Hepper blog

Search our database of over 9,984 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians.

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

12 Round Face Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

By Kathryn Copeland
Share
Ask us a question in the comments
scottish fold cat_Kriss Chen_Pixabay

Cats come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes, as well as a variety of coat colors and lengths and eye shapes and colors. There are also many cats with round faces, and they typically also have round eyes and sometimes flat faces.

There are at least 12 specific cats breeds that tend to have round faces. Here, we go over these cats with a brief description of each, as well as issues that some round-faced cats can have.

The 12 Round-Faced Cat Breeds

1. American Shorthair

American shorthair cat is sitting and looking forward
Image Credit: Pagespeed.ic

American Shorthair cats are perfect family cats! They love spending time with their families and get along equally well in a quiet single apartment or noisy family-filled home. They are easy-going, loving cats that are quite friendly and curious.

They come in all varieties of colors and patterns, but the tabby is the most common. They are typically shorthaired, but there’s also a wirehaired breed.


2. Bombay

bombay black cat portrait
Image By: Viktor Sergeevich, Shutterstock

The Bombay thrives on attention and loves to hang out with their humans as much as possible. They’re active, loving, and intelligent cats that enjoy cuddling up with you or perching on your shoulder. They are easygoing but will also enjoy a good play session.

Bombays have short, fine coats that are simple to groom and come in only black. They tend to have eyes in the yellow, golden, or orange range.


3. British Shorthair

orange british shorthair close up
Image By: MelaniMarfeld, Pixabay

The British Shorthair might have similarities to the American Shorthair physically, but they are different in temperament. They are calm and independent cats that are loyal and not that active. They do not like being carried around and would prefer to cuddle next to you rather than on your lap, but they make lovely family cats.

British Shorthairs come in various colors but are famous for their blue color. Their coats are typically thick, soft, and plush, but they also come in longhaired.


4. Burmese

burmese cat face
Image By: AdinaVoicu, Pixabay

The Burmese are quite social and loving cats that enjoy a good snooze on your lap. They’re playful and dependent on their people, so they don’t do well if you leave them alone for long periods. Burmese are intelligent and love to chat, and they make fantastically patient family cats.

They come in a range of different colors but are known for being sable, and rich, dark brown. Their short, soft, satin-like coats make grooming low-maintenance.


5. Burmilla

Burmilla Cat
Image Credit: JE Jevgenija, Shutterstock

Burmilla cats are affectionate, playful, and gentle and get along well with other pets and children. They can be energetic and active, as well as laidback and sweet. They tend to remain kitten-like well into adulthood.

They come in both shorthaired and longhaired varieties. Their coat is silver-white and can be tipped in blue, black, apricot, lilac, caramel, beige, lilac, or chocolate.


6. Chartreux

chartreux cat playing outdoor
Image Credit: CLAUDIA BE, Pixabay

The Chartreux is a calm cat that can be quite playful and is an overall friendly cat. They are gentle, intelligent, loving, and devoted to their families. The temperament of the Chartreux makes them perfect for a single, quiet home or living in a full household with other pets and children.

Their fur is short but quite thick, so it needs regular grooming. They come in a range of blue and gray colors, and they tend to have orange eyes. Their adorable round faces make them look like they’re smiling.


7. Exotic Shorthair

exotic shorthair cat
Image Credit: Piqsels

Exotic Shorthairs belong in the Persian breed group and are sweet, affectionate, and gentle cats. They are quite social and enjoy hanging out with their families but will do so quietly and with plenty of love. They will follow you around and enjoy spending time on your lap. While they are peaceful, they are also intelligent and curious.

Exotics have much in common with Persians, except they have short, plush, and dense coats, which make grooming easier. These cats come in most colors and patterns, and everything about them is round—their face, their eyes, and even their ears and tail.


8. Himalayan

Chocolate point doll-faced himalayan cat
Image Credit: Anne Richard, Shutterstock

Himalayans are members of the Persian breed group, and like the other cats from this group, they are gentle, sweet, and affectionate. They are easygoing, though do best in quiet and calm households. They can be playful, but they prefer lounging and cuddling for the most part.

Himalayans are famous for their thick, gorgeous coats that need brushing every day. They differ from Persians in that they come in pointed colors (pointed is the color pattern seen traditionally with Siamese cats, where their bodies are pale and their extremities much darker.


9. Munchkin

munchkin cat playing
Image Credit: SV_zt, Shutterstock

The Munchkin has the body of an average-sized cat, but their legs are quite short. They are smart and curious cats that love to explore and play. They are energetic, enjoy a good cuddle, and make great family cats because they get along with other pets and children.

Their coats come in different lengths, shorthaired and longhaired, both of which are easy to groom. They are also available in every conceivable color and pattern.


10. Persian

white himalayan persian cat laying on chair hepper
Image Credit: Hepper

The Persian is one of the oldest breeds around and definitely one of the most recognizable! They are gentle, quiet, and sweet cats that do best in a calm environment. They tend to be laidback and easygoing and can have short, playful bursts but equally enjoy cuddling up next to you.

Persians are famous for their thick and long hair. They require daily grooming and frequent face cleaning, as they tend to have tearstains. Their hair comes in most colors and a wide variety of patterns.


11. Scottish Fold

scottish fold munchkin cat lying on pillow
Image Credit: Kellee Kovalsky, Shutterstock

The Scottish Fold is known for their folded ears and round faces. They are curious and intelligent cats that usually get along well with children and pets. They are also sweet and devoted to their families but aren’t that energetic, so you need to engage them in play to keep them active.

