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 is short and dense without being fluffy and comes in over 100 colours and coat pattern combinations.

The need-to-know

Highly active and inquisitive cat
Sociable and dependent cat

Average build cat breed
Requires grooming once a week

Outdoor cat
Great family cat

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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!

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History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain

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 from the selective breeding of the best street cats during the nineteenth century and careful breeding plans to the present day.

Health and Common Issues

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 a 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 worth asking the breeders about the status of their cats. Good breeders should know about it.

Nutrition and Feeding

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.

Grooming British Shorthair

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.

Best Cat Breeds for Children

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.

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