British Shorthair vs British Longhair
The British Longhair is a British Shorthair with a longer coat. The build, face and gentle nature are the same, and so is the tendency to put on weight.
Side by side
| British Shorthair | British Longhair | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Britain | Britain |
| Size | Medium to large | Medium to large |
| Weight | Females 3.5 to 5.5 kg, males 5 to 8 kg | Females 3.5 to 5.5 kg, males 5 to 8 kg |
| Lifespan | Usually 12 to 17 years | Usually 12 to 17 years |
| Coat | Short, dense and plush | Semi-long, dense and plush, with a full ruff and a fluffy tail |
| Energy | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Affection | 3 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Chattiness | 2 out of 5 | 2 out of 5 |
| Grooming needed | 2 out of 5 | 3 out of 5 |
| Good with children | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Scores are our own rough guide. Every cat is different.
The main differences
- Coat: the Shorthair is short and plush, and the Longhair is medium-long with a ruff and a feathered tail.
- Grooming: the Shorthair needs a weekly brush, and the Longhair two or three brushes a week, with more in the spring and autumn moult.
- Personality: very similar. Both are calm, easy-going and not always keen on being picked up.
- Health: both can be prone to obesity and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Choose a British Shorthair if
- You want a low-maintenance coat
- You want the classic teddy bear look
- You are short on grooming time
Choose a British Longhair if
- You love a fluffy ruff and a plumed tail
- You are happy to brush a few times a week
- You want the British Shorthair nature with extra fluff
Our verdict
It is almost entirely a question of coat and how much brushing you want to do. Both are calm, sturdy and good family cats, and both need portion control.
Read the full guides: British Shorthair and British Longhair. Or see more cat breeds. This is a friendly overview, not veterinary advice.
Questions people ask
Is a British Longhair the same as a British Shorthair?
They are the same type of cat, but the Longhair has a longer coat. Some registries treat them as separate breeds and others as coat varieties.
Which is easier to look after?
The Shorthair, because its coat needs less grooming.