They come in both shorthaired and longhaired coats that tend to shed, so grooming is important. They can have many different colors and patterns. They are also more prone to ear infections because of those folded ears, so regular visits to the vet are vital.

See Also: Persian Scottish Fold Cat Mix – Care Guide, Pictures, Info & More


12. Selkirk Rex

Selkirk rex cat sitting on the counter_
Image By: athree23, Pixabay

Selkirk Rex cats are calm, easygoing, affectionate, and cuddly. They enjoy playing but tend to be laid back and are quite sweet and loving. They do well with families with other pets and children but don’t like being left alone for long periods.

The Selkirk Rex is famous for their unique coat. They come in both shorthaired and longhaired varieties, and their fur is curly, not too dissimilar from that of a sheep. Therefore, the Selkirk Rex should be brushed several times a week. They come in all manner of colors and patterns.


Brachycephalic Cats

One of the trickiest parts about owning certain round-faced cats is that they can have breathing issues if the breed is flat-faced. This is called Brachycephalic airway syndrome. Many such cats have an exceptionally small trachea, which can cause breathing difficulties.

These cats don’t always do well in hot weather or overexert themselves and should never be allowed to become obese. These conditions can all lead to a cat panting for air. In some cases, surgery is necessary.

Many brachycephalic cats also have eye issues and need their faces cleaned regularly from excessive tearing. They can also have difficulty eating, so they need wide and shallow bowls.

Conclusion

Round-faced cats can be quite adorable! In many cases, everything about them is round: their bodies, ears, and even tails. Not all round-faced cats are flat-faced, but just be aware that if your cat does have a flat face, there are potential health concerns.

Just do your homework, regardless of what kind of cat you think you want to bring home. All cats have unique personalities and care requirements, and a happy cat makes for a happy home.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Kriss Chen, Pixabay

Get Hepper In Your Inbox

Pet care tips from our vets and experts, straight to your inbox.

List

Select all that apply.

You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Kathryn Copeland
Authored by

Kathryn Copeland

Join the conversation

Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.

Rate this post
Required to post. Only our editors see your rating.
Who should see this?

A human reviews every comment before it appears. Your email is never published.

Picked to go with this article

10 Flat-Faced Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

10 Flat-Faced Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Flat-faced cat breeds (also referred to as brachycephalic cat breeds) are unique felines because their faces look smushed compared to the typical cat.1 Most ha…

Rachael Gerkensmeyer
By Rachael Gerkensmeyer ·
15 Cutest Cat Breeds (with Info & Pictures)

15 Cutest Cat Breeds (with Info & Pictures)

Most cat owners don’t know or care what breed their cat is, but there are still literally hundreds of beautiful cat breeds out there. Registered breeders aroun…

Chelsea Mortensen
By Chelsea Mortensen ·
Persian Cat: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

Persian Cat: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits

Persians are an instantly recognizable cat breed thanks to their round faces, short muzzles, and luxuriously long coats. Some Persians, known as the Peke-Faced…

Chantelle Fowler
By Chantelle Fowler ·
12 Ugly Cat Breeds (That We Still Love): Info, Pictures, Traits, & More

12 Ugly Cat Breeds (That We Still Love): Info, Pictures, Traits, & More

When you think of cats, you probably think of cute, cuddly kitties like the ones found in commercials. But there are tons of different cat breeds in the world,…

Misty Layne
By Misty Layne ·

Keep reading

More stories you might like

20 Strange & Funny Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

When we think of cats, we think of fuzzy, cuddly creatures that we can curl up with. The reality is that cats are so much more. Some breeds of cats don’t fit t…

Chelsie Fraser
By Chelsie Fraser ·
20 Strange & Funny Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

14 Fluffy Cat Breeds: Snuggly & Floofy Kitties (With Info & Pictures)

How could you not fall in love with a cat after looking at pictures of some of the fluffiest cat breeds around the world? We aren’t shaming dog-lovers; we love…

Hallie Ballard
By Hallie Ballard ·
14 Fluffy Cat Breeds: Snuggly & Floofy Kitties (With Info & Pictures)

15 Cats With Curly Tails (With Info & Pictures)

Cats use their tails for balance and communication, so they are often flexible and can take on many shapes. However, a few breeds tend to keep them in a curly…

Ed Malaker
By Ed Malaker ·
15 Cats With Curly Tails (With Info & Pictures)

11 Friendliest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

There are many different breeds of cats, and each one has its own personality. Some people may prefer a feisty cat that loves to play, while others may prefer…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
11 Friendliest Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

16 Most Cuddly and Affectionate Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Many people believe that cats are too aloof to show that they care about us humans. Dedicated cat-lovers know better, though. Cats just show their affection a…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
16 Most Cuddly and Affectionate Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

21 Medium-Sized Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

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 so…

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole Cosgrove ·
21 Medium-Sized Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

12 Asian Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Some of the most incredible and unique cat breeds in the world come from Asia. It is believed that domesticated cats have been part of Asia's history since bef…

Lindsey Lawson
By Lindsey Lawson ·
12 Asian Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

18 American Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Considering the fact that about 45.3 million households1 in the United States have at least one pet cat, it’s safe to say that Americans love cats. There are n…

Jessica Kim
By Jessica Kim ·
18 American Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)