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

Javanese
Elegant and talkative, this affectionate breed thrives on companionship and interactive play. Sleek, intelligent, and social, it easily forms strong bonds with families and children.

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
3.5–5 kg
Semi-longhaired, silky
12–16 years
2.5–4 kg
High energy
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.
Javanese
Enjoys human company and companionship
Learns quickly and solves problems easily
Active, often in motion throughout the day
Loves games and interactive play sessions
Adjusts well to new people and environments
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
Javanese
Progressive retinal atrophy, amyloidosis
British Shorthair
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, gingivitis
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Javanese
Good choice
Intelligent and sociable, the Javanese adjusts well to new owners willing to engage.
Very suitable
Adaptable and active, Javanese cats thrive in smaller, indoor environments.
Excellent match
Their playful, energetic nature fits well with an active lifestyle.
Generally good
Javanese cats enjoy interaction but may need gentle handling from small children.
Friendly companion
They usually get along well with other pets when properly introduced.
Not ideal
Javanese cats dislike being left alone for extended periods and may develop anxiety.
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
Javanese
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tricks
- Strong bond with family members
- Playful and enjoys interactive games
- Low-shedding, silky single-layer coat
- Adaptable to various living environments
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
Javanese
- Prone to separation anxiety when left alone
- Needs daily mental and physical stimulation
- Can be vocal and demanding of attention
- Sensitive to changes in routine or environment
- May develop dental issues without regular care
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