When you hear the name ‘British Shorthair,’ you are likely to be picturing a hefty, soft cat with large, round eyes and an adorable, relaxed face.
These well-known cats are a favorite of many, not only because of the teddy-bear look they have, but for their calm, gentle nature.
Even though they are referred to as British Shorthair cats, their origins are Roman, bred for their hunting and strength.
More than likely, modern British Shorthair cats live in houses as companions, making them flexible for larger homes, apartments, and all other living quarters.
Despite being labeled as ‘low maintenance’ by many, caring for the beautiful British Shorthair cat’s plush coat requires great attention to detail.
Continue to read this post and discover everything you need to know about British shorthair cats before bringing one into your home.
Appearance and Physical Characteristics
The build of the British Shorthair is that of a compact, big-boned breed with a broad chest that stands on short, stout legs with rounded paws.
British Shorthair cats are generally distinguished by their round head, full cheeks, and short, blunt noses.
Furthermore, these well-built felines have large, rounded eyes that are evenly spaced from each other.
You will quite often also see that British Shorthair ears are medium in height, set well apart, wide at the base, and rounded at the tip.
The average weight of a male British Shorthair ranges from 9 – 17 pounds while females range from 7 – 12 pounds.
The British Shorthair breed has a slow rate of maturation and usually doesn’t reach full physical development until around three years old.
Because of this slow maturation rate, the British Shorthair will usually end up well-balanced and sturdy.
7 Common Coat Colors of British Shorthair Cats
1. British Shorthair Cats Grey
The classic British Blue is the breed’s signature look. The grey-toned coat can range anywhere from a soft slate to a richer, silver blue.
The fur is dense, plush, and one solid color from root to tip. Most British Blues will have either copper or gold eyes that contrast against the cool-toned coat.
This color is the product of a dilute gene that converts black pigmentation, producing the infamous grey blue color.
This is the most common color for a British Shorthair and usually the breed is represented in promotions and advertisements throughout is with the blue color.
Due to its popularity, blue is one of the most common and bred available colors, so relatively inexpensive compared to rare colors.
2. Black British Shorthair
The Black British Shorthair cat has a rich, glossy coat that should be jet black with no brown or rust undertones.
The eye color in this variant is usually copper or dark amber, which provides a powerful contrast to the dark fur.
To meet show standards, the coat should have no tabby ghost markings or uneven pigmentation.
Obtaining and maintaining a solid black coat can be difficult owing to genetics or exposure to sunlight. Careful breeding needs to be undertaken because the color can fade over time.
Less common than blue, black British Shorthairs are becoming increasingly popular and may cost slightly more depending on the breeder’s availability.
3. White British Shorthair Cats
White British Shorthairs have pure white coats, soft and silky. Eye color may vary with some having copper, blue, or one of each – called odd-eyed.
White coats are associated with a dominant white masking gene, which may sometimes be associated with a congenital deafness risk, especially in cats with blue eyes.
Show cats will have pure white coats with no yellowing or shading. White British Shorthairs will often be priced higher because of their rarity and appearance.
4. Chocolate British Shorthair Cats
Chocolate and brown British Shorthairs have warm shades, ranging from milk chocolate and going to mahogany.
Their eyes are typically a deep copper or gold and coordinate with the coat’s warm base. These colors have a recessive gene and need both parents to express the color in their kittens.
Judges focus on evenness and richness of color for chocolate color. Patchy brown British shorthair or faded areas can be penalized in cat shows.
Chocolate and brown are generally considered exotic, and this is something to keep in mind with the prices asked.
5. Cinnamon British Shorthair Cats
The coat of a British Shorthair cinnamon has a reddish-brown color but is a softer hue than that of a chocolate British Shorthair.
The nose leather and paw pads are consistent with the tone of the coat, and it all blends into a soft look.
This color is a diluted chocolate and is a less common color. It can be confused with fawn or light brown in low light.
6. Golden British Shorthair Cats
Golden British Shorthairs are beautiful cats with stunning coats that range from pale honey to rich amber.
They will have a light undercoat, and the outer tips will be shaded or ticked, giving them that golden tint. Green eyes are usually common with this color group, and they enhance their overall look.
This color variation is technically described as either a shaded or ticked pattern on a cream or apricot base.
Golden British Shorthairs are accepted in most international registries, but they are quite rare in some show circuits. Because of their rarity and uniqueness, they are usually the priciest option.
7. Calico British Shorthair Cats
Calico and bi-color British Shorthairs come in a mix of solid colors – black, blue, or cream – with white patches.
These patterns are due to the piebald gene, with symmetry being an important feature for judging the pattern in shows.
Calicos are normally female due to the genetic link between coat color and the X chromosome. Male calicos can be born, but it is very rare, and they are typically sterile.
The price of these cats varies a lot based on color balance, pattern clarity, and the demand of the breeder.
