attached to its owner, and is very jealous.
German Rex
The German Rex is a well-proportioned, well-built cat with a wavy, velvety coat of various colors. He is always in a great mood, curious, active, but extremely difficult to get along with animals in the house.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a wavy cat with a medium-sized body on high legs. The wavy coat has no main hair and consists almost entirely of undercoat. Sociable, smart, intelligent cat. Can get along with almost any neighbor.
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a well-proportioned, well-built handsome man with wavy hair, a peaceful character, and is not prone to mischief and mischief.
Munchkin
The Munchkin is a cat with short legs, wearing a nice, smooth fur coat of various colors. Kind, playful, smart pet, wonderful companion.
Manx
Manx is a strong cat without a tail, strong, well built. They are excellent mouse hunters, they have a good, easy-going character and love for people.
Oriental cats
Oriental cats are graceful, sophisticated, graceful creatures, very harmoniously built, short-haired, without undercoat. Sociable, talkative animals that need constant human attention.
Ocicat
The Ocicat is a strong, muscular pet with a wild coloration in the form of dots, an open necklace of contrasting spots on its neck, and dark ring bracelets on its paws. Soft, affectionate, playful cat.
Pixie bob
Pixie Bob Shorthair is a small domestic bobcat with a short tail, a short-tailed elf, with a soft fluffy coat. Like a dog, it is devoted to humans, unpretentious in food and hassle-free maintenance.
Russian blue cat
The Russian Blue cat is a graceful, intelligent cat, a favorite of the Russian Tsars. A very tactful, modest, even shy beauty. She gratefully accepts self-care, loves regularity, silence, and peace.
Siamese cat
The Siamese cat is an oriental princess with a color-point color and the elegance of true grace. Independent, gentle, talkative. A very loyal friend, companion, comrade.
Thai cat
The Thai cat is a stronger, stronger relative of the Siamese cat, with rounded shapes, blue eyes, and color point color. She does not tolerate loneliness well, actively takes part in all household chores, and not a single important event in the house can happen without her.
Singapura cat
The Singapore cat is a small cat with a sable-brown or ivory color of silky dense coat. A cautious, shy beauty, very affectionate and gentle when kept at home.
Snow shu
Snowshoe - comes in medium or large sizes, with point spots, diluted with white markings. Soft, affectionate, sociable, easy-going beauty, inimitable hunter.
Toyger
The toyger is a cute pet with a wild tiger color, but the disposition of an affectionate, gentle pet. Toy sofa tiger cub. In addition to its color, it has a chic collar on its muscular neck, typical of tigers.
Chartreuse
Chartreux are dense, strong cats with yellow eyes, gray-blue color and silky coat. Independent, silent, calm, gets along with all family members, be they people or animals.
Scottish lop-eared
The Scottish Fold is a charming pet with a round muzzle and small ears bent forward. This cutie has a slightly surprised look in her huge round eyes. He has an unusual, slightly raspy voice, as well as the ability to stand still on his hind legs while examining something. Calm, easy-going, non-aggressive cat.
Exotic Shorthair (exotic)
Exotic Shorthair (exot) is a charming, always surprised creature with a childish, touching face and a plush short fur coat. Exotics are small and round, resembling a soft toy in appearance. The character is soft, flexible, they have royal grace and calmness.
Sphinx
Smooth-haired cat breeds include types of hairless cats that have all the characteristics of sphinxes, but have a short, almost imperceptible coat:
- Peterbald (St. Petersburg Sphynx) - article, appearance reminiscent of orientals. Good-natured, friendly pets;
- The Don Sphynx is a well-proportioned, muscular animal; any combination of colors is acceptable. Very thermophilic, love to sit on hands, get along with people and animals;
- The Canadian Sphynx is a unique, cute creature with huge ears and delicate cat folds, and large amber eyes. The color can be solid, bicolor, van, harlequin, color point or tortoiseshell. Not picky sociable pet;
- Ukrainian Levkoy are fold-eared, gentle, velvety beauties that surprise with their unusual appearance, grace and do not tolerate cold and drafts.
