American Shorthair vs Burmilla

Which cat breed is right for you?

American Shorthair

Size
8–12 lbs
Lifespan
15–20 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Easygoing Calm Affectionate Playful

Burmilla

Size
6–13 lbs
Lifespan
10–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Playful Affectionate Social

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 Burmilla

The Burmilla was created by accident in 1981 in the United Kingdom when a Chinchilla Persian escaped and mated with a lilac Burmese — producing kittens of such striking beauty that a deliberate breeding program was established. This medium-sized breed weighs 6–13 pounds and has an elegant yet muscular build with large, expressive green eyes. Their short, dense coat has a distinctive "tipped" or "shaded" silver pattern — as if each hair has been delicately painted at the tip — in colors including black, blue, brown, chocolate, and lilac.

Temperament & Personality

Burmillas inherit the best of both parent breeds — the playful sociability of the Burmese and the gentle calm of the Chinchilla Persian. They are affectionate without being clingy, enjoy interactive play, and are generally good-natured with children and other pets. Their sweet, easygoing personality makes them wonderful companions for first-time cat owners.

Pros

  • Stunningly beautiful silver-tipped coat that is easy to maintain
  • Balanced temperament — affectionate but not overly demanding
  • Gets along well with children, other cats, and cat-friendly dogs
  • Quiet breed with a gentle, melodic voice

Cons

  • Can inherit polycystic kidney disease (PKD) from Persian ancestry
  • Relatively rare — limited availability and potentially high cost
  • May develop allergies and skin sensitivities
  • Needs regular dental care — prone to gingivitis and periodontal disease

The elegant Burmilla might be your ideal feline match — start browsing adoptable cats on Puplister today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a American Shorthair and a Burmilla?
The American Shorthair is 8–12 lbs sized while the Burmilla is 6–13 lbs sized. They differ in size (8–12 lbs vs 6–13 lbs), lifespan (15–20 years vs 10–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, American Shorthair or Burmilla?
American Shorthair is generally good with kids. Burmilla is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, American Shorthair or Burmilla?
The American Shorthair has a lifespan of 15–20 years while the Burmilla has a lifespan of 10–15 years.

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