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British Shorthair vs Persian
Both are calm, quiet indoor cats; the Persian has a long coat to comb every day and a flat face, the British Shorthair a shorter coat and rounder face.
Verdict
Both are quiet, calm cats with voice at 1, and both rate 5 for apartment living. The one thing that decides it is care. The Persian has a long, dense coat that needs combing every day and sheds heavily, and a flat face that brings breathing and eye problems. The British Shorthair has a very dense short coat that sheds in season and a rounder face. Choose the British Shorthair for lighter grooming and the Persian for a gentle, placid companion if you accept daily combing.
Choose the British Shorthair if
- You want a short coat that needs less work, with grooming at 2 against 5.
- You are out for part of the day, since independence is 4 against 3.
- You want a cat without the flat-face breathing and eye concerns.
- You want a sturdy cat, typically 7 to 17 lb.
Choose the Persian if
- You want the calmest cat of the two, with energy at 1.
- You will comb a long coat every day.
- You can budget for regular grooming and vet care.
- You want a more affectionate lap companion, rated 4 against 3.
Where they are alike
Both cats are common, quiet indoor companions that get on with children, scoring 4 each. Each lists hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease for the vet to watch.
Side by side
| British Shorthair | Persian | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Longhair and semi-longhair |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Named for Persia (Iran); developed in Europe |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-17 lb (3-8 kg); males are heavier | About 7-12 lb (3.2-5.4 kg) |
| Lifespan | — | Studies put the median near 11 to 12.5 years |
| Coat length | Short | Long |
| Coat | Very dense, plush, even coat with a crisp texture | Long, dense, fine coat standing off the body, with a full ruff and brush tail |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1906 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 3 | 4 |
| Energy | 2 | 1 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 2 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 5 |
| Shedding | 4 | 5 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 3 |
| Trainability | 3 | 3 |
| 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 Persian's long coat sheds heavily and holds dander, and people who react to cats often react to this breed. |
| Suits | A quiet household or apartment that wants a calm, undemanding, easygoing cat. | A quiet indoor home where someone has the time to comb a long coat every day and wants a gentle, undemanding companion. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a lap cat that wants to be carried, or a very active and playful companion. | A busy or noisy house, a home that cannot afford regular grooming and vet care, or anyone who wants an athletic, climbing 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