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British Shorthair vs Cornish Rex
The British Shorthair is a calm, sturdy, independent cat; the Cornish Rex is a small, fine-coated, high-energy cat that needs warmth and company.
Verdict
These two cats sit at opposite ends. The British Shorthair rates 2 for energy and 4 for independence, has a very dense plush coat, and tolerates quiet days alone. The Cornish Rex is a small cat of 6 to 9 lb with a fine, wavy coat of down hair only, rates 5 for energy and play, and wants warmth and company. Choose the British Shorthair for a calm, undemanding home cat and the Cornish Rex for an energetic, clinging companion who needs a warm house and games.
Choose the British Shorthair if
- You want a calm, quiet cat that tolerates long, quiet days.
- You want a sturdy medium cat, typically 7 to 17 lb.
- You are happy with a plush coat that sheds heavily in season.
- You want a cat for a small flat, with apartment living at 5.
Choose the Cornish Rex if
- You want a playful, people-loving cat that plays into adulthood.
- You can keep the home warm.
- You prefer a coat with little shedding, rated 2 against 4.
- You are home for much of the day.
Where they are alike
Both cats are short-coated and good with children, scoring 4 each. Both rate 4 for other pets and fit an indoor family home.
Side by side
| British Shorthair | Cornish Rex | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Cornwall, England |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Typical weight | 7-17 lb (3-8 kg); males are heavier | 6-9 lb (2.7-4.1 kg); males are slightly larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very dense, plush, even coat with a crisp texture | Very fine, soft, tightly waved coat of down hair only, with no guard hairs |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1964 |
| How common | Common | Uncommon |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 2 | 5 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 3 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 4 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 2 |
| 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 thin coat sheds less hair than most, but allergens come from saliva and skin as well as fur. |
| Suits | A quiet household or apartment that wants a calm, undemanding, easygoing cat. | An active household that wants a playful, people-loving cat and can keep the home warm. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a lap cat that wants to be carried, or a very active and playful companion. | A cold house, a home that is empty all day, or anyone who wants a calm lap 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