Birman vs British Shorthair
Compare Birman and British Shorthair side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Birman
British Shorthair
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
25 – 30 cm
30 – 36 cm
Weight
2 – 5 kg
3 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
12 – 17 years
Child friendly
5/5
2/5
Energy level
4/5
2/5
Intelligence
4/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
0/5
0/5
Aggressiveness
0/5
0/5
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Characteristics
Birman
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
British Shorthair
Easy to train
Summary
About Birman
The Birman is a medium‑large, semi‑longhaired pointed cat with deep blue eyes and distinctive white “gloves.” Its silky coat is easy to maintain. Affectionate and people‑focused, it is moderately active, gentle with children and pets, and thrives on regular company and interaction.
About British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are sturdy, medium‑large cats with round faces, dense plush coats and many colours, best known in blue with copper eyes. Calm, quietly affectionate and suited to indoor or apartment life, they mature slowly and need moderate play, grooming and weight control.
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