British Shorthairs are well known for their round face and eyes, giving them a butter-wouldn’t-melt innocent look - but don’t be deceived! This gorgeous breed has oodles of character and isn’t nearly as demure as their doe-eyed expression suggests.
Size: | Medium to large |
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Coat: | Short and dense |
Life span: | 8 – 12 years |
Personality: | Gentle, affectionate, independent |
Friendly and chilled, British Shorthairs are a great companion for homes with or without children.
Friendly and chilled, British Shorthairs are a great companion for homes with or without children.
Your British Shorthair will thrive on a high-protein diet but may get bored of the same old cat food quickly!
Your British Shorthair will thrive on a high-protein diet but may get bored of the same old cat food quickly!
British Shorthairs’ short, dense coat is relatively low maintenance, but they may need extra upkeep in heavy shedding seasons.
British Shorthairs’ short, dense coat is relatively low maintenance, but they may need extra upkeep in heavy shedding seasons.
The British Shorthair is a rewarding family pet when it comes to training but they’ll need lots of play and stimulation to prevent boredom.
The British Shorthair is a rewarding family pet when it comes to training but they’ll need lots of play and stimulation to prevent boredom.
Considering welcoming a fun-loving British Shorthair into your home? Here are the top things to remember:
Considering welcoming a fun-loving British Shorthair into your home? Here are the top things to remember:
Generally, British Shorthairs are a healthy breed. However, they are more prone to certain health issues, like hyperthyroidism and some congenital heart problems. There is also a small chance of kidney disease. While these are not curable, they are manageable with medication and won’t impact your cat’s quality of life. Being aware of these conditions early means you can speak to your vet and check for early signs when going in for check-ups.
Male British Shorthair cats are quite a lot bigger than their female counterparts, but even so, beyond kittenhood they are a large, solid housecat. Their fairly short fur adds a lot of chunkiness to their physique, so if you prefer your animals to look a bit like a teddy bear, this is a lovely breed to consider.
British Shorthair cats love company and an easy life. Like most cats, some outdoor room-to-roam space will encourage British Shorthair cats to stay active and healthy. If you’re concerned about theft or other risks, you might want to invest in some cat-safe outdoor precautions if you have the space. However, this breed can potentially adapt to indoor-only lifestyles and often prefer to stay indoors, as long as they are provided with opportunities for play and stimulation to prevent boredom.
Blessed with an even and friendly temperament, British Shorthair cats’ personalities mean they can play well with other cats and less boisterous dogs if they are well socialised, carefully matched and gradually introduced. They can also be a firm friend to children who can respect their need for some personal space. However, thanks to their prey drive, they are not suited to being around smaller animals such as mice, rabbits and guinea pigs, so you will need to keep them separate.
The British Shorthair can trace its ancestors back to the Roman days where it was known as a champion mouser. It was brought to England by the Romans and have been a favourite of cat shows since their beginnings in the 19th century. Their official classification as a breed (after years of selective breeding for their now-iconic features) happened in 1870.
No, while grooming a British Shorthair is straightforward and easy, these cats shed as much as any cat and as such are not hypoallergenic. (Shorter fur doesn’t mean less shedding, but it may be easier to hoover!)
Generally, British Shorthairs are a healthy breed. However, they are more prone to certain health issues, like hyperthyroidism and some congenital heart problems. There is also a small chance of kidney disease. While these are not curable, they are manageable with medication and won’t impact your cat’s quality of life. Being aware of these conditions early means you can speak to your vet and check for early signs when going in for check-ups.
Male British Shorthair cats are quite a lot bigger than their female counterparts, but even so, beyond kittenhood they are a large, solid housecat. Their fairly short fur adds a lot of chunkiness to their physique, so if you prefer your animals to look a bit like a teddy bear, this is a lovely breed to consider.
British Shorthair cats love company and an easy life. Like most cats, some outdoor room-to-roam space will encourage British Shorthair cats to stay active and healthy. If you’re concerned about theft or other risks, you might want to invest in some cat-safe outdoor precautions if you have the space. However, this breed can potentially adapt to indoor-only lifestyles and often prefer to stay indoors, as long as they are provided with opportunities for play and stimulation to prevent boredom.
Blessed with an even and friendly temperament, British Shorthair cats’ personalities mean they can play well with other cats and less boisterous dogs if they are well socialised, carefully matched and gradually introduced. They can also be a firm friend to children who can respect their need for some personal space. However, thanks to their prey drive, they are not suited to being around smaller animals such as mice, rabbits and guinea pigs, so you will need to keep them separate.
The British Shorthair can trace its ancestors back to the Roman days where it was known as a champion mouser. It was brought to England by the Romans and have been a favourite of cat shows since their beginnings in the 19th century. Their official classification as a breed (after years of selective breeding for their now-iconic features) happened in 1870.
No, while grooming a British Shorthair is straightforward and easy, these cats shed as much as any cat and as such are not hypoallergenic. (Shorter fur doesn’t mean less shedding, but it may be easier to hoover!)
British Shorthairs sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan cat insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.