British Shorthair vs. Exotic Shorthair – Which is the Better Pet and Cat Breed among The Two?

Comparing the British Shorthair vs. the Exotic Shorthair means likening two of the most immortally popular cat breeds globally. Frankly, you’ll never really go wrong with either of the two cat breeds personality-wise. Interestingly, the Exotic Shorthair and British Shorthair cat breeds are primarily cited as two of the best pets by cat owners with kids. However, there are specific health differences between the two that you’ll need to consider before deciding which among the two pets will best fit your family life and situation!

The Cat Fanciers’ Association states that the Exotic Shorthair is presently the leading cat breed in popularity consecutively for four years.  Still, the British Shorthair is in the 3rd place currently on the same list.

About Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed

If you adore Persian cats, but can’t imagine grooming them daily, consider getting Exotic Shorthair cats for pets. These cats are cross-breeds of American Shorthairs, Persians, Russian Blues, and Burmese cat breeds. They have similar appearances to Persians though they feature plush, short, and easy to care for coats.

Exotic Shorthairs have gentle and sweet faces similar to those of Persians. They play without tiring with fishing pole toys and think of ways of accessing them if you put them away. These cats love being lap cats and have undemanding and easy-going personalities. Exotic Shorthair cats mostly communicate with musical, soft voices, and expressive eyes. They’re adaptable and can live with anyone if you love them and give them attention!

About British Shorthair Cat Breed

British Shorthairs originate in Britain and are pedigree versions of the old-fashioned British domesticated cats.  It’s among the most ancient cat breeds across the globe. British Shorthairs are available in an array of colors. They’re renowned for their “British blue” appearances and are well recognized because of this unique color and their copper-colored eyes.

British Shorthair cats are cherished for their rounded bodies and plush, soft coats. They can be almost mistaken for breathing teddy bears. These cats are among the most famous cat breeds across the globe. Funnily enough, these cats are affectionate, yet they don’t entertain nonsense, just like Britons! They make excellent family pets and enjoy being around their family members, though they dislike being excessively cuddled.

Basic Information about British Shorthair & Exotic Shorthair Cat Breeds

Cat Breed British Shorthair Exotic Shorthair
Origin United Kingdom United States
Life Span 14-20 years 10-17 years
Weight Female 5-9 kilograms 3-6 kilograms
Weight Male 5-9 kilograms 3-6 kilograms
Litter Size 2-6 2-6
Colors Available Patterned or Bi-color tortoiseshell, Solid color Many patterns & colors-tortoiseshell, tabby, chinchilla silver
Other Names The British The Lazy Man’s Persian
Temperament Territorial, Sweet, Social, Responsive, Quiet, Playful, Outgoing, Loyal, Loving, Lively, Intelligent, Independent, Gentle, Friendly, Energetic, Docile, Curious, Cheerful, Alert, Affectionate Territorial, Stubborn, Social, Responsive, Quiet, Playful, Outgoing, Loyal, Loving, Lively, Intelligent, Independent, Gentle, Friendly, Energetic, Docile, Curious, Cheerful, Alert, Affectionate
Shedding Moderate Minimal
Coat Short – medium length $ Dense Plush & Short
Grooming Low Maintenance Low Maintenance
Hypoallergenic No No
Trainability Easy Easy
Friendly to New Owners Yes Yes
Friendly to Kids Yes Yes
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Comparison of the British Shorthair and the Exotic Shorthair Cat Breeds

When you compare the British Shorthair and the Exotic Shorthair cat breeds, you’ll notice a few differences between the two. The main differentiating factor between the two cat breeds is age.

The Exotic Shorthair is quite a novel breed that began gaining popularity in the 1960s. That said, it’s a close relative to the Persian cat breed, which is among the worlds’ most respected and ancient cat breeds.

British Shorthair cat breed is undoubtedly among the world’s oldest breeds. Breeders have traced its lineage back to the ancient Romans times when ship captains loved using the cat as an onboard mouser.

Another difference is that the British Shorthair cat breed has its origin from the U.K. while the Exotic Shorthair originated from the U.S.

