26 Medium-Hair Cat Breeds (With Pictures) - Catster (2024)

If you don’t have time for the constant grooming that a longhaired cat requires but you still want a soft, fluffy feline, a medium-hair cat breed is a great middle-of-the-road option. These cats still require grooming, but a weekly brush is enough, compared to the daily brushing needed with breeds like Persians.

Apart from maintenance, there is also the aesthetic of a medium-hair cat — they are beautiful and unique in their own way. Lastly, with a medium-hair cat, you’ll still get the soft, fluffy, cuddle factor, but without long hair being left on every surface of your home.

We searched for all the medium-hair cat breeds that we could find and put this list together, with pictures, to help you choose the perfect medium-hair breed to bring home!

26 Medium-Hair Cat Breeds (With Pictures) - Catster (1)

The 26 Medium-Hair Cat Breeds

1. Abyssinian

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Lifespan:9 – 15 years
Suitable for:Active families with older children, singles around the home
Temperament:Curious, playful, intelligent

The Abyssinian is an affectionate, easy-to-care-for cat that typically has short to medium-length coats. These cats are medium-sized with large ears and a “ticked” coat, meaning that each individual hair has different colored bands. They are easy cats to have in the home, as they are low-maintenance and friendly with other animals and love to spend time with their owners.

2. American Bobtail

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Lifespan:15–20 years
Suitable for:Families with children, seniors, multi-pet households, adventurous owners, first-time cat owners
Temperament:Intelligent, active, affectionate, bold

A fairly uncommon breed, the American Bobtail is an incredibly intelligent cat with a distinctively wild appearance. They are fairly large cats with characteristically short yet expressive tails. These cats can take 2-3 years to reach full maturity. Overall, they are interactive cats that love to be around humans and love to play.

3. American Wirehair

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Lifespan:15–17 years
Suitable for:Any pet-friendly home
Temperament:Lovable, agreeable, playful

The American Shorthair is an easy-going breed that is generally placid and happy to entertain themselves. This is a powerful cat with a broad chest, muscular neck and body, and thick, strong legs. These cats are easy to care for with moderate grooming needs, and they don’t need a large amount of human interaction.

4. Balinese

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Lifespan:15–22 years
Suitable for:Families with children or other pets, singles who are home often
Temperament:Affectionate, inquisitive, outgoing, playful, athletic, sensitive

The Balinese has a medium to long coat that is silky and straight and has darker tinting toward their paws, tail, and head. They are long, slender cats that are lively and active and enjoy playing with their owners and other cats. While they can be fairly independent at times, they will regularly come for a cuddle on their owner’s lap.

5. Bengal

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Lifespan:12–16 years
Suitable for:Small families with plenty of space, experienced cat owners looking for a challenge
Temperament:Willful, wild, mischievous, and entertaining

The strikingly beautiful Bengal cat was created by crossing various domestic cats with the Asian Leopard cat, creating a unique, wild-looking feline with a distinctive spotted coat. This medium-hair cat is not for a novice owner: While they are generally sweet and loving most of the time, they can be unpredictable too. They are fun-loving cats that love to play and uniquely, love water.

6. Birman

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Lifespan:12 to 16 years
Suitable for:Suitable for anyone looking for a friendly feline
Temperament:Affectionate, social, gentle

The Birman is a large cat with a long body and unusual markings. Their soft coats come in a variety of colors and are often pointed and/or mitted in pattern. They also have deep blue eyes. These cats are fairly territorial and can attach themselves to one owner. They generally keep to themselves but are known to become jealous if their owners don’t give them enough attention.

7. Chartreux

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Lifespan:12–16 years
Suitable for:Singles, small and large families, seniors, and anyone looking for a quiet feline
Temperament:Loving, docile, friendly

A rare medium-hair cat breed from France, the Chartreux is a large and muscular feline known for their unique blue coat and short limbs. Their coats are waterproof and thick and often show breaks similar to a sheep’s coat. They are also widely adored for their smile: The shape of their muzzles and the structure of their head gives them the appearance of smiling.

8. Cyprus

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Lifespan:12–15 years
Suitable for:Large families and active singles
Temperament:Affectionate, loyal, lonely without humans

Cyprus cats are highly energetic and athletic, with thick, medium- to long-haired coats. The breed was developed on the small island of Cyprus, where they adapted to the cooler, mountainous regions. These cats are expert hunters and have hunted fairly large prey, including rats, big lizards, and even snakes.

