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British Shorthair Cat Breed Introduction
British Shorthair (also known as British Blue) is a medium-to-large-sized cat breed from the United Kingdom. These cats are known due to their compact, well-balanced, and powerful bodies. Their head, cheeks, and eyes are round. British Shorthairs also have a firm chin and medium-sized ears. They have a short, dense single coat without undercoat. A few male British Shorthairs can weigh up to 17 pounds (females mostly weigh 12 pounds or below).
British Shorthairs make wonderful family cats—they have an easy-going personality and generally get along with everyone including kids and other animals residing in the house. These cats are active, tend to be quiet, and can comfortably stay in apartments. British Shorthairs come in many colors and patterns, but traditional British Shorthairs are wrapped in blue fur. Despite being treasured for their easygoing attitude about life, these cats are beloved for their thick, dense coats that come in almost any color or pattern.
Blue-gray cats, also called British blues, are probably the most famous color taste of British Shorthairs fanciers. British Shorthairs only need a quick brushing once a week to keep their coat free of loose hair and dirt. Because of their playful and affectionate traits, these cats make the best companions for children and adults. In addition, British Shorthairs get along perfectly with other pets and are recognized to be healthy cats.
Origin
These cats are originally from the United Kingdom. They are possibly the oldest cats in Great Britain. British Shorthairs began out as shorthaired street cats, later breeders classified and standardized these cats, likely breeding them with Persians and Russian blues until they looked like the British Shorthairs.
Harrison Weir a determined cat breeder started creating British Shorthairs during the late 1800s by crossing different individual felines. In London’s Crystal Palace in the 1871 cat show, a blue tabby British Shorthair owned by Harrison won Best in Show. During the early 1900s, British Shorthairs were first brought to the United States.
British Shorthair Lifespan
The lifespan of British Shorthairs is 12 to 20 years.
Care
The coat is typically short and dense. These cats shed a low amount of their hair. The grooming routine of British Shorthairs requires weekly brushing which assists in distributing natural oils over their coat, making it soft and shiny.
These cats also require a bath every 4 to 6 weeks unless they roll in something messy. A hypoallergenic shampoo, warm water, and conditioner are used for bathing them. Always rinse off the grooming products from their coat to avoid skin irritation. Pay much attention to cleaning around their face and eyes daily, and under the tail following each trip to the litter box. It is also good to trim the fur under their tail and around the genital area if these cats are regularly getting dirty in the area.
Brush British Shorthairs’ teeth two times a week to get rid of tartar buildup by using a toothbrush and cat-formulated toothpaste. Besides brushing and grooming, trim your British Shorthairs’ nails every other week using nail clippers. Keeping British Shorthairs’ nails trimmed will prevent scratching on the surface of floors and furniture. Clean their ears with a pet-safe ear cleaner and cotton balls once every week.
Grooming Kit
The British Shorthairs grooming kit contains everything you need to brush them with including a nylon slicker brush, metal slicker brush, rubber palm brush, a fine grooming comb, as well as a curved nail clipper.
Grooming Brush
A slicker brush is needed as a grooming tool for British Shorthairs since it gets rid of loose and dead hair from their coat.
British Shorthair Shedding
The coat of British Shorthairs tends to shed more especially during seasonal changes in Spring and Fall. However, they shed at minimal levels all-year round..
Shedding Level
All year round, British Shorthairs shed at minimal levels and more noticeably in Spring and Fall.
Coat
They have a short, dense single coat without undercoat. The coat is strong and flexible.
British Shorthair Hypoallergenic
These cats are not hypoallergenic. British Shorthairs shed moderately and produce more dander which harbors the protein allergen Fel d 1, which triggers cat allergies. These cats are not suitable pets for people who have severe cat allergies.
Training
These cats are intelligent and trainable. They respond readily to positive training methods such as clicker training along with tasty treats and other food rewards. Keep their training times fun, upbeat, and challenging for 5 minutes distributed throughout the day to avoid boredom.
