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Brazilian Shorthair vs European Shorthair
Two rare, natural-type shorthairs; the Brazilian is more affectionate and the European more independent, and neither is easy to find in North America.
Verdict
These two rare shorthairs are close. Both are friendly, easy-care cats that score 4 for children and other pets, and neither is recognised by the CFA. The one thing that decides it is affection against independence. The Brazilian Shorthair rates 4 for affection and 3 for independence, with a very short silky coat. The European Shorthair rates 3 for affection and 4 for independence, and is a hardy, natural-looking cat that is less cuddly. Choose the Brazilian for a closer companion and the European for a steadier, more self-reliant one.
Choose the Brazilian Shorthair if
- You want a friendly cat that is more affectionate, at 4 against 3.
- You want a very short, silky coat with no undercoat.
- You can find a registered breeder, since kittens are very hard to find outside Brazil.
- You accept that no established health record exists.
Choose the European Shorthair if
- You want a hardy, easy-going, natural-looking cat with an independent streak.
- You are out for part of the day, since independence is 4.
- You want a medium cat of 7 to 15 lb.
- You can accept a breed that is hard to find in North America.
Where they are alike
Both cats are short-coated, rate 1 for grooming and 3 for shedding, and fit a family home. Each is rare, so expect to search for a breeder.
Side by side
| Brazilian Shorthair | European Shorthair | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Brazil | Continental Europe |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | 7-15 lb (3.2-6.8 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very short, silky, glossy coat with no undercoat | Short, dense, glossy coat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Not recognised by the CFA | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Very rare | Rare |
| Affection | 4 | 3 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 4 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 3 |
| Allergies | 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. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The short coat sheds moderately, and people who react to cats usually react to this breed. |
| Suits | A home that wants a friendly, adaptable short-haired cat with minimal grooming. | A household that wants a hardy, easy-going, natural-looking cat with an independent streak. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a breed with an established health record, or who is not near Brazil and a registered breeder. | Anyone who wants a very cuddly lap cat or a breed that is easy to find in North America. |
| 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