Let's talk British Shorthairs
How do you not fall for a British Shorthair? Their plump face and soft-as-silk fur draw you in but it’s their proper demeanor that keeps you coming back for more. A barely audible meow yet huge purr marks this sweet breed, who do like to cuddle but on their own time. Otherwise, the British Shorthair cat remains a steadfast observer and quiet comrade.Official name: British Shorthair
Other names: British Blue, Shorthair
Origins: Great Britain
| Hair length |
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Family Pet* |
 |
| Shedding level |  |
Cohabitation with other pet | |
| Grooming needs |  |
Can stay alone* |
 |
| Energy level* | |
Environment (indoor/outdoor) | |
| Vocal tendencies | Medium |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs).
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
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6 - 9 kg
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4 - 6 kg
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| Baby cat | Birth to 4 months |
| Growing kitten | 4 to 12 months |
| Adult | 1 to 7 years |
| Matur | 7 to 12 years |
| Senior | From 12 years |
Their plump face and soft-as-silk fur draw you in but it’s their proper demeanor that keeps you coming back for more
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about British Shorthair
1. Don’t confuse the blues
The beautiful blue-grey colour of the British Shorthair is known far and wide as a hallmark of the breed, but they often get mistaken for the very popular Russian Blue, Chartreux, or the softer hued Burmese. The British Shorthair breed however comes in nearly 100 other colours and patterns, including deep red, chinchilla silver, and pure white.
2. Thick outerwear is so in
The dense coat of the British Shorthair gives it a distinctive plush look but exists in multitudes: The loose fur of the British Shorthair breed spans more fur per square inch than any other breed. The cat may overheat as a result of their thickness, so as a result is not a huge cuddler.
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History of the breed
Despite their British origins, the British Shorthair can trace their roots to Ancient Rome, a cross initially of a domestic breed and wild cats. They are thought to be the oldest breed hailing from Europe although they were not formally recognized as a show breed by the Cat Fanciers’ Association until 1980. Originally prized for their expert ability to catch mice, that role has now taken a back seat to their current one as keeper of domestic bliss.
For most, the breed is a very familiar face, used by Lewis Carroll as the model for his legendary Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland and for the bold cat in the childhood fairytale Puss in Boots.
Europe’s first well-documented formal show happened in London in 1871 at Crystal Palace. Best in Show was taken by a British Shorthair cat, at the ripe old age of 14!
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of British Shorthair
1. Ears
Medium-sized ears, broad at base, curved tips, set far apart
2. Head
Round head and matching rounded cheeks. Males have larger jowls than females.
3. Body
Muscular body, short thick neck, short to medium-length yet powerful limbs
4. Tail
Somewhat short tail in proportion to body, thicker at base, tapering to tip
5. Coat
Velvet-like coat, short very dense fine fur, no double coat.
The breed is very loyal to their owners and warmhearted, despite a somewhat independent streak
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Bristish Shorthair
Better left indoors
Due to their very gentle nature, the British Shorthair is probably best as an indoor cat for the most part, to guard the breed from predators - which includes more wild animals like fox and raccoons but also domesticated ones like neighboring dogs who may have a high prey drive. Keeping your cat indoors will also help them avoid diseases they can readily catch outside, like Lyme disease or common parasites.
Not exactly athletic...
Sweet and docile as the British Shorthair is, they won’t be winning an agility contest any time soon. The breed can easily gain weight given their propensity to sit back and take in the world, more of a “meh…” than “meow” approach to life. It’s something we appreciate as their owner but need to be wary of when it comes to guarding their health. Play regularly with your cat to keep her fit, and let her wander around the house and in the yard while observed. Keeping treats to a minimum and small, measured meals is best to keep that body as trim as possible.
Look out for gum disease
The breed has a tendency toward gingivitis, a common irritation of the gums at the base of the teeth. Thankfully, this very mild form of gum disease isn’t a reason to run to the vet but will, as with any medical condition, need to be watched and cared for. Brushing your British Shorthair’s teeth at least weekly will help prevent the build-up of tartar on both teeth and gums; daily brushing is optimal although difficult when it comes to feline cooperation...they should have outdoor time like all breeds to get in a daily dose of exercise
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Caring for your British Shorthair
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Ah, that plush coat! A pleasure to look at and not so bad when it comes to upkeep either. Grooming the British Shorthair is a fairly effortless task. The dense, soft hair needs little brushing - weekly at best - with more done at seasonal shedding times in the spring and fall to keep it in top condition. Their extremely soft coat exists in one layer, as they do not sport a double coat.
Despite their laid-back manner, the British Shorthair personality is chock full of pluses, starting with their high intelligence and unflinching loyalty. Given these character traits, the breed is an easy one to train, and demonstrated to have insight into commands that make them amenable. Whenever they are in the mood.
British Shorthairs have a muscular but not athletic body; call them more bruiser than bodybuilder. Still, they should have outdoor time like all breeds to get in a daily dose of exercise. Keep them in your sights when they’re in the yard however to prevent any attacks by predators, including nearby dogs with a prey drive. Playtime indoors works just as well to keep this - or any cat - fit.
All about British Shorthairs
Very, but they are not cuddly. There is a difference: The British Shorthair is not a lap cat as a result of their thick fur. Cuddling too much will make them easily overheat. They prefer sitting by your side as a content companion. One thing they are known for: following owners around the house.
This is one breed with a fairly good life
span, anywhere from 7 to 12 years, as long as they are given proper nutrition
and a fair amount of exercise that will keep them in optimum health.
Read more on this topic
Health risks of overweight and obese cats
Feeding your cat after surgery to support recovery
Common illnesses in older cats
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/