Should I Get a Long-haired Cat, Short-haired Cat, or Hairless Cat?

June 6, 2025 Back Home

Long-haired, Short-haired, or Hairless Cats: Pros and Cons for Pet Parents

Dreaming of bringing a new cat home, but unsure of how much hair you can handle?

Among the many things to consider before welcoming a feline friend is whether to adopt a long-haired cat, a short-haired cat, or even a hairless cat.

Now, a lot of this is up to what kind of cats are available at your local shelter, rescue or cat cafe, of course — however, with more than three million cats entering U.S. shelters every year, the chances of finding your preferred cat hair length is pretty good.

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But, wait — which cat breeds constitute long-haired, vs. short-haired? And what breeds are hairless? We’ve got the scoop.

Cat Breeds By Hair Length

Short-Haired Cat Breeds (Low Maintenance)

These cats have sleek, close-lying coats that typically require minimal grooming.

American Shorthair
British Shorthair
Abyssinian
Siamese
Bengal

Russian Blue
Oriental Shorthair
Tonkinese
Egyptian Mau
Scottish Fold (can be short- or long-haired)

Long-Haired Cat Breeds (Fluffy & Luxurious)

These cats have full, thick coats that often require regular brushing.

Maine C oon
Persian
Ragdoll
Himalayan
Norwegian Forest Cat

Birman
Turkish Angora
Balinese
Siberian
Somali (long-haired cousin of the Abyssinian)

Hairless or Nearly Hairless Cat Breeds

These cats are technically not completely hairless, but have very fine or peach-fuzz-like coats.

Sphynx
Peterbald

Donskoy
Bambino (a mix of Sphynx and Munchkin)

How to decide: long-haired vs short-haired vs hairless

Cats are the best — so it’s hard to base a decision solely off hair length.

However, here are five questions to ask yourself that may help you decide between having a long-haired cat, or short-haired cat, or who knows, maybe even a hairless cat.

1. How much time are you willing to spend grooming your cat?

Generally speaking, the longer the cat’s hair, the more often it will need to be brushed. Some very long-haired cat breeds require vigorous brushing 3-4 times a week to avoid becoming a tangled mess.

Surprise: Hairless cat breeds actually require more grooming than most long-haired cats. That’s because their naturally oily bodies need to be bathed at least once a week using special soap—and their ears and toenails need special attention, too!

Short-haired cats are generally capable of grooming themselves, making them a good choice for people looking for a lower-maintenance pet.

2. Is anyone in the household prone to allergies?

If you or someone in your family has a pet allergy, keep in mind that long-haired cats accumulate more dander in their fur, making them more allergenic.

People with mild allergies may be able to tolerate a short-haired cat.

Even hairless cats can trigger allergies, but they’re probably the safest choice for pet-sensitive people who long for a cat.

3. Do you mind a mess? Fluffy cats leave their fluff … everywhere.

Long-haired cats can mean major hair — everywhere.

If you’d rather skip the lint rollers and heavy-duty vacuum cleaning, a short-haired cat may be for you!

Hairless cats don’t shed — but they can leave an oily residue on furniture and fabric, so keep that in mind when considering the mess factor.

4. Are you hot-blooded?

There’s a big difference between a cool cat and a hot hairless one.

Long-haired cats are most comfortable in cool environments; hairless cats require very warm rooms and/or heated sleeping surfaces.

Don’t just think about yourself—if you have other animals with specific temperature needs, make sure your new cat will fit in with the crowd.

If you’re looking for a cat that’s not too picky about its thermostat settings, go with a short-haired cat.

5. Are you ready for a serious commitment?

Every pet is a commitment, and the decision to bring a new cat into your home should never be made lightly. However, some cats are more demanding of your time, attention, and money than others.

Besides needing special care for their skin, hairless cats are known for being very vocal and attention-hungry. Make sure you’re up for the challenge!

Long-haired and short-haired exotic breeds vary widely in their need for special care, so do your homework before you settle on a particular breed.

The best part is there’s no such thing as a bad cat.

Spend some time thinking about whether to get a long-haired cat, short-haired cat, or hairless cat, and you’ll be on your way to a feline match made in heaven.

To learn more about caring for a new cat, check out our A-Z Guide to Cat Adoption.

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