The key difference between American and British Shorthair cats is their body type. American Shorthair cats are generally smaller and more agile than British Shorthair cats, which have a solid and robust body type.
American and British Shorthair cats are two popular and distinct breeds known for their unique characteristics. The American Shorthair originated in the United States and has a friendly and amiable temperament. They are medium-sized cats with a moderate build and are generally healthy and low-maintenance. On the other hand, the British Shorthair hails from the United Kingdom and is known for its laid-back and warm-hearted nature.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. American Shorthair Cats
3. British Shorthair Cats
4. Similarities – American and British Shorthair Cats
5. American vs. British Shorthair Cats in Tabular Form
6. Summary – American vs. British Shorthair Cats
American Shorthair Cats
American Shorthairs are the descendants of European cats brought to the New World by sailors. These cats were chosen for their ability to work and control rat populations on ships. Over time, American Shorthairs have been selectively bred for both their attractive appearance and amiable temperament. While they share a similar sturdy body structure with the British Shorthair, American Shorthairs are generally smaller and more agile, with less pronounced muscularity.
The coat of the American Shorthair is similar to that of the British Shorthair in terms of being thick and dense. However, it is slightly stiffer and less plush than the British Shorthair’s coat. Additionally, unlike the British Shorthair, the American Shorthair has an undercoat in addition to its outer layer of fur.
Due to their independent nature, caring for American Shorthairs is relatively easy. However, they still appreciate spending quality time with their human companions, particularly during snuggling sessions. These playful cats enjoy interactive toys and scratching posts, so it’s a good idea to have plenty of these items available throughout the house. American Shorthairs are also generally comfortable living with other cats as companions.
British Shorthair Cats
The British Shorthair is a beloved and ancient cat breed in the UK. It originated from European wildcats and Egyptian domestic cats, which the Romans introduced to the British Isles. During the Victorian era, breeders mixed native shorthair cats with other breeds like the Russian Blue, establishing the pedigree of the British Shorthair.
British Shorthair cats have bright almond-shaped eyes, short pointed ears, and round heads. These cats have a solid and robust body type but are prone to weight gain and can develop rolls on their necks and bellies. With long whiskers and dark triangular noses, they possess a certain wisdom often associated with their ancient lineage.
Their coat is short and thick and requires regular brushing to keep it in good condition. Similar to the American Shorthair, these cats can reach a weight of up to 15 pounds in adulthood. They walk purposefully, are friendly with strangers, and enjoy the company of children and other feline companions.
British Shorthairs are known for their calm and patient nature, making them excellent family pets. They are generally healthy, stable, and easy to train. These cats have a natural instinct for hunting mice and possess a quick response when it comes to prey. Therefore, keeping them away from smaller animals like birds or rodents is essential.
What are the Similarities Between American and British Shorthair Cats?
- Both American and British Shorthair cats have short coats.
- American and British Shorthairs are independent and relatively calm and patient.
- They are both good options for families and are generally good with children.
- They share some physical features like round heads, short, pointed ears, and bright almond-shaped eyes.
- Both breeds can be affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human companions.
What is the Difference Between American and British Shorthair Cats?
American Shorthairs are generally smaller and more agile, with less pronounced muscularity, while British Shorthairs have a solid and robust body type. Thus, this is the key difference between American and British Shorthair cats. Moreover, the coat of an American Shorthair is slightly stiffer and less plush than the British Shorthair’s coat. Additionally, unlike the British Shorthair, the American Shorthair has an undercoat in addition to its outer layer of fur.
Below is a summary of the difference between American and British Shorthair cats in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – American vs. British Shorthair Cats
The key difference between American and British Shorthair cats is their body type. American Shorthair cats are generally smaller and more agile than British Shorthair cats, which have a solid and robust body type. In addition, the American Shorthair has a less plush and slightly stiffer coat than the British Shorthair.
Reference:
1. “British Shorthair – Cat Breeds.” Daily Paws.
Image Courtesy:
1. “American Shorthair” By Dustin Warrington – Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “British Shorthair cat. Female. 18 months old” By George E. Koronaios – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia