Well, hello there, fellow cat lover! Are you thinking of jumping on the fur-covered bandwagon and becoming a kitty parent yourself? Purrfect! I see you’re already debating over two wonderful breeds, and I’m here to help you choose your side in the American Shorthair vs. British Shorthair pawdown.
In today’s clash of the furry titans, we have a feline Miss United States competing against her cousin from across the ocean. Okay, both of these meowgnificant fluffs are wonderful pets to have, and let me tell you right away (spoiler alert) – there won’t be a winner.
So, today, we’ll simply compare these two purrers to find your perfect companion. No matter which one you choose in the end, I can guarantee you that you won’t regret it. They’re incredible kitties that will bless your home and bring plenty of love and joy into your heart.
You may think they’re pretty much the same and the only difference is their place of birth, but I’m here to prove you wrong. Both unique in their own way, these kitties have as many differences as they do similarities. Without further ado, let’s learn more about our American Shorthair and British Shorthair besties.
American Shorthair: The kitty of your American dreams
Before we get into all the interesting details about your new potential furry companion, let’s first go back in time and uncover the origin of American Shorthairs. This is the kind of history everybody likes, right?
In the good old days of America, when the Europeans were setting sail to the new land of dreams, some furry companions decided to follow their favorite humans and hop on one of those ships with them. These loyal fluffs were the ancestors of our beloved American Shorthairs.
Little did these sailors know that they were about to kickstart a whole new generation of felines that have been blessing our lives ever since. These kitties worked hard to help their families on their farms and protect their crops from rodents.
But, it wasn’t until the 1800s that these hard-working fluffs started getting the attention they deserve. People started to notice their beautiful eyes and unique coat patterns, and in the early 1900s, their popularity started to skyrocket.
1. Her friendly purrsonality
American Shorthairs have a long history of getting along with their favorite humans, so it comes as no surprise that these purrers are super friendly. If you’re looking for a feline bestie, your American Shorthair will be happy to assume the role!
This is a pretty chill and laid-back kitty that’s not looking for drama. However, she may not be the best choice for people with other small pets. Remember, she was bred to deal with rodents, so her instincts could kick in when you least expect them to.
And, here’s the best part about having an American Shorthair – they’re playful, but they don’t mind playing on their own. For busy cat parents, this is a dream come true. These kitties can be left alone for hours, and they’ll easily keep themselves entertained.
They’re not overly needy, so don’t take it personally if they refuse to sleep on your lap. Although affectionate, your purrer will be pretty happy basking in the sun alone.
2. Don’t let her muscular build scare you
When you’re comparing American Shorthair vs. British Shorthair, Miss USA is smaller than her cousin over the pond. An adult American Shorthair weighs around 11-15 pounds (5-7 kilos). She has a robust and muscular build, but don’t let that fool you.
These kitties are like teddy bears! Their round, fluffy heads and big eyes are simply begging for some forehead kisses. Oh, and don’t get me started on their lusciously thick coats – you’ll want to cuddle your furry bestie 24/7!
Want to know something cool? These fluffs come in over 80 color and pattern combinations! Each kitty is unique in their own way, but the most popular combination is silver with bold, black markings.
3. How to take care of an American Shorthair
American Shorthairs are known for having a long lifespan. Your purrer may keep you company for almost 20 years! They are relatively healthy and don’t require much care to stay that way.
These fluffs have short coats (duh!), but they may need regular brushing. Their fur is thick, so you’ll want to get rid of the excess hair.
On the flip side, these kitties are prone to obesity, so make sure you monitor your furbaby’s weight. Ensure she gets enough exercise and keep track of her meals.
British Shorthair: Everything you should know about your feline royalty
Now, let’s travel back in time and all the way over the pond to see the origin of our lovely British Shorthairs. I can just imagine the British rainy afternoons and warm cups of tea in the candlelight, with your lovely fluff purring on your sofa…
When these majestic kitties first set their paws on British soil centuries ago, their main job was controlling the mouse and rat population. They were brought there by settlers, never leaving their side. As time went on, they began to mix with the local felines, slowly creating the lovely British Shorthairs we know today.
They’re a real symbol of Great Britain, and I can just picture one purring in her human’s lap, while both of them look through the window at a rainy London. Okay, maybe I’m over-romanticizing this, but how could I possibly resist?
1. Your perfect furry companion
Just as you’d probably imagine them, British Shorthairs are pretty laid-back. Not a lot can bother these royal felines, as they’d much rather laze on the sofa than get into any drama or mischief. They’re the purrfect pet for people who like some peace and quiet.
You’d be surprised by how intelligent these kitties are, though. Because of that, they love games that will keep their brains going. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of time playing with them simply because you’re scared they may be bored. They don’t care!
You’d think their laid-back nature means they’ll spend most of their days napping in your lap, but, surprisingly, that’s not really the case. Yes, they do like to keep you close, just not too close. Sure, you can pet them, but they absolutely hate being picked up.
So, if you plan on carrying her around your home like a baby, you can forget about that. British Shorthairs bond easily with their humans, but like to keep it at a distance. We absolutely love their cool character.
2. She’s got that face you can’t resist
British Shorthairs are a bit larger than their US cousins. On average, they weigh around 9-17 pounds (4-8 kilos). Just like American Shorthairs, these royal felines also have a robust build, but they’re a bit chunkier. Even better – there’s more to love! From a distance, of course… Just how they like it.
When compared to the American, British Shorthairs have coats in lighter colors. They’re also known as British Blues, thanks to the most popular variant of their coats: solid gray-blue. Some other colors you can find them in are red, tortoiseshell, cream, and more.
But, it’s their face that makes everyone fall in love with these special fluffs. It’s so chunky and fluffy that you just want to squeeze their cheeks every chance you get! And their adorable eyes don’t help, either.
3. How to take care of a British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are also relatively healthy, with a slightly shorter lifespan than their American counterparts. Another cool thing about them is that they don’t require any special care. Simply brushing them once in a while will be just enough to keep their coats in top condition.
They’re not prone to obesity like the American Shorthairs, but they still need some exercise, especially because they’d rather nap the days away. They’re perfect for quiet, laid-back families who know how to give them some space.
American Shorthair vs. British Shorthair: Which do you choose?
After reading all of this, do you now know which side you pick in the American Shorthair vs. British Shorthair showdown? I know, it’s a tough decision to make, and I definitely wouldn’t like to be in your shoes.
Both of these kitties are charming and loving cats that will bless your life. They’re calm, friendly, and devoted to their families. Give them love and care, and they’ll be happy purrers that stay faithfully by your side.
So, choosing which one of these is your purrfect companion is totally up to you. Whatever decision you make, I’m sure you won’t regret it. Still, there are some things that may make one of them a better choice than the other.
If you’re looking for a lap cat with lots of energy, then American Shorthair is the fluff for you. But if you’re wanting a more relaxed feline that won’t require much attention, you’ll be delighted with your British royalty.
