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.

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.

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  • British Shorthair
  • 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 face; round eyes in copper, green, gold, or blue; coat colors include white, black, red, cream, and blue (most common)
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  • British Longhair
  • Melanie Mansart / Getty Images
  • The British longhair sports a luxurious fluffy coat and a similar face to its 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 neck; round eyes; long coat in a variety of colors and patterns
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  • Devon Rex
  • Troydays / Getty Images
  • 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 ears
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  • Cornish Rex
  • 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. It 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 ears
  • Continue to 5 of 10 below.
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  • Oriental
  • 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 head; many different colors possible
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  • Chinchilla
  • 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 tail
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  • Burmilla
  • 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 ears; comes in wide variety of colors and patterns
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  • Havana Brown
  • 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 build; short hair; warm brown coat; green eyes
  • Continue to 9 of 10 below.
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  • Turkish Van
  • 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: White with colored markings on the head and tail; amber, blue, or odd-colored (each eye a different color) eyes
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  • Asian Cat
  • 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 (long-haired variety called Tiffanies); comes in wide range of colors and patterns

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.

lisegagne / Getty Images

Breed Overview

Height: 12 to 14 inchesWeight: 7 to 17 poundsPhysical Characteristics: Broad face; round eyes in copper, green, gold, or blue; coat colors include white, black, red, cream, and blue (most common)

British Longhair

The British longhair sports a luxurious fluffy coat and a similar face to its 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.

Melanie Mansart / Getty Images

Height: 12 to 14 inches

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.

Troydays / Getty Images

Height: 10 to 12 inches

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. It has an innate humor and charm as well as an affinity for a bit of mischief. 

Angela Emanuelsson / Getty Images

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.

Viktoryia Voinakh / Getty Images

Height: 9 to 11 inches

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.

GingerOrNothing / Getty Images

Height: 8 to 12 inches

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. 

SynchR / Getty Images

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.

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. 

LEMAIRE Stéphane / Getty Images

Height: 10 to 14 inches

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. 

DuKai photographer / Getty Images