Breeds · 9 entries

Low-maintenance cat breeds

Cats that need little grooming and cope well with a working day.

How we chose: Cat breeds rated 1 or 2 out of 5 for grooming needs.

1

Abyssinian

Curious, active, people-oriented · 3–5 kg (7–11 lb)

Grooming needs
Shedding
Energy

Abyssinians are among the most active cat breeds: they are on the top of the fridge, in the shopping bag and supervising every task. Their ticked coat, where each hair has bands of colour,…
The full Abyssinian profile
2

Bengal

Energetic, curious, athletic · 3.5–7 kg (8–15 lb)

Grooming needs
Shedding
Energy

Bengals were developed by crossing domestic cats with the Asian leopard cat, and they keep a wild look and a lot of energy. They suit experienced owners who can offer plenty of play and…
The full Bengal profile
3

British Shorthair

Calm, independent, dignified · 4–8 kg (9–18 lb)

Grooming needs
Shedding
Energy

With their round faces and dense "blue" coat, British Shorthairs look like teddy bears. They are affectionate but not clingy and usually prefer sitting beside you to sitting on you.They are one of the…
The full British Shorthair profile
4

Burmese

Affectionate, playful, people-focused · 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)

Grooming needs
Shedding
Energy

Burmese are sometimes called "dogs in cat suits": they follow their people around, greet visitors at the door and often learn to fetch. Their short, glossy coat needs almost no grooming, and they are…
The full Burmese profile
5

Russian Blue

Gentle, reserved, loyal · 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb)

Grooming needs
Shedding
Energy

With a silvery-blue double coat and green eyes, the Russian Blue is quiet and gentle, often shy with visitors but deeply attached to its own people. They are generally a healthy, long-lived breed.Russian Blues…
The full Russian Blue profile
6

Siamese

Vocal, social, intelligent · 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb)

Grooming needs
Shedding
Energy

Siamese cats are among the most talkative of breeds and will tell you exactly what they think. They are affectionate, clever and demanding of attention.The modern show Siamese is slim with a wedge-shaped head,…
The full Siamese profile
7

Devon Rex

Mischievous, playful, affectionate · 2.5–4.5 kg (6–10 lb)

Grooming needs
Shedding
Energy

With huge ears, a pixie face and a coat of soft waves, the Devon Rex is one of the most unusual-looking cats. Their personality matches: playful, curious and fond of perching on shoulders. They…
The full Devon Rex profile
8

Exotic Shorthair

Calm, affectionate, easy-going · 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)

Grooming needs
Shedding
Energy

The Exotic Shorthair is essentially a Persian with a short, plush coat — the same gentle, laid-back temperament without the daily grooming of a long coat. They are quiet, affectionate and well suited to…
The full Exotic Shorthair profile
9

Scottish Fold

Calm, sweet, adaptable · 3–6 kg (7–13 lb)

Grooming needs
Shedding
Energy

The folded ears that give the Scottish Fold its owl-like look come from a gene that affects cartilage throughout the body. Research shows that all folded cats are affected to some degree by osteochondrodysplasia,…
The full Scottish Fold profile

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Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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