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British Shorthair vs Siamese
The British Shorthair is a quiet, calm cat that tolerates time alone; the Siamese is a devoted, talkative cat that wants you home.
Verdict
These two shorthairs sit at opposite ends. The British Shorthair rates 1 for voice, 2 for energy and 4 for independence, and tolerates quiet days alone. The Siamese rates 5 for voice, 5 for affection and intelligence, and 1 for independence, and wants someone at home to talk to and follow around. The Siamese has a fine coat that needs almost no grooming. Choose the British Shorthair for a quiet, steady cat and the Siamese for a devoted, clever, chatty one.
Choose the British Shorthair if
- You want a quiet, undemanding cat that rarely behaves like a lap cat.
- You are out for part of the day.
- You live in a small home, with apartment living at 5 against 4.
- You accept a plush coat that sheds heavily in season.
Choose the Siamese if
- You are home often and enjoy a cat that talks and takes part in everything.
- You want a clever, athletic cat that learns quickly.
- You prefer a short, glossy coat that sheds lightly, rated 2 against 4.
- You can give it plenty of attention.
Where they are alike
Both cats are common and short-coated, and both are good with children, scoring 4 each. Each does well in an indoor home.
Side by side
| British Shorthair | Siamese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United Kingdom | Thailand (formerly Siam) |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-17 lb (3-8 kg); males are heavier | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Very dense, plush, even coat with a crisp texture | Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body, with no undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1906 |
| How common | Common | Common |
| Affection | 3 | 5 |
| Energy | 2 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 3 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 1 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 1 |
| Shedding | 4 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 | 1 |
| Trainability | 3 | 5 |
| 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. | — |
| Suits | A quiet household or apartment that wants a calm, undemanding, easygoing cat. | A person or family at home often who enjoys a cat that talks, follows them about and wants to be involved in everything. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a lap cat that wants to be carried, or a very active and playful companion. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a quiet cat, or a household that cannot give a lot of attention. |
| 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