Cats

British Shorthair cat: breed features and care

admin • 04 Jun 2023

The British Shorthair cat, also known as the British cat, is an ancient breed that draws attention to being extremely intelligent and beautiful. This feline is present in all countries of Europe and America.

Cats are companion animals and very attached to their owner and the environment where they live. In addition to being quiet, they need little care and are very independent. A great pet option for those who don't have the time and space to own a puppy.

 The cat from “Alice in Wonderland” and Puss in Boots from “Shrek” have one thing in common: they belong to the British Shorthair breed. This kitten, very popular in Europe, is also winning the hearts of Pakis.

In this article, we'll tell you everything about the British Shorthair cat breed, including the main characteristics, temperament, and tips for caring for the animal. Follow!

Origin of the British Shorthair cat

The British Shorthair stands as one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. The origin is uncertain, however, the most accepted theory is that specimens of this breed were brought from Egypt by the Romans. Thus, when they arrived in England, they crossed with wild cats and gradually acquired the characteristics they currently have.

During the world wars, which affected the European continent during the 20th century, British Shorthair cats almost disappeared. However, luckily, some specimens were saved and with the passage of time recovered the popularity of these felines in the world.

Physical Characteristics of the British Shorthair Cat

The coat of the British Shorthair cat is short and soft, and the most common color is gray (blue), but there are cats of this breed in various colors, the most popular currently is white. They adapt to regions of different climates and have very strong health, they hardly get sick. Their average lifespan is 15 years.

The English cat has a medium size, short limbs, a small and rounded head, and the weight can vary between 8 kg and 10 kg. The big eyes and the slightly flattened muzzle are also some of the characteristics of the breed, he always seems to be smiling.

The most striking feature of the pet's appearance is the round head, which forms a kind of cheek - reminiscent of the classic laughing cat.

Another unique aspect of the breed is its late maturity. The British Shorthair cat only becomes a full adult when it reaches 4 years of age.

There are basically two types of British Shorthair: the shorthair and the longhair.

British Shorthair Breed Behavior

The British Shorthair is very affectionate and gets along with other pets without any problems. They like to play, but sometimes they are a little lazy and do not react to stimuli, preferring to stay on their owner's lap or follow in their footsteps.

It is an independent cat and despite its robust appearance, when challenged or in situations where it needs to get out of its comfort zone, it is very brave, fast, and smart.

The breed is one of the most suitable for those who live in an apartment, as it does not need a lot of space and is silent, the British Shorthair only meows when it is very hungry or feels uncomfortable about something.

Quiet and observant, British Shorthair kittens learn everything easily. They don't usually jump and climb high places, as is typical of other felines. It is a perfect breed for anyone who has never owned a cat before.

Tips and care for this breed

Like any other cat, the British Shorthair is independent and needs little care. Visits to the veterinarian should occur only once a year to ensure the health of the animal and prevent diseases. Approximately 5% of male cats of this breed have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy later in life.

Male cats of this breed, after the age of four, also tend to be obese. Females, on the other hand, do not usually suffer from this problem, since they are more active.

To ensure that the coat is always beautiful and shiny and the cat's health is in perfect condition, you must commit to feeding the animal at least twice a day with medium portions of quality food. Sporadically he can also be fed snacks.

It is recommended to leave the dry food at ease for the cat so that it can follow its own rhythm of feeding throughout the day. And, to make the animal's coat more beautiful, it is also recommended to feed it with wet food.