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American Shorthair vs Burmese
The American Shorthair is a calm, independent cat; the Burmese is a vocal, playful, clingy one that dislikes being left alone.
Verdict
Both are medium-sized shorthairs with easy coats and top marks with children, and they differ in how much they want from you. The American Shorthair is calm, quiet and independent, and it copes with a workday alone. The Burmese scores at the top for affection and play, talks often, stays kittenish for years and has the lowest independence score. It is also less common. Choose the American Shorthair for an undemanding family cat and the Burmese for a devoted, playful shadow, ideally in a home with someone around.
Choose the American Shorthair if
- You are away for part of the day.
- You want a quieter cat.
- You want a wide range of colours and an easy-to-find breed.
- You want a calm, low-fuss presence.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a very affectionate cat that follows you around.
- You enjoy a cat that talks and plays.
- You are home a lot.
- You like a sleek, muscular body and a satin-like coat in sable, blue, chocolate or lilac.
Where they are alike
Both are medium-sized, short-coated cats with modest grooming needs. Both are reliable with children and get on with other pets.
Side by side
| American Shorthair | Burmese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | North America, from European cats brought by settlers | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-15 lb (2.7-6.8 kg); males are larger | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard-textured coat that protects against cold and scratches | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1936 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 3 | 2 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 1 |
| 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 very short coat sheds lightly, but people who react to cats may still react to a Burmese. |
| Suits | A family or first-time owner that wants a calm, durable, low-maintenance cat that copes with busy homes. | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. |
| Less suited to | Anyone looking for a very talkative, clingy or highly acrobatic cat. | Anyone who is away for long hours, or who wants a quiet, independent cat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch |
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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