Most cats have short hair, whether they are large or small, wild or domestic. This is an evolutionary development that makes sense for a natural predator relying on stealth and the occasional burst of speed. A hunting cat is more efficient in a short coat because it can glide unhampered through dense terrain and move freely for a lightning pounce in a tight corner.
Developing the shorthair
The first cats to be domesticated, possibly over 4,000 years ago, had short hair, and their sleek-coated look has been popular ever since. In a short coat, colors and patterns are clearly defined and the feline form appears to full advantage. Dozens of shorthaired breeds have been developed, but there are three main groups: British, American, and Oriental Shorthairs.
The first two are essentially ordinary domestic cats refined by decades of breeding programs. They are sturdy, round-headed cats, with short, dense, double-layered coats. The strikingly different Oriental group has little to do with the East, as it was created in Europe through crosses with the Siamese breed. They have short, close-lying, fine coats with no woolly undercoat.
Other much-loved shorthaired cats include: the Burmese; the plush-furred Russian Blue, which has a very short undercoat that lifts the top guard hairs away from the body; and the Exotic Shorthair, which combines unmistakably Persian looks with a shorter, more manageable coat.
Short hair is taken to extremes in several hairless breeds, including the Sphynx and the Peterbald. These cats are usually not totally hairless—most have a fine covering of body hair with the feel of suede. Another variety of short hair is seen in rexed cats, which have wavy or crimped coats. Among the best known of these are the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex.
Easy maintenance
For owners of shorthaired breeds, a significant advantage lies in the minimal grooming needed to maintain their coat, along with the ease of spotting and treating parasites and injuries.
However, having a shorthaired cat doesn’t ensure hair-free carpets and sofas. Some breeds shed heavily, particularly during seasonal shedding of thick undercoats, and even single-coated varieties like Orientals consistently shed a certain amount of hair.
With a Ph.D. in Veterinary Science and over 9+ years of experience in feline research and care, Lila Rose is the ultimate authority on all things cat-related. As a passionate advocate for feline health and well-being, she brings a wealth of knowledge and personal insights to Catpedia.net. From understanding intricate behaviors to providing the best care tips, her expertise ensures that cat enthusiasts receive accurate and practical information. Follow her feline adventures and updates on Facebook at CatsPedia7.
