British Short Hair Cat

Group

Short Haired

Weight

3.2-7.7 kg

Length

30-35 cm

Lifespan

15-20 years

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About the British Short Hair Cat

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The British Shorthair is a classic cat breed that’s well known in the United Kingdom. With an easygoing personality, it’s a recommended pick for many of those who want to take the plunge and buy a cat.

Becoming a cat owner can be very rewarding and can be a great option for those who don’t want the commitment of owning a dog which requires a lot more time and effort.

If you’re interested in owning a cat and you’re thinking about adopting or buying a British Shorthair, here are some interesting facts and information that can help you make your final decision.

What Is the History & Origin of the British Shorthair Cat?

The American Cat Association recognized the British Shorthair in 1967, but it was the Romans invading Britain who helped influence the creation of this breed. During Victorian England, the Shorthair was one of the first varieties to come about.

The Longhair ones were bred during World War I when breeders mixed them with Persians. Interestingly, the breed nearly died out in World War II due to food shortages. However, they thankfully clawed their way through thanks to the breeders!

This cat breed has since been recognized by The International Cat Association in 1979 and the Cat Fanciers Association in 1980.

It’s even thought that the Cheshire Cat was a British Shorthair!

What Is a British Shorthair Cat Breed?

A British Shorthair is made up of mainly round body parts. It has a round head, eyes and rounded paws that make this breed adorable.

They’re a popular breed and make up part of the estimated 2.7 million domesticated cats in Australia alone.

Who Is a British Shorthair Cat Best For?

These cats are well-suited to any home with plenty of love to give. They prefer to be indoors and enjoy the chilled out life. They’re an easygoing breed, so they’ll be ideal for anyone who needs a fairly relaxed cat or kitten.

They remain one of the most popular pedigreed breeds in their native country of the UK, registered by the UK’s Governing Council of the Cat Fancy.

What Does a British Shorthair Cat Look Like?

As mentioned above, the British Shorthair has round features along with a tail that also has a rounded tip. The breed used to be known as a British Blue, but they now come in a variety of different colours and patterns.

They’re a beautiful breed and one that will get plenty of attention from any of the guests who come to visit your home.

Coat

The British Shorthair has a thick and dense coat, which makes them the perfect hot water bottle on a cold night! Although the hair is short, it’s fairly thick in comparison to other cats.

Colours

The British Shorthair cat comes in a variety of colours nowadays. The British Blue used to be the only colour that this breed came in. However, there’s now white, black, red, cream, chocolate and even lilac available.

Patterns

The British Shorthair’s pattern can vary from full colour to some that have darker or lighter stripes of colour that run through the coat.

Whether you opt for British Blues or Reds, a British Shorthair’s coat is beautifully unique.

British Shorthair Cat Grooming & Shedding

The coat of British Shorthairs is plush and easy to groom. As long as you are grooming weekly, you’ll be able to gather most of the loose hair that falls off.

They’re not hypoallergenic, and you will find a lot of cat hair around your home. You’ll want to pick up on the brushing around the spring and fall, as this is where the coat will shed in preparation for new hair!

Be sure to trim nails as required and check ears for any infections. Clean them out where you can, and make sure to brush their teeth frequently.

How Do British Shorthair Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

These cats are calm and don’t require much attention. They can easily keep themselves to themselves throughout the day.

As a domestic cat, they’re not very active, so they won’t require a huge amount of playtime. However, they’re not opposed to it and will very much enjoy the attention of playing.

Males tend to be easier and have a mostly happy persona. With females, they tend to be a little more serious in their personality.

The breed is a fairly smart one, so it’s good to keep their brains challenged where you can.

Living Needs

The British Shorthair cat doesn’t need much to be comfortable and happy and is a very good option for those who don’t want a feline that’s too demanding in its needs.

However, it’s still like other pets in that they desire attention and affection where possible. A British Shorthair loves its owners and will make an active effort to get on with both humans and animals.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of British Shorthair Cats?

Cat breeds, in general, can vary in their habits and activity levels, but how does this feline tend to behave?

