British Shorthair

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair cat is a largish breed which could be described as chunky or cobby. Many of its contours are rounded – face and cheeks, ears, eyes and head. Its short broad nose sits above a deep strong chin and these, along with its deep chest and short, thick tail, all convey a strong and sturdy cat. The coat which is short and dense without being fluffy and comes in over 100 colour and coat pattern combinations.

The need-to-know
  • Playful and curious cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Larger stockier cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

Some consider British Shorthair cats as the 'gentle giants' of the cat world. They are loving and affectionate with people and other animals. British Shorthair cats do not continuously demand human attention and are quieter than their Oriental counterparts, nor do they have the curious nature that gets many Oriental cat breeds into trouble!

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain

The British Shorthair cat is, by far, the most popular pedigree breed of cat in the UK. Although there are only written records for the British Shorthair cat that date back to the beginning of the century, the breed has been in existence for hundreds of years. They were exported in large numbers to the New World where they were very popular. The variety of colours and coat patterns available today have come about from the selective breeding of the best street cats during the nineteenth century and continuing careful breeding plans to the present day.

British Shorthair cats are generally a robust breed without too many problems. Because they have been bred with Persian cats in the past there is small chance of a being affected by polycystic kidney disease. This disease causes kidney problems because of the cysts or holes which develop progressively. There is a gene test available so it is definitely worth asking the breeders about the status of their cats - good breeders should know about it.

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

One of the reasons that the British Shorthair cat became so popular in the last century was because it needed little grooming. The coat is short and dense and the cat can easily look after it itself. As with all cats, regular vaccination and parasite control is recommended.

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

Finding a cat

Two cats sitting on a sofa with a red cushion
Finding a pet
Is this the right breed for you?
All cats have their own unique personality! Try our Cat Breed Selector tool and find out which cat breeds better match your preferences and lifestyle.
Two cats lying on the sofa
Finding a pet
Thinking about getting a cat?
What breed would you like? Can you handle the challenges of a cheeky kitten, or would a calmer senior cat suit your lifestyle more?
Cat laying on the red pillow
Finding a pet
Finding a good breeder
If your heart is set on a pedigree kitten, then your best bet is to find a reputable breeder. Find out what to look for in a kitten breeder with this guide.
Cat laying in woman's arms
Finding a pet
Bringing your cat home
While you're waiting for the big day you may need to distract yourself, so luckily there are a few things you need to sort our before you welcome your new arrival.
Cat looking at the owner
Adoption
It's incredibly fulfilling to adopt a cat from an animal shelter or rescue organisation. It often means offering them a second chance at life. There are many cats waiting for a loving family and their forever home, but what can you expect from the process?
Ginger kitten sitting on woman's shoulder
Kitten advice
Everything you need to know
Getting a new kitten is incredibly exciting for all the family, but it can be quite scary for your new arrival. Find out how to deal with everything from behaviour to health questions with our expert kitten advice.
Cat laying in bed
Finding a pet
Cat facts you need to know
18% of households in the UK own a cat, but there's still so much that we don't know about them. From the unusual way they walk, to how big the largest cat is, we bet you haven't heard some of these fun facts!