Both British Shorthair and Exotic Shorthair are almost similar in weight, though the British Shorthair can outlive the Exotic Shorthair for three years. Both cat breeds have the same litter size. Also, they both require low maintenance.

History

Exotic Short Hair Cat Breed

The Exotic Shorthair breed is a sweet-faced pet known as the “Lazy Man’s Persian” since it’s pushed and flat just like the Persian cat. The Exotic Shorthair was bred as the short-haired form of the Persian breed. The Persian cat was used in mating other species like the Burmese in the 1950s.

This cross-breed started being recognized, though certain American Shorthair developers/breeders developed a novel breed that disqualified American Shorthairs that were showing any cross-breeding signs.

The cat was only recognized as a novel cat breed by the Cat Fanciers Association in 1966, and it was named Exotic Shorthair.

British Shorthair Cat Breed

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy states that British Shorthair cats are straight descendants of the felines brought by Romans to England. These cats were used for controlling vermin, and they quickly spread across the country as farm and street cats. Within no time, their confident, calm, affectionate, independent, and friendly personalities encouraged people to take them into their households.

According to The Cat Fancier’s Association, these cats have developed thick colored coats and round faces. In late 1800,Harrison Wier, a passionate cat breeder, used a Britain street cat and bred it intensively, which transformed it to a new breed, the British Shorthair.

He began breeding the British hair by cross-breeding it with different feline breeds. There was the first-ever cat show in 1871 at London’s Crystal Palace, and guesses what? A British Shorthair blue tabby stole the show and became the winner.

After World War ended, the current British Shorthair was made better by adding French Chartreux, Russian Blue, Persian, and other domesticated Shorthair cat breeds into the mix.

The British fell in love with this beautiful cat, though British Shorthair disappeared during World War 2, only to re-surface later as the famous cat it is presently. British Shorthair is accepted today in cat registries globally.

Description

British Shorthair Cat Breed

The British Shorthair is a medium-large cat in size. The cat weighs between 5-9 kilograms for both females and males. They have dense, short to medium-sized coats that can either be patterned, bi-color tortoiseshell, or solid in color. These coats become longer and thicker during winter.

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British Shorthair has heavy bones and is heavily muscled. The pet is a robust cat with strong, thick legs and a broad chest. She has fairly small ears and round eyes that give her an amicable facial expression.

Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed

The Exotic Shorthair was developed by crossing American Shorthair, Persians, and other breeds. She has similar looks to the Persian though she has a short coat. The coat comes in matching colors to the Persian cat breed – solid colors and patterns that range from bicolor, black & white, tortoiseshell, and tabby. The Exotic Shorthair has round and large eyes, round and small ears, and relatively thick and short tails.

Comparison of Personality Traits of British Shorthair vs. Exotic Shorthair

Both British Shorthair and Exotic Shorthair cats are amiable, mellow, and laidback felines.

Exotic Shorthairs are also called “furniture with fur” since they love resting near humans and lazing around. British Shorthairs aren’t as coordinated or graceful as Exotic Shorthairs.

British Shorthair Cat Breed Temperament

The British Shorthair is a good-natured and peaceful cat. He makes an excellent companion since he’s a friendly cat that loves being around his family, and he’s very loyal to them.

British Shorthair is a playful and active cat, and he can stay by himself for some hours without any human companionship. If you have long working hours or stay out a lot, it’s a clever idea to get another cat to keep him company in your absence. The British Shorthair is an undemanding and quiet cat. He doesn’t like being carried a lot since he is heavy and big.

Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed Temperament

The Exotic Shorthair breed is a calm, gentle, sweet cat but much livelier than the Persian cat. She is a playful, friendly, and lively cat that prefers sitting in human laps and being stroked.

They are friendly to kids and any other pets around the household they live in and are very loyal to the whole family. They communicate quietly with human beings in soft voices. The Exotic Shorthair can quickly adapt to different living conditions if she’s given enough attention. These cats can’t be left alone for a long time, meaning that they aren’t ideal if you work or stay out for long hours.

