British Longhair vs British Shorthair
Discover the differences between British Longhair and British Shorthair to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
British Longhair
Plush-coated and affectionate, this breed thrives on companionship and calm environments. British Longhair cats charm with their dignified nature and easygoing attitude toward family life.
British Shorthair
Round-faced, plush-coated, and calm, this breed charms with its affectionate yet independent nature. Adaptable and gentle, it thrives as a loving companion in any home.
Quick comparison
Medium
4.5–8 kg
Longhaired, dense undercoat
12–16 years
3.5–6.5 kg
Moderately active
Large
5–9 kg
Shorthaired, plush
12–17 years
4–7 kg
Low activity needs
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
British Longhair
Affectionate and sociable, enjoys human companionship
Learns routines quickly, moderately responsive to training
Prefers lounging, not highly active
Enjoys gentle play, not overly boisterous
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
British Shorthair
Calm and gentle with people and children
Learns routines and commands fairly quickly
Usually low-energy, prefers lounging to running
Enjoys toys but not overly active
Adjusts well to new environments and changes
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
British Longhair
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease
British Shorthair
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, gingivitis
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
British Longhair
Good option
Gentle and adaptable, they suit owners with little cat experience.
Very suitable
Calm temperament makes them comfortable in smaller living spaces.
Less ideal
They prefer a laid-back environment over constant activity or noise.
Family-friendly
Tolerant and patient with respectful children, but supervision is recommended.
Usually compatible
Generally sociable with other pets when introduced gradually.
Not recommended
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues.
British Shorthair
Great choice
British Shorthairs are easygoing and forgiving, making them manageable for new cat owners.
Very suitable
Their calm nature and moderate activity level suit smaller living spaces well.
Not ideal
They prefer a calm environment and may be overwhelmed by constant activity.
Perfect fit
Their gentle and patient temperament makes them safe around young children.
Highly suitable
They usually get along with other pets due to their non-territorial attitude.
May get lonely
Extended solitude can lead to boredom or stress for this affectionate breed.
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
British Longhair
- Calm and gentle temperament
- Tolerates children and other pets
- Low prey drive compared to other breeds
- Affectionate without being overly demanding
- Adaptable to indoor living
British Shorthair
- Calm and easygoing temperament
- Tolerates children and other pets well
- Low grooming needs due to dense coat
- Adaptable to indoor living environments
- Generally robust and healthy breed
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
British Longhair
- Prone to obesity if not monitored
- Requires frequent grooming to prevent mats
- Can be less active and playful
- May develop dental issues over time
- Sensitive to heat due to dense coat
British Shorthair
- Can be prone to obesity if overfed
- May dislike being carried or cuddled
- Needs mental stimulation to prevent boredom
- Can develop dental issues without care
- May be reserved with unfamiliar people
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience