Getting to know Scottish and British cats
Scottish Straight vs British Shorthair
Round faces, round eyes, plush coats: Scottish Straight and British Shorthair cats can look remarkably alike. That is no coincidence. Here is a simple, honest guide for families in Miami deciding which look and personality suits them.
Why They Look So Similar
The Scottish breed began in 1961 with Susie, a white farm cat with folded ears found in Scotland. To build the breed, early breeders crossed her descendants with British Shorthairs, and later, in the United States, with American Shorthairs.
Kittens from Scottish litters are born either with ears that will fold (Scottish Fold) or with ears that stay upright (Scottish Straight). Because of that shared British ancestry, a Scottish Straight can look very much like a British Shorthair.
Side by Side
Every cat is an individual, but these are the differences people notice most often.
| Trait | British Shorthair | Scottish Straight |
|---|---|---|
| Ears | Small, upright ears set wide apart on a round head. | Upright ears. Their Scottish Fold littermates may have ears that fold forward. |
| Build | Compact, heavy-boned, and solid; one of the sturdier cat breeds. | Medium-sized and rounded, often a little lighter than a British Shorthair. |
| Coat | Very dense, plush short coat. The long-coated version is the British Longhair. | Short or long. Long-haired Scottish kittens can look very fluffy. |
| Face and eyes | Broad, round face with full cheeks and large round eyes. | Round face and large round eyes, often with a sweet, open expression. |
| Personality | Often described as calm, easygoing, and fairly independent. | Often described as gentle and people-oriented, happy to stay close to their family. |
Breed background: TICA British Shorthair and TICA Scottish Straight overviews.
A Note on Health
The folded ear of a Scottish Fold comes from a dominant gene that also affects cartilage, which is why Scottish Folds have breed-specific health considerations. Scottish Straights, with upright ears, generally do not carry that fold gene. British Shorthairs have their own breed considerations too.
This guide is not veterinary advice. For any kitten, ask a licensed veterinarian about health checks and vaccinations. Read our health and care page for what we document.
Our Scottish Kittens in Miami
We raise Scottish Fold and Scottish Straight kittens at home in Miami. The dad of our current litter is a long-haired British-type cat, so if you love the round, plush British look, these kittens may suit you too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Scottish Straight the same as a British Shorthair?
No. They are separate breeds, but they share ancestry: British Shorthairs were used in building the Scottish breed, so a Scottish Straight can look very similar to a British Shorthair.
How can I tell a Scottish Straight from a British Shorthair?
By look alone it can be hard. British Shorthairs are usually more heavily built with a very dense, plush coat, while Scottish Straights are a little lighter and come from Scottish litters that can also include folded-ear kittens. For a pedigreed cat, registration papers confirm the breed.
Do you have British Shorthair kittens?
Not registered British Shorthairs. Our kittens' mom is Sonya, a folded-ear Scottish Fold-type cat, and their dad differs from litter to litter. The dad of our current litter is a long-haired British-type cat, so these kittens can have a British look. Our kittens come without registration papers, so we describe them as Scottish Fold or Scottish Straight by their ears and look.
Comparing folded ears? Read Scottish Fold vs British Shorthair. Curious about ears? Read Scottish Fold vs Scottish Straight. Comparing costs? See kitten prices in Miami.