 American short hair vs British short hair. What are the differences between the two cat breeds? The American short hair is one of the most popular breeds of cat. And is it any wonder? They're typically cute and cuddly with an interesting history that traces all the way back to the Mayflower. The most well-recognized for their stocky, chunky build, the British short hair is a unique and pleasant cat that has been keeping families company for centuries. These thick-coated felines can be found in nearly any color or pattern that a person could think of. With their teddy bear-like appearance, chubby cheeks, and fuzzy coat, it's easy to see why this cat has remained a favorite for so many years. Formerly used to keep rodents and vermin away from food stores, the American short hair still enjoys exercising her hunting skills on unsuspecting insects. As a smart, moderately active feline, she enjoys learning tricks and challenging her intelligence with puzzles and interactive toys. The British short hair is an easygoing feline. She enjoys affection but isn't needy and dislikes being carried. She'll follow you from room to room, though, out of curiosity. British short hairs aren't lapcats, but they do enjoy snuggling next to their people on the couch. The American short hair weighs 7 to 12 pounds while British short hairs weigh 12 to 20 pounds, then females weigh 8 to 14 pounds. The adaptable and good-natured American short hair retains his hunting ability, but these days he is more likely to be a family companion, a job at which he excels. He has a middle of the road temperament, being calm but not comatose. The American short hair is moderately active and enjoys a good playtime as much as the next cat, but he's not overly demanding of attention or activity. As befits a working-class cat who is made good, he is smart and enjoys playing with puzzle toys and interactive toys. He has a sociable nature and isn't the type to hide under the bed when visitors arrive. This is a placid cat but one that doesn't especially like being carried around. Let him stand on his own four feet. He may or may not be a lap cat, but he will always appreciate having a spot next to you on the sofa or at the end of the bed. The British short hair is mellow and easygoing, making him an excellent family companion. He really enjoys affection. Expect him to follow you around the house during the day, settling nearby wherever you stop. Full of British reserve, the British short hair has a quiet voice and is an undemanding companion. He doesn't require a lap, although he loves to sit next to you. Being a big cat, he isn't fond of being carried around. British short hair is a cat with a moderate activity level. He's energetic during kittenhood but usually starts to settle down by the time he is a year old. More mature British short hairs are usually couch potatoes, but adult males occasionally behave like goofballs. When they run through the house, they can sound like a herd of elephants. British short hairs are rarely destructive, their manners are those of a proper governess, not a soccer hooligan. They welcome guests confidently. Both pedigreed cats and mixed breed cats have varying incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature. American short hairs and British short hairs are generally healthy, but be sure to ask a breeder about the incidents of health problems in their lines and what testing has been done for any that are genetic in nature. The American short hair is a hardy and healthy breed. Some instances of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have been recorded, but it's unknown if the condition is hereditary. Their flat face also makes the breed more susceptible to ocular and respiratory issues. They are genetically predisposed to mouth and gum disease and their laid-back nature increase their risk of obesity. Reputable breeders test thoroughly to avoid breeding cats with genetic diseases. Although the breed is free from many genetic diseases that plague other breeds, British short hairs are susceptible to gingivitis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and hemophilia B obesity is another concern, as this cat loves to eat and leads a relatively sedentary lifestyle. They must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in its diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain ideal body condition in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes. Hello. This video is sponsored by Beemix Pets. Are you looking for high quality cat collars at an affordable cost? Check out BeemixPets.com. Use coupon code KittenLife to get 20% off. The American short hairs coat is easily cared for by combing or brushing it a couple of times a week to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. The thickness of the cat's coat and the amount it sheds vary based on climate and time of year. American short hairs like their meals so they can easily become overweight. To prevent obesity, measure their food instead of free feeding them. The British short hair short, smooth coat is simple to groom with weekly brushing or combing to remove dead hairs. A bath is rarely necessary. Brush their teeth to prevent periodontal disease. Daily dental hygiene is best, but weekly brushing is better than nothing. Trim the nails weekly. Wipe the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a separate area of the cloth for each eye so you don't run the risk of spreading any infection. Check their ears weekly. If they look dirty, wipe them out with a cotton ball or soft damp cloth moistened with a 50 to 50 mixture of cider vinegar and warm water. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can damage the interior of the ear. Keep their litter box spotlessly clean. Cats are very particular about bathroom hygiene. The American short hair has the body of a working cat, stocky, muscular, and strong. His build gives him the agility and endurance he needs as a first-rate stalker, and his heavily muscled legs make him capable of pouncing, jumping, and climbing to get his furred or feathered prey. This is a medium-sized to large cat, slightly longer than he is tall. A large head with a full cheeked face gives the American short hair a sweet, open expression. He has medium-sized ears that are slightly rounded at the tips and large, wide eyes. A short, thick coat comes in a large assortment of colors and patterns — solid, tabby, calico, tortoise shell, bicolor, particolor, and more. The silver classic tabby pattern is probably the most popular of them all. With his short, thick coat, round head and cheeks, big round eyes, and rounded body, the British short hair resembles nothing so much as a cuddly, teddy bear. His body is compact but powerful with a broad chest, strong legs with rounded paws, and a thick tail with a rounded tip. The coat comes in just about any color or pattern you could wish for, including lilac, chocolate, black, white, pointed, tabby, and many more. The best-known color is blue-gray and the cats are sometimes referred to as British blues. The short hair does not reach full physical maturity until he is three to five years old. The laid-back but playful American short hair and the mild-mannered British short hair cat are well suited to life with families with children and cat-friendly dogs. They can learn tricks and loves the attention they receive from children who treat them politely and with respect. They will get along fine with dogs if they don't give them any trouble, supervise young children and show them how to pet the cat nicely. Instead of holding or carrying the cat, have them sit on the floor and pet him. Other cats will not disturb his equilibrium. For best results, always introduce any pets, even other cats, slowly and in a controlled setting. It's a good idea to keep American short hairs and British short hairs as an indoor only cat to protect them from diseases spread by other cats, attacks by dogs or coyotes, and the other dangers that face cats who go outdoors, such as being hit by a car. American short hairs and British short hairs who go outdoors also run the risk of being stolen by someone who would like to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.