What is the difference between a American Shorthair and a Burmese?

The American Shorthair is 8–12 lbs sized while the Burmese is 6–14 lbs sized. They differ in size (8–12 lbs vs 6–14 lbs), lifespan (15–20 years vs 10–17 years), and care requirements.

Which breed is better with kids, American Shorthair or Burmese?

American Shorthair is generally good with kids. Burmese is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, American Shorthair or Burmese?

The American Shorthair has a lifespan of 15–20 years while the Burmese has a lifespan of 10–17 years.

American Shorthair vs Burmese — Breed Comparison

About the American Shorthair

The American Shorthair descends from European cats brought to North America on ships like the Mayflower, where they earned their keep as skilled mousers. This medium-to-large breed weighs 8–15 pounds and boasts a powerful, well-proportioned build with a broad chest. Their dense, short coat comes in over 80 recognized colors and patterns, with the classic silver tabby being the most iconic.

Temperament & Personality

American Shorthairs are easygoing, adaptable cats that strike a perfect balance between playful and laid-back. They are patient and gentle with children, coexist peacefully with other pets, and are content to entertain themselves when the family is busy. Their calm, even temperament and low-maintenance nature have made them one of America's most popular breeds for decades.

Pros

Exceptionally healthy breed with a lifespan of 15–20 years
Low-maintenance coat that rarely mats or tangles
Independent enough to handle owners' work schedules without anxiety
Natural mouser — helps keep the home pest-free

Cons

Prone to obesity if diet and exercise are not carefully managed
Can be reserved with strangers and may take time to warm up
Not as interactive or trainable as more active breeds
Seasonal shedding can be heavy despite the short coat

Ready to welcome an American Shorthair into your home? Browse available cats for adoption on Puplister.

About the Burmese

The Burmese traces its Western lineage to a single cat named Wong Mau, brought from Burma (Myanmar) to San Francisco in 1930 by Dr. Joseph C. Thompson. This compact, muscular breed weighs 6–14 pounds and is surprisingly heavy for its size — often described as a "brick wrapped in silk." Their short, satiny coat comes in sable, champagne, blue, and platinum, with an exceptionally fine texture that lies close to the body.

Temperament & Personality

Burmese cats are social, energetic, and deeply people-oriented — they want to be involved in everything their family does. They are excellent with children and other pets, often initiating play and maintaining their kitten-like exuberance well into old age. Their trusting, outgoing nature means they should be kept indoors, as they lack the wariness of strangers that keeps other cats safe outdoors.

Pros

Extremely affectionate — thrives on physical contact and lap time
Maintains playful, kitten-like energy throughout adulthood
Minimal grooming needed — satiny coat rarely sheds or mats
Highly social and does well in multi-cat households

Cons

Prone to diabetes mellitus at higher rates than most breeds
Susceptible to craniofacial defects and hypokalemic polymyopathy
Too trusting — not streetwise enough for outdoor access
Demanding of attention — can develop behavioral issues if left alone regularly

Experience the warmth and devotion of a Burmese — find cats ready for adoption on Puplister.

American Shorthair vs Burmese