Habits

All cats and dogs are creatures of habit, but the British Shorthair is one that’s not so fussed when it comes to the home environment. As long as they have toys to play with and plenty of places to lounge, they’re fairly content with life.

Activity Level

Activity levels are fairly low for this breed. They have a calm disposition, so with that being said, their activity levels are going to be less demanding than other breeds.

Vocalness

It’s pretty accurate that due to their laid back attitude, their vocalness isn’t too bad compared to other animals. When it comes to meowing, it only occurs as and when it’s needed.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a British Shorthair Cat?

So what are the typical measurements for these types of domestic cats? There might be some slight differences between males and females, but most tend to fall around these ranges.

Height

Around 30-35 cm is the average.

Weight

Between 3.2-7.7 kg, so quite the variety depends on how well you feed your cat. It may end up turning into quite a large cat if you’re not careful!

Size

They’re a medium-sized cat but weight can determine if they get any bigger. They are quite a muscular cat, in comparison to others.

Are British Shorthair Cats Easy to Train?

In comparison to other pets that you may have in your home, this breed is rather intelligent. It means they’ll be able to pick up some tricks and house training, in particular, fairly easily.

Does the British Shorthair Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

It’s important to remember that any cat breed can be prone to develop genetic health problems. They’re also able to inherit diseases too.

A British Shorthair is generally healthy but can be prone to a number of health issues that include any of the following:

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This heart condition is common in British Shorthairs and can lead to serious health complications.
Hemophilia B: This genetic blood disorder affects the breed’s ability to clot, making injuries potentially dangerous.
Weight Gain: British Shorthairs are prone to obesity due to their stocky build and should be monitored for a healthy weight.
Kidney Disease: Older British Shorthairs can be susceptible to kidney disease, which may require dietary management and regular vet check-ups.
Mouth and Gum Disease: Dental issues are prevalent in this breed, necessitating routine dental care to prevent complications.
Hyperthyroidism: This hormonal disorder can occur in older cats and may lead to weight loss, increased appetite, and other health concerns.

When it comes to looking after your cat, make sure you’re choosing a reputable breeder and that you’re being careful with their weight. Keeping them a healthy weight will help them live longer and avoid weight-related problems.

What Is the Lifespan of a British Shorthair Cat?

As a feline friend, you want them to live forever. Luckily the British Shorthair’s lifespan is a fairly good one, with most living between fifteen and twenty years old!

How Much Does a British Shorthair Cat Need to Be Fed?

The ideal diet for British Shorthairs should be centred around animal proteins. Wet food is preferred, as dry food can make cats gain weight more easily – which is often an issue with this breed. Dry food also doesn’t hydrate them enough.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a British Shorthair Cat in Australia?

There are plenty of British Shorthair breeders out there. You can expect to pay between $1,200 to $2,000 for kittens from registered breeders. For unregistered ones, you’ll likely pay $300 to $700.

We recommend going for a registered breeder as the standard will be better, and there’s less risk of them having problems with their health.

British Shorthair Cat FAQs

Are British Shorthair cats hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, this cat breed isn’t hypoallergenic. Due to its thick coat, hair can get everywhere – despite weekly or twice-weekly brushing. If you have allergies, it’s best to look at other cat types instead.

Do British Shorthair cats get along well with other household pets?

These cats are very loving towards people within their core circle; however, they don’t like being cuddled too much or picked up. When it comes to getting along with other household animals, you should have no problem!

Are British Shorthair cats prone to obesity?

British Shorthairs are more than happy to laze around the home all day. However, with this type of temperament, they do tend to gain weight a lot more than other cats do.

Can British Shorthair cats have green eyes?

Having green eyes isn’t uncommon with this breed. With British Shorthairs, it’s standard to usually have a mix of copper and amber-orange eyes. However, there are some that have blue or green eyes.

How often should you brush a British Shorthair cat’s teeth?

It’s important to brush your cat’s teeth at least once a week. With most cats, including this breed, it’s very easy for them to have tooth or gum problems in life.