Highland Fold vs British Shorthair
Discover the differences between Highland Fold and British Shorthair to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Highland Fold
Distinctive folded ears and a plush coat make this affectionate breed a standout companion. Sweet-natured and calm, Highland Folds thrive in loving homes and cherish attention.
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
3.5–6 kg
Shorthaired, plush
12–15 years
2.5–4.5 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.
Highland Fold
Affectionate with family members and familiar people
Learns routines and new tricks fairly quickly
Moderate activity, enjoys play but not hyperactive
Enjoys interactive games and gentle play sessions
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
Highland Fold
Osteochondrodysplasia, degenerative joint disease
British Shorthair
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, gingivitis
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Highland Fold
Good option
Gentle temperament and moderate needs make them manageable for most beginners
Very suitable
Quiet and adaptable, they thrive in smaller, indoor living environments
Moderately suitable
Enjoy play but may tire quickly, preferring calmer activities overall
Good choice
Generally patient but should be supervised with very young, active children
Suitable
Usually gets along with other pets if introduced gradually and respectfully
Not ideal
Dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop stress-related 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
Highland Fold
- Affectionate with family members
- Gentle and tolerant with children
- Adapts well to indoor living
- Generally quiet and soft-voiced
- Social 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
Highland Fold
- Prone to genetic ear disorders
- Requires regular ear cleaning
- Can be sensitive to rough handling
- Needs frequent grooming for long coat
- May develop joint or cartilage issues
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