ORIGIN
United Kingdom
HEIGHT
30-35 cm
LIFE SPAN
12-16 years
ADULT WEIGHT
3.2-7.7 kg
TEMPERAMENT
Affectionate, easygoing, sensible, friendly
GROUP
Medium-to-large shorthair
OTHER NAMES
Britanica, Lowlander
Personality and Temperament
Once known as the British Blue and exclusively bred for blue-gray coloring, the British Shorthair cat now comes in a multitude of colors, but it retains its typical rounded profile and it’s delightful – yet somewhat reserved – personality.
In a nutshell, British Shorthair cats are pedigreed versions of British domestic shorthair cats that have been selectively bred over time to create a distinctive appearance and predictable personality traits.
These cats love their families and enjoy staying close, but they aren’t big on cuddling. They prefer to lounge next to you rather than occupying your lap, and they aren’t terribly demanding or overly vocal. British Shorthair cats make excellent pets for most households, but they don’t tolerate disrespect, and they don’t like to be held or carried.
Playful and active, Bengal cats are excellent pets. Quite a bit less standoffish then some other wildcat hybrids, these incredible cats enjoy affection and develop close bonds with their family members. Although they might be up for a cuddle now and then, Bengal cats are anything but couch potatoes. This highly active breed needs a lot of daily activity and play to thrive.
British Shorthair Care
Essential Care Strategies for Your British Shorthair
The history of the British Shorthair cat is a fascinating one. This ancient breed is believed to date back to the first century A.D. when the Romans invaded Britain, they brought cats with them. These early domesticated cats were tasked with the important job of keeping Roman camps clear of mice and other pests.
1. Grooming
Even though the breed is characterized by its short coat, they have a tendency to shed. Brushing your cat two to three times per week will help prevent fur from accumulating on your sofa, plus it will reduce the likelihood of hairballs.
You can help keep your cat healthy by brushing their teeth regularly. Regular nail trims can help prevent furniture damage.
2. Nutrition
British Shorthair cats have no special nutritional needs; however, they are prone to obesity as they age. It's important to provide a high-quality diet that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
3. Exercise
British Shorthair cats have a playful streak, particularly during their youth. As these kitties get older, you might need to encourage play with interactive toys such as feathered wands and laser pointers. Battery-operated toys can encourage more activity, too.
4. Health
The British Shorthair is a robust cat that generally enjoys excellent health. There are two known genetic disorders that can affect British Shorthair cats. Fortunately, breeders can screen for both and greatly reduce the likelihood of producing kittens with these disorders.Some Bengal kittens are born with flat-chested kitten syndrome. This is normally caught by the breeder and with treatment, these cats can go on to live healthy lives.
