When it comes to feline companions, few things can rival the irresistible appeal of cats with round faces. From their adorable expressions to their endearing personalities, these captivating creatures have captured the hearts of cat lovers worldwide. So, whether you’re a devoted feline aficionado or simply intrigued by the unique characteristics of various cat breeds, exploring the world of round-faced cats is sure to leave you smitten.
Cats with round faces
1. Himalayan
If you’re looking for a cat that is the cutest, snuggliest, and most cuddly thing ever, you should definitely check out the Himalayan cat breed. These felines are known for their round faces, which make them look almost like stuffed animals. In addition, they have beautiful long fur that comes in many different colors and patterns, and they’re also very intelligent.
Himalayans are very friendly and get along well with children and other pets. They make great companions for families who don’t have much time to spend with their pets because they don’t require much attention—they don’t need to be walked on a leash or taken for long walks every day to keep them happy!
2. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a very social cat, and they are known to be quite affectionate with their humans. They are also known to be very playful, and they will often follow their owners around the house. They are very intelligent cats and can even be taught to fetch toys!
The American Shorthair has been around since the 1940s and was developed in America by crossing the British Shorthair with other breeds of cats. Although it is named the “American,” this breed originated from England; however, it has been in America for so long that it is now considered an American breed.
3. Bombay
The Bombay cat is one of several breeds that have been developed to resemble the Asian leopard cat. It has an average height of between two to four feet and weighs between ten and eighteen pounds. The Bombay cat has a short coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue and red. The coat is typically short-haired with a soft texture that requires little grooming.
The round face of the Bombay cat is due to its short muzzle, which can be upturned or straight. Its eyes are almond-shaped with an intense gaze and may be any color except green or yellow; however, blue eyes are most common on black cats, while green eyes are most common on red or cream cats.
4. Persian
The Persian cat breed has a round face, with a short nose and large eyes. The head is round, with a broad skull and rounded forehead. The ears are small and close to the head. The eyes are large and round, with an almond shape. The Persian cat breed has a short muzzle that is usually straight but may be slightly curved in some varieties.
They can have any coat color or pattern. They have a thick undercoat and a long, glossy waterproof topcoat that should be brushed regularly.
Persians are known for their low activity level, making them good pets for people who don’t want to deal with lots of chasing around the house after their cat all day!
5. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold is a cat breed with a distinctive genetic trait: their ears don’t stand up. Instead, they fold forward and down, giving these cats a very round face. This folding of the ears is caused by a genetic mutation that also affects the bones in their legs, causing them to be short and stocky.
The Scottish Fold is a medium-sized cat with short hair that comes in several colors, most commonly blue-gray or red-brown. They are well known for being extremely affectionate, intelligent, and playful.
6. Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair is a popular choice for families who want a friendly, active, and fun-loving cat. This breed’s round face makes them especially cute and expressive, which can be great for kids who love animals.
The Exotic Shorthair has been around since the 1960s, but it was not officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association until 1976. This breed has a gentle temperament and loves people, making it an excellent choice for families with children or pets (if you don’t already have another cat).
7. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a cat breed that has a round face. The head is rounded and wide, with a short, broad nose and large ears that sit close to the head. The body is muscular but not too heavy. The tail is long and tapers to a point at the tip.
The eyes are round and wide-set, giving the appearance of being slightly bulging. The color varies depending on the coat color; it can be any shade of blue, green, or even hazel.
The coat is short and fine, but it has an undercoat that helps keep them warm in colder climates. It’s also very soft to the touch!
As a domestic cat breed, they tend to bond closely with their owners while also maintaining their independence somewhat due to their size—they’re not quite as small as most other domestic cat breeds, so they have more room for themselves if need be!
8. Burmese
The Burmese is a stocky, muscular cat with a short coat that ranges from silky to satin-like. The color of the coat depends on the pattern of the underlying color and can be found in many shades of red, blue, chocolate, and lilac. The most common colors are seal lynx point (black), blue lynx point (blue), chocolate tabby point (brown) and lilac tabby point (cream).