British Shorthair vs. Exotic Shorthair Health

British Shorthair Cat Breed

These adorable cats are a healthy, robust cat breed. If given proper care, they won’t need to visit vets too often. The British Shorthair can live for 20 years if they’re in good health.

In the past, they’ve been bred with the Persian breed; it’s an alert about some common diseases that they’re susceptible to. These cats are predisposed to polycystic kidney conditions, which is an inheritable condition that results in kidney cysts. These cysts are tiny at first though they grow bigger and may even cause kidney failure, which leads to death.

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British Shorthairs are also predisposed to diabetes and obesity which result in arthritis. They may also develop gum and heart diseases as they age if they don’t eat balanced and the recommended diets.

Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed

In the Exotic Shorthair cat breed, some of the diseases that affect them result from poor lifestyles or diets while others are genetic.

For instance, obesity is a critical illness in cats, and it results in several serious diseases. Obesity shortens the cat’s lifespan and is a leading cause of diabetes and arthritis. The unwanted weight strains the joints, leading to arthritis. You can try exercises or balanced diets to shed some weight which improves mobility in cats.

Dental problems are other conditions that commonly affect the Exotic Shorthair cat breed. Ensure that you check the cat’s mouth on the inside regularly since severe dental provides may result in pain; this interferes with your cat’s health, such as the kidneys or heart.

Different parasites may invade the Shorthair’s external and internal body; ticks, fleas, and worms are some of the common parasites that affect this cat breed. They cause a lot of discomfort and pain to the cats, resulting in serious health complications.

The Exotic Shorthair is commonly affected by Brachycephalic Syndrome. It’s a respiratory condition caused by the distress syndrome that commonly affects brachycephalic cats.

Exotic Shorthairs are brachycephalic (flat-faced) cats like the famous Persian cats; these cats find it difficult to remain calm, which makes them experience breathing problems.

They have flattened facial features reduce spaces for tissue growth; the soft areas at the back of their mouths’ roofs hang in the airway, obstructing air, making it difficult to breathe normally. In some instances, the cats need surgery to enable normal breathing. Also, these cats tear easily, making them to experience breathing difficulties because of shortened airwaves.

Note: Health problems associated with the Exotic Shorthair cats because of their flattened faces are a big concern for many prospective pet owners. These structural issues are greater than the health problems experienced by British Shorthair cats.

Caring for the British Shorthair and Exotic Shorthair Cat Breeds

British Shorthair

  1. Diet
  • These adorable cats are robust, relatively large cats, but this doesn’t mean that they should be fat or overweight. Being obese can result in various health complications, meaning that you must observe the correct diets when feeding them. Additionally, ensure that the British Shorthair gets regular exercise.
  • When feeding British Shorthair cats, ensure that you provide them with the most nutritious and very best cat food since they are big cats naturally.
  • You want to ensure that these cats get abundant protein since they are carnivores; British Shorthair cats are meat lovers and need fish, beef, and chicken. You can also include cooked eggs since they are excellent protein sources.
  • Never give British Shorthairs garlic, onions, nuts, grapes, or chocolates since these kinds of foods are toxic for cats and may result in discomfort and pain.
  • Ensure that you give these cats constant and enough cool and freshwater supplies. If you aren’t sure about what you should feed your cat or you’re having other concerns, always contact your vet for direction.
  1. The British Shorthair cat breed requires brushing when she begins shedding her winter coat. Remember to trim her nails regularly as well. Since this is your adorable fur-child, try to keep her healthy and happy by doing for her the same things that you would do for your child!
  2. Check inside her mouth to ensure that she doesn’t have blackened teeth or any loose things in her gums that could be resulting in terrible pain and discomfort. Additionally, check her ears’ insides to see if they are red, which could be a tell-tale sign that she has an infection.
  3. British Shorthair is a clean, elegant cat, so you must keep her litter box clean and for her.
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Exotic Shorthair

