Top 20 Cat Breeds That Shed the Least (With Pictures)

Cats bring us a lot of happiness and company, but their shedding can be a pain at times. There is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic cat, but some breeds are known to shed less, which makes them better for people who like clean homes or have mild allergies. This blog post will list the top 20 cat breeds that shed the least, along with pictures and full descriptions to help you find the perfect low-shedding cat friend.

Cat Breeds That Don’t Shed Much

1. Sphynx

Shedding Level: Almost None
Coat Length: None
Weight: 6 to 12 pounds
Description: The Sphynx is a breed of cat that is so unique its members could comprise a hairless body in a book of cat breeds. They don’t shed because they have no hair to shed. But even in a category of hairless cats, they stand out. With their contoured bodies and prominent cheekbones, they look as if they’re wearing a mask, and they feel warm to the touch (which not every breed can boast).

2. Russian Blue

Level of Shedding: Low
Length of Coat: Short
Weight: 7-15 lbs
Further Information: The Russian Blue has a short, thick coat that doesn’t shed much. They are known for their gorgeous blue-gray fur and stunning green eyes. This breed is intelligent, easygoing, and makes a wonderful friend.

3. Bengal

Amount shed: Little
Length of coat: Short
Weight: 8-15 lb
Description: Bengals have a glossy, short coat that is patterned uniquely with spots or swirls. Active and playful, they often seem to be small leopards. They are also a low-shed breed and a good choice for those who want a cat with fewer fur issues.

4. Devon Rex

How Much They Shed: Not Much
How Long Their Coat Is: Short
How Much They Weigh: 6-9 pounds

Description: The Devon Rex shed very minimally and have a bidaily brushing to keep their coat healthy. They are a very mischievous breed and even may require a “cage” to keep them away from places they should not be. Devon Rexes are very family dogs and enjoy being around all the family members at any time.

5. Cornish Rex

Amount Shed: Low
Length of Coat: Short
Weight: 6-10 lbs
Description: The Cornish Rex closely resembles the Devon Rex, with a short, curly, low-shed coat. They are slightly more lanky than the Devon, and better jumpers and climbers. Cornish Rex owners say their pets are sweet, gentle, and very affectionate, with a tendency to get into mischievous play and to be needy in terms of lap time.

6. Siamese

Amount shed: Little
Length of coat: Short
Weight: 8-15 lbs
Description: With a sleek and silky short coat, the Siamese cat sheds very little. This vocal and affectionate breed loves to interact with its human counterparts. An intelligent breed, Siamese cats are easy to train and often perform tricks.

7. Oriental Shorthair

Amount of Shedding: Low
Length of Coat: Short
Weight: 6-12 lbs
Description: The Oriental Shorthair possesses a fine, short coat that sheds very little. Although this breed is known to have various colors and patterns, the Coat Color & Pattern Specialty of the Oriental Shorthair (in conjunction with the short hair of the breed) means not only does the breed have very low shedding, but it also has very low grooming maintenance. Social and attention-seeking, this breed has hit the jackpot as a companion cat.

8. Burmese

Shed Level: Low
Coat Length: Short
Weight: 8-12 lbs
Description: Burmese cats have a short, silky coat that sheds very little. They are known for being playful and affectionate. Burmese cats often are described as having dog-like personalities, and they enjoy games that resemble the kind of games we associate with dogs.

9. British Shorthair

Amount of Shedding: Low
Length of Coat: Short
Weight: 9-18 lbs
Description: Compared to other breeds, the British Shorthair has a soft coat that shears less. They are known for their round faces and “not too lively” dispositions. This breed loves people but doesn’t seem to need as much attention as some of the other more vivacious breeds.

10. Bombay

Amount shed: Low
Coat length: Short
Weight: 6 to 11 pounds
Description: Bombays are sleek, black cats that shed very little. They are known for their uncanny resemblance to miniature panthers. Social and people-oriented, Bombays love to be in the company of their human companions.

