British Longhair vs British Shorthair

Verdict

These two cats match on almost everything. Both are calm, quiet and undemanding, both weigh typically 7 to 17 lb, and both rate 4 for independence and 4 for shedding. The one thing that decides it is the coat. The British Longhair has a dense, soft, semi-long coat with a thick undercoat that needs brushing a few times a week. The British Shorthair has a very dense short coat that needs less work and is the more common of the two. Choose by how much coat you want to brush.

Choose the British Longhair if

• You like the British look with a plush, semi-long coat.
• You will brush a thick coat a few times a week.
• You want a calm home cat that is content without constant attention.
• You accept that it is the less common of the two.

Choose the British Shorthair if

• You want a very dense short coat that needs less grooming, rated 2 against 3.
• You want a cat that is common and easier to find.
• You live in a small home, since apartment living scores 5 against 4.
• You want a calm, undemanding cat that tolerates quiet days alone.

Where they are alike

Both cats are quiet, with voice at 1 and energy at 2, and neither is a lap cat that wants to be carried. Each lists hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease for the vet to watch.