Both American Shorthair Cat and British Shorthair Cat have comparable growth and lifespan.
The only difference is that British Shorthair Cats are a bit smaller. Both the cat breeds are domestic, however, the American Shorthair Cat breed is more popular around the world, recommended for pets.
The British Shorthair Cat breed is considered a domestic shorthair cat breed.
Wondering to adopt a feline companion?
Are you confused between the American shorthair cat vs the British shorthair cat?
Generally, they both are close cousins, both are healthy and easy in training, and have amazing personalities. But, American shorthair is more affectionate that doesn’t mean British shorthair is not friendly to humans.
American Shorthair vs British Shorthair
1. American Shorthair vs British Shorthair – At a Glance
Take a quick look at the table given below to know the overall difference between American Shorthair cat vs British Shorthair cat.
| Factors | American Shorthair | British Shorthair |
| Height (adult) | 8–10 inches | 12-14 inches |
| Weight | 10-15 pounds | 7-17 pounds |
| Activity Level | Average | Average |
| Temperament | Friendly and affectionate | Friendly, moderately affectionate |
| Lifespans | 15-20 years | 14-18 years |
| Average Price Range | $500 – $800 | $75-$100 |
| Looks | Thick and dense coat | Little stiffer and less plush |
| Trainable | Calm, and quick learner | Easy to train and intelligent |
2. Appearance, Personality and Temperament
The American shorthair is a smaller cat breed that is available in
- Black
- Ebony
- Red
- Blue
- Cream
- Orange
- Began
- Sable
- Grey
- Chocolate
- White
- Brown
- Tan color
They have patterns like bi-color, tricolor, tabby, solid, calico.These breeds are gorgeous, have a broad chest, muscular body, powerful jaws, and wide neck.
They are a perfect example of feline beauty. They have beautiful eye shades like green, gold, blue, hazel and their size can vary from medium to large.
These cats have an affectionate personality they enjoy being around hooman and are a complete package of entertainment.
They love attention just like other cats but even if they are left alone they can still manage to have fun in their own company for around 8 hours.
British shorthair cat breeds are available in
- Lilac
- White
- Fawn
- Black
- Cinnamon
- Ebony
- Sable
- Red
- Brown
- Orange
- Chocolate
- Blue
- Tan
- Solid grey
- Beige
- White
- Cream color
They have tabby print, also have bi-color, tricolor, calico, color point, and solid patterns. This beautiful feline breed is popularly known for its thick and dense fur which is generally in a silvery blue coat.
They are also called British blue. Legs are wide and thick, the chest is broad, their heads are circular, and they have fleshy chubby cheeks that you will fail to resist from pinching.
These British cats have amazing shades of eyes like bold orange-amber, blue, copper, green, and amber. They love their hooman and show affection too, but it is their own style.
This is because these breeds don’t like it if you cuddle them, but they will rub themselves against your legs which means they like you and adore you.
British shorthair cats are quite active, they are medium-sized to large cats. They are easy-going cats, but they aren’t like other lap cats. They don’t like to be picked. Generally have large sizes and have more weight than grown American shorthair cats.
They can become a great friend and companion once they get along with you.
3. Grooming and Diet
The American shorthair is not hard to deal with breeds they have common and general grooming requirements. You can take care of them easily.
As they have thick and short fur you need to brush their hair at least once a week to keep the coat look nice and silky. Plus it also reduces shedding. Regularly clip off their nails and also use a soft bristle cat toothbrush for cleaning their teeth.
Even though British shorthair cats have a short coat, but they do need regular comb at least once a week to avoid unnecessary hair fall. Try a strong pet comb to get rid of dirt and old mat hair plus it also distributes oil throughout their fur.
These breeds are prone to suffer from gingivitis so make sure to regularly brush their teeth with special cat toothpaste. You can even use a small plastic gadget finger for brushing.
American shorthair cat body needs a certain type of nutrients to evict health problems like heart disease and eye problems.
You must include natural real meat as it offers amino acid proteins that help them to grow healthy. Don’t feed them cheap meat by-product food. Also, encourage them to have enough water too.
British Shorthair breed also requires a good portion of balanced diet food which includes a right percentage of vitamins and minerals. Make sure to always cross-verify the nutrients of the food on the label.
It should always have real meat or seafood as the first ingredients. Because it offers them fatty acids and protein that helps to maintain their body. And, daily clean their water bowl to feed them fresh and plenty of water.