11. Turkish Angora

Shedding Amount: Low
Coat Length: Medium
Weight: 5-10 lbs
Description: Turkish Angoras have a silky, medium-length coat that sheds less than you might expect. They are elegant and graceful, known for their playful and affectionate nature.

12. Birman

Shedding Amount: Low
Coat Length: Medium
Weight: 6-15 lbs
Description: The Birman has a semi-long coat that sheds minimally. They are known for their striking blue eyes and gentle demeanor. Birmans are social and enjoy the company of their human families.

13. Exotic Shorthair

Shedding Amount: Low
Coat Length: Short
Weight: 10-12 lbs
Description: Exotic Shorthair has a short coat of plush fur that sheds very minimally. Indeed, these cats require less grooming on a regular basis than their Persian hair counterparts. Although the Exotic Shorthair has a shorter coat, it is just as beautiful as the Persian’s longer mane. She has the same number of faultless curls that add to her appearance of being “well-groomed.

14. Chartreux

Shedding Amount: Low
Coat Length: Short
Weight: 6-12 lbs
Description: They have a short, dense, water-resistant coat that is blue-gray. If you’re lucky enough to find a Chartreux at the shelter, know that these affectionate cats will love you as long as you keep them entertained with quiet playtime.

15. Abyssinian

Shedding Amount: Minor
Coat Length: diminutive
Weight: 5–12 lbs
Description: The Abyssinian has a short, fine coat that sheds very little and is easy to maintain. This breed does not require much grooming and is well-suited for people who prefer to have a pet that does not take up much of their time concerning upkeep. The Abyssinian is also an active cat that enjoys playing and is known for its intelligence; it likes to be interactive and is often described as a dog in kitty clothing.

16. Tonkinese

Shedding Level: Low
Coat Length: Short
Weight: 6-12 lbs
Description: The Tonkinese has a short, soft coat that sheds very little. It is a happy blend of the Siamese and Burmese breeds, with lots of playful energy. While most cats like to be the center of attention once in a while, the Tonkinese seems to demand the spotlight at all times.

17. Singapura

Shed Amount: Low
Coat Length: Short
Weight: 4-8 lbs
Description: The Singapura is a small, energetic cat that has a fine, short coat that requires little grooming. They enjoy spending time with their humans and are quite active and playful, but they are not the kind of cat that you would take to formal events.

18. Scottish Fold

Amount Shed: Minimal
Coat Length: Short
Weight: 6-13 lbs
Description: Scottish Folds possess a short, dense coat that sheds very little. They are famous for their unique, folded ears and round faces. Calming and affectionate, this breed enjoys a warm and quiet habitat.

19. LaPerm

Amount Shed: Little
Length of Coat: Short to Medium
Weight: 6-10 lbs
Description: LaPerms possess a coat of curls that is different from any other cat. These distinctive coats, which can occur in any color or pattern, were seen as unusual and were often shunned by breeders. In fact, the LaPerm was originally known as the “Curly Coat,” and its ancestor may have also been a variant of the Rex cats breeds. These cats have affectionate personalities and enjoy playing with their humans and each other.

20. Peterbald

Amount Shed: Minuscule
Length of Coat: Hairless or Short
Weight: 6-10 lbs
Description: The Peterbald breed has either a hairless or a short-coated variety that sheds almost negligibly. Their bodies are long and slender by design; if you saw one standing against the wall, you’d probably mistake it for a coat rack. When in “walking” mode, it resembles a “water snake” slithering across the pavement. They are good-natured and very affectionate, and they seem to love being around humans.

conclusion

All cats shed to some extent; however, selecting a breed that is known to shed minimally can control this problem, even between cleanings. Shedless cats, like the Sphynx, are a great option for not diffusing allergens via airborne dander.

It is also helpful to understand that long hair can equal more shedding and, when combined with a brush, can create the appearance of a more tidy cat. The Russian Blue is known for its beautiful (and somewhat long) coat but does not carry the same amount of dander or shed with the same frequency as other long-haired breeds. Regardless of the breed, living harmoniously with a feline companion also involves understanding that you will share your space—indoor and outdoor—with a cat that claims you as its “human.”