9. Domestic Medium Hair

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Lifespan:15–18 years
Suitable for:Families with children and other pets, first-time cat owners, pretty much any loving cat parent
Temperament:Ranges from independent and reserved to outgoing and sociable

A hybrid hailing from a mix of both short-hair and long-hair breeds, the Domestic Medium Hair cat is a muscular breed that can come in an infinite variety of coat patterns and colors. Given that this breed has diverse genetics from mixed breeding, they can vary widely in temperament but are generally playful and easy-going.

10. Egyptian Mau

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Lifespan:13–15 years
Suitable for:Apartment living, families with older children, most lifestyles
Temperament:Strong-minded, active, fearless, playful

One of the few breeds of naturally spotted domestic cats, the Egyptian Mau has spots that occur only on the very tips of their fur. They have a muscular body and the shorter front legs characteristic of wildcats. One of the most recognizable traits of the breed is the long, dark dorsal stripe that runs the length of their spine. These cats are also one of the fastest domestic breeds, capable of speeds of up to 30 mph.

11. European Shorthair

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Lifespan:15-20 years
Suitable for:Families and individuals who are home to provide interaction and stimulation
Temperament:Adaptable, affectionate, playful, intelligent, predatory, shy, territorial

Originating in Sweden, the European Shorthair is a medium-sized muscular cat with a short to medium-length coat. These cats are expert hunters and are often used as capable ratters, and they get along well with other pets. They are intelligent and playful cats that are ideal for families with small children. This breed is fairly rare and has been named the national cat of Finland.

12. Exotic Shorthair

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Lifespan:8–15 years
Suitable for:Seniors, children, families with other pets
Temperament:Families with pets and children, seniors

Developed as a shorthaired version of the fluffy Persian, the Exotic Shorthair is similar to Persians in several ways. They have the same flat nose and face and gentle and calm personality. These cats are highly affectionate and tend to show more love and affection toward humans than most other breeds, and they don’t like being left at home alone.

13. Havana Brown

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Lifespan:10 – 15 years
Suitable for:Attentive owners, families, households with other pets
Temperament:Alert, intelligent, friendly

The result of breeding a Siamese and domestic black cat, the Havana Brown has a unique chocolate-colored coat with no markings or patterns. These cats are playful, highly curious, and social, preferring to greet guests rather than hide away, as most other breeds do. A unique trait among Havana Browns is their love of playing with and grooming their owner’s hair while riding around on their shoulders.

14. La Perm

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Lifespan:10–15 years
Suitable for:Active families, those looking for a loving and friendly cat, and those with other pets
Temperament:Loyal and loving, intelligent, easy to train, friendly, and gets along with other pets

Developed in the U.S. completely by chance, the La Perm is a curious and easy-going cat with a docile and highly affectionate nature. They are a medium hair cat that has a characteristically curly coat (hence the name, “La Perm”) that can come in many colors and pattern variations. These cats are outgoing and friendly in nature and are said to be hypoallergenic, which is ideal for owners with allergies.

15. Manx

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Lifespan:10–14 years
Suitable for:Seniors, apartment residents, families
Temperament:Active, affectionate, social, even-tempered, adaptable

Famed for their short and stubby or otherwise non-existent tail, the Manx breed originated on the Isle of Man. Along with the genetic mutation that causes their unique stubby tail, these cats are also known for their short front legs, rounded head, and soft, thick, double-layered coat. They are social cats that get attached to their owners, often following them around like puppies. They also learn simple commands faster than most other breeds.

16. Munchkin

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Lifespan:12–15 years
Suitable for:Families with pets, families with older children, social lifestyles
Temperament:Curious, friendly, intelligent, playful

Also commonly known as a “sausage cat,” the Munchkin’s most notable characteristic is their very short legs, which are caused by a genetic mutation. There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the breed due to health and mobility issues. The breed is still fairly new, so it is still unclear how much of an effect the unique mutation will have on the health of this breed.

