Great Britain has a rich history of contributing unique and beloved cat breeds to the world. From ancient lineages that developed from spontaneous genetic mutations in farm cats to meticulously cultivated breeds resulting from deliberate crossbreeding, these felines have captured hearts globally with their distinctive characteristics. This exploration delves into some of the most popular and fascinating cat breeds that originated in the United Kingdom.
1. British Shorthair
British cat lying cat tree scratching post. British shorthair breedThe British Shorthair has a reputation of being somewhat aloof, but can bond closely to their owners. RVRSPTRLab / Shutterstock.com
The British Shorthair is a quintessential British cat breed, instantly recognizable by its dense coat, rounded cheeks, broad face, and charming “smile.” With origins tracing back potentially to Roman times, these robust cats possess a compact, muscular build and a sumptuously plush coat. While historically known for their blue-gray coloration, they now come in a diverse array of colors and patterns. Their large, round eyes can be captivating shades of blue, gold, or copper.
Originally valued for their pest control abilities, British Shorthairs have transitioned into cherished household pets, steadily growing in popularity. They are known for their quiet and mellow disposition. While they may seem a bit reserved initially, they form deep bonds with their families and appreciate their alone time, yet are also capable of being affectionate and cuddly companions.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: 11-14 inches
- Adult Weight: 8-18 pounds
- Life Span: 12-16 years
- Group: Medium-to-large shorthair
- Price: $300-$5,000
2. British Longhair
Purebred British Longhair breed beautiful blue cat female with long hair and bright round orange eyesBritish Longhair cats are less common than their short-haired cousins, but just as beautiful. OksanaSusoeva / Shutterstock.com
A less commonly known, yet equally beautiful, cousin to the British Shorthair, the British Longhair shares the same physical characteristics and temperament, differing primarily in its luxurious semi-longhaired coat. This breed’s fur is notably longer on the hind legs, neck (forming a ruff), and tail. The coat texture is often described as “fluff-plush.” These long-haired felines are characterized by their laid-back and relaxed nature, often enjoying extended periods of napping.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: 11-14 inches
- Adult Weight: 8-18 pounds
- Life Span: 12-16 years
- Group: Medium-to-large longhair
- Price: $300-$5,000
3. Burmilla
white short hair Burmilla breed cat on a gray backgroundBurmillas are known for their green eyes. JE Jevgenija / Shutterstock.com
The Burmilla is an exquisite breed originating from the United Kingdom in the 1980s, developed by crossing a Burmese cat with a Chinchilla Persian. Its most striking feature is its distinctive silvery-gray coat, a result of the Chinchilla’s unique tipping pattern, which creates a shimmering or glittery effect. Burmillas can present with either a smooth, short coat or a semi-longhaired coat, complete with fringes and a plumed tail. Their captivating green eyes further enhance their sparkling allure. Known for their gentle and sweet disposition, Burmillas maintain a lively, kitten-like playfulness throughout their lives.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Adult Weight: 8-12 pounds
- Life Span: 15-18+ years
- Group: Medium-sized shorthair and longhair
- Price: $500-$2,000
4. Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex cat on a white backgroundThe Cornish Rex has a short, curly coat which is low shedding. polya_olya / Shutterstock.com
The Cornish Rex breed’s story began in Cornwall, England, with the birth of a unique kitten named Kallibunker. This kitten possessed a remarkably short, curly coat, large ears, and a slender, finely-boned physique, all attributed to a spontaneous genetic mutation. Kallibunker became the foundation for a breeding program that, through crosses with breeds like the Burmese, Siamese, and domestic shorthairs, eventually established the distinct Cornish Rex.
These cats exhibit a wide range of colors and are an excellent option for individuals with cat allergies due to their minimal shedding. Personality-wise, Cornish Rex cats are intelligent, playful, energetic, and highly people-oriented, making them exceptionally charming pets.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Adult Weight: 6-9 pounds
- Life Span: 9-13+ years
- Group: Small to medium-sized shorthair
- Price: $800-$1,300
5. Devon Rex
Two Devon Rex cats are sitting on the scratching postDevon Rex cats are known for their intelligence and energy. Veera / Shutterstock.com
Similar to the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex also owes its existence to a natural genetic mutation. The first Devon Rex kitten was born to a stray cat in Devonshire, England, in the 1950s. This kitten displayed an unusual appearance with a long, slender neck, a slim body, an elfin face, and a short, wavy coat. A breeder, captivated by its unique look, used this cat to establish the breed.
