Flat Faced Cat Breeds (11 Flat Face Cat Breeds You Will LOVE!)

Flat-faced cat breeds are some of the most adorable and highly desirable creatures in the feline world. 

Though they have caused some controversy over the years, due to people worrying about the breathing difficulties certain skull shapes can cause, they’re still wonderfully endearing. 

There’s something about flat-faced animals that inherently appeals to us as pet owners. It’s not just flat-faced cats attracting all the love either. 

Just think about how popular Boston terriers and pugs have become over the years. 

If you’re drawn to the unique features of a flat faced furry friend, we’ve tracked down some of the most phenomenal breeds you might consider adopting.

Cats With Flat Faces. How & Why?

Before we jump into our list, it’s worth looking at where flat-faced cat breeds actually come from. 

Notably, the flat-faced cat is created by a unique genetic trait, popular in the cat breeding industry. 

The trait comes from changes to the skull shape of the cat, which gives its face a slightly more smushed appearance. 

Different breeds have different levels of this genetic trait, which is why some of the flat-faced breeds below will have a less obvious “flattened” appearance than others. 

Exotic shorthair cats, Himalayan cats, and Persians generally have some of the more “extreme” flat faces. 

One point to keep in mind before you jump into adopting one of these breeds is a flat face can mean your kitty requires extra care. Some are more predisposed to issues with their health, particularly when it comes to dental care, vision, and respiration. 

Many cats with flat faces also have longer fur which requires more regular grooming.

Let’s jump into our list of flat-faced cat breeds.

1. Bombay Cats

Size: 8-15 pounds

Lifespan: 9-13 years

Bombay cats originate from the United States. These solid black kitties were designed to look a lot like the much bigger black panther. 

Originally, the Bombay cat was bred into existence by crossing a Burmese with a black American shorthair, which is where the breed gets its flat face. 

The Bombay cat has longer legs, a larger body, and often bigger eyes than other kitties. Their short black hair is relatively easy to groom, although it’s worth noting these felines do have a curious nature that can get them into trouble. 

Often active and friendly, these adaptable felines are some of the easiest to adopt if you’re planning on getting a flat-faced pet. 

Bombay cats are highly social, and form strong attachments to their owners, making them phenomenal family pets.

Read this next: Bombay Cat: Cat Breed Profile

2. British Shorthair

Size: 8-18 pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

The British Shorthair is a mid to large-sized cat bred in the United Kingdom. Compact and well-balanced, these kitties come with short, dense, and very soft coats in a range of colors. 

In some cases, you can also find British longhair cats too, with a thick and wooly coats. 

British shorthairs only have a moderately flat face, with round cheeks and larger eyes, which means they’re slightly less predisposed to breathing problems. 

The good looks of this cat, combined with its good-natured temperament and calm attitude make them the perfect pet for a lot of homeowners. 

If you’re looking for a relatively docile and easy-going breed that’s happy to get along with other animals and children, this could be the kitty for you. 

Shorthaired cats are also easier to groom and fantastic for small home and apartment living.

Read this next: This British Shorthair Kitten is Going to Melt your Heart

3. Burmese

Size: 8-12 pounds

Lifespan:12-16 years

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Burmese cat originated in Burma, but quickly developed a strong presence across the UK and United States. 

This muscular and compact cat generally has a very short and glossy coat – perfect for petting. 

Burmese are medium-sized cats that have beautiful big eyes. 

The Burmese cat was created by breeding a Burma walnut-brown cat with a Siamese. These feline friends are best known for being friendly and people-oriented. 

In many cases, Burmese cats are more likely to act like a dog, following you around the house and even responding to commands. 

Burmese cats come in a range of colors, from sable to platinum grey. They’re fun and friendly cats with a playful quality great for families.

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4. Burmilla

Size: 6-13 pounds

Lifespan: 10-15 years

One of the smaller cats on our list for flat-faced feline lovers, the Burmilla cat is a beautiful creature that first originated in the United Kingdom. 

The Burmilla gets its name from its breeding ancestors, the Burmese, and the Chinchilla Persian. 

These slender and elegant cats have muscular bodies and beautiful silvery coats. The mid-length coat does require a little more grooming than a shorthair feline, but it’s still relatively easy to take care of. 

If you’re looking for a fairly independent kitty, this could be the right choice for you. 

Burmilla cats are often playful and love to explore their surroundings. Though sweet to family members, many of these kitties can be uncomfortable around strangers, which might make them less ideal for a crowded home. 

Read this next: 20 Kitty Facts about the Orange Tabby Cat

5. Exotic Shorthair

Size: 8-15 pounds

Lifespan: 12-16 years

Otherwise known simply as the “Exotic”, the Exotic shorthair was bred in the United States, and is very similar to a shorthaired Persian. 

