Cat Breeds That Don't Need a Lot of Grooming

If the only thing stopping you from getting a cat is your reluctance to sit on a fur-covered couch, then you’re in luck: We found five cat breeds with short or wiry fur, which means less hair on your sofa and your clothes. In general, these kitties are easier to groom than their long-haired counterparts, who can be prone to tangles and mats and may require professional grooming. In fact, many of these cats need to be brushed only once a week.

Remember, though, that just because these cats don’t shed as much as some doesn’t mean they’re hypoallergenic. Allergies are not caused by a particular coat type but by dander, which comprises dead skin cells, saliva and urine. There's no scientific evidence that any breed or crossbreed is more or less allergenic than any other, but cats who shed less tend to leave fewer allergens in their wake. Regardless, someone who is sensitive cat allergens may still react to them.

Cat Breeds With Low-Maintenance Grooming Needs

Cream Colored British Shorthair

Johnny Kruger, Animal Photography

British Shorthair

The grooming routine for the British Shorthair is about as easygoing as her personality: All her plush coat needs is a simple brushing once a week to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. However, you'll need to brush her more often in the spring and fall, when she sheds her coat in preparation for new growth.

Gray and White Devon Rex Kitten

Johnny Kruger, Animal Photography

Devon Rex

The wavy coat of the Devon Rex doesn't require much grooming at all. In fact, rough brushing or combing may damage his delicate hairs. Easy, gentle grooming every so often may be all this feline needs to keep his coat in order.

Two Seal Point Siamese Cats

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography


The Siamese has a short coat that is easy to maintain. Perhaps that's part of what makes this breed so popular among cat lovers. Just comb him weekly with a stainless steel comb to get rid of loose fur.

Scottish Fold on Bed

Tara Gregg, Animal Photography

Scottish Fold

Like many other short-haired cat breeds, the Scottish Fold generally doesn't need to be brushed more than once a week. That, along with regular nail trimming, ear cleaning and tooth brushing, will help keep your feline looking good.

Sphynx cat breed

Vidar Skauen, Animal Photography


The hairless Sphynx doesn't need any brushing, obviously. But did you know that there's still a little bit of grooming this breed requires? Though he doesn’t have any fur to shed, that also means he has no fur to absorb his body oils, so he needs a weekly bath to prevent clogged pores. Bathing also keeps his oils from getting all over your furniture and clothes.


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