8 Cats That Are Easy to Groom (and 8 That Require High Maintenance)

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Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

cat
Gundula Vogel/Pexels

When it comes to grooming cats, some breeds are naturally easier to care for than others, while some require a bit more attention and dedication. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner or simply looking for a breed with minimal grooming needs, it’s important to understand which cats are low-maintenance and which ones need extra care. Let’s look at 8 easy-to-groom breeds, followed by 8 high-maintenance breeds that demand more attention to keep their coats looking their best and their health in check.

1. American Shorthair

American Shorthair
shamilini/123rf

American Shorthairs are known for their short, thick coats that require minimal grooming. Regular brushing a few times a week is sufficient to remove loose fur and prevent shedding. These cats are typically low-maintenance, making them perfect for first-time cat owners. Their calm and easygoing nature makes them wonderful companions in both busy households and more peaceful settings. Despite needing minimal grooming, they are affectionate, and playful, and enjoy spending time with their families.

2. Russian Blue

A Russian Blue cat
Nothing Ahead/pexels

The Russian Blue’s short, dense coat doesn’t mat easily and requires minimal upkeep. A weekly brushing session is usually enough to keep their silvery-blue fur sleek and shiny. These cats are also known for being low-shedding, which adds to their grooming appeal. Russian Blues are quiet, gentle, and independent but affectionate, often forming strong bonds with their owners. Their cleanliness, combined with minimal grooming needs, makes them ideal for individuals who want a loving, easy-to-care-for pet.

3. British Shorthair

Golden tabby cat sitting outside.
MelaniMarfeld/pixabay

British Shorthairs have thick, plush coats that only need occasional brushing. A few minutes of grooming each week will suffice to remove dead fur and keep them comfortable, though they tend to shed moderately. Their calm demeanor and low-maintenance coats make them ideal pets for busy families or individuals. British Shorthairs are affectionate, though they typically enjoy being left to their own devices, making them a perfect fit for people seeking a relaxed companion without the hassle of constant grooming.

4. Bengal

Bengal cat lounging on a couch.
Helena Jankovičová Kováčová/Pexels

Bengal cats have a smooth, short coat that’s super low-maintenance. They don’t shed excessively, and a quick brushing session once a week should be enough to keep their luxurious fur in top condition. Bengals are known for their energetic and playful personalities, and they thrive in active households. These cats enjoy climbing, exploring, and playing, so owners need to provide plenty of stimulation. Despite their high energy, their low grooming demands make them an excellent choice for families with a busy lifestyle.

5. Siamese

A graceful Siamese cat with a cream-colored body and dark brown points lying on a stone-paved surface. The cat's piercing blue eyes gaze directly at the camera, highlighting its striking appearance. The background features a rustic stone wall, complementing the cat's elegant and poised demeanor.
Rawibiza/Pixabay

Siamese cats have short, fine coats that require very little maintenance. A quick brushing session once a week is usually enough to remove any loose fur and keep their coats looking smooth and shiny. These cats are known for their vocal, affectionate nature and often form strong attachments to their owners. Siamese cats are highly social and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, so they thrive in environments where they get plenty of attention. Their low-maintenance grooming makes them easy to care for.

6. Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex
By Tomi Tapio K, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

The Cornish Rex has a unique coat of soft, curly fur that doesn’t require much grooming. Occasional brushing is enough to prevent tangles and mats, as their fur sheds minimally. Although Cornish Rex cats have an easy-to-care-for coat, they are famously playful and full of energy. They require plenty of stimulation to keep them engaged and entertained, making them ideal for households that can provide them with toys and playtime. Their easy-to-care-for coats and affectionate personalities make them great pets for active families.

7. Singapura

Singapura
R/singapore/Reddit

Singapura cats have short, fine coats that are easy to maintain. They shed minimally and only require occasional brushing to keep their coats smooth and healthy. This breed is known for being small in size but big in personality. Singapura cats are affectionate, and playful, and enjoy spending time with their human companions. Their small size and low grooming needs make them perfect for apartment living or for individuals who prefer a cat with minimal upkeep but a lively personality.

