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British Shorthair vs Burmese
The British Shorthair is a calm, independent cat that tolerates quiet days; the Burmese is a playful, talkative, devoted cat that wants you home.
Verdict
These two cats differ on pace and company. The British Shorthair rates 2 for energy, 1 for voice and 4 for independence, and tolerates quiet days alone, though it sheds heavily in season. The Burmese rates 4 for energy, 5 for play, 4 for voice and 1 for independence, has a very short coat that needs almost no grooming, and stays kittenish for years. Choose the British Shorthair for a calm, undemanding cat and the Burmese for a devoted, playful one with someone home.
Choose the British Shorthair if
- You want a quiet, easy-going cat that rarely behaves like a lap cat.
- You are out for part of the day, since independence is 4.
- You live in a small or quiet home, with apartment living at 5.
- You accept heavy seasonal shedding, rated 4 against 2.
Choose the Burmese if
- You want a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years.
- You are home a lot and enjoy a talkative companion.
- You want a very short, glossy coat, with grooming at 1 against 2.
- You want a cat that scores 5 for affection and 5 for children.
Where they are alike
Both cats are medium-sized, with the British Shorthair at 7 to 17 lb and the Burmese at 9 to 13 lb, and both fit a family home. Each lists a short set of conditions for the vet to watch, so ask your vet and the breeder what screening exists.
Side by side
| British Shorthair | Burmese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Burma (Myanmar), developed in the United States and Britain |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-17 lb (3-8 kg); males are heavier | 9-13 lb (4-6 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very dense, plush, even coat with a crisp texture | Very short, fine, glossy, satin-like coat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1936 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 2 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 4 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 1 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 5 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense coat sheds heavily in season, 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 quiet household or apartment that wants a calm, undemanding, easygoing cat. | An owner who is home a lot and wants a loving, playful cat that stays kittenish for years. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a lap cat that wants to be carried, or a very active and playful companion. | 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