Shroud
Savannah is the largest smooth-haired cat of a hybrid breed today, obtained by crossing a domestic cat and a serval. A playful, inquisitive, very active individual who is not recommended to be kept in an apartment. This exotic lady needs a lot of space to walk and play. In addition, shrouds welcome guests with caution, do not get along well with pets and require special attention.
Smooth-haired cats are all completely different. They are completely different in size, color, build, and character. But they all have an indispensable quality for humans - ease of care.
Their short hair requires almost no careful brushing and does not cause any particular trouble. That is why short-haired gentle creatures are gaining more and more popularity in society, and are ready to outdo their long-haired counterparts in this.
However, when choosing a pet, it is best to familiarize yourself with the individual characteristics of each breed, so that life with a charming creature brings only positive emotions. Of course, it is best to purchase a cat of the exact breed you dream of from professional breeders.
Russian blue cat
The origin of the breed dates back to the 60s of the last century in Russia. English sailors first saw these graceful cats and brought them to Europe. Arkhangelsk is considered to be the birthplace of the Russian blue cat.
Initially, their appearance was different from what it is now. Thanks to crossing with the European breed of shorthair and Abyssinian cats, they acquired such an original bluish tint, emerald-colored eyes and the appearance of an aristocrat.
You can also look at the name of a cat breed with different eyes.
The main characteristic features of these cats: blue fur with a dull tint, thick plush hair and breed. Small in size, but filled with grace, she moves quickly, flexes her muscles, and her blue color gives her elegance.
The short, wedge-shaped muzzle with clearly defined whiskers gives it an original, special appearance of the breed. Her character towards strangers is secretive and shy. Whatever she wants, she will get, rest assured.
Based on the legend, it was members of royal families who loved such cats. However, there is no doubt that it was the Arkhangelsk cats that served as the foundation for the main breed.
Kurilian Bobtail
The Kuril Bobtail also belongs to the category of aboriginals; the Kuril Islands are considered its homeland. The breed gained wide popularity in the eighties, when felinologists began to visit Russia. They were delighted with the cat, which looked like a miniature wild lynx.
The animal is distinguished by its wild blood and the character of a hunter; it is tenderly attached to its owner and loves games very much. Her appearance is truly wild, a massive individual with an arched back, a short tail, tufts on her ears, breeders recognize short-haired and long-haired types of cats, the cost of a kitten varies between 8-15 thousand rubles.
Singapura (Singapore cat)
Singapura cats are one of the most beautiful shorthaired cat breeds in the world. The homeland of these cats is Singapore. These rare creatures appear frail and delicate in appearance. The simplicity in their appearance is the special appeal of this breed.
A soft, velvety beige or honey-colored lump with a hint of pink is the Singapura cat. It was brought 20 years ago from Southeast Asia, from the island of Singapore.
Small, stocky with well-developed muscles, charming expressive eyes, this is what distinguishes it from other breeds. This cat is considered a national treasure of Singapore, so exporting it outside is prohibited, which is why it is a rare species.
Nature has endowed them with sensitivity and great caution. Around her family she is quite affectionate and sociable.
German Rex
The German Rex can become a real four-legged friend for any person. Cats of this breed are different:
- correctness;
- obedience;
- friendliness;
- playfulness;
- calmness, which often borders on laziness;
- patience turning into endurance.
The body type of the German Rex is proportionally built. The paws are quite high and thin. The coat can be colored in any color, but according to the breed standard it must be a single color. Any combination with white is acceptable. The silky coat does not contain any hard outer hairs.
Thai cat or traditional Siamese cat
Thai cats are similar in appearance to Siamese cats. A typical Thai cat has a round head, almond-shaped blue eyes, small ears, and a muscular body shape. Their color is point.
The tail, muzzle, tips of the ears and paws are painted with this color. The general description of the breed also fits the standard of Siamese cats of the 18th and 19th centuries. Due to their friendly and sociable temperament, these cats love to play and be pampered with their owner.
In addition to exotic beauty, they are also considered to have high intelligence potential. Brought to England, there were even legends about Thai cats associated with Buddhist monasteries. Cats, with eyes reflecting like the sky, and princesses who hung their rings on their arched tails.