  1. Diet
  • It’s essential to feed the Exotic Shorthair cat with a proper and balanced diet to avoid health complications. Also, check on how much and how often you feed him.
  • Many cats prefer eating many small portions a day rather than large servings. Make their mealtimes enjoyable by providing food puzzles ‘prey’ for their food.
  • Ensure that you read the food packaging labels carefully and understand them before feeding the Exotic Shorthair cat. You must follow the outlined food portions and the recommended feeding times.
  • If your cat is hesitant about eating his food or you aren’t sure about the appropriate food to give him, try a new food or contact your vet to ensure that they get nothing but the best.
  1. Ensure that your Exotic Shorthair cat is vaccinated as recommended by your vet. When you take her for vaccination, your vet performs check-ups to ensure that she is in good health since these cats are predisposed to viral and bacterial infections.
  2. Exotic Shorthairs have low maintenance costs; brushing them once or twice a week gets rid of any loose hair. You and your pet enjoy bonding as you pamper her.
  3. Check the cat’s ears for debris and wax, and for any infection signs. If you feel uncomfortable doing this, profession cat groomers can do the job for you at a small fee!

Characteristics

British Shorthair

These beautiful cat is compassionate, companionable, and loyal, though she doesn’t like being carried or held on the laps. It doesn’t mean that she doesn’t like being around human beings; it’s because she is heavy and large.

The British Shorthair is a laid back cat who gets along with kids and any other pets in the household. She enjoys basking under the sun and can be left by herself for hours without getting bored or feeling lonely or anxious.

She is a great companion and makes herself at home in various surroundings and lifestyles. Whether you reside in town or in rural settings, or if you are a family with other pets or kids, or you’re single, she adapts quickly and gets comfortable.

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The British Shorthair is easy to maintain and care for, and you can be sure that you’ll find a great friend in her.

Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair cat is friendly, affectionate, and gentle. He loves being around children and other pets that may be in your household. She is livelier and happier than the Persian cat and she loves playing a lot. She has a quiet personality because of her Persian ancestors, though she’s more active.

Exotic Shorthair cats have a lifespan of ten to seventeen years if given proper care; this means that you can enjoy about fifteen years with a wonderful and kind feline companion.

Weight and Size

British Shorthair Cat Breed

British Shorthair cats have wider weight spectrums which span from five to nine kilograms. However, the male cats outweigh the females with a few pounds. They have long legs and are tall in nature, giving them a stockier and larger appearance than they actually are.

Exotic Shorthair Cat Breed

This friendly cat weighs between three to six kilograms, though the males outweigh the females with a few pounds. He has short legs and dense, huge bones, contributing to his heavy weight and stocky appearance.

British Shorthair vs. Exotic Shorthair Shedding and Grooming

Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair cats are strongly tied to the Persian cats, though they have one major difference – their coats. Whereas the Persians have silky and long coats that require continuous grooming, Exotic Shorthair cats need only one or two coat brushing in a week and they’re good to go! This is why the Exotic Shorthair cat is nicknamed as the “Lazy Man’s Persian.” These cats have double-layered coats that shed seasonally, which is one fact that you should be ready to deal with if you choose the Exotic Shorthair cat.

British Shorthair

These cats have plush, dense, and short coats, which when combine with their stock and large appearances, have yielded another name for them – “feline bulldogs.” British Shorthair cats have thick insulating undercoats and plush outer coats; this means that they also have seasonal shedding.

British Shorthair vs. Exotic Shorthair Lifespans

British Shorthair cats have medium lifespans of approximately twelve years, though some live for more than eighteen years. Exotic Shorthair cats mostly live for twelve to fifteen years. Given that their lifespans are almost similar, the British Shorthair cats are certainly better pets since they are non-brachycephalic breeds.

British Shorthair vs. Exotic Shorthair – Which is a Better Pet?

If you consider their personalities, both breeds have good personalities that make them good pets. They are both friendly to kids and any other pets you may be having in your home. They’re both easy to live with, care for and maintain. Generally, if you’re looking at personalities when choosing between the two, it can be a difficult choice to make.

However, when it comes to their health, British Shorthair cats get a lead, and are more like to enjoy better lives with less complications, and of course, longer lifespans. The choice is yours!

 

 

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