Birman vs British Shorthair

Verdict

These two are close in calm temperament and in their scores for children and other pets. The one thing that decides it is time alone. The Birman is a sweet, people-loving cat that rates 4 for affection and 2 for independence, so it suits a home with someone around. The British Shorthair rates 4 for independence, tolerates quiet days, and rarely behaves like a lap cat. Choose the Birman for a companion and the British Shorthair for a steady cat that asks less.

Choose the Birman if

• You want a cat that seeks people out, with affection at 4 against 3.
• You are home much of the day.
• You will comb a medium-long silky coat a couple of times a week.
• You like a cat with moderate shedding, 3 against the British Shorthair's 4.

Choose the British Shorthair if

• You are out for part of the day, since independence is 4.
• You want a cat for a small or quiet home, with apartment living at 5.
• You prefer a short plush coat that needs less grooming, and you accept heavy seasonal shedding.
• You do not need a lap cat that wants to be carried.

Where they are alike

Both cats are calm and rate 4 or higher for children and 4 or higher for other pets. Each is a common breed, and each is a quiet cat with a voice rating of 2 or lower.