Asian
Plush-coated and calm, this affectionate companion thrives in relaxed households. Known for a gentle, easygoing nature, British Shorthair cats blend easily into family life.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
30–35 cm (male)
28–32 cm (female)
WEIGHT
5–9 kg (male)
4–7 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–17 years
Asian: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
Felis catus
Diet
Carnivore
"A Asian isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Asian's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The British Shorthair is known for its calm, easygoing temperament and affectionate but independent nature. This breed typically enjoys companionship without being overly demanding.
Key Personality Traits
Calm and gentle with most people and pets
Learns routines and simple tricks easily
Prefers lounging to active play sessions
Enjoys toys but not highly energetic
Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Strengths
- Calm and easygoing temperament
- Tolerates children and other pets well
- Low grooming needs due to dense coat
- Adapts well to indoor living
- Generally robust and healthy breed
Challenges
- Prone to obesity if overfed
- Can be reserved with strangers
- May dislike frequent handling
- Needs stimulation to prevent boredom
- Susceptible to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Protect your Asian
Asian can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and gingivitis. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Asians are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
British Shorthairs are moderately intelligent and can learn basic commands and routines, though they are not as eager to please as some breeds and may require patience during training.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
20–30 minutes play daily
recommended per day
This breed has a low to moderate energy level, enjoying short play sessions but generally preferring a relaxed lifestyle. Regular interactive play helps provide both mental and physical stimulation.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Asians are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Asian would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Calm temperament makes them easy for beginners to handle and care for
Apartment Living
Adapt well to smaller spaces and low activity environments
Active Lifestyle
Prefer relaxed settings and may not enjoy constant activity or noise
Kids
Gentle and patient, usually tolerant of respectful children
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable and get along with other pets when properly introduced
Being Left Alone
May develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently for long periods
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Asians compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Asian
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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