British shorthair vs. American Shorthair Cat: Best Comparison

Cat: Best Comparison

Introduction 

The British Shorthair is easily recognizable with its heavy muscular body and greyish-blue coat. Often called British blue, this cat has a soft, lush, thick coat with short hair which resembles a teddy bear. It is said to be intensely loyal and affectionate to its owners. Due to its reserved but friendly nature, it is thought to be a perfect friend for single people. 

The American Shorthair is intelligent, gentle, adaptable, and highly skilled at hunting. They love being challenged and enjoy learning new tricks and solving puzzles.

An expression of “happy medium” is used to describe them due to their medium but healthy body size. American Shorthair cats love to be part of a family and get on well with children and other pets. 

Appearance

British Shorthair Cat Breeds
British Shorthair

The British Shorthair has a medium-heavy body size; males typically weigh between 12-18 pounds, and females are slightly lighter, which are round in appearance. They have a broad chest, strong legs, with a medium-sized tail. They have a beautiful plush thick coat that comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. This includes solid, bicolor, Tortoiseshell, tricolor, and tabby. They have chubby cheeks with typically blue eyes but can also have golden and copper-colored eyes. 

American Shorthair cat

American shorthair has a powerful muscular body weighing between 10-15 pounds and is between 8-10 inches in height. They have a variety of colors, including cream, black/ebony, brown, chocolate coats with a bicolor, solid, tabby, or tricolor pattern. Brown and Silver Tabby are the most common. They have a thick neck, strong paws and jaws, a broad chest, and a medium to thick coat. They have a wide variety of eye colors, including copper, hazel, green, blue, or hazel. 

Temperament 

The British Shorthair is not very “demanding” in nature; it is an easygoing breed that, although they follow their owners around the house at times, is not clingy. However, they are shy and reserved around strangers, but once they become relaxed and get to know people, they are highly affectionate and friendly. However, you will need to initially break through their reserved nature and build up their trust, and they will become highly loyal companions. Overall, she is docile, independent, affectionate, playful, and friendly. 

Alison Gerken, a Clinical Behaviourist, stated that the American Shorthair is reliable and affectionate. They are easygoing, sociable, docile, and friendly will get along with all members of your family, including young children and adults.

A striking feature related to its origin and breeding is its phenomenal hunting skills; this breed was originally selected to hunt mice and rats. They are not very demanding, but they do require regular maintenance and care. They are regarded as a child-friendly breed of cat.

Maintenance 

British shorthairs require thorough grooming maintenance when they are in the height of the shedding season, which occurs in the Spring and Autumn. During the shedding season, their coat may look dull and will require a daily brush to help remove tangles and loose hair. 

Outside of this season, a weekly grooming schedule will suffice. 

Another important point is their muscular body which can become obese if it is fed with high quantities of bad quality food and is kept deprived of exercise. It is essential to provide them with a healthy and balanced diet and to not overfeed them. Ensure you trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly, weekly or bi-weekly. Ensure you check and clean their ears regularly to stop dirt from accumulating.

The American Shorthair is a medium-shedding cat. It will require a weekly brush of its coat to stop knots and tangles from developing and to remove unwanted dirt and grime. Some cat experts recommend a special brushing technique that encompasses a rigorous brushing method. It will require a regular maintenance schedule which includes nail trimming, weekly grooming, and a monthly bath.

Suitable for 

The British Shorthair is not a demanding cat breed. This breed makes a good companion and doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety, and can be left at home for a period of time if you are a working household. They get on exceedingly well with other pets. Unlike some other dog-like cat breeds, this cat won’t necessarily welcome guests at the front door or won’t continuously socialize with its human companions or guests; they love to sit in the sunshine and take several naps throughout the day.

The American Shorthair is multifaceted; it adapts well wherever they are made to settle. They can get along in a huge family very well and bond well with all age groups. If you have a rat or mouse problem, this cat has fantastic hunting skills and will be happy to help you mitigate this issue. An American Shorthair is sociable and very friendly. 

Check Out Other Cats Comparison Guides

Which cat is right for you? 

If you are looking for an overactive, playful, clingy cat, then a British Shorthair is not for you. In contrast, if you are looking for a companion who is friendly but undemanding and loyal, A British short hair is most suitable. 

They will follow you around at times but will settle once it finds a suitable place to rest or nap. Once you have bonded and built up a level of trust, they will be a friend for life. 

If you are looking for an intelligent hunter who is not highly demanding and is sociable, and have a family with children, the American Shorthair breed is best for you. You will need to provide some toys and puzzles as they are playful and inquisitive.