If you are looking for a good-sized cat that has a loveable personality and noticeable appearance, look no further than the medium-sized cat breeds who have some of the best characteristics a cat breed has to offer.
Medium-sized cat breeds are typically no larger than 8 to 11 inches in size and weigh between 10 to 15 pounds. This makes them ideal for families who live in apartments and want an attractive and sociable cat who can fit into a variety of environments.
Some of the most common cat breeds are medium in size and have the most affectionate characteristics that cat owners love. With this in mind, we have created a list of some of the most popular medium-sized cat breeds to help you determine which breed is right for you.
The 21 Medium Sized Cat Breeds:
1. Ragdoll
| Lifespan: | 13-18 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 9-11 inches |
| Weight: | 8-15 pounds |
The ragdoll cat breed originates from California and was bred for its striking appearance. This cat breed has a silky coat that fluffs up around its body. Its eyes are a deep blue, and the coat is semi-long with the most popular color being cream and brown. The ragdoll is highly intelligent and affectionate with a curious nature. They enjoy spending time with their owner and exploring its environment.
The ragdoll is great for families with children and loves the attention they are well accustomed to. They have few health problems and require a family who can provide them with a calm and enriching environment while still giving them human interaction in the form of cuddles and grooming.
2. Sphynx
| Lifespan: | 9-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
| Height: | 8-10 inches |
| Weight: | 6-14 pounds |
The nude sphynx cat breed is from Canada and has a furless appearance. They are pink or patterned in appearance. Although this cat breed appears to have no fur at first, their body is covered in fine hair which can be described as fuzz. Their furless appearance makes them look smaller than other cat breeds and their inquisitive and docile nature is appealing. This appearance is the result of a genetic mutation that was developed through selective breeding in the 1960s. They are active and enjoyable cats that love to climb and receive attention from their owners. Their delicate body needs extra attention and minimal grooming.
3. Exotic Shorthair
| Lifespan: | 8-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 10-12 inches |
| Weight: | 10-12 pounds |
The exotic shorthair cat breed was first developed as a shorthaired version of the Persian. They originate from Europe where they were bred to catch mice and rats on cargo. Their stubby nose and flat snout make them a form of the brachycephalic cat breed. The exotic shorthair is like the Persians temperament and conformation. They are described as being affectionate and playful cats that are great with children and senior owners who can provide them with daily attention and toys to keep them enriched.
4. Scottish Fold
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 8-10 inches |
| Weight: | 7-13 pounds |
The Scottish fold originates from Scotland and the United Kingdom. This is a playful and lazy breed of cat that enjoys lying in the sun for hours on end or getting much-needed cuddles and pets from its owner. As the name suggests, the Scottish fold has flattened ears that surround a flat snout and large, curious eyes. Their unique appearance has given them a permanent shocked or angry appearance which many owners find amusing. Overall, the Scottish fold is social and calm which makes them ideal for families who are looking for an easy-going cat breed.
5. Siamese
| Lifespan: | 14-18 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
| Height: | 8-12 inches |
| Weight: | 8-15 pounds |
Siamese cats are agile and slim, with a short coat that comes in a variety of desirable colors. This cat breed originates from Thailand and has an elegant appearance. They are social and affectionate cats who love to explore their surroundings and spend a few hours out of their day playing with their owners. The Siamese cat can be tall; however, they are still considered medium-sized cats and the tallness mainly comes from their long legs and slim neck.
6. Abyssinian
| Lifespan: | 10-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 8-10 inches |
| Weight: | 8-12 pounds |
The Abyssinian is a breed of domestic short-hair cat that has a ticked tabby coat which means that each hair is banded with different colors. They are believed to have originated from Abyssinia. They are active cats who seem to be everywhere at once. They move fast with speed and agility and enjoy exploring the home and climbing on top of furniture. The Abyssinian prefer to sleep on high surfaces, so it is a good idea to place their bed on top of a table or shelf in a tight space.
