If you’ve ever met an orange cat, you know they have a personality as bold as their coat! Short-haired orange cat breeds are some of the most energetic, playful, and affectionate felines around.
Whether it’s a classic tabby or a solid-colored orange beauty, these cats are known for their intelligence and strong connection with their humans. Their vibrant coats stand out in a crowd, making them one of the most recognizable and beloved cats in the world.
If you want a cat that brings warmth and adventure into your home, a short-haired orange feline might be the perfect fit.
Short Hair Orange Cat Breeds
1. American Shorthair
This breed is the feline version of an old-school Hollywood heartthrob—charming, effortlessly cool, and always photogenic. American Shorthairs come in various colors, but their orange tabby coat makes them look like they walked straight out of a Garfield comic strip.
They’re easygoing, affectionate, and slightly sassy. They’ll cuddle with you one moment and knock your drink off the table the next—because, well, cat logic.
But don’t hold it against them; with their big round eyes and sweet demeanor, they know exactly how to get back into your good graces.
Coat Vibes
Short but thick, with a slightly firm texture
Low-shedding and easy to groom (just a quick brush now and then)
Comes in various tabby patterns, including the iconic swirls, stripes, and spots that make orange American Shorthairs look like mini tigers
This breed’s coat isn’t just stylish—it’s practical. It’s like the cat version of a well-fitted leather jacket: tough, timeless, and effortlessly stylish.
2. British Shorthair
If the American Shorthair is a Hollywood star, the British Shorthair is a royal dignitary. With their plush, dense coat and chubby cheeks, they look like they were born to lounge in luxury (and demand treats on a silver platter).
British Shorthairs are known for their teddy bear-like appearance, and their orange variation is simply breathtaking. They have a laid-back attitude, making them the perfect companion for anyone who wants a cat that loves attention—but doesn’t need it 24/7.
Unlike some drama-prone feline divas, these guys won’t throw a tantrum if you’re five minutes late to feed them (but let’s not test that theory too often).
Coat Vibes
Dense, plush, and velvety—like a premium stuffed animal
Comes in solid orange or tabby patterns
Has a slightly crisp feel when you pet it (but still insanely soft)
If an American Shorthair’s coat is like a leather jacket, then a British Shorthair’s is a high-end cashmere sweater—expensive-looking, ridiculously cozy, and always in style.
3. Manx
What’s cuter than an orange cat? An orange cat with no tail! The Manx is the daredevil of the short-haired orange cat world, known for its rabbit-like hop and fearless attitude.
The Manx may look a bit different without a tail, but trust me, they make up for it with pure personality. These cats are highly intelligent, playful, and exceptional in their loyalty. Some even enjoy playing fetch!
As per PetMD, Manx cats are often described as dog-like due to their lifelong playfulness, sociable nature, and love of learning new tricks.
If you’ve ever wished for a pet that combines the sass of a cat with the enthusiasm of a puppy, the Manx is your perfect match.
Coat Vibes
Short, double-layered coat with a soft undercoat
Extra warmth for those tail-challenged kitties
Shimmering orange hues, often with bold tabby markings
Their fur gives them an effortlessly polished look—like they just walked out of a salon. And paired with their round body and no-tail (or a cute little stub), the Manx is an absolute showstopper.
4. American Bobtail
The American Bobtail cat looks like a mini wildcat, but don’t be fooled—this ginger beauty is all heart (and maybe a little mischief). With their signature short, expressive tails, they have a rugged, outdoorsy vibe, even if they’ve never left your couch.
Coat Vibes
Short, dense, and slightly rough to the touch
Water-resistant (because no cat wants to get wet, but they like the option)
Often features striking tabby patterns in a fiery orange hue
These cats are playful, dog-like, and ridiculously smart. They’ll follow you around, greet you at the door, and possibly try to steal your dinner when you’re not looking.
As per WebMD, American Bobtails are known to be heavy shedders, which can trigger flare-ups in individuals with cat allergies.
5. Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are famous for their adorable folded ears, making them look permanently surprised or like they just heard some juicy gossip. Their plush, round faces paired with a vibrant orange coat? Absolutely irresistible.
Coat Vibes:
Short, thick, and incredibly soft
Comes in solid orange, tabby, and cream variations
Feels almost velvety—like a tiny, living stuffed animal
Sweet, affectionate, and always up for a lap nap. They’re the type of cat that melts into your arms like warm butter.
But don’t let their cuteness fool you—they have a sneaky sense of humor and a talent for finding the weirdest places to nap (like your laptop keyboard).
6. Exotic Shorthair
If you love Persian cats but don’t want to deal with all that high-maintenance fluff, meet the Exotic Shorthair!
They are a medium-sized breed, with male cats typically being larger than females. These adorable little teddy bears have the same smooshy face but with a much easier-to-care-for coat.
According to the Cat Fanciers Association, they are classified as longhair cats because they have a similar structure to Persians, but they are somewhat easier to care for.
Coat Vibes
Short, dense, and plush—like a premium velvet couch
Super soft but doesn’t mat or tangle
Can be a deep, rich orange or a lighter, golden hue
Exotic Shorthairs are professional cuddlers. They love attention, adore their humans, and have an endearing, slightly lazy personality. Think of them as the couch potatoes of the cat world—chill, affectionate, and always up for a cozy nap.
7. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is the athlete of the orange cat world—sleek, fast, and always on the move. They have a unique ticked coat, which gives them a shimmering, almost glowing effect, making them look like they just walked out of a golden sunset.
Coat Vibes
Short, fine, and close to the body
Ticked tabby pattern, meaning each hair has multiple shades of orange
Low-shedding and super sleek—minimal grooming needed!
High-energy, endlessly curious, and always up for an adventure. If you’re looking for a cat that will entertain you and occasionally knock things off shelves just to see what happens, the Abyssinian is the one.
While not a lap cat, as the Abyssinian prefers not to curl up and relax for long, it is an extremely friendly, curious, and inquisitive breed. This cat will happily assist or supervise any activity you’re involved in, Purina says.
Conclusion
Short-haired orange cat breeds are popular among cat lovers due to their striking orange fur, unique colors and patterns, and affectionate personalities. Other cats like the Domestic Shorthair, which comes in various coat patterns, and the unique curly-coated breeds like the Cornish Rex cats and Devon Rex cats, are adored for their vibrant orange coloration and loving personalities. Large cat breeds like the Maine Coon, often called gentle giants, though long-haired varieties are more common.
While most orange cats have tabby markings, finding a cat with a solid orange coat is rare due to orange cat genes. Regardless of their breed, orange cats are known for their affectionate nature and their ability to form strong bonds with their owners. While solid orange coats are rare, these cats bring warmth and charm to their owners, proving that orange cats truly have a special place in the feline world.
