Cats That Don’t Shed Much: 11 Low‑Mess Breeds to Know

If you love cats but hate fur all over your clothes and furniture, low‑shedding breeds can be a smart compromise. These cats still need grooming and care, but they usually leave far less hair behind and make it easier to keep a tidy home.

Why Some Cats Shed Less

Shedding is natural, but some breeds shed noticeably less due to coat type, texture, or hair length. Low‑shedding cats often have:

• Short, close‑lying coats that trap less loose hair in the home.
• Curly or wavy fur that holds onto shed hair until you brush it out.
• Sparse, fine hair that produces less visible shedding.

Remember that “low‑shedding” does not mean “no shedding.” Regular brushing, a good diet, and vacuuming still matter.

11 Low‑Mess Cat Breeds to Know

1. Sphynx

The Sphynx appears hairless, but it actually has a fine peach‑fuzz coat.

• This breed leaves almost no visible hair on furniture.
• Weekly baths are important to remove skin oils that would normally be absorbed by fur.

2. Devon Rex

The Devon Rex has a short, soft, wavy coat that sheds very lightly.

• Its fur is thin and tends to hold loose hairs close to the body.
• Gentle weekly brushing or wiping is usually enough to control shedding.

3. Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex has only soft undercoat hairs and lacks the usual outer guard hairs.

• This unique coat sheds far less than typical short‑haired cats.
• A light brush or grooming mitt once a week keeps its curls tidy and low‑mess.

4. Russian Blue

The Russian Blue has a dense, plush double coat that surprisingly sheds minimally.

• Loose hairs tend to stay in the coat rather than drifting around the home.
• Brushing once or twice a week removes dead hair before it spreads.

5. Bengal

The Bengal’s sleek, pelt‑like coat is short and close to the body.

• Many owners notice less loose fur compared with other similarly sized cats.
• A quick weekly brushing usually keeps shedding under control.

6. Siamese

The Siamese has a very short, fine coat that is easy to maintain.

• While it does shed, the amount of hair is modest and not very visible.
• Routine brushing reduces shedding and keeps the coat glossy.

7. Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair sports an extremely short, satiny coat.

• Shed hairs are fine and sparse, so overall mess is low.
• A soft brush once a week is typically enough grooming for most cats.

8. Burmese

The Burmese has a short, close‑lying coat that rarely mats or tangles.

• This breed tends to shed less than many domestic shorthairs.
• Occasional brushing and hand‑petting help pull out loose hairs.

9. Tonkinese

The Tonkinese combines traits of Siamese and Burmese cats, including a low‑mess coat.

• Its fur is short and smooth, with moderate but manageable shedding.
• Weekly grooming noticeably reduces the small amount of hair it releases.

10. Scottish Fold (Shorthair)

Shorthaired Scottish Folds usually shed less than longhaired varieties.

• Their dense but short coat is easier to manage and leaves less fur on soft surfaces.
• Regular brushing, especially in seasonal changes, keeps loose hair to a minimum.

11. Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is like a short‑haired Persian with a thick but compact coat.

• It sheds less visibly than longhaired flat‑faced breeds.
• Brushing a few times a week controls shedding and reduces hair on fabrics.

Keeping Shedding Low, Whatever Breed You Choose

• Brush your cat consistently so loose hair ends up in the brush, not on your sofa.
• Feed a high‑quality diet to support healthy skin and reduce excessive shedding.
• Use lint rollers, good vacuums, and washable throws to simplify cleanup.
• Schedule vet checkups if shedding suddenly increases, as this may signal a health issue.

Conclusion

Low‑shedding cat breeds can make it much easier to enjoy feline company without constant cleanup. Focus on coat type, grooming needs, and your lifestyle when choosing among these 11 low‑mess cats. Combine smart breed selection with regular brushing and home care, and you can keep both your cat and your living space comfortably fur‑light.