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British Shorthair vs Devon Rex
The British Shorthair is a calm, independent plush cat; the Devon Rex is a small, funny, clinging cat with a wavy coat that needs warmth.
Verdict
These two cats differ on energy and independence. The British Shorthair rates 2 for energy and 4 for independence, and tolerates quiet days alone. The Devon Rex is a small cat of 6 to 9 lb with a soft, wavy coat, rates 5 for affection and play and 1 for independence, and wants a warm home with someone around. Choose the British Shorthair for a calm, steady home cat and the Devon Rex for a playful companion that follows you from room to room.
Choose the British Shorthair if
- You want a calm cat that rarely behaves like a lap cat.
- You are out for part of the day.
- You want a sturdy medium cat, typically 7 to 17 lb.
- You accept a plush coat that sheds heavily in season.
Choose the Devon Rex if
- You want an affectionate, funny, clinging cat.
- You can keep the home warm.
- You are home much of the day, since independence is 1.
- You want a small cat that sheds less, rated 2 against 4.
Where they are alike
Both cats are short-coated, score 4 for children and other pets, and suit an indoor home. Each lists conditions for the vet to watch, so ask your vet about screening.
Side by side
| British Shorthair | Devon Rex | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Devon, 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 somewhat larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very dense, plush, even coat with a crisp texture | Soft, short, wavy coat with sparse, curled guard hairs; fragile whiskers |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1983 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 2 | 4 |
| 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 | 1 |
| Trainability | 3 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 5 | 5 |
| 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 Devon Rex sheds less hair than many cats, but allergens also come from saliva and skin. |
| Suits | A quiet household or apartment that wants a calm, undemanding, easygoing cat. | A warm, busy home with someone around much of the day and a taste for a clinging, playful cat. |
| 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 left empty all day, or someone who wants a calm cat that keeps its distance. |
| 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