The large eyes of this breed have a deep black outer rim with a sapphire blue center. The ears are rounded at their tips and set at an angle to create the appearance of alertness when they’re upright.
Burmese are affectionate and playful cats who love to spend time with their owners or other pets in the household. They make excellent companions for children because they’re very tolerant of being handled roughly by young kids who may not know any better than to treat them as if they were stuffed toys instead of living creatures with feelings like anyone else would feel if someone treated them that way too!
9. Chartreux
The Chartreux is a medium-sized cat with a long, silky coat that comes in many colors and patterns. It has broad shoulders and a muscular body. Its fur ranges from light brown to dark gray, with darker shadings on their ears, face, and legs.
This breed is known for being outgoing and friendly with strangers, but they can also be cautious of people they don’t know well. They’re known for being somewhat shy at first but then becoming very affectionate once they feel comfortable around you.
Chartreux cats are very intelligent and curious about their surroundings; they love to explore! They’re also very playful—they love jumping up on things (including people!) and wrestling with each other (or with other animals).
10. Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a cat breed that was developed in the 1980s. It is known for its plush coat, round face, and thick body.
There are two types of Selkirk Rex cats: long-haired and short-haired. The long-haired type has a soft, silky coat that is medium to long in length, while the short-haired type has a dense coat that is short in length.
Both types of Selkirk Rex cats come in all colors and patterns.
11. Munchkin
Munchkins are a breed of cat with short legs and a round face. They are also known as dwarf cats.
Munchkins were originally bred in 1983 by Sandra Hochenedel, who was working at a cattery in Missouri. She wanted to create a cat with the same characteristics as the teddy bear: short legs, round face, and big eyes. She started breeding cats that had these traits and then started selling them.
In 1994, the Munchkin was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) as a new breed of cat. Since then, many other organizations have approved the Munchkin and other similar breeds, such as the Scottish Fold and American Curl.
Cats With Round Faces Health Risks
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Cats with round faces often belong to brachycephalic breeds, characterized by their shortened facial structure. While this unique feature contributes to their charming appearance, it can also lead to various health challenges. Brachycephalic syndrome encompasses a range of respiratory issues, including narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates, and a flattened facial profile. These anatomical abnormalities can result in difficulty breathing, snoring, and increased vulnerability to heat stress. Therefore, owners of round-faced cats need to be vigilant and monitor their pets for any signs of respiratory distress.
Eye Problems
The large and expressive eyes that often accompany round-faced breeds can be prone to certain eye conditions. Persians, for instance, are known to have a higher risk of developing eye-related issues such as entropion (inward rolling of eyelids), cherry eye (prolapsed gland of the third eyelid), and tear duct abnormalities. These conditions can cause discomfort, irritation and, if left untreated, may even lead to vision impairment. Regular eye examinations by a veterinarian are crucial to detect and address these problems early on.
Dental Challenges
The unique facial structure of round-faced cats can also pose challenges regarding oral health. Breeds like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs often have shortened jaws, leading to dental overcrowding and misalignment. These conditions can result in difficulties with chewing, increased plaque and tartar buildup, and an elevated risk of periodontal diseases. Regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices, including toothbrushing, can help mitigate these risks and maintain good dental health for round-faced feline companions.
Skin and Coat Issues
The luscious and abundant fur adorning round-faced breeds require meticulous grooming and care. These cats may be susceptible to skin problems such as matting, excessive oil buildup, and skin infections without proper attention. Additionally, tear staining, a common issue among round-faced cats, can cause fur discoloration around the eyes. Diligent grooming, including regular brushing, bathing, and keeping the face clean and dry, is essential to prevent these concerns and promote a healthy skin and coat.
What are round-faced cats called?
Round-faced cats are called “round-faced breeds” or “brachycephalic breeds.” These cats have a distinct facial structure characterized by a short, wide skull and a flat or pushed-in nose.
Final Thoughts
I am a fan of cats with round faces. The faces are round and expressive, which is particularly adorable for those animated cats who like to jump around and roll over. This can make them great cats for families. They’re definitely a good fit for children. Also, since they tend to have thicker fur, they’re perfect for colder weather.