11 Best British Cat Breeds Meet charming British cats from England with unique traits and origins. By Laura Mueller Laura Mueller Laura Mueller is a well-regarded animal rescue expert and writer with nearly a decade of experience in animal advocacy. Laura is the former editor of Tails Pet Magazine and volunteers in animal rescue, including Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty Society and Starfish Animal Rescue. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 06/11/25 Credit: Yulia-Images / Getty Images Some popular cat breeds, along with rarer felines, have their origins in England. While some British cat breeds share close relations, others differ in appearance and temperament. Some are native to England, while others were developed there but have ancestors from elsewhere. Today, many of these British breeds are cherished companions in homes worldwide. Here are 10 cat breeds that hail from England. Tip When considering a cat breed you're unfamiliar with, it's ideal to interact with a feline representative of that breed before acquiring one as a pet. That way you'll be able to judge whether the breed's tendencies are right for your lifestyle. 01 of 11 British Shorthair Credit: lisegagne / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 7 to 17 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Broad faceEye color: Round eyes in copper, green, gold, or blueCoat colors: White, black, red, cream, and blue (most common)Life Expectancy: 12 to 20 years 02 of 11 British Longhair Credit: Melanie Mansart / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 9 to 18 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Short neckEye color: Round eyes in copper, orange, or deep goldCoat colors: Long coat in a variety of colors and patternsLife Expectancy: 12 to 17 years 03 of 11 Devon Rex Credit: The Spruce / Kristie Lee 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 inchesWeight: 6 to 9 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Curly coat; long, skinny neck; big earsEye color: Can be any colorCoat colors: Comes in almost any colorLife Expectancy: 9 to 15 years 04 of 11 Cornish Rex Credit: Angela Emanuelsson / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 6 to 10 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Slender body; curly coat; small head; large earsEye color: Gold, green, or hazelCoat colors: Many different colors possibleLife Expectancy: 12 to 16 years Continue to 5 of 11 below 05 of 11 Oriental Credit: Viktoryia Voinakh / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 9 to 14 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Long and slender muscular body; triangle-shaped headEye color: Usually bright greenCoat colors: Many different colors possibleLife Expectancy: 15 to 29 years 06 of 11 Chinchilla Credit: GingerOrNothing / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 9 to 12 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Short, stocky body; bushy coat and tailEye color: Green or blue-greenCoat colors: WhiteLife Expectancy: 12 to 15 years 07 of 11 Scottish Fold Credit: The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska 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 inchesWeight: 6 to 13 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Medium to large-sizedEye color: Can be a variety of colorsCoat colors: Comes in a wide range of colorsLife Expectancy: 11 to 15 years 08 of 11 Burmilla Credit: SynchR / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 8 to 12 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Muscular build; rounded earsEye color: GreenCoat colors: Comes in a wide variety of colors and patternsLife Expectancy: 7 to 12 years Continue to 9 of 11 below 09 of 11 Havana Brown Credit: Cavan Images / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 8 to 10 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Muscular buildEye color: GreenCoat colors: Short hair; warm brown coat;Life Expectancy: 8 to 15 years 10 of 11 Turkish Van Credit: LEMAIRE Stéphane / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 8 to 18 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Large and muscularEye color: Amber, blue, or odd-colored (each eye a different color) eyesCoat colors: White with colored markings on the head and tailLife Expectancy: 12 to 17 years 11 of 11 Asian Cat Credit: DuKai photographer / Getty Images 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 inchesWeight: 6 to 13 poundsPhysical 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 patternsLife Expectancy: 10 to 15 years 15 Best American Cat Breeds Explore more: Cats Cat Breeds