British Shorthair Temperament and Personality
The British Shorthair cats are known for their calm, relaxed, and independent nature. Unlike other breeds that crave attention, they prefer to socialize when they wish.
A key trait of the Shorthair is their self-reliant nature. They are very independent and do not demand constant attention. Don’t expect a Shorthair cat to follow you from room to room.
Although they’d like to be nearby, quietly observing or joining in once in a while for a chat, they like to be included in the household rather than dominating it.
British Shorthairs are not a loud breed of cat. These cats do not meow, they will not make a fuss unless something is seriously wrong.
Their temperament makes them suitable for children and other pets. Provided that the introductions are made early on, while being calm and respectful.
British Shorthairs do not react angrily or anxiously to noise or sudden movement, but they do like their personal space.
Another defining personality of the breed is intelligence. British Shorthairs are quicker to learn routines than many other breeds.
They can be taught basic tricks or even to use puzzle-feed toys. But they are less playful or mischievous than other breeds, such as the Siamese or Bengal.
A British Shorthair’s play style is fundamentally different – their play is much more methodical and slower, not the wild and frantic running of other breeds.
British Shorthair Cats’ Grooming Needs
British Shorthairs have soft, thick coats that, while dense, require minimal grooming. Their coat is short but thick and has a little bit of crispness, not easily matted.
As with most similar breeds, weekly brushing will usually keep your shorthair’s coat nice, healthy, and with reduced shedding.
On average, we recommend brushing them twice a week during seasonal shifts to help manage lost fur and minimize the amount of fur left around the house.
Unlike long-haired breeds, such as Persians or Himmalayn’s, British Shorthairs seldom acquire enough hair for professional grooming unless they can no longer groom themselves.
Their coats are somewhat unique in that when you use a gentle rubber grooming brush or slicker brush, you can lift dead hair and distribute the oils that are present.
In addition to the coat, it is good to be aware of basic hygiene. Trimming your cat’s nails every two weeks is a good frequency to help maintain and prevent snagging or overgrown nails.
At the same time, remember to check their ears and clean the wax or dirt to help prevent an ear infection.
On the same note, if you have any cat breed, dental hygiene should not be an afterthought because they can be prone to tartar formation.
When you can introduce your cat to brushing their teeth or even provide dental treats to support oral health, it is good for them.
British Shorthairs are often neat cats, and they are typically easy to litter train. They like a clean space, so cleaning or scooping their litter daily, and changing it often will be appreciated.
Since British Shorthairs are indoor cats who rarely wander outside, a bath is often not needed unless they have had a vet procedure or a messy incident.
Most of the time, their normal grooming behaviors will take care of this, but when factored with the above situations, the need for a bath may arise.
If you bathed a British Shorthair, it’s best to use a cat bathing shampoo and lukewarm water, and to dry them afterwards, to avoid too much cold.
British Shorthair Diet & Nutritional Needs
The British Shorthair cat is known for their solid body and relaxed lifestyle, which makes diet and exercise important to avoid unwanted weight gain.
A well-balanced and high-protein cat-specific diet is important for maintaining muscle mass instead of fat.
Ensure that when you analyze commercial cat food, you pick one that is of high quality with real meats listed in the first ingredients.
British Shorthairs commonly thrive on food formulated for indoor or less active cats, which typically include lower calories and fat.
Free-feeding British Shorthairs is NOT recommended. Instead, use measured portions based on age and weight and activity level of the cat.
Most adult British Shorthairs usually get fed twice per day, while kittens would be up to four times per day.
Treats offered occasionally should be counted as part of the daily calorie intake to avoid unintended overfeeding.
British Shorthairs are not known for being very active, so play and movement must be encouraged and provided every day.
6 Common British Shorthair Health Issues
1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart disease that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood by thickening the wall of the heart.
British Shorthair cats are genetically predisposed to HCM and it may present itself even without a cat showing signs of being affected.
Signs of HCM can include rapid breathing, lethargy, or decreased activity, but there are also instances when the first and only sign is a sudden collapse.
The most recognized way of diagnosing HCM in cats is using an ultrasound heart scan called an echocardiogram.
There is no cure for HCM now, but medication can be prescribed to help lessen symptoms or potentially slow the progression of the disease.
An affected cat can live for the remainder of their lives with medication management of HCM, but it is a progressive disease that will shorten their life expectancy as well.
2. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
PKD is an inherited disease where fluid filled cysts develop in the kidneys which will then damage the kidney itself.
PKD is common in domestic cats with Persian genetics, and the British Shorthair have both British domestic shorthair and Persian in their ancestry.
Because there are still some lines of this breed, there can be some unintentional crosses with PKD.
Affected cats tend to drink a lot of water, urinate frequently, and often have unexplained weight loss. Diagnosis is usually via ultrasound imaging, which will visualize the cysts.
The disease is not curable; however, diet and fluids can be managed to slow down the decline of the kidneys.
If the disease is detected early in the course of illness and supportive care is given, some cats can be managed to live for years in a comfortable way.
