Some popular cat breeds, along with some more rare felines, have their roots in England. While some of these British cat breeds are closely related, others vary widely in appearance and temperament. Moreover, some breeds are native to England while others were simply developed there but have ancestors from elsewhere. And many of these British cat breeds are now found as companion animals in homes around the world.
Here are 10 cat breeds that hail from England.
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British Shorthair
The British shorthair is probably the most well-known British cat breed. These cats share the same ancestry as the American shorthair, though when the breeds split off, they also took on some distinct characteristics. British shorthairs used to be called British blues for the silvery gray coat that’s common among the breed. Their unique look comes from their round eyes, broad faces, and plush coat. They tend to be laidback and loving cats.
Breed Overview
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 7 to 17 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Broad faceEye color: Round eyes in copper, green, gold, or blue
Coat colors: White, black, red, cream, and blue (most common)
Life Expectancy: 12 to 20 years
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British Longhair
The British longhair sports a luxurious fluffy coat and a similar face to their shorthair cousin. The longhair is the product of breeding between British shorthairs and long-haired cats, such as Persians. This British cat breed is known to be quite loving, friendly, and patient but also doesn't mind a bit of alone time.
Breed Overview
Height: 12 to 14 inches
Weight: 9 to 18 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Short neck
Eye color: Round eyes in copper, orange, or deep gold
Coat colors: Long coat in a variety of colors and patterns
Life Expectancy: 12 to 17 years
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Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a highly affectionate British breed with big ears; a small stature; and a short, curly coat. Unlike some other pedigreed British cat breeds, the lineage of the Devon Rex can’t be traced to distinct breeding efforts. Instead, the first Devon Rex was born in Devon, England, as a result of a spontaneous genetic mutation. These cats have since become quite popular for their friendly, relaxed nature.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 9 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Curly coat; long, skinny neck; big ears
Eye color: Can be any color
Coat colors: Comes in almost any color
Life Expectancy: 9 to 15 years
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Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex cats bring a dog-like temperament to their interactions with an affinity for play. Similar to the Devon Rex, this breed arose from a spontaneous genetic mutation—in this case, between a shorthaired domestic cat and a stray tabby in Cornwall. The Cornish Rex is a true original in terms of personality. The breed has an innate humor and charm as well as an affinity for a bit of mischief.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Slender body; curly coat; small head; large ears
Eye color: Gold, green, or hazel
Coat colors: Many different colors possible
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
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Oriental
Their name may suggest otherwise, but Orientals actually originated in England where they were bred as an alternative to China’s Siamese cats. Orientals, also referred to as foreign shorthairs, have a very similar appearance to the Siamese but with a wider range of coat colors. These intelligent cats love to give affection and expect it in return.
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 9 to 14 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Long and slender muscular body; triangle-shaped head
Eye color: Usually bright green
Coat colors: Many different colors possible
Life Expectancy: 15 to 29 years
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Chinchilla
The Chinchilla is one of the oldest manmade cat breeds out of England. These cats may share a name with a rodent, but they're quite a regal breed. They tend to be extroverted and affectionate, and they love attention. Plus, their fluffy coat requires regular grooming to keep it tidy and prevent mats.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 12 inches
Weight: 9 to 12 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Short, stocky body; bushy coat and tail
Eye color: Green or blue-green
Coat colors: White
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
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Scottish Fold
This breed originated in Scotland as a mutation in farm cats. They can often be referred to as "Foldies" and are a cross between a British Shorthair and domestic cats in Scotland. They are very playful and affectionate cats.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 10 inches
Weight: 6 to 13 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Medium to large-sized
Eye color: Can be a variety of colorsCoat colors: Comes in a wide range of colors
Life Expectancy: 11 to 15 years
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Burmilla
What do you get when you cross a Chinchilla with a Burmese? The Burmilla, a playful breed with a taste for adventure and a short coat that’s much easier to maintain than that of their Chinchilla relatives. Burmillas were introduced in the 1980s and quickly gained popularity. They're quite sweet and ideal for families, and they rarely say no to a lap cuddle.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 8 to 12 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Muscular build; rounded ears
Eye color: Green
Coat colors: Comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns
Life Expectancy: 7 to 12 years
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Havana Brown
The Havana brown was developed in England as a result of crosses between the Siamese and domestic black cats. The goal of breeders was to produce a feline with a lovely brown coat, and they certainly succeeded. These cats are quite social and chatty, and they’re pretty inquisitive, too. They love to play but also enjoy a good nap.
Breed Overview
Height: 9 to 11 inches
Weight: 8 to 10 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Muscular build
Eye color: Green
Coat colors: Short hair; warm brown coat;
Life Expectancy: 8 to 15 years
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Turkish Van
While the Turkish Van’s ancestors are native to Turkey, the breed actually was developed in England. In the 1950s, British breeders brought home a pair of Turkish Van kittens and continued to evolve the breed for its distinctive markings. These cats tend to be very active, athletic, and playful. They also are friendly toward people and even other animals.
Breed Overview
Height: 10 to 14 inches
Weight: 8 to 18 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Large and muscular
Eye color: Amber, blue, or odd-colored (each eye a different color) eyes
Coat colors: White with colored markings on the head and tail
Life Expectancy: 12 to 17 years
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Asian Cat
Also known as the Malayan cat, the Asian cat was developed in England starting in the 1980s. The breed originally was a cross between a Burmese and Chinchilla. These cats typically are very affectionate and quite chatty. They love to play, cuddle, and generally be around people as much as possible.
Breed Overview
Height: 8 to 12 inches
Weight: 6 to 13 pounds
Physical Characteristics: Broad chest; rounded head; silky, smooth coat; either long or short hair (a long-haired variety called Tiffanies)
Eye color: Can be a variety of colorsCoat colors: Comes in a wide range of colors and patterns
Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years
