- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Many popular things have come from the UK, like high tea, Downton Abbey, fish and chips—and some of the world’s most famous cat breeds. British cat breeds may have their roots “across the pond,” but they’ve since crossed the Atlantic to bring joy to countless families in the US.
We’ve got the details on the 10 main British cat breeds, from the well-known British Shorthair of the Happy Cat meme to the uniquely brown Havana. Read on to learn more about these cats’ personalities and physical traits and find out whether they’d make a good match for you.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair breed began with cats the Romans brought during their invasion of England beginning in 43 A.D. This makes them one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. These cats have stocky, plush bodies and Cheshire Cat faces. (In fact, they were Lewis Carroll’s inspiration for the character.)
They have somewhat more reserved personalities and value their independence. “They may not enjoy sitting in your lap, but they do love lounging in a spot of their choice,” says Irina Kiseleva, owner of Golden Britain Cattery and registered breeder with The International Cat Association (TICA).
- Coat: Short
- Height: Medium-large
- Weight: 8-16 pounds
- Coat colors: Any, but most commonly gray
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 12-20 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
British Longhair
British Longhairs have the same reserved temperament and overall appearance as the British Shorthair, just with a longer coat. These cats’ coats most commonly come in gray—just like the usual weather in the UK!
- Coat: Long
- Height: Medium-large
- Weight: 8-16 pounds
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 12-20 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Burmilla
Burmillas are a modern breed that originated in 1981 as an accidental cross between a male Persian Chinchilla and a female Burmese. The resulting cat has an independent and playful temperament, though they’re still affectionate and gentle cats.
They can have long or short coats, and their most defining characteristic is their color pattern. Their fur is white at the base of their body but tipped with a darker color on the outside, like black, brown, caramel, or beige. This coloration gives their coats a beautiful depth.
- Coat: Short or long
- Height: Medium
- Weight: 8-12 pounds
- Coat colors: White base with any color shading
- Eye colors: Green or greenish gold
- Average lifespan: 15-18 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex cats date back to the 1950s, when a male kitten was born in Cornwall, England with a distinctive curly coat.
Like their common ancestor Kali, modern Cornish Rex cats have curly fur that can come in any color or pattern. They’re active cats who need plenty of exercise but will still curl up in their favorite person’s lap after a hard day at play. These social cats also enjoy spending time with other cats, dogs, and children.
- Coat: Short
- Height: Small
- Weight: 6-8 pounds
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 9-13 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is another curly-coated cat. They originated from a curly-coated male named Kirlee born in 1960. The gene mutation that caused Kirlee’s wavy coat differed from the mutation found in Kali, the Cornish Rex, making the Devon Rex a distinctive breed.
Beyond their distinctive coats, Devon Rex cats are known for their outgoing, active, and sometimes mischievous personalities. Expect a velcro cat who wants to be involved in everything you do. This might mean they follow you around the house, constantly jump into your lap, or even perch on your shoulder like a parrot.
- Coat: Short
- Height: Medium
- Weight: 5-9 pounds
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 14-17 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Havana
The Havana breed first appeared in the 1950s. This breed combines British Shorthair, Russian Blue, and Siamese genes. These cats are best known for their silky, chocolate-brown coats. They’re intelligent, affectionate, and want to be involved in your day-to-day activities. However, they can be prone to mischief when they don’t get ample entertainment, so you’ll need to challenge their brains on a daily basis.
- Coat: Short
- Height: Medium
- Weight: 6-10 pounds
- Coat colors: Brown
- Eye colors: Green
- Average lifespan: 8-13 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Oriental
While their name may suggest origins in the East, the Oriental breed first appeared in England in the 1950s. Their genetic origins blend genes from the British Shorthair, Abyssinian, Russian Blue, and Siamese breeds.
Like their Siamese cousins, they’re highly intelligent and social. These active cats love to play but will also go for a good cuddle with their people. Just make sure you’re ready to give as much love as you get since these cats demand extensive play and attention.
