British Shorthair vs Selkirk Rex

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

	🐈 British Shorthair	🐈 Selkirk Rex
Group	Short Hair	Long Hair
Origin	United Kingdom	United States
Weight	3–7 kg	4–7 kg
Height	30–35 cm	20–25 cm
Lifespan	12–17 years	14–17 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

🐈 British Shorthair

Temperament

Calm, easy-going, dignified, undemonstrative. British Shorthairs love their family but don't insist on being held — they're more "sit nearby" than "lap cat". Excellent with children and other pets.

Exercise

Low to moderate. Two short play sessions a day. They love a window perch and prefer comfort to athletics.

Grooming

Dense plush coat, surprisingly easy. Brush weekly, daily during seasonal moults to remove undercoat.

Health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM — DNA test). Polycystic kidney disease (less than Persians but worth screening). Obesity (they love food, dislike exercise). Generally a hardy long-lived breed.

Full British Shorthair profile →

🐈 Selkirk Rex

Temperament

Patient, easy-going, cuddly. Excellent with families.

Exercise

Moderate.

Grooming

Curly double coat. Brush 2–3× weekly to prevent matting; avoid over-brushing (loosens the curl).

Health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Polycystic kidney disease (Persian heritage).

Full Selkirk Rex profile →

Which is right for you?

Pick the British Shorthair if

First-time cat owners, families with kids, multi-pet households, busy owners.

Pick the Selkirk Rex if

Families with children, first-time owners, multi-pet homes.

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British Shorthair vs Selkirk Rex