Abyssinian vs British Shorthair

Verdict

These two shorthairs sit at opposite ends of the energy scale. The Abyssinian is lean, plays hard, climbs and wants to be where its people are. The British Shorthair is stocky, placid and the quietest voice of the two, and it copes well with a workday alone. The British coat is dense and sheds heavily in season, while the Abyssinian's fine coat needs very little care. Choose the Abyssinian for an energetic companion, and the British Shorthair for an undemanding apartment cat.

Choose the Abyssinian if

• You want a cat that plays every day and learns tricks quickly.
• You prefer a fine coat that sheds lightly and needs almost no grooming.
• You are home much of the day and enjoy a cat that follows you.
• You want a lean build of about 8 to 12 lb.

Choose the British Shorthair if

• You want a calm, easygoing cat that suits a small flat very well.
• Nobody is home for part of the day, since it is the more independent cat.
• You like a stocky body, round face and plush coat, and will brush through the seasonal shed.
• You want a very quiet cat.

Where they are alike

Both are common, medium-sized shorthairs with straightforward coat care. Both get on well with other pets and tolerate children.