3. Obesity and Joint Stress
British Shorthairs not only tend to be large and solid but they also can have a slower metabolism than other breeds and this predisposes them to gaining weight.
Obesity can add to the stress on your cat’s joints leading to a potential increase of arthritis/mobility problems.
An overweight cat can sometimes struggle with grooming and getting onto a comfortable place to curl up, which may lower the level of energy they once had.
Veterinarians will do a body condition scoring at the clinic and weigh-ins as well to check for any concerns with weight changes.
Managing food portions at home and developing or encouraging a daily exercise routine can help prevent your cat from edging to obesity.
If your cat has developed arthritis or mobility issues and you’re worried, the veterinarian may be able to offer a joint supplement and/or pain medication.
The best way to avoid cat arthritis is to keep a healthy weight throughout their life and from a young age.
4. Feline Periodontal Disease
Gum and dental diseases are prevalent in British Shorthairs. It usually starts as tartar buildup before culminating in gum inflammation or losing some teeth.
British Shorthairs have strong jaws and with their affinity towards soft food, it can cause plaque to stick more readily.
Warning signs of dental disease are bad breath, red gums, drooling, or when kittens refuse to eat dry food.
Vets will usually find out dental disease when looking at your pet’s teeth or mouth during their annual check-up.
They sometimes suggest dental cleaning, because by the time we see advanced signs of dental disease, it usually means more advanced age.
Luckily, most of these diseases can be dealt with if caught early, by brushing your cat’s teeth regularly, offering dental diets, or having a dental cleaning.
5. Hemophilia B
Hemophilia B is a blood clotting disorder due to a deficiency of a clotting factor. British Shorthairs have been identified as a breed that may carry this genetic condition.
Affected cats may bleed longer than normal after injury or have unexplained bruising. It is diagnosed with a blood test that tracks how much a blood sample can clot.
There is no good cure for Hemophilia B, but you can reduce the risk of bleeding by being careful with your cat not to have an injury or avoid surgeries that cause more bleeding.
Some predisposed breeds live completely normal lives with very few issues as long as they avoid unnecessary injuries.
6. Feline Respiratory Issues
Even though British Shorthairs are not flat-faced like Persians, their broad skull can still lead to some mild respiratory issues. These cats can snore or breathe heavily if they are hot or stressed.
In most cases, it’s nothing to be concerned with but some cats can develop infections or show signs of congested breathing and will need to be seen by a vet.
If your vet does find evidence of nasal obstructions or infections, they will attend to your feline friend accordingly with necessary medication.
Mild respiratory conditions are typically resolved by good rest and monitoring. Moderate and more serious infections will often require some type of prescription.
Your cat will love good air quality in their environment, and calmness in their home can help in avoiding outbreaks.
Average Lifespan of British Shorthair Cats
Most British shorthair cats live between 12 – 20 years, with average lifespan usually falling in mid to late teens.
Cats that have regular health examinations from their vet, are on an appropriate diet, and get regular exercise, can expect to live longer.
Likewise, kittens from parents who have undergone health screening have a better chance of being free of inheritable conditions.
Living with a British Shorthair Cat
Good natured British Shorthairs lead a very laid-back lifestyle, and will enjoy watching the world go by from a window or sleeping in a dimly lit spot.
British Shorthairs can do well as indoor cats in all living situations, including apartments, as long as they have a comfortable place to relax and their daily needs are met.
British Shorthairs tend not to have huge climbing instincts; however, providing them with a low cat tree/platform may be beneficial.
They do appreciate some daily play activity, though they don’t require constant engagement, and they are quite capable of entertaining themselves between your interactions.
A heavy-duty scratching post, a padded resting surface, and a litter box in a fairly quiet place are often enough for your shorthair’s comfort.
Having a heavy-bodied model, British Shorthairs generally prefer lower surfaces and ramps over climbing onto high shelves or tall towers.
Most British Shorthairs do well with children who understand boundaries and gentle handling when interacting with pets.
They also tend to get along with other pets like calm dogs and other cats; this is often learned through proper introductions.
It is also worth noting that British Shorthairs do not appreciate rapid movements or chaos: they may find a place to retreat if they feel uneasy about noise or unpredictability of the household.
British Shorthairs generally are not fond of travel. While it is possible to crate train them, most would much rather remain at home, and will most likely avoid a vet trip if they can.
Conclusion
That’s everything you need to know about British Shorthair cats. They are a gorgeous with a calm temperament that requires reasonably low maintenance.
As you have seen, these felines are gentle, they adjust easily to different living conditions, and have strong health background unlike other common breeds.
However, like any breed, it is helpful to be familiar with any specific behaviors or health issues related to the British Shorthair.
Proper routine veterinary care, a balanced diet, regular weight checks, and grooming will ensure that your British Shorthair lives a healthy, happy life with you.
If you are considering welcoming a British Shorthair into your home, make sure you look into reputable breeders who screen for common genetic disorders.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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