This cat breed can be shy and prefer quiet households with older children only. They can become affectionate towards the person who feeds them and will be seen rubbing against the owner’s leg demanding attention.
7. Burmese
| Lifespan: | 18-25 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
| Height: | 9-12 inches |
| Weight: | 8-15 pounds |
Burmese are affectionate cats who are on the shyer end. They enjoy their peace and privacy and make a great cat breed for senior owners or families with children. They are known to be docile and social towards humans and other cats, but they will typically sleep more often than they will play. This cat breed originates from a Canadian breeder in the 1960s. The Burmese cat breed is exceptionally intelligent and equally attractive with a brown coat and large green eyes.
8. Russian Blue
| Lifespan: | 15-20 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
| Height: | 9-11 inches |
| Weight: | 7-12 pounds |
The Russian blue cat breed is highly intelligent and attractive. They feature a grey-blue coat with kind eyes. This cat breed originates from northern Russian. It is a naturally occurring breed that is reserved and gentle cats. They are typically wary of a stranger but enjoy being petted by people they feel comfortable with. They require a variety of interactive toys to play with to keep their mind stimulated and enriched. Russian blues are always alert and curious to strange noises and sounds.
9. Birman
| Lifespan: | 14-17 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 8-10 inches |
| Weight: | 10-12 pounds |
The Birman cat breed is soft and fluffy with small, pointed ears and squished facial features. This cat breed is great for children and adults alike. They have a docile nature and seem to be social with other cat breeds. Birmans are more on the lazy side and prefer napping over exploring or playing. The Birmans low energy and relaxed temperament make them perfect for families who are peaceful and prefer a quiet life with minimal disturbances in the household.
10. American Shorthair
| Lifespan: | 15-20 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 8-10 inches |
| Weight: | 10-15 pounds |
The American shorthair is bold and affectionate with a curious eye and exploratory temperament. This cat breed is great with older children and the calm life of seniors. American shorthairs can make quite the food beggars and will rarely pass up an opportunity for a delicious treat. They have a lengthy lifespan and small stature which makes them an appealing medium-sized cat breed for families who want a playful and intelligent cat.
11. Ocicat
| Lifespan: | 15-18 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
| Height: | 9-11 inches |
| Weight: | 6-13 pounds |
The Ocicat is a domesticated cat breed that resembles the wild type but has no wild DNA in its gene pool. It has an unusual spotted appearance with a slender body and large pointed ears. The Ocicat is a playful breed that loves playing with stimulating toys to engage their interest. Climbing is a gifted ability for this cat breed, and they can be seen climbing onto high cabinets and into tight-fitting places. Ocicats are intelligent and will appreciate a family that can accommodate its playful and exploratory needs.
12. Tonkinese
| Lifespan: | 10-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 7-10 inches |
| Weight: | 6-12 pounds |
The Tonkinese is a mixed breed between the Siamese and Burmese. They are lively and playful with a pointed coat pattern that comes in a variety of colors. The Tonkinese originates from Thailand, Canada, and parts of the United States. This attractive cat has a typical cream and brown appearance with rounded eyes that are either green or light blue. This cat breed is beautiful and unique with a social temperament which makes them good family-orientated pets.
13. Manx
| Lifespan: | 9-13 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 7-11 inches |
| Weight: | 8-12 pounds |
This cat breed originates from the Isle of Man where it has been domesticated and selectively bred throughout the years to produce some striking coat colors. The Manx is adaptive and small in appearance with dark black lines outlining the body. They are not overly active but do enjoy chasing and interacting with different cat toys or exploring the house. These cats are devoted to their families and especially love feeding time where they will meow and slowly move their tails to signal that they are awaiting their meal.
14. Selkirk Rex
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 9-11 inches |
| Weight: | 6-15 pounds |
This cuddly cat breed originates from the United States where they were bred and distributed for their delicate and teddy bear appearance. The Selkirk rex has curly fur across its back and stomach, with semi-long fur on its head and tail. They are as cuddly and affectionate as they look, with a playful and gentle personality that makes them ideal for households with children.
