Short hair cats are cute, but they are not nearly as luxurious as long hair cats. Unfortunately, long hair cats typically require a great deal of grooming and maintenance to keep their coats healthy. Fortunately, there is the medium hair cat breed, which has the lovely fur of the long hair cat but requires less maintenance, like the short hair cat. So, what are examples of medium hair cat breeds? Let’s check them out!
The 22 Medium Hair Cat Breeds Are:
1. The American Bobtail
These are curious cats that shed only moderately and offer tons of love to those who spend time with them. They have the appearance of a wild cat, yet they are docile by nature and can be strictly indoor cats. They love kids, toys, and comfortable cushions to stretch out on when they are ready for a snooze. The American Bobtail also loves to hunt, so they probably will not get along well in a household that includes reptile and rodent pets.
2. The American Wirehair
These cats were originally bred to catch rodents in the barn, but eventually, they turned into house pets that not only kept out rodents but also kept human bodies warm while cuddling in bed during the cold winter nights. Today, these beloved and easy-to-groom American Wirehair cats are spoiled house dwellers that enjoy interaction with their human family members but do not mind spending time alone while everyone is at work, school, or out playing.
3. The Domestic Medium Hair
This is an extremely common cat breed found throughout the United States. They can be found in breeding facilities, humane societies, and family households. The Domestic Medium Hair cat breed is intelligent, easy-going, easy to care for, and affectionate. They are also intelligent and can be trained to do tricks. What more could a family ask for when adopting a medium hair cat?
4. The LaPerm
This medium hair cat breed has loose curls that give them a high-end look without the beauty salon prices. In addition to their good looks, LaPerm cats have friendliness, curiosity, and affection to offer anyone willing to take them in. They can be born with all kinds of coat colors and patterns, making each one unique.
5. The Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a domestic breed that is sometimes referred to as a “tabby” or an “Abys.” They originally hail from Ethiopia, which is where they found their international fame. After being exported to all parts of the world, this breed is now a well-loved house pet that is not expected to do anything besides offer love, interaction, and fun to the household environment.
6. The Balinese
These super soft cats are hardy and muscular yet patient and kind. They always seem to know when a human companion needs love, and they also seem to know when they should keep their distance. Their silky coat is cuddly and irresistible when it comes time to cuddle at night. Balinese cats’ athleticism requires access to plenty of toys and climbing gyms or outdoor time.
7. The Cyprus
Coming to us from Cyprus Island, these adorable cats have erect ears, proud chests, and agile bodies that make them excellent ratters. The Cyprus cat is recognized by many associations throughout the world, including the World Cat Federation. These cats do not shed much, but they do require weekly brushings to minimize the risk of knots and mats developing.
8. The Chartreux
These beautiful cats are sometimes referred to as short hair, but they shed more than true short hairs, and their luxurious look makes it obvious that their coat is thicker and longer than the typical short hair cat. Chartreux have large, muscular bodies that aid them in their daily rambunctious explorations. They are known for climbing up bookshelves, hanging out on cabinet-tops in the kitchen, and making their own cozy beds on fireplace mantels.
9. The Egyptian Mau
These cats have a wild, spotted look that is not common in the domesticated cat world. These cats are not as readily available as many others on this list, but it is not impossible to find one ready for adoption. The Egyptian Mau have long tails, big ears, bright eyes, and loveable personalities that are hard for humans—both young and old—to resist.
10. The Birman
The Birman looks big and fluffy, but most of the bulk comes from their well-muscled and well-defined physiques. Their medium to long hair is soft, silky, and a joy to stroke. Their paws look like they have socks on, and their bright blue eyes give them a mystical look that can be quite haunting when the mood and scene are right.
11. The Bengal
Bengals look almost like the wild counterparts that humans are typically afraid of. However, there is nothing to fear when it comes to these lovely domestic cats. The Bengal cat is the result of breeding an Asian Leopard cat with an American Domestic cat. They have striking markings and a deep orange coloring that makes this breed stand out.
12. The Manx
These cats are born with a mutation that is naturally occurring, not bred into them. The mutation makes their tails very short, and many Manx cats look like they have nothing more than stubs on their backsides. These are gentle, affectionate, and curious cats that get along well with children and adults alike.
13. The Ocicat
This is a medium hair breed that has a wild appearance. These domestic cats have a “tabby” or “lion” pattern that is usually black, gray, and white in color. Ocicat have no “wild” genes, which makes them easier to tame than some other breeds. Today, this is a fairly common breed that can be found in most parts of the world.
14. The Ragdoll
The Ragdoll does not shed frequently and is not susceptible to mats and gnarls like most long hair cats are. These eye-appealing cats are curious, active, and vocal. They prefer to spend time meowing at family members rather than curl up for a nap while life moves on without them.
15. The Havana Brown
The Havana Brown cat was developed by breeding the Siamese and Domestic breeds together. This cat is quiet and independent yet curious and interacts when the time is right. They can stay huddled up in a nap position on a rainy day, but they will happily spend time playing and interacting with family members when the opportunity arises.
16. The Scottish Fold
This cat breed gets their looks from a gene mutation that inhibits the proper growth of cartilage, which is why their ears are so small and bent over. They were referred to as “Lops” or “Lop Ears” before evolving into Scottish Folds. Unfortunately, the mutation affects the entire body, which can result in other health issues as time goes on, especially for senior cats.
17. The Munchkin
These cats are quite controversial, as they are purposely bred with a mutation that makes their legs super short compared to the rest of their bodies. Munchkins are a newer breed that is unregulated, so there is no way to know how many are being bred and sold in the United States, let alone the rest of the world.
18. The Somali
These are active cats that tend to be lazy, which can lead to obesity as they age. Owners should get keep them active daily with the help of interactive toys and a lively environment. The Somali is soft to the touch and easy to care for and requires little grooming throughout the year. They enjoy spending time with kids and other cats too.
19. The Siberian
Amazingly snuggly, super sweet, highly intelligent, and all-around good cat are all terms used to describe the Siberian cat by those who know them. Hailing from Russia, these cats are used to the cold, yet their coats are not so long or dense that they require anything more than a brushing a couple of times a week. These cats are intelligent, easy to train, loving, and loyal.
20. The Tonkinese
The Tonkinese is a domestic cat that is the result of breeding Siamese and Burmese cats together. These cats harbor a Siamese-like appearance, with a short to medium-length coat and bright, intelligent eyes that seem to talk to the humans who look at them. These are playful cats that love catnip, cuddling, playing, and watching birds through the window.
21. The Turkish Angora
While the name of this breed might seem more fitting for a long-haired, super luxurious cat, they are a medium hair breed that gets their name from the Turkish royals who were known to keep them for companionship and notoriety. The Turkish Angora has been around since the 17th century and is still a beloved breed that shows no sign of fading out of existence.
22. The Turkish Van
The Turkish Van breed was originally developed in Turkey and is on the verge of being classified as a long hair cat, but their moderate grooming requirements put them on this list. This is a rare breed, so don’t expect one to be readily available in your community. These cats usually sport white bodies with orange, red, black, or tortoiseshell heads and tails.
In Conclusion: Medium Hair Cat Breeds
There are many types of medium hair cat breeds to consider if you want to adopt a new cat for your household. They do not solve the shedding problem, but neither do short breeds. Unless completely hairless, all cat breeds shed! But these cats’ fur does offer a nice medium between hard-to-control and not-much-fluff by growing a soft and supple coat that is easy to trim, if it needs trimming at all. Which of the cat breeds listed here are your favorites?
Featured Image Credit: Deedee86, Pixabay