17. Ocicat

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Lifespan:10–15 years
Suitable for:Active families who are home most of the time
Temperament:Energetic, active, intelligent, affectionate, social, playful

The Ocicat looks like they have wildcat genes, but in fact, they have none. They are typical of a domestic cat except in their coat colors and markings, which are usually made up of contrasting spots. They have a strong and muscular body with a large head that is longer than it is wide. Despite their appearance, they are sociable, friendly, and even-tempered felines.

18. Ragamuffin

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Lifespan:12–17 years
Suitable for:First-time owners, busy owners, families
Temperament:Playful, curious, social, independent, talkative

Once considered a variant of the Ragdoll cat, the Ragamuffin is now recognized as a separate breed and is known for their friendly character and their medium- to long-length coat. They are large, muscular cats that can take up to 5 years to fully physically mature. Like their Ragdoll cousins, they are laidback, easy-going cats that are often considered a lazy breed.

19. Ragdoll

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Lifespan:12–17 years
Suitable for:First-time owners, busy owners, families
Temperament:Playful, curious, social, independent, talkative

The Ragdoll is a large and stocky cat with a medium-length, color-point coat, and striking blue eyes. They get their name from their tendency to go limp and relax like a ragdoll when picked up, and they are considered to be a lazy breed. They are also known to be one of the most “dog-like” breeds due to their even and playful temperament and their attachment to their owners.

20. Scottish Fold

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Lifespan:11 – 15 years
Suitable for:Families with children, families with dogs, apartment living
Temperament:Friendly, social, and docile

The Scottish Fold is an easily recognizable breed due to their forward-folded ears. The breed has a unique genetic mutation that affects the cartilage throughout their bodies and causes the folding of their ears. They are placid and easy-going cats that typically become highly attached to their owners, and they are highly playful and intelligent.

21. Siberian

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Lifespan:11–18 years
Suitable for:Active families looking for an affectionate and playful cat
Temperament:Affectionate, intelligent, tough

The Siberian is an ancient breed, a centuries-old domestic cat that originated in Russia. They have a hardy, thick coat that protects them from the cold Russian temperatures and is easy to groom and care for. They are well known for their agility, powerful, muscular bodies and their endearing soft round eyes. They are fairly rare outside of Europe due to the high costs of importation.

22. Somali

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Lifespan:9–16 years
Suitable for:Active families, those available to play with their cat often, families with children, multi-pet households
Temperament:Intelligent, curious, loves to play, affectionate

Believed to have originated in Somalia, the Somali cat is most recognized by their bushy tails, large eyes, and oversized pointed ears, earning them the nickname of “fox cat.” They typically have a striking golden-brown coat “ticked” with black, but they can come in a variety of other colors and patterns.

23. Tonkinese

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Lifespan:10–16 years
Suitable for:Seniors, Apartment dwellers, Families with older children
Temperament:Playful, Intelligent, Loyal & loving, Curious

A domestic cat breed developed by crossing a Siamese and a Burmese, the Tonkinese cat shares many traits with their parent breeds, including the pointed coat pattern and a lively and active personality. They are highly social cats that love to be around people and consequently, quickly become lonely and bored when left alone. Like their Burmese parents, they are often seen acting in dog-like ways, like fetching and following their owners around.

24. Turkish Angora

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Lifespan:15–20 years
Suitable for:Households with kids and other pets, owners who can provide daily mental and physical stimulation
Temperament:Social, intelligent, energetic, sensitive, good with other pets

Originating in Turkey, the Turkish Angora is an ancient breed and has been documented as far back as the 17th century. They are most well known for their snow-white, medium- to long-length coats, but they can be found in a variety of other colors too. These cats are intelligent, playful, and affectionate and bond strongly with their human owners.

25. Turkish Van

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Lifespan:13–17 years
Suitable for:Families that aren’t overly affectionate and want a low-maintenance pet with hilarious antics
Temperament:Funny, mischievous, clumsy, dignified, intelligent, energetic

The Turkish Van was developed in the U.K. from a variety of Turkish breeds and is fairly rare. They are most recognizable by their “van-patterned” coat in which the colors are restricted to the head and tail only, leaving most of their body white. They are social cats that bond strongly with their owners and are playful and lively felines ideal for families.

26. Wildcat

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Developed from two small wildcat species, the European Wildcat and African Wildcat, these cats are not for novice owners. They are largely solitary, nocturnal, and highly predatory. They typically have long, pointed ears with large eyes and are generally larger than most domestic cats, with a characteristically long tail that can exceed one-half of their body length.