15. Somali
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 7-11 inches |
| Weight: | 6-10 pounds |
This cat breed is social and exploratory. The Somali originates from the United States and features a distinctive silky coat that is long in appearance. The coat is what draws many owners to this medium cat breed and it is soft and shiny both the human eye and touch. They enjoy exploring their environment but will also spend most of their time napping in a warm and sunny spot during the day. The Somali enjoys human interaction and cuddling up to an owner who prefers a cat’s cosmetic appearance that requires a lot of grooming.
16. Lykoi
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 8-10 inches |
| Weight: | 6-12 pounds |
This cat breed has an unusual slender build with a thick tufty coat. Their coloration is typically dark brown with non-uniform patterns throughout. The Lykoi was first discovered in a feral colony in the United States and the domesticated breed was further developed in 2011 to become a rare breed of cat that we know today as the Lykoi. They are docile towards humans and crave interaction. These are smart cats with a lot of energy and agility which allows them to climb and jump with ease.
17. Bombay
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 11-13 inches |
| Weight: | 8-15 pounds |
The Bombay cat breed is muscular and tall, yet they are still considered a medium-sized cat breed. They are affectionate and playful with a curious eye with heightened senses that make them alert and smart. Bombay can come off as independent, but they still enjoy regular interactions with their owners. This cat breed is ideal for families with older children. The Bombay is typically a black or dark brown coloration with striking yellow eyes.
18. Chartreux
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 9-11 inches |
| Weight: | 6-12 pounds |
The Chartreux cat breed originates from France and Syria where they were recognized by several registries around the world. They are social and active and ideal for households with children and other pets like cats or small dogs. This cat breed has a blue-grey appearance with yellow eyes. Their appearance looks quite similar to the Russian blue, but the Chartreux is stockier and larger in comparison.
19. Korat
| Lifespan: | 10-15 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Height: | 9-12 inches |
| Weight: | 6-10 pounds |
The Korat has a silky blue coat with a long tail and sleek build. These cats are highly intelligent and active with a lust for hunting and playing. The Korat is perfect for families who want an active cat who will enjoy playing with their owners and receiving cuddles after. They do not seem to mind living with young children and are considered gentle enough to live with a senior owner.
20. Khoa Manee
| Lifespan: | 10-12 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
| Height: | 10-12 inches |
| Weight: | 8-10 pounds |
A rarer breed of cat is the Khoa Manee which originates from Bangkok in Thailand. This is a relatively new breed of a domesticated cat that stands out amongst other breeds with its short white coat and large pointed ears. They are inquisitive and playful, yet this cat breed can be lazy and spend most of the day stretching out in a sunny spot. They are ideal for families with young children and can even do well in multi-cat homes if there are enough litter boxes to go around.
21. American Wirehair
| Lifespan: | 12-16 years |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
| Height: | 9-11 inches |
| Weight: | 8-12 pounds |
The American wirehair originates from upstate New York where the first kitten of this breed was found wandering the streets in 1966 with fur that resembled the popular wirehaired terrier dog breed. Since then, the American wirehair has been bred and distributed all over the world for its unique appearance and sociable temperament. The American wirehair is ideal for families who are sensitive to the typical cat’s long fur and dander which the wiry texture of this cat breed lacks.
Conclusion
Overall, there are so many medium-sized cat breeds to choose from. To make it easier, it is best to narrow down your list of desirable breeds by choosing ones that work for you and your family. Some medium-sized cat breeds are hypoallergenic and can have lesser symptoms associated with allergies to cat fur, whereas some breeds are playful yet docile enough to fit into a household with children or seniors.
Even though the majority of these breeds are considered medium in size, it is not uncommon for individual cats from the breed to be larger or smaller depending on their genetics.
Featured Image Credit: Linn Currie, Shutterstock
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