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

Turkish Angora
Graceful, playful, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives on interaction and affection. Renowned for its silky coat and expressive eyes, it makes a devoted companion.

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 kg
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.
Turkish Angora
Affectionate and sociable with family and guests
Quick learner, problem solver, enjoys mental challenges
Very active, often seeks out stimulation and activity
Loves interactive games and engaging with people
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
Turkish Angora
Deafness (in white cats), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
British Shorthair
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, gingivitis
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Turkish Angora
Good option
Intelligent and social, but may need patience with their active personality
Very adaptable
Thrives in apartments if given toys and enough interaction
Highly suitable
Active and playful nature matches busy households well
Usually gentle
Tolerant but needs supervision with very young children
Gets along well
Friendly with other pets when introduced properly
Not ideal
Dislikes being alone and may develop anxiety if left 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
Turkish Angora
- Intelligent and quick to learn new tasks
- Affectionate toward family members and children
- Playful and enjoys interactive activities
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Low-maintenance grooming due to fine coat
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
Turkish Angora
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Can be territorial with other cats
- Needs frequent mental and physical stimulation
- May develop hereditary deafness, especially in whites
- Sensitive to changes in household routines
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