The owners of such cats were servants at the temples of ancient Thailand. And the oriental gait of Thai seals was significantly different from the usual walking of their European and British counterparts.
To overpay or not to overpay for the breed and its documents?
Kittens with a pedigree are many times more expensive than regular kittens. If you are not going to start breeding a breed or participate in exhibitions, then it is not necessary to overpay for a pedigree. You can purchase a pet with slight deviations from the standard. It will cost much less.
Buying a kitten from a nursery guarantees its health, since the breeder must provide a veterinary passport for the animal. It indicates vaccinations and previous diseases.
If you adopt a kitten from a shelter, then this is also a guarantee of its good health. If the animal is sick, the shelter workers will warn you about this and recommend a clinic.
The riskiest thing is to buy a kitten at the poultry market or through an advertisement. There is a high risk of getting a sick pet, and no one will warn you about this. Also, mestizos or barn cats are often sold under the guise of purebred animals.
Bombay cat
The Bombay cat with black short silky hair, shiny blue eyes, and a large build resembles domestic panthers in appearance (see large cat breeds). This cat breed is considered rare, but they have a reputation as a favorite for their exotic appearance and wonderful personality.
Bombay cats even have black pads on their paws and nose. The Bombay breed was developed by breeder Nikki Horner. They reminded her of the Indian leopard, so she gave them the peculiar name Bombay, after the city in India.
There are two known varieties of the breed - American and British Bombay. Their disposition is affectionate and mischievous. They are very active and playful, so they get along well with children.
He loves all family members, but chooses the owner herself and literally follows on his heels. He cannot stand loneliness and constantly requires increased attention.
British Shorthair
These cats are distinguished by a harmonious physique, they have a densely stuffed coat, huge expressive eyes, and an important expression on their faces. Well, exactly like the English aristocrats of the Victorian era. The British pet is not intrusive, not prone to hooliganism and can easily tolerate loneliness.
In the minds of many, a “real” Briton is thick cheeks, blue fur and bright orange eyes. There cannot be multiple opinions about cheeks. But the standards allow many colors and eye colors. Breeders are working on the breed and have recently received amazingly beautiful animals of golden color with emerald green eyes.
Scottish fold cat (Scottish fold)
The Scottish Fold breed was popular in ancient times in the East. But its very dawn occurred in the twentieth century, the 70s in Scotland. The original fold-eared cats were the result of a genetic change in cells.
Their small drooping ears make them especially attractive, which is why they have gained great popularity among breeders from all over the world. Rare, but already popular, this breed has found its own circle of lovers even from Russia.
However, this is not surprising, since these beautiful cats do not need special care for their fur, while they have good health, a wonderful appetite, and an excellent, simply angelic character.
They inherited this trait from the cultured British, and their small ears, slightly bent forward, give them a peculiar zest and uniqueness.
Fold-eared, imposing cats are very popular with the male population. After all, their character is so reminiscent of their own.
Maintenance, care, feeding and health
This is one of the cleanest cats in the world. The “Blue Archangel” can lick itself for hours. Perhaps this is why this breed is known as odorless.
Such an increased interest in its fur coat results in a large amount of hair being absorbed by the pet. You should give your cat a special herb or paste purchased at a pet store to remove hairballs.
It has long been noticed that despite the undercoat having the same length as the main hair, even when shedding, there is practically no hair in the house.
Therefore, there are no difficulties in caring for the coat. Comb once every two weeks, more often during the period of coat change. You should not bathe - the undercoat has its own protective fatty lubricant. A healthy animal's fur always looks well-groomed and shiny. Matted hair hanging in icicles is one of the first unfavorable signs of an impending illness.
If, however, there is an urgent need to bathe the animal, the entire process must be carried out quickly and carefully. The pet does not like water procedures, rather tolerates them.
This ultra-clean animal will never go to the toilet in a dirty litter tray. If you are away from home for a long time during the day, it is better to put several of them in the apartment. It is also worth washing food bowls in a timely manner; Russians are not picky when it comes to food, but may refuse to eat from dirty dishes.
Today, this natural hunter does not need to obtain food on his own. Ready-made, high-quality premium or super-premium dry food will help make your pet’s diet complete and properly balanced.