Teach British Shorthairs basic command words like eat, heel, come, in, out, etc. from when they join you home at the age of 8 to 12 weeks. Socialization is also crucial to ensure that your British Shorthairs grows up to be a well-mannered and confident cat. To socialize British Shorthairs owners should expose them to a wide range of people, animals, places, surfaces, smells, sights, and sounds like lawnmowers, doorbells, and vacuum cleaners.
However, if harsh corrections ways are used when training them like yelling, that destroys your relationship with British Shorthairs to the point that they are no longer interested in your training sessions. Instead, concentrate on building a strong bond with your British Shorthairs and make training sessions fun and engaging for both of you. Owners can housebreak the cat by crate training, leash training, and creating a feeding routine. Crate training can also assist your cat to feel safe and secure while you’re not around your home. This may assist your kitten avoid anxiety, which could lead to meowing habits.
British Shorthair Personality
– Calm.
– Friendly.
– Affectionate.
– Active.
– Intelligent.
– Playful.
– Loyal.
– Easygoing.
Exercise
Their intelligence makes them well-suited for various cat activities like scratching posts and motivational toys. They should be exercised for at least 30 minutes daily. Engaging British Shorthairs’ minds through puzzle toys and training sessions will provide mental stimulation and prevent behavioral issues that can arise from boredom. While they enjoy their exercise, it’s important not to overdo it, more so with kittens to avoid injury due to their delicate bones.
Meow
These cats are not overly vocal. They only meow when they want your attention. If they are not given enough attention they will meow unnecessarily.
British Shorthair Size
They are 12 to 14 inches ( approx. 30 to 46 cm ) tall and weigh 7 to 17 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 7.7 kg ).
Height
Mature British Shorthairs have a height of 12 to 14 inches ( approx. 30 to 46 cm ).
Weight
The British Shorthairs have a weight of 7 to 17 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 7.7 kg ).
Male Weight
Male British Shorthairs weigh 12 to 18 pounds ( approx. 5.4 to 8.2 kg ).
Female Weight
Female British Shorthairs weigh 9 to 15 pounds ( approx. 4.1 to 7 kg ).
Weight By Age
– Newborn British Shorthairs weigh 100 g.
– 12 months British Shorthairs weigh 10–15 pounds (males) and 8–9 pounds (females).
– 18 months British Shorthairs weigh 11–16 pounds (males) and 8–10 pounds (females).
Weight Range
These cats have a weight range of 7 to 17 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 7.7 kg ).
Full Grown
Full-grown British Shorthairs weigh 7 to 17 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 7.7 kg ).
British Shorthair Health Issues
British Shorthairs are healthy cats but can be prone to health issues such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), obesity, dental disease, and heart disease. They are also at high risk of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common type of heart disease in British Shorthairs, it can go undiagnosed in its early times and always is only diagnosed once congestive heart failure signs start. The British Shorthairs may experience breathing problems and lethargy as the disease progresses, potentially altering the normal functioning of the heart.
Some of other cat breeds include:
Hair Loss
Hair loss in British Shorthairs can be normal and can resolve on its own or with a few small lifestyle changes. However, owners should still monitor them for any odd behavior. The most common causes of abnormal hair loss include:
Poor Diet – There are a lot of vitamins and minerals that British Shorthairs need to take to have a healthy coat. If the diet given does not have enough of those nutrients, British Shorthairs are likely to lose their hair.
Skin Allergies – British Shorthairs can also lose their hair due to skin allergies like once infested with fleas.
Ear Problems
Generally, unless your British Shorthairs have picked up mites from another animal, ear infections are a secondary issue. This means they are the cause of some other underlying medical issues. An overgrowth of yeast or bacteria, or often, both can ears ear problems. Wax buildup in their ear canal can cause ear problems.
Thick hair and lack of ear cleaning in British Shorthairs’ ear canal also can cause ear infections. British Shorthairs with ear problems can show signs such as black or yellowish discharge in the ears, strong smell, loss of hearing, and Redness or swelling of the ear flap or ear canal.