The Exotic shorthair is one of the more extreme versions of the flat-faced cat breed on this list. 

Exotic shorthairs have a characteristically flat face with a small snub nose and large eyes. 

These cats are intended to look like Persian cats but have slightly fewer demands when it comes to actually groom their beautiful fur. 

Exotics are affectionate and caring. They make good lap cats for people who enjoy cuddling with their furry friends on cold nights. 

Most of these felines are also very gentle and calm, which makes them a good choice for families.

Read this next: Cats with Blue Eyes: 12 Cat Breeds with Blue Eyes

6. Himalayan

Size: 7-12 pounds

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Another excellent example of a more extreme flat faced cat breed, the Himalayan is otherwise known as a color-pointed Persian. 

They were created by breeding Siamese cats and Persians together. These cats were originally created in the United States, by combining a Persian with a Siamese. 

Indeed, these felines resemble the Persian in many ways, but they often have a more slender body hidden under all that fur.

Himalayan cats are generally light-colored, with darker points throughout the face, legs, ears, and tail. 

They typically have bright blue eyes, and a wonderfully easy-going and patient temperament. 

These cats are very devoted to their families and require a lot of attention. 

As a long-haired breed of cat, your Himalayan will likely require a lot more grooming than some of the other animals on this list. 

Read this next: Himalayan: Cat Breed Profile

7. Persian

Size: 8-15 pounds

Lifespan: 14-15 years

Widely considered the most popular and well-known of the flat faced cat breeds, the Persian is an unforgettable feline friend. 

One of the most popular domestic cat breeds in the US, the Persian was initially bred in Iran. These easy-going lap cats are ideal for all kinds of families. 

The Persian is a very ancient breed with a long history. The cat has a very flat face, with large wide eyes, giving your furry friend a very sweet expression. The Persian cat is easy-going and docile. 

They tend to be quite quiet and relaxed, great for indoor life. 

Persian kitties have sweet and loving temperaments, but their long flowing coats require significant upkeep to avoid the threat of matting. 

Read this next: The Persian Cat: Cat Breed Profile

8. Scottish Fold

Size: 6-13 pounds

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Another extremely popular cat breed to come from the United Kingdom, the Scottish fold has a number of unique features to set it apart from other felines. 

These kitties are best-recognized for their folded-in ears, which are created by a genetic mutation. 

The Scottish Fold breed typically starts with straight ears, but the cats with the gene begin to see the fold within a few weeks of aging. 

This medium-sized cat breed comes in a range of coat-colored combinations and generally has relatively short fur. 

When it comes to temperament, Scottish fold kittens are generally good-natured and get along well with other pets, cats, and children. They’re also highly adaptable and capable of living well indoors.

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9. Selkirk Rex

Size: 7-12 pounds

Lifespan: 14-15 years

The Selkirk Rex has some significant Persian blood in its history, which may be why it has such a distinctive flat face. 

This solid and stocky breed comes in a variety of colors and can also have many different coat lengths. 

The most distinctive part of this cat is its curly, wooly fur. 

Aside from a curly coat, some Selkirk Rex cats also have curly whiskers – which is unique among cat breeds. 

Due to a unique coat, you might need to spend a little more time grooming this cat compared to other flat-faced breeds. 

These adorable feline friends are excellent for families, as they do well with all kinds of people. They’re affectionate and docile, but they generally prefer to be around people as much as possible. 

These cats don’t always feel comfortable being left alone.

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10. Munchkin Cats

Size: 6-9 pounds

Lifespan: 12-14 years 

Easily one of the smallest flat faced cats on our list, Munchkin cats are sometimes referred to as “sausage cats, thanks to their long bodies and short legs. 

These active and playful kitties come in a range of colors and generally have a short and stocky breed. 

Though Munchkin cats can still run and jump quite easily, their short legs mean they’re generally not well-suited to outside life. However, they are often very curious kitties with a love of all things new. 

They don’t mind being handled and love cuddling with their family. 

Munchkin cats tend to have a playful kitten personality which remains with them as they get older, and they remain athletic throughout their lives. 

Read this next: 21 Munchkin Kittens That Prove Size Doesn’t Matter

11. Silver Persian Cat

Size: 7-12 pounds

Lifespan: 13.5 years

Although you could classify the Silver Persian cat as simply another “Persian”, they’re frequently classified as their own unique breed. 

Otherwise known as the Chinchilla Persian, these kitties have a unique silver coat and a beautiful set of blue-green eyes. 

Silver Persians are some of the most sought-after cats in the world, thanks to their phenomenal, good looks. 

These furry friends also share many of the positive traits of the Persian, such as a laid-back and affectionate attitude. 

The Silver Persian cat is great for family life and does well living indoors. Most of these kitties will also get along with other animals throughout the home.

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