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 | 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-grey | one of the oldest natural breeds |
| Cornish Rex | England | curly, short coat; large ears | named after the Rex rabbit |
| Devon Rex | 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 |
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