PetSecur Logo
HomeToolsBreed comparison

Ragdoll vs British Shorthair

Discover the differences between Ragdoll and British Shorthair to make the best choice for your situation.

Try different breeds

vs
Ragdoll
United States

Ragdoll

Ragdoll Group
Large

Gentle, affectionate, and known for their striking blue eyes, Ragdolls thrive as loving companions. Their relaxed nature makes them perfect for families and those seeking a calm feline friend.

British Shorthair
United Kingdom

British Shorthair

British Shorthair Group
Large

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

Size:

Large

Male:

6–9 kg

Coat:

Longhaired, silky

Lifespan:

12–16 years

Female:

4–6 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Size:

Large

Male:

5–9 kg

Coat:

Shorthaired, plush

Lifespan:

12–17 years

Female:

4–7 kg

Energy:

Low activity needs

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Ragdoll

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and gentle with people and children

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines and simple tricks quickly

Energy Level
2/5

Prefers lounging over frequent active play

Playfulness
3/5

Enjoys interactive toys in short sessions

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts well to new environments and changes

British Shorthair

Friendliness
4/5

Calm and gentle with people and children

Intelligence
4/5

Learns routines and commands fairly quickly

Energy Level
2/5

Usually low-energy, prefers lounging to running

Playfulness
3/5

Enjoys toys but not overly active

Adaptability
5/5

Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Ragdoll

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
15–25 minutes interactive play
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Prefers moderate climates
Health concerns:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, bladder stones

British Shorthair

Grooming:
Minimal grooming needed (weekly)
Exercise:
20–30 minutes daily play
Shedding:
Seasonal shedding
Trainability:
Learns with consistency
Climate tolerance:
Prefers cool to moderate climates
Health concerns:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, gingivitis

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Ragdoll

First-time Owner
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle temperament and easygoing nature make Ragdolls easy for beginners to manage

Apartment Living
5/5

Perfect fit

Ragdolls adapt well to smaller spaces and are generally quiet and calm indoors

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They are not especially energetic and may not match fast-paced or highly active lifestyles

Kids
5/5

Great choice

Their tolerant and patient nature makes them safe companions for families with young children

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Ragdolls are sociable and typically get along well with other pets in the household

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop stress or behavioral issues

British Shorthair

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

British Shorthairs are easygoing and forgiving, making them manageable for new cat owners.

Apartment Living
5/5

Very suitable

Their calm nature and moderate activity level suit smaller living spaces well.

Active Lifestyle
2/5

Not ideal

They prefer a calm environment and may be overwhelmed by constant activity.

Kids
5/5

Perfect fit

Their gentle and patient temperament makes them safe around young children.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Highly suitable

They usually get along with other pets due to their non-territorial attitude.

Being Left Alone
2/5

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

Ragdoll

  • Gentle and calm temperament
  • Tolerant of handling and children
  • Typically gets along with other pets
  • Low tendency for aggression or scratching
  • Affectionate and enjoys human company

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

Ragdoll

  • Prone to certain genetic heart conditions
  • Requires regular grooming for long coat
  • May develop obesity without exercise
  • Slow to mature, both physically and emotionally
  • Not suited for unsupervised outdoor life

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

Name Generator

Find the perfect name for your new furry friend with our smart generator

Breed Generator

Discover new and interesting breeds that could be perfect for you

Dog Quiz

Test your knowledge about dogs with our interactive quiz

Get your free pet insurance quote in 2 minutes!

Join pet owners who save money while keeping their furry friends protected

✓ Highest payouts in Netherlands ✓ No waiting period ✓ Quick claims processing

* Required fields

No obligations • Free consultation • Response within 24 hours