Eye Problems
The British Shorthairs can suffer from eye problems like Conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, entropion, glaucoma, cataracts, keratitis, and retinal detachment. These eye problems cause pain, itching, redness, and discharge. Cat infections can also be caused by allergies. Physical injuries, such as scratches can also cause British Shorthairs eye infections. One can use Oral antibiotics, Eye drops, and other topical solutions such as lubricants for treatment.
Allergy
British Shorthairs can be prone to allergies such as:
Flea Allergies – Most British Shorthairs can have allergies once infested with fleas. They may itch their bodies and manifest licking and scratching themselves to ease itching.
Pollen Allergies – Most British Shorthairs can be allergic to tree, grass, and weed pollens. British Shorthairs that are allergic to pollen can show signs such as watery eyes and regular sneezing.
Food Allergies – Some British Shorthairs can have allergies to specific ingredients present in most cat foods. British Shorthairs with food allergies mostly display gastrointestinal problems like vomiting, gassiness, and diarrhea.
Names
British Shorthairs’ parents may decide to get a name for the pet before it leaves the shelter or a few days after the pet joins them at home in order to understand better the personality of the cat. They may get name inspirations from the personality of the cat, coat color, movies, books, songs, and celebrities. Parents should make sure the name chosen does not rhyme with the command words to avoid confusion. Some of the names that parents give to their British Shorthairs include:
- Arthur.
- Beatrice.
- Diana.
- Emma.
- Charles.
- Cheshire.
- Elizabeth.
- Gloucester.
- Henry.
British Shorthair Food
The amount of food British Shorthairs feed on depends on their age, size, metabolism, body build, and activity level. British Shorthairs thrive on either commercial cat food, homemade, or raw food. On overage, the kitten feeds on a lean protein diet which supports the growth of muscles, tendons, and tissue.
Kittens eat three times a day while adult British Shorthairs eat twice a day. Also, one can opt for free feeding, leaving food out for the kittens to eat throughout the day. Although, as these cats grow into adulthood, free-feeding can result in weight gain. Some cats may be prone to getting overweight. Therefore, parents should watch the weight level and calorie intake as well as treats that aid in training. Their bowls should be washed after the cat has completed eating to prevent the risk of taint from insects and plant debris.
Collar Size
These cats have a collar size of 10. 2 to 12. 2 inches ( approx. 26 to 31 cm).
British Shorthair Colors
Initially, several British Shorthairs were blue colored (a gray hue), but now these cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, such as solid, bicolor, tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, white, black, blue, red, cream, smoke, silver, golden, and cameo.
Black
Some British Shorthairs can be solid black. However, the black coat is rare because of the specific genetics needed to produce a pure black coat. Their solid black coat shines under the sun like patent leather.
Cinnamon
Their cinnamon coat appears warm light brown with hints of gold or orange.
Orange
Orange or tabby British Shorthairs have stripes of alternating pale and darker colors. Tabby British Shorthairs can differ from pale cream to rich dark red shades.
Brown
Some of these cats have black stripes ranging from coal black to brownish on a backdrop of brown to gray.
Golden
Golden British Shorthairs have unmarked, deep, reddish brown color above and paler below, with white markings on their face.
White
White British Shorthairs have a gene coded for white fur.
Tuxedo
Some British Shorthairs have a tuxedo color. They have a white coat on their bellies, chests, and paws and the rest of the body is black, orange, or gray. Their face is also likely to have white markings.
Blue
British Shorthairs that are blue have a color ranging from light ash gray to a steely, dark grey. Some British Shorthairs with blue coats also have the gene for green, yellow, or copper-colored eyes.
Grey
Blue British Shorthairs are often called grey, the color can go from a pale blue-grey to a deep slate grey.
Chocolate
Chocolate British Shorthairs are also referred to as solid brown. Their darker shade of brown coat color is referred to as chocolate/chestnut.
