British Cat BreedsBreeds developed in Britain and the British Isles

The Classic British Breeds

The British Shorthair is one of the oldest recognized breeds, shaped from British street and farm cats in the late 1800s. It is round-faced, dense-coated and calm, and it is among the most popular breeds in the world. The British Longhair is its semi-long-coated relative with the same easygoing nature.

The Manx comes from the Isle of Man, a self-governing Crown Dependency, where the tailless gene became common in the local cat population. The Cymric is its longhaired form, with a name taken from Cymru, the Welsh name for Wales.

In the UK, a pedigree cat registered with the GCCF comes with documented ancestry, which helps buyers check lines and health history.

The Rex Breeds From Southwest England

Two curly-coated breeds appeared as natural mutations in neighboring counties. The Cornish Rex began with a curly kitten in Cornwall in 1950, and the Devon Rex with one in Devon in 1960. Their curls come from different genes, so the breeds are distinct. Both are playful, people-focused and light shedders, though neither is hypoallergenic.

Both have large ears and very fine coats that give them a distinctive, elfin look.

Modern Breeds Developed in the UK

• Havana Brown: developed in Britain in the 1950s to produce a solid chocolate cat of Siamese type.
• Burmilla: began in 1981 from an unplanned mating between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian.
• Asian: a group of Burmese-type cats that grew out of the Burmilla program, recognized in a range of colors and coats.
• Oriental Longhair: a longhaired Oriental type developed largely by British breeders.

Choosing a British Breed

These breeds have little in common beyond their origin. If you want calm and independent, the British Shorthair or British Longhair are ideal. For playful, interactive companions, look at the Devon Rex, Cornish Rex or Havana Brown. The Burmilla and Asian are affectionate and moderate in energy. The Oriental Longhair is lively and talkative.

Grooming needs differ too. The British Shorthair's dense coat needs weekly brushing and more during sheds, the British Longhair and Cymric need regular combing, and the Rex breeds need very little, though their skin can get oily.

Recognition also varies by country: some breeds here, such as the Asian group, are recognized by the GCCF but are less widely known in the US.

Health Notes

The British Shorthair can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and weight gain, so keep it lean and active. Manx and Cymric cats can develop Manx syndrome, a spinal condition linked to the tailless gene. Rex breeds have thin coats and feel the cold, so they appreciate warm beds. In the UK, mixed-breed moggies far outnumber pedigrees in rescue centers and offer many of the same traits.