4. Health and Life Expectancy
American Shorthair is a fit and healthy cat breed, but they are likely to suffer from hip dysplasia in which the ball and socket are loose and twisted. And, they are also likely to be affected by Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. They can easily gain weight.
Therefore, it is important that you keep these cats active and healthy. Make sure to regularly take her for exercise. The life span of these breeds is 15-20 years
British shorthair cats are considered to be fit cats they are only prone to genetic problems like Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) which is a type of heart ailment and another Hemophilia B it is a disorder under which blood can clot thus if your cat is hurt it won’t stop bleeding.
Well, it is very rare but as they are a fusion of Persian cats they are slightly likely to suffer from polycystic kidney disease also from hip dysplasia too, but they are not likely to be affected by obesity like the American shorthair cats.
They are generally hypoallergenic also and considered to have quite the same lifespan as American shorthair cats. And, if taken care of properly they can live 14-18 years.
5. Activity Level and Cost
American shorthairs tend to have an average energy level. They enjoy a good game of fetch, but they are also content to nap on a warm bed.
They are social and easy to train cats. These breeds are a good choice for those owners who are busy and often find it hard to spend time with pets. As they are docile and can be maintained effortlessly.
The cost of the American shorthair cats and kittens majorly depends on the breeder and the pedigree. On average, the price ranges from $500 and $800. But, if you are looking for a high-quality and reliable breed the price can then range from $1,000-$1,500.
British shorthair cats are not over-energetic, but they love playing. They have average energy and related nature. And are a very intelligent cat breed.
They love to relax and chill for a long period of time. They don’t behave in a destructive manner and are quite obedient too! Not only that, but they are a calm and cute cat breed which you can take care of easily.
The cost of these cat breeds can range from $1,500 to $2,500 if you adopt them from a highly reputed breeder but on average, their price can range from $75-$100.
6. History of American Shorthair Cat vs British Shorthair Cat
American shorthair cats’ ancestors were wildcats from Europe who were later widely distributed by seaways in the UK.
They were majorly known for killing the rat population and were originally known as domestic cats later they were renamed American shorthair. They have appealing character and are less muscular than British shorthair.
British Shorthairs descendants were also European cats who were imported to Egypt, and later they were escorted to the British Isles by the Romans.
They have widely known for their fluffy teddy bear-like coat, and are independent too. They have incredibly calm personalities and are well-known as the Cheshire cat characters in Alice in Wonderland.
Which Is the Best Breed?
American Shorthair and British Shorthair both cats are great at interacting and can be the perfect companion. These both can deal with children too because they are calm and composed don’t usually come in aggression easily.
But make sure that they have a great bond with your kids. Also, if you have pooches at home these both can tolerate dogs too. They can have a healthy relationship if you are planning to have cats and dogs both at home but make sure to socialize them when they are small babies it will help better.
But take a note that American Shorthairs and British Shorthairs were bred to kill mice and rodents. They have a strong urge to kill small prey due to which if you have small critter like hamsters then both living together can be a mess.
Both cats are calm, affectionate, and lovable. These both can handle themselves if you are not around them. But, if you are usually not at home American shorthair is a better choice for you.
Both counterparts are generally healthy and fit cats, and you can go for any one of them. Both cats are best don’t think too much pick any of them both are perfect feline companions for you.
Well, That’s a Wrap!
In conclusion of American Shorthair Cat vs British Shorthair Cat, I will say both the cats are good friends, you will love to be around them. They won’t ask a lot of attention as they can fairly enjoy their own company.
But, if you do not have much time for pets you can opt for American shorthair. Both cats are easy in training have calm characters. They are not overactive cats but can kill small mice and rodents in your house because they were bred for that.
Choosing any one of them will always be a great choice so don’t worry choose your feline family now!
References:
- American Shorthair – The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://cfa.org/american-shorthair/
- British Shorthair – The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2022, from https://cfa.org/british-shorthair/
- Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The Consequence of Cardiomyocyte-Initiated and Macrophage-Driven Remodeling Processes? (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.1177/0300985819837717
- Prevalence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a cohort of British Shorthair cats in Denmark. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21736622/
- The ascent of cat breeds: Genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0888754307002510?via=ihub
You said American Short hair, is a lap cat, and i love to cuddle and have my cat loving me, and really get attached to me, lots of cats go running to greet you at the door, i want the most sweetest, calm, affectionate one?!!!! Even wants to cuddle up on bed with me! which one would that be??!!
Thank you!!!!
L.
We guess you have already made a choice. Yes. You can go for the American Shorthair cat breed. Both the breeds, however, are affectionate and would definitely cuddle you for all the love that you give her.