Last updated: June 26, 2026
Long-nosed cats. The wedge squad.
Flat-faced cats look cute in photos. Long-nosed cats run your house.
Straight nose. Big ears. Head shaped like a triangle. That’s the look. It also means more brain, more voice, more trouble if you’re bored.
These 10 breeds don’t do “ignore me.” They do “watch this.” If you want a cat that talks, climbs, and learns tricks, start here.
The 10 Long-Nosed Cat Breeds: 30-Second Table
| Breed | Face + Coat | Energy + Voice | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oriental Shorthair | Sleek wedge, huge ears, 300+ colors | High + Loud | Talkers, active homes |
| Siamese | Colorpoint wedge, blue eyes | High + Very Loud | Company 24/7 |
| Abyssinian | Ticked coat, wild look, long snout | Very High + Moderate | Play, climb, explore |
| Balinese | Longhair Siamese, silky | High + Loud | Siamese fans who want soft fur |
| Oriental Longhair | Silky medium coat, wedge | High + Loud | Beauty + brains |
| Cornish Rex | Curly coat, narrow alien face | Very High + Moderate | Always-on homes |
| Peterbald | Hairless to suede, narrow face | High + Moderate | No-fur lovers |
| Javanese | Silky colorpoint longhair | High + Loud | Color + conversation |
| Somali | Bushy tail, ticked coat, fox look | High + Soft | Families, other pets |
| Sphynx | Hairless, long nose, big ears | Moderate + Moderate | Warm laps, no shed |
1. Oriental Shorthair
Take a Siamese. Remove the colorpoints. Add 300 coat options. That’s the Oriental Shorthair.
The face is pure geometry. Wedge from nose to ear. Nose straight. Ears like satellite dishes. They look alert even when sleeping.
The coat is short and tight. Black, white, cinnamon, spotted, tabby. If you want a cat that matches your sofa, this breed can.
Personality: Smart and loud. They narrate your life. Open the fridge? Commentary. Sit on the laptop? Commentary. Ignore them? Louder commentary.
They learn fast. Doors, taps, routines. Bored Orientals become project managers of your home.
Grooming: 5 minutes a week. That’s it. No mats, no fluff.
2. Siamese
Thailand, 1800s. Royal cats with a job: be beautiful and opinionated.
Look: Wedge head, straight nose, deep blue eyes. Color points on ears, face, paws, and tail. Seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac.
Personality: Velcro. They pick one person and stick. Bathroom breaks are not private. Work calls are not private.
They talk. Not meows. Conversations. Trills, yowls, chirps. If you answer, they answer back.
Smart, yes. Needy, also yes. 10 hours alone = angry cat and angry neighbors.
3. Abyssinian
Ticked coat is the signature. Each hair has light and dark bands. From far away it looks solid. Up close it glows.
Face: Long snout, big ears, almond eyes. Alert expression always.
Personality: Curious to a fault. They must check every shelf, every bag, every box. They fetch and follow you room to room.
Energy: Very high. They need cat trees, puzzle feeders, and daily play. Skip it, and they climb your curtains.
They’re not lap cats. They’re shoulder cats. Expect company while you cook.
4. Balinese
Longhair Siamese. Same wedge, same blue eyes, same voice. Just add a flowing coat.
The coat is single-layer. No thick undercoat. That means less matting than a Persian—silk, not cotton.
Personality: Chatty and soft. They want your lap, your bed, your attention.
Grooming: 2-3 times a week. Focus behind ears and armpits. Two minutes each time.
They’re Siamese for people who like fur, but not fur tumbleweeds.
5. Oriental Longhair
Same brain as the Shorthair—different coat.
Coat: Medium, silky, and flows when they move. Looks fancy. Feels expensive.
Personality: Identical. Smart, clingy, loud. The hair doesn’t make them calm.
Grooming: 3 times a week minimum. Skip it, and you get tangles. Tangled Oriental = angry Oriental.
Pick this if you want the shorthair attitude with more drama.
6. Cornish Rex
Face: Narrow, long, high cheekbones. Ears are huge. Body: Whip-thin, arched back, long legs.
Coat: Short, curly, soft like suede. No guard hairs. They feel warm.
Personality: Acrobat. They climb, jump, and flip and sleep in a loaf, a pretzel, or a puddle and get cold fast. Winter sweaters are normal. They’ll steal your hoodie too.
They don’t walk. They prance. Every day is a performance.
7. Peterbald
1990s Russia. Donskoy + Oriental Shorthair. Result: Long face, little to no fur.
Coat ranges: bald, suede, flock, and brush. Skin feels warm and sticky.
Face: Narrow skull, straight nose, big ears. Alien, but friendly.
Personality: Dog-like. They greet you, cuddle for heat, and hate being alone.
