10 British Cat Breeds From Across the Pond

• Lifespan: 12–20 years
• Temperament: Affectionate, independent, regal

One of the oldest cat breeds from the UK, the British Shorthair’s ancestors originated in ancient Egypt before they were imported to Rome. The breed likely made its way to Great Britain in 43 CE during the Roman invasion. Their round face, chubby cheeks, and soft, dense coat make them an irresistibly cute companion.

• Lifespan: 12–20 years
• Temperament: Gentle, sweet, independent

Take the same warm, independent personality of the British Shorthair and add a long, plush coat, and you’ll have the British Longhair. The result of a British Shorthair and Persian cross, the British Longhair came into existence in the early 1900s.

Because of their fluffy coat, British Longhairs need more grooming upkeep than their shorthaired relatives.

• Lifespan: 11–15 years
• Temperament: Playful, athletic, social

The Cornish Rex loves to be the center of attention. Great with kids, other pets, and guests alike, the Cornish Rex’s curious, kitten-like personality will keep you on your toes.

Unlike the British Shorthair’s ancient history, the Cornish Rex originated in 1950 with the birth of a single kitten in Cornwall. The kitten had a genetic mutation that resulted in a soft, wavy, curly coat.

• Lifespan: 14–17 years
• Temperament: Sweet, impish, friendly

Devon Rex cats look a lot like the Cornish Rex, and the two breeds even originated in the same area (Devon and Cornwall are neighboring counties). But the two cats are actually completely unrelated.

Like the Cornish Rex, the Devon Rex began with a curly-coated kitten—this time, one born in 1959 and named Kirlee. Breeders initially thought Kirlee’s coat resulted from the same mutation found in the Cornish Rex, but test breeding showed that the two breeds’ coats were caused by different genetic mutations.

• Lifespan: 15–18 years
• Temperament: Playful, inquisitive, intelligent

The Burmilla is one of the newer cat breeds from Britain—and another happy accident. The first kittens were born in 1981 from an unplanned mating between a chinchilla (a pure white coat with darker-colored tipping on the hairs) Persian male and a lilac Burmese female.

The resulting sparkling, silver coat with black shading was so beautiful that cat fanciers decided to create a new breeding program. Burmillas remain rare in the U.S. today.

• Lifespan: 8–13 years
• Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, smart

Created in the 1950s by a group of British cat fanciers, the Havana Brown has a svelte build similar to their Siamese ancestors, with a gorgeous, shiny, mahogany-brown coat complemented by expressive green eyes.

Havana Brown coats require little grooming. That, along with their affectionate personality, makes them a great choice for families with kids of all ages.

• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Lively, loyal, affectionate

Like the Havana Brown, Oriental Shorthairs originated in the 1950s when a group of British breeders crossed Siamese with British Shorthairs, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, and other domestic cats.

And like their Siamese relatives, Oriental Shorthairs have bold personalities. They are talkative cats with a distinct honk-like meow and passion for play. Wand toys, feather teasers, and motorized toys are some of their favorites.

• Lifespan: 12–15 years
• Temperament: Social, animated, loving

The long-haired counterpart to the Oriental Shorthair, the Oriental Longhair is part of the Siamese breed group. Their long, draping coat comes in many colors. Known for their social, talkative nature, Oriental Longhairs are perfect for households that want a constant, upbeat companion.

• Lifespan: 11–15 years
• Temperament: Friendly, laid-back, lovable

The first Scottish Fold was a barn cat named Susie who was discovered in 1961. Today, all Scottish Folds can be traced back to her.

These cats are known for their distinct, folded ears, which lie flat on their heads. They are easygoing, plenty curious, and love to follow you from room to room.

• Lifespan: 11–15 years
• Temperament: Sweet, inquisitive, loyal

The straight-eared sibling of the Scottish Fold, Scottish Straights share the same sweet, loving nature. They come in long- and short-haired varieties, and need to be brushed once or twice weekly.