Devon Rex cats are known for their playful nature, abundant energy, and insatiable curiosity. Their loving demeanor and inherent sense of humor often lead them into mischievous antics, but their charm quickly disarms any annoyance. The sparse coat sheds very little, making them a suitable choice for allergy sufferers.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Adult Weight: 6-9 pounds
- Life Span: 10-15 years
- Group: Small to medium-sized shorthair
- Price: $600-$2,000
6. Havana Brown
Headshot of young adult Havana Brown catHavana Brown cats are easily recognized by their solid brown coat color. Nynke van Holten / Shutterstock.com
Contrary to its name, the Havana Brown breed did not originate in Cuba. Instead, it was developed in England during the 1950s. The name was chosen to honor the breed’s rich, warm brown color, reminiscent of a Havana cigar. This breed is unique for its solid brown coat, a trait achieved through breeding Siamese cats with domestic black cats.
The Havana Brown’s coat is short to medium-length, smooth, and possesses a lustrous sheen. These affectionate cats form strong bonds with their human families and actively seek to be involved in all family activities.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: 12-14 inches
- Adult Weight: 6-10 pounds
- Life Span: 12-15 years
- Group: Medium-sized short-haired
- Price: $500-$1,500
7. Manx
Tricolor manx cat with characteristic lack of tailManx cats are distinctive for their lack of a tail. PradaBrown / Shutterstock
Originating from the Isle of Man, the Manx cat is famously characterized by its lack of a tail. While some Manx cats may have short or even full tails, only tailless individuals (rumpy) or those with a slight bony protrusion at the end of the spine (rumpy riser) are eligible for show competition. These cats evolved naturally on the island over hundreds of years before being recognized and exhibited in cat shows in the late 1800s.
Manx cats come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and can have either short or long hair (known as Cymric). They are often described as having a dog-like temperament, being friendly, intelligent, and laid-back companions.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: Isle of Man
- Height: 10-14 inches
- Adult Weight: 7-13 pounds
- Life Span: 12-16 years
- Group: Medium-sized short-haired
- Price: $500-$1,500
8. Oriental Shorthair
Portrait of oriental shorthair white cat with blue eyesDespite the name, the Oriental Shorthair breed is credited to Britain for its development. VittoriaChe / Shutterstock.com
Despite its name, the Oriental Shorthair is considered a British breed due to its development through distinct breeding efforts in England. British breeders aimed to create a cat with the Siamese body type but in a wide spectrum of colors beyond the traditional pointed patterns. The breed’s development involved numerous breeds, including the Siamese, British Shorthair, Russian Blue, Abyssinian, and domestic shorthairs.
Oriental Shorthairs possess a short coat, a slender, muscular body, and large ears. They are available in an almost endless variety of colors and patterns, with a long-haired variation also existing (Oriental Longhair). These affectionate cats are highly people-oriented, energetic, curious, and vocal.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Adult Weight: 6-12 pounds
- Life Span: 12-15 years
- Group: Medium-sized short-haired
- Price: $400-$2000
9. Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold black marble kittenA genetic mutation causes the ears of these Scottish Fold cats to form improperly. Oleksandr Volchanskyi / Shutterstock.com
The Scottish Fold, named for its distinctive ears that fold forward, originated in Scotland. This breed exemplifies how humans have capitalized on interesting genetic mutations. The lineage traces back to a barn cat named Susie in the 1960s, whose kittens exhibited folded ears. Subsequent breeding, incorporating breeds like Persians, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and Burmese, refined the breed.
All Scottish Fold kittens are born with straight ears; the characteristic fold typically appears around three weeks of age. These sweet and outgoing cats, affectionately nicknamed “Foldies,” are known for their affectionate nature and come in both short-haired and long-haired varieties.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: United Kingdom
- Height: 8-10 inches
- Adult Weight: 6-13 pounds
- Life Span: 13-15 years
- Group: Medium to large short-haired and long-haired
- Price: $1000 – $2000
10. Scottish Straight
Scottish straight shorthair catThe Scottish Straight breed comes in a range of coat colors and patterns. Oleksandr Volchanskyi / Shutterstock.com
The Scottish Straight is the designation for Scottish Fold kittens that do not develop folded ears. Litters typically consist of a mix of Scottish Folds and Scottish Straights, often in roughly equal numbers. Apart from ear shape, these two types are visually very similar. Like their folded-eared counterparts, Scottish Straights can have short or long coats and are available in a wide array of colors and patterns. Both breeds share a friendly, curious, and people-oriented disposition, readily enjoying lap cuddles.
Breed Overview:
- Origin: Scotland
- Height: 20″- 25″
- Adult Weight: 4-6 kg
- Life Span: 12- 16 years
These British cat breeds showcase the diversity and charm that the United Kingdom has contributed to the feline world. Whether you’re drawn to the robust British Shorthair, the elegant British Longhair, or the uniquely featured Cornish Rex, there’s a British breed to capture every cat lover’s heart.