- Coat: Short or long
- Weight: 5-12 pounds
- Height: Medium
- Coat colors: Solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, silver, white, and more
- Eye colors: Blue, green, or gold
- Average lifespan: 10-20 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold breed descended from a Scottish barn cat named Susie who lived in the 1960s. Because the gene mutation that gives them their distinctly folded ears is associated with bone disorders, TICA-certified breeders choose parents from Scottish Straights and other breeds.
Modern Scottish cats are warm and affectionate with their humans and love to cuddle, says Nataliya Miller, TICA-registered Scottish Fold and British Shorthair breeder and owner of The Scottish Folds Garden. “They sit like humans: They can stand on their back paws, and they’re extremely intelligent.”
- Coat: Short or long
- Height: Medium
- Weight: 7-10 pounds
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 11-14 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Scottish Straight
The Scottish Straight breed has the same wide-eyed look and rounded faces as the Scottish Fold, but they have one major difference: traditional perky cat ears. Scottish Folds and Scottish Straights can come from the same litter of kittens!
These cats generally have the same cuddly personalities as their flop-eared relatives.
- Coat: short and long
- Height: Medium
- Weight: 7-10 pounds
- Coat colors: Any
- Eye colors: Any
- Average lifespan: 11-14 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Turkish Van
Turkish Van cats trace their origins back to the Lake Van region in medieval Turkey—but the breed gained recognition when two English tourists brought home a pair of kittens after a trip to the area.
Modern Turkish Vans are a regal, long-haired breed brimming with athleticism and intelligence. Unlike many cats, they often enjoy water, and some even like to swim. While they’re affectionate with their families, Turkish Vans generally aren’t lap cats and don’t like to be held for long periods.
- Coat: Long
- Height: Large
- Weight: 10-13 pounds
- Coat colors: Solid or patterned white
- Eye colors: Amber or blue
- Average lifespan: 13-17 years
- Breeders or rescues in the US? Yes
Questions To Ask A Breeder
When buying a purebred cat from a breeder, it’s important to make sure they follow responsible breeding practices.
“A reputable breeder will help decrease the chance of genetic diseases being passed to the kittens,” explains Preston Turano, DVM, a veterinarian with Felix Cat Insurance.
Some essential questions to ask include:
- Do you do health testing? A responsible breeder should genetically test their cats before breeding a litter to minimize inherited health risks.
- Where do the cats live? “If the breeder keeps the cats in cages, they won’t want to show you their living conditions,” Kiseleva explains. A good cat breeder should be willing to show you where the cats and kittens live so you can verify they’re clean and well-cared for.
- Are you registered? Reputable breeders should ideally be registered with a pedigree organization, like TICA or Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). These registrations make sure they follow the breed standard.
Does Breed Matter?
As with dogs, a cat’s breed can influence their overall temperament. But every cat is an individual, and they all have distinct personalities.
So, while you might be drawn to British cat breeds like Scottish Folds or Cornish Rexes for their appearance or affectionate personalities, a cat from a local shelter might be just as much of a cuddler—and just as cute, if in a different way!
Before you make the decision to purchase a kitten from a breeder, it never hurts to check your local shelters or rescues to check whether you might fall in love with a cat who needs a home.
What To Know Before Adopting A Cat
Before bringing home your new cat, it’s important to make sure you have enough time to spend with them. Cats may not need walks like dogs do, but they still need daily care and regular social interactions with their people.
To keep your cat from getting lonely if you work long hours or have to be away from home for extended periods, you might consider adopting two cats at the same time, like siblings, a bonded pair, or cats who get along well with others.
“Two cats are always better than one,” Miller explains.
To avoid territorial behaviors, you’ll want to make sure every cat in the house has their own:
Finally, a nutritious diet, weight maintenance, and regular veterinary visits are key for all cats, regardless of breed, Turano says.
The right pet insurance plan can help reduce some of the costs of vet care.