Care: Weekly skin wipe. Ear cleaning. Sunscreen near windows. They sunburn.
Pick this if you want a Siamese personality without hair on your clothes.
8. Javanese
Balinese + Colorpoint Shorthair mix. Long nose, angular face, silky coat.
Coat: Colorpoint like Siamese, but longer and softer.
Personality: Talkative and smart. They want interaction, play, and for you to be home.
Best for: People who love the Siamese voice but want a softer look.
9. Somali
Longhair Abyssinian. Same ticked coat, same long nose. Add a plume tail.
Look: Fox-like. Ruddy is classic. Alert, bright, exotic.
Personality: Active and smart. They open cabinets, play fetch, and supervise from high places.
Family: Great with kids 6+ and other pets. They like company and chaos.
Energy: High. They need vertical space and daily play.
10. Sphynx
No hair. Big ears. High cheekbones. Long, defined nose. Wrinkled skin.
Why the long nose list? Without fur, the face shape is obvious. Alien, yes. Cute, yes.
Personality: Cuddle machines. They seek heat. Your lap, your neck, under your shirt.
Care: Weekly bath. Ear cleaning. Nail trimming. Sunscreen. They’re more work than a furry cat.
Pick this if you want contact, not a coat.
Why Long Nose Actually Matters
Breathing and Health
Flat faces = breathing problems. Long noses = normal airways. Fewer sinus issues, fewer surgery risks.
More room for scent receptors too. They smell better. That’s why they investigate everything.
Brain and Behavior
Wedge breeds are trend-smart and vocal. Coincidence? Maybe. Pattern? Yes.
Most are:
- Vocal: They use sound to get what they want.
- Trainable: Clicker, leash, tricks. They like jobs.
- Clingy: They want people, not just a house.
Grooming Trade-Off
Short coat = easy. Long coat = 2-3x a week. Hairless = skin care weekly. Pick your chore.
Living With a Wedge-Faced Cat
Space
Apartment: Yes, with height. Ceiling trees, wall shelves, window perches. They use vertical space.
House: Better. More to patrol. They’ll run patrols from the fridge top.
Indoor only: Always. These cats are eye-catching. Theft risk is real.
People and Pets
Kids: Good with kids 6+ who are gentle. They play back.
Other pets: Usually yes. They like company. Slow intros work.
Alone time: 6-8 hours max. More than that = yelling or destruction.
Finding One
Breeder Checklist
- Ask for health tests. HCM for Siamese/Oriental lines.
- Meet kittens. Pick bold, not scared.
- Visit the cattery. Clean, toys, climbing, and socialization.
- Skip anyone who can’t show paperwork.
Price: $600-$1800. Siamese are common. Peterbald and Somali cost more.
Adoption
- Check Petfinder. Search “Siamese,” “Oriental,” “Abyssinian mix.”
- Shelters mislabel. Look for a wedge face, big ears, and a long nose, not stripes.
Who Should Get One
- You want a cat that talks to you.
- You have 20 minutes a day to play.
- You like training and tricks.
- You’re home most evenings.
- You don’t mind cat hair or skin care routines.
Who Should Skip
- You want quiet and independent.
- You work 12-hour days.
- You hate grooming or wiping skin.
- You want a cat that hides from guests.
Common Myths
“Long nose means sick.” No. It means normal breathing. Flat faces cause issues.
“They’re all Siamese.” No. 10 breeds. Different coats, different energy, same face shape.
“Hairless means hypoallergenic.” Wrong. Sphynx and Peterbald still have dander.
“They’re cold and aloof.” Opposite. Most are Velcro cats.
Day in the Life
6:30 AM: Yelling for breakfast. 9:00 AM: Supervising your work from a shelf. 6:00 PM: 20 min wand toy, dinner, keyboard time, and bed on your chest.
Skip play = open cabinets and tap faucets. They entertain themselves.
Final Thoughts
Long-nosed cats are not decoration. They’re partners.
You get voice, brains, and presence. You give time, play, and company.
Pick the coat you can live with. Short, long, or none. The face is the same: long, smart, and in your business.
Want quiet furniture? Get a flat face. Want a coworker? Get a wedge.
FAQs
1. Are long-nosed cats healthier?
Yes, generally. Fewer breathing issues than flat-faced breeds.
2. Do they all talk a lot?
Most do. Siamese, Oriental, Balinese, and Javanese are loud. Somali and Abyssinian are quieter.
3. Are they good first cats?
Yes, if you’re home and interactive. No, if you want low-effort.
4. Do hairless cats need more care?
Yes. Skin wipes, ear cleaning, warmth. More work than fur.
5. Which is best for apartments?
All can work with play. Siamese and Oriental are loudest. Somali is the quietest.