Compare
American Shorthair vs Brazilian Shorthair
Two easy short-coated cats; the American Shorthair is common and calm, the Brazilian Shorthair very rare, friendlier and more playful.
Verdict
These two are close. Both are medium-sized shorthairs with coats that need almost no grooming, and both have moderate shedding. The American Shorthair is common, calm and independent, and it scores top marks with children. The Brazilian Shorthair is very rare, a little more affectionate and playful, and has a very short, silky coat with no undercoat. It has no established health record, and kittens are hard to find outside Brazil. The one thing that decides it is how easily you can find the cat.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You want a breed that is easy to find from many breeders.
- The home is empty for part of the day, as it is the more independent cat.
- You have young children.
- You want a wide range of colours and a documented breed history.
Choose the Brazilian Shorthair if
- You want a friendly, adaptable, slightly more playful cat.
- You like a very short, silky, glossy coat.
- You live near Brazil or can reach a registered breeder.
- You accept that the breed has no established health record.
Where they are alike
Both are quiet to moderate-voiced cats that suit apartments. Both get on well with other pets and need only occasional brushing.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Brazilian Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Brazil |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | — |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Very short, silky, glossy coat with no undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Common | Very rare |
| Affection | 3 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 3 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds steadily, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The short, silky coat is easy to keep clean, but people who react to cats may still react to a Brazilian Shorthair. |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | A home that wants a friendly, adaptable short-haired cat with minimal grooming. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | Anyone who wants a breed with an established health record, or who is not near Brazil and a registered breeder. |
| Registries that recognise it |
|
|
| Health conditions to watch |
| — |
Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026