Lilac
Lilac British Shorthairs have a coat of blue, grey, and pink hues. Their coat color ranges from cold lavender to warm pink and has a grey undertone. Their nose and paw pads are also lilac-pink.
Munchkin
Munchkin British Shorthairs mix have shortened legs, but the exact length can differ. Both Munchkins and British Shorthairs are friendly, affectionate, and sociable cats, but they may vary in terms of energy levels.
British Shorthair Types
– Monochrome.
– Tortie.
– Tabby
– Tipped.
– Color Points.
– Colors mixed with white.
Eyes
These cats have large and round eyes.
Eye Color
British Shorthairs’ eye color differs based on the color of their coat. For instance, British Blues contain gold eyes, those with point coloring contain blue eyes, and the rest of their eye colors range from golden to copper.
Eyes Changes Colour
All their kittens have blue eyes when they are born. Later, as they grow, their eyes turn to their actual color. This change starts when the kittens are around 6 to 8 weeks old and proceeds until they are around 2 years old when they finally get their full eye color.
Ears
These cats have medium-sized ears which are widely and low set. Their ears have rounded and straight shapes.
Ears Down
These cats’ ears are low set and don’t fold down.
Tail
Their tail is medium length with a thick base and a slight taper that creates a well-rounded tip.
Nose
They have a straight, wide, and short nose.
Description
They are medium to large-sized, compact, chunky cats, recognized for their attractive features and thick, plush fur. These cats are first off known for their round face and large round eyes, giving them the best expression and bags of traits.
Tabby Kitten
Some British Shorthairs have fur composed of agouti hairs. These cats have calico or tortoiseshell markings mixed with patches of tabby coat. They also have distinctive patterns and stripes on their foreheads capped by M-shaped.
Price
The price of British Shorthairs is $1500 to $2500 depending on the age of the cat and the location of the breeder.
Kitten
Their kittens are born with blue eyes. British Shorthairs are first off known for their round face and large round eyes, giving them the best expression and bags of behavior. They have a very dense coat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Much Does A British Shorthair Cat Cost
British Shorthairs cat costs between $1500 to $2500 depending on the age of the cat and the location of the breeder.
What Does A British Shorthair Cat Look Like
They are powerful-looking large cats, containing a broad chest, strong thick-set legs accompanied by round paws, and a tail that is medium-length and blunt-tipped. British Shorthairs have large and round heads as well as short muzzles, and broad cheeks. They also have big round eyes that differ in color based on their coat.
How Long Do British Shorthair Cats Live
These can live from 12 to 20 years old.
How Big Do British Shorthair Cats Get
These cats are 12 to 14 inches ( approx. 30 to 46 cm ) tall and weigh 7 to 17 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 7.7 kg ).
Do British Shorthair Cats Shed
Yes, British Shorthairs are seasonal shedders.
Do British Shorthair Cats Shed A Lot
Yes, being seasonal shedders, these cats shed a lot around spring to let in their summer coats and around fall to let in their winter coats.
Are British Shorthair Hypoallergenic
No, British Shorthairs are not hypoallergenic because they shed and produce dander hence not suitable for allergy sufferers.
Is My British Shorthair Overweight
Your British Shorthairs can be overweight due to overfeeding and if their calorie intake is not monitored.
Are British Shorthair Cats Healthy
Generally, these cats are healthy but they may be more susceptible to some health problems such as hyperthyroidism and respiratory issues.
How To Groom British Shorthair
Grooming British Shorthairs includes weekly brushing, bathing, teeth cleaning, eye cleaning, ear cleaning, and nail trimming.
Are British Shorthair Indoor Cats
Yes, these cats are indoor cats. British Shorthairs are recognized for their affectionate traits, which make them the best pets for families.
British Shorthair Quick Facts
- These cats resemble cuddly teddy bears due to their round head and face.
- In 1871 these cats were among the breeds presented at England’s first planned cat show.
- These cats are suitable for those living in a small apartment.
