Cymric vs British Shorthair
Discover the differences between Cymric and British Shorthair to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds

Cymric
A playful, affectionate, and tailless breed that bonds closely with families. Loved for its plush double coat and gentle, dog-like personality.

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
4–6 kg
Longhaired, double coat
8–14 years
3.5–5 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.
Cymric
Affectionate and enjoys companionship with family members
Quick learner, responds well to interactive toys
Moderate activity, enjoys bursts of movement
Likes games, often initiates interactive play
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
Cymric
Spinal defects, arthritis
British Shorthair
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, gingivitis
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Cymric
Highly suitable
Cymrics are gentle, easygoing, and adapt well to new owners and routines.
Great choice
Cymrics are calm and adjust well to smaller spaces with enough enrichment.
Moderately adaptable
They enjoy play but don’t require constant high activity to stay content.
Very friendly
Cymrics are affectionate and tolerant, making them good companions for gentle children.
Usually compatible
Cymrics get along with other pets if properly introduced and socialized early.
Not ideal
They crave company and may become lonely or stressed if left alone too long.
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
Cymric
- Affectionate with family members
- Playful and energetic nature
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Intelligent and quick to learn tricks
- Generally good with other pets
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
Cymric
- Prone to spinal and tail-related health issues
- Requires regular grooming for thick coat
- Sensitive to changes in routine
- May develop separation anxiety if left alone
- Can be reserved with strangers
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
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