If you want to pamper your pet, it is better to give him a piece of raw poultry meat, well frozen and washed in running water.
Arkhangelsk cats living in their own house or country house will happily hunt rodents. It is important to ensure that pest control is not carried out in the area at this time.
Like all cats of natural origin, the silver Russian has excellent health. No congenital defects or anomalies characteristic of this breed have been identified. Especially now that Arkhangelsk cats have returned to their natural genotype. The lifespan of these pets is fifteen to twenty years.
Deworming and treatment against external parasites should be carried out in a timely manner, at least once every three months. Vaccinate against rabies and viral infections annually. At the dacha, the cat must wear a flea collar.
For timely detection and treatment of systemic diseases, you should visit a veterinarian for preventive purposes, for example, before annual vaccination.
Exotic shorthair cat
Exotic shorthaired cats are considered relatives of Persians (see exotic cat breeds with photographs and breed names). This similarity is especially noticeable at the first glance at them. With a large head and thick short legs, they are complemented by huge eyes.
The distinguishing feature of exotic cats from Persians is their fur, shortened and plush to the touch. The emergence of this cat breed was not planned by breeders.
In the 60s in America, an American shorthair cat was crossed with a Persian to improve the American breed, but the result was different.
Thanks to a mistake by breeders, a completely new, magnificent, and quite popular Exot breed was created.
Development of felinology in Russia
The most popular breeds of Russian cats are:
- Siberian;
- Neva Masquerade;
- Kurilian and Karelian bobtail;
- Ural rex;
- Russian blue and others.
Cat breeding began more than three centuries ago. But felinology reached its real flourishing only at the end of the 20th century. At this time, active work began to create new breeds or improve the qualities of existing ones. Specialists had the opportunity to exchange experiences with colleagues from other countries. Cats bred by Russian breeders are not inferior to foreign ones either in external qualities or in character.
Burmese cat (Burmese)
When you see purebred Burmese cats right away, what your attention is focused on is their coloring. By standard standards, only four colors are acceptable for this cat breed - blue, chocolate, lilac and dark brown.
In addition to color, Burmese seals are also distinguished by their physique. Its muscular body gave it the name "cat Rottweiler". The reason for this was that as a result of breeding the breed, its division occurred. The result was: the original appearance of the American and European Burmese.
European Burmese are full of elegance and grace, this distinguishes them from their American relatives. But these two breeds are united by the same feature - short, thin, satiny, very tight-fitting fur. Their very appearance is covered in legends.
But legend says that Burmese seals lived at the temple, where the duties of each servant included caring for and taking care of these animals in every possible way.
Despite their appearance, reminiscent of a cat Rottweiler, they have a very docile, peaceful disposition.
Oriental Shorthair
This is a cat of an unusual appearance - with a very elongated muzzle, huge ears, long, very long legs and tail, and very short, tight-fitting fur. Orientals adore their owners - they are the most loyal cats.
Not only do they never leave their owner’s side, they literally live on him. Orientals are terribly worried when a loved one does not pay attention to them for a long time. Many people like their appearance, but this is not the case when you can choose a pet “by its clothes.” Oriental is suitable only for those who are able to withstand its stormy temperament and devote almost all their free time to it.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a descendant of the cats of Ancient Egypt. Short coat, compact body and large almond-shaped eyes. Their distinctive feature is the “scarab” pattern on the face and “makeup”.
Makeup refers to a couple of lines running under the eyes. These cats attract attention due to their coloring. They can be smoky, silver or bronze in color.
Their spotted color was reminiscent of the ancient Egyptian relief, and the similarity with the sacred cats of Ancient Egypt and the original name make our imagination about these maus exciting. They were very revered in Ancient Egypt, they were compared to deities, for the murder of which they were sentenced to death.
For a long time, Egyptian cats were found only in their homeland, and only in the 50s were they first noticed in the USA. Even the Russian princess Trubetskoy was the owner of these cats, brought to her from Egypt itself.
Don Sphynx
The Don Sphynx is one of the most exotic breeds bred by Russian breeders. It is considered hypoallergenic, so it is ideal for anyone who is allergic to cat hair.
Don Sphynxes have a rather specific appearance:
- massive body;
- gray-blue skin;
- abundant folds on the face, neck and legs;
- very large ears;
- long limbs and tail.
The peculiarity of the breed is its tightly clenched toes, similar to those of humans.
The character of the Don Sphynx is dominated by such qualities as playfulness and independence. They are very smart and quick-witted. But due to excessive independence, they are not very trainable.
Despite their exotic appearance, Don Sphynxes are popular due to their hypoallergenicity and ability to rid their owners of negative energy. It is believed that cats relieve excessive nervous tension, fatigue, headaches and symptoms of certain diseases.
Siamese cat
The peculiarity of Siamese cats is their slender paws, wedge-shaped head, large ears and, of course, point color. The most famous is seal point: brown color of the mask, tail, tips of the paws and ears.
They enjoy their popularity among breeders to this day, although today's cats are significantly different from the Siamese of the 18th-19th centuries.
Oriental origin, graceful Siamese, has its own rather difficult character. This breed was kept in the palace of the King of Siam, whose reign dates back to the 16th century.
She can't stand loneliness. Her strong attachment to her owner has no boundaries, therefore she is very sensitive to changes in his mood. The Siamese's excessive love for humans exposes her to the danger of disappointment.
With insufficient attention and care, she becomes angry and unpredictable. This breed of cat needs constant confirmation of love. Confidence in this will give her strength and she will never make you give up on her.
Peterbald
The descendants of the Don Sphynxes are considered to be the St. Petersburg Sphynxes - Peterbalds; when they were bred, crossings were carried out with oriental cats. Wool may be completely absent or some types may be present, including brush, velor, flock.
Peterbalds are smart animals with a good character, they are active and intelligent, and they love their owners very much. Such cats will never conflict with people, they will find an approach to other pets, and will be patient with the obsessive attention of children.
The average price of a pet is 15 thousand rubles.
Bengal breed
Photo Credit: lisheeny Flickr via Compfight
A relatively young breed of shorthaired cats. Representatives of this breed are distinguished by leopard print colors, like their larger wild counterparts. But in character this breed does not differ in the ferocity of its wild relative: the cat is very gentle and playful. A sort of miniature affectionate leopard in your home. But you need to take into account that Bengals are very active and very sociable. They get along well with other animals, as long as they do not consider them food or hunting.
Lifespan: 18-20 years.
Weight and size: height - 40 cm, length - 90 cm, average weight of a cat - 4-7 kg, cat - 3-6 kg.
Maintenance: minimal. Periodic bathing and brushing during shedding is all that is needed. You might be surprised, but this breed simply loves to swim. Therefore, the owners of this cat will certainly not have any problems with this. But it is necessary to accustom a cat to a scratching post from a very early age.
Munchkin
Photo Credit: mila-sera Flickr via Compfight
The Munchkin is a real cat dachshund. A very funny breed with a very interesting history. In fact, all currently existing representatives of this breed descended from one cat named Ezhevichka. The owner of Ezhevichka did not breed this breed on purpose, but simply picked up a cat that was already pregnant at that time on the street. When the cat gave birth to kittens, Sandra Hochnel (the owner) noticed that half of them were short-legged. Since then, cats with short legs have become a separate breed of munchkin cats or, translated into Russian, karapuz. Although, if you are offered to buy a munchkin kitten, and the kitten’s legs are quite long, do not rush to blame the seller for wanting to deceive you, since long-legged munchkins also exist.
The short legs of munchkins do not in any way prevent them from being very active and playful animals who love communication with both children and other animals. It’s very funny to watch how munchkins, with their short legs, try to quietly steal a tasty morsel from the table. The hind legs of this breed are usually longer than the front legs, which causes the body to rise from the front to the back, making the cat look even more funny.
Lifespan: 12-15 years.
Weight and size: height -18-20 cm, average weight of a cat - 3-4 kg, cats - 2-3 kg.
Care: all care for munchkins consists of periodic brushing, which these cats perceive quite favorably. Short-haired munchkins need to be brushed once every few weeks, while long-haired munchkins need to be brushed twice a week.
