British Shorthair

British Shorthairs are one of the better choices for a family with children. Expect an average-sized cat that is low-energy, sheds a normal amount and needs very little grooming. It is independent — affectionate on its own terms rather than yours.

How long is that, really? Cats live longer than most people expect — about 11.7 years on average across every breed, and a well-looked-after British Shorthair can reach 20 years. A kitten you bring home this year will still be curled up somewhere warm long after you have finished school.

Sources: VCA Animal Hospitals · PDSA breed guide · Teng et al., Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2024).

Day to day. Low-energy — a warm spot and a bit of gentle play is genuinely all this one asks for, which makes it one of the easiest cats to live with.

The coat, honestly. This breed sheds a normal amount and needs very little grooming. Almost nothing to do to the coat itself; you will still find hair on the sofa, so keep the vacuum handy.

Company and noise. This one is independent and quiet. It will choose when to be sociable, which suits some families perfectly and disappoints others. Nobody should buy this one hoping to change it. What it wants instead is territory: height, a hiding place, a tray somewhere private — the setup guide covers where each goes.

• You want a cat that will put up with being picked up by a child
• You want a calm animal that mostly sleeps somewhere warm
• You want a cat whose coat looks after itself
• You would rather share a house with something independent than be followed around
• You want a quiet home

• You are picturing an animal that curls up on you every evening
• A surprise vet bill would be a real problem this year
• A shelter cat would do everything this one does for a fraction of the price

Every animal is an individual, and plenty of British Shorthairs live long, healthy lives. This is here so nobody is surprised — ask a vet, and ask whoever you get the cat from what they have tested for.

Rough running cost: $$$ (one of the pricier cats on our list) — because the breed has known health issues that can mean extra vet visits.

Those are relative bands, not live prices. For real numbers across every pet we cover, see the pet cost study and the cost calculator.

Picked for this breed’s coat, size, energy and known health issues, not a generic list.

Rescues do have British Shorthairs and British Shorthair crosses, usually adults whose size, coat and temperament you can see rather than guess at.

Scottish Fold

The cat with folded ears — sweet-natured, and carrying a genuine welfare problem you should read about first.

🐈 Average😌 Low energy🧹 Some shedding

American Shorthair

A sturdy, healthy, good-tempered working cat — the pedigree version of the everyday tabby.

🐈 Average🙂 Moderate🧹 Some shedding

Abyssinian

A lithe, ticked, endlessly curious cat that treats your house as terrain to be surveyed.

🐈 Average⚡ High energy✨ Low shed