8. Burmese

cute burmese vats
Алексей Боярских/pixabay

Burmese cats have short, sleek coats that shed moderately but require very little grooming. A quick weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coats healthy and shiny. These cats are famous for being loving and friendly, often enjoying the company of people. Burmese cats form strong bonds with their families and enjoy spending time with their owners. Their low-maintenance coats, combined with their loving nature, make them great companions for those looking for a low-effort yet highly interactive pet.

9. Persian

persian cat
lindarczyk/pixabay

Persian cats are known for their long, luxurious coats, which require daily grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Their thick fur can trap dirt and oils, so brushing is essential to keep their coat clean and healthy. These cats have a calm and relaxed temperament, but their grooming needs can be quite high. Owners must also pay attention to their eyes and noses, as their flat faces can cause health issues. Despite their grooming demands, Persian cats are affectionate, calm companions who enjoy being pampered.

10. Maine Coon

White Maine Coon cat sitting on a gray surface.
Kanashi/Pixabay

Maine Coon cats have long, dense fur that requires frequent grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Their large size and thick coat make them a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. These playful cats also shed heavily, especially during seasonal changes, so extra brushing during shedding periods is necessary. Maine Coons are friendly and active cats that thrive on interaction, making them an excellent choice for households with enough time to devote to both grooming and play.

11. Ragdoll

ragdoll cat
cats coming/pexels

Ragdolls are known for their soft, medium-length fur that requires regular grooming to prevent mats. Their silky coats can tangle easily, so weekly brushing is essential to maintain their appearance. While Ragdolls are laid-back and love being cuddled, their grooming demands can take time. These cats are incredibly affectionate and enjoy spending time with their families, making them ideal for people who don’t mind investing time in their care. They are known for their sweet nature and calm demeanor.

12. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian forest cat
Pixabay/Pixabay

Norwegian Forest Cats have thick, long fur designed to keep them warm in cold climates. Their coats require frequent grooming, especially during shedding seasons, to avoid mats and tangles. This breed tends to shed heavily, so regular brushing is necessary to keep their fur healthy. Norwegian Forest Cats are energetic and playful, enjoying outdoor activities. While their grooming needs are high, their affectionate and independent personalities make them worth the extra effort, especially for active households.

13. Himalayan

Himalayan cat
Claudia-schmalz/Pexels

Himalayan cats have long, thick fur that requires daily grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Their coats are prone to shedding, and without regular brushing, they can become uncomfortable. These cats also need attention around their eyes and noses due to their flat faces. Himalayans are known for their calm, affectionate personalities and enjoy spending time indoors. However, their grooming demands make them better suited for owners who have the time and patience to care for their beautiful coats.

14. Angora

Yudha Aprilian/Pexels

Turkish Angoras have soft, silky fur that needs regular grooming to keep it free of tangles and mats. Their fur sheds moderately, but without regular brushing, it can become unmanageable. This breed is playful, active, and affectionate, making them great companions for families who can commit to grooming. Their high-maintenance coats need attention, particularly during shedding seasons, but their friendly and social nature makes them a worthwhile choice for owners willing to invest in their care.

15. Scottish Fold

Scottish fold with bright orange eyes
Gundula Vogel/Pexels

Scottish Fold cats have long, thick fur that requires regular grooming to avoid mats and tangles. Their unique folded ears make them stand out, but their coats require attention, especially around the ears and underarms. Frequent brushing helps maintain their coats and prevent discomfort. In addition to their grooming needs, Scottish Folds are prone to joint problems due to the genetic mutation that causes their ear folds. Despite this, their calm, sweet nature makes them wonderful companions for dedicated owners.

16. Birman

Birman
Tranmautritam/Pexels

Birmans have semi-long coats that require frequent grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Their luxurious fur sheds moderately, especially during shedding seasons, so regular brushing is necessary. Birmans are affectionate, playful cats that enjoy human company. Their loving nature makes them excellent companions, but their grooming needs require time and effort from their owners. Regular care will keep their coats healthy and shiny while allowing them to maintain their sweet personalities.

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