Featured Image Credit: Fazlyeva Kamilla, Shutterstock

Contents

  • The 26 Medium-Hair Cat Breeds
    • 1. Abyssinian
    • 2. American Bobtail
    • 3. American Wirehair
    • 4. Balinese
    • 5. Bengal
    • 6. Birman
    • 7. Chartreux
    • 8. Cyprus
    • 9. Domestic Medium Hair
    • 10. Egyptian Mau
    • 11. European Shorthair
    • 12. Exotic Shorthair
    • 13. Havana Brown
    • 14. La Perm
    • 15. Manx
    • 16. Munchkin
    • 17. Ocicat
    • 18. Ragamuffin
    • 19. Ragdoll
    • 20. Scottish Fold
    • 21. Siberian
    • 22. Somali
    • 23. Tonkinese
    • 24. Turkish Angora
    • 25. Turkish Van
    • 26. Wildcat
26 Medium-Hair Cat Breeds (With Pictures) - Catster (2024)

FAQs

What breed is a medium hair cat? ›

The Domestic Medium Hair cat has a mixed ancestry, making the breed's exact lineage difficult to trace. The result is a medium to large cat with a relatively muscular build and average height. Domestic Medium Hair cats generally weigh 10 to 16 pounds as adults, but their size can vary.

What breed of cat has the least health problems? ›

Here are the 11 healthiest cat breeds:
  • Ragamuffin. The breed Ragamuffin is known for being very social and loving to interact with people. ...
  • Russian Blue. ...
  • Savannah. ...
  • Bombay. ...
  • British Shorthair.
Jun 25, 2021

What is the easiest cat to own? ›

The most low maintenance cat breeds are British Shorthairs and Siamese cats since their short hair means they don't require as much grooming. Sphynx cats are also low maintenance as they have no fur at all and therefore have no need for grooming, although they do require regular baths.

How to tell if your cat has medium hair? ›

Domestic Medium Hair cats will still have shorter hair along their back, but the rest of their hair, especially around their neck and tail, will have a fluffier, slightly longer appearance. Domestic Longhair cats will have a longer, flowy coat that is more uniform in length all over the body.

How do you tell what breed your cat is? ›

Size, coloring, ears, hair type—and possibly face and tail—to help narrow your cat's breed down. Eyes and certain personality traits may be clues, but are less reliable sources of identification. The most reliable way of knowing your cat's breed is to take a cat DNA test.

What color cat is the most cuddly? ›

The University of California, Berkeley conducted a study on this topic and found a few things to be true regarding color variations: Bi-colored and orange cats were found to be friendly.

Which cat breed is the most well behaved? ›

If you're looking for a new feline friend, here are some cuddly cat breeds to consider welcoming into your home!
  1. Maine Coon. The Maine coon, nicknamed "America's cat," sits at the top of the friendliest cat breeds list. ...
  2. Siamese. ...
  3. Ragdoll. ...
  4. Abyssinian. ...
  5. Birman. ...
  6. Sphynx.
Apr 28, 2022

What is considered medium cat? ›

If large domestic cats seem too big and small breeds seem tiny, a medium cat breed may be just right for you. These mid-sized cats typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, so they fit right into almost any home and environment, whether you live in a small apartment in the city or a big house in the suburbs.

What breed is a medium hair tuxedo cat? ›

There's no such thing as a tuxedo cat breed

Although there is no such thing as a tuxedo cat breed, the bicolor (also called piebald) pattern arises more often in the following cat breeds: Domestic Shorthair, Turkish Van, American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Exotic Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Manx.

Is a Maine Coon a domestic medium hair cat? ›

The Maine Coon is a long- or medium-haired cat. The coat is soft and silky, although texture may vary with coat color. The length is shorter on the head and shoulders and longer on the stomach and flanks, with some cats having a leonine ruff around their neck.

What is the difference between Domestic Shorthair and medium hair cats? ›

Domestic Short Haired cats are by far the most common Domestic cat. If your cat does not have a fluffy (feathery, plume-like) tail, he or she is shorthaired. A medium haired cat often has a bit of a “ruff” around the neck and has a definite fluffy tail. The “ruff” can often be longer in winter, and shorter in summer.

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