British Shorthair

Where the breed comes from

British Shorthairs descend from the sturdy street and farm cats of Britain. Breeders in the late 1800s began refining them, and the breed was shown at the earliest cat shows in London. The blue, often called the British Blue, is the classic colour, though many colours exist.

Personality and family life

They are calm, quiet and good-natured, happy to sit near you rather than on you. They suit families and apartment life and usually get along with other pets. They mature slowly and keep a gentle, steady nature.

Daily care: exercise, grooming, training

Weekly brushing is enough for their dense coat, a little more when shedding. British Shorthairs can be lazy, so daily play helps keep them trim. Measure food carefully.

Is this breed right for you?

Great for families, first-time cat owners and apartment dwellers who want a calm, sturdy cat. Less suited to people who want a lap cat that loves being carried, since many British Shorthairs prefer to keep four paws on the ground.

Fun facts

The British Shorthair's round face and copper eyes give it a teddy bear look, and males can be much bigger than females. The breed was used in developing the British Longhair and other breeds, and its chunky build has made it a favourite in advertising.

A day in the life

A typical day with a British Shorthair is calm: a little play in the morning and evening, a lot of supervised lounging and some window watching. Use toys that make them move, such as wand toys and treat balls, to keep weight in check. They tend to tolerate being alone during the working day better than more demanding breeds.

Health and good to know

The breed can be prone to heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and to obesity. Ask breeders about heart screening.

Every pet is an individual, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about diet, vaccines and health checks for your own animal.

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