Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
12–20 years
Weight
4–8 kg
Group
Shorthair
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Blue · Black · White · Silver Tabby · Golden · Cream · Colorpoint
British Shorthair
About This Breed
The British Shorthair is the pedigreed version of the traditional British domestic cat, with a distinctively stocky body, dense coat, and broad face. The most familiar colour variety is the 'British Blue', with a solid grey-blue coat, orange eyes, and a medium-sized tail. The breed has also been developed in a wide range of other colours and patterns. They are calm, easygoing cats that are loyal to their owners while maintaining an independent personality.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a British Shorthair
Origin
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Group | Shorthair |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 4–8 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–20 years |
| Colors & Patterns | Blue · Black · White · Silver Tabby · Golden · Cream · Colorpoint |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Calm · Easygoing · Loyal · Gentle · Independent |
Usually fairly calm, but still needs daily play and activity.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Health and lifespan
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
Offer places to climb, hide, scratch, and rest. Try different toys to see what your cat enjoys.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
About the Breed
Devotees of this robust, powerful breed often liken it to a teddy bear. Cuddly and comforting, the calm presence of a British Shorthair in the home means a welcoming “smile” for visitors and loyal, affectionate companionship for everyone in the house—mice, of course, excepted! This cat’s short, dense coat contains more hairs per square inch than any other breed, making it luxuriously rich to the touch yet easy to care for. With their sturdy, muscular builds, they are most comfortable keeping all four feet on the floor, so are highly unlikely to invade kitchen counters or endanger your good china.
Breed History
Considered the modern embodiment of ancient Roman cats, British Shorthairs first came into the public eye at turn-of-the century cat shows in London’s Crystal Palace. Both World Wars wreaked havoc on the gene pool and necessitated some cross-breeding to both Persians and “moggies” (random-bred domestic shorthairs) in order to maintain and then improve the type. By the 1950s, British breeders’ efforts had become so successful that a blue male named Brynbuboo Little Monarch was the very first Grand Champion of any breed in the U.K.’s Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Monarch was such a popular stud that most Brits today trace their ancestry back to him. First exported to the U.S. in the early 1900s, these cats were initially registered as “British Blues,” but are now seen in many colors, including other solids, bicolors, and tabbies.
Character & Temperament
British Shorthairs take a keen interest in all their owners’ activities, and will bestow attention and affection on each member of the family rather than choosing one key person. They enjoy supervising you from a nearby distance rather than providing paws-on assistance, and will wait for an invitation to sit on the couch beside you rather than jumping into your lap. Although they are quiet, sedate cats, don’t think they aren’t intelligent. They learn your daily routine, follow from room to room as you complete it, and protest with a gentle touch of a paw if something changes significantly. With its confidence and easy-going nature, your British Shorthair will easily adjust to the presence of a dog or other pet, but may become top cat on the household totem pole. Extremely patient, they also do well with children, but may withdraw during periods of loud activity. It would also be wise to instruct children that these cats are not fond of being carried around. Peaceful and placid, British Shorthairs may occasionally comment on your daily doings, but rarely engage in lengthy conversation.
Physical Appearance
Slow to mature, this breed does not reach its full size until approximately three years of age; males may grow as large as 17 pounds while females are somewhat smaller. With their full, broad chests, strong, muscular legs, and powerful torsos, British Shorthairs have a somewhat intimidating physical presence that belies their gentle personalities. Their medium-sized ears are set well apart on a sweet-faced, rounded head, with large round eyes and prominent whisker pads that give them the appearance of a smile. It is worth noting that Lewis Carroll’s grinning Cheshire Cat is presumed to be a tabby British Shorthair.
Grooming
Given the extreme density of the British Shorthair coat, it would be unrealistic not to expect some shedding. However, because the coat is short and resilient, it is also quite easy to groom and most owners find a quick weekly combing or brushing to be sufficient to control stray fur. This, plus regular claw clipping and an occasional cleaning of the ears, should be all the extra care that your Brit will need.
Life at home
There are no breed-specific health issues of concern with the British Shorthair, and their diverse genetic background has helped ensure the breed’s strength and vigor for many generations. One consideration for owners: cats have two well-known blood types, with type A being predominant. Many British Shorthair lines carry type B. Combining the two types requires special considerations for prospective breeders, who should be carefully mentored. For the average owner, it is simply recommended that you know your cat’s blood type in the unlikely event it should ever need a transfusion.
Breed Overview
Described as the teddy bear of cat breeds both in looks and personality, the British Shorthair originated in ancient Egypt, migrating with humans to Rome and, later, to Great Britain. The British were happy to invite the cats in as household pets, since they had a knack for catching mice. However, with a personality suited to just about any type of household, British Shorthairs charmed their way up from working cats to cherished family members. Today, British Shorthairs remain the most popular cat breed in the United Kingdom, both at cat fanciers’ shows and as family companions.
Care Guide
British Shorthairs aren’t a hyper or talkative breed, but they’re slow to mature. This means they’ll keep growing—and have a kitten-like personality—well into their third or fourth birthday. Their fur is dense, and while they’re most likely to be associated with their famous “British blue” shorthair coat, they come in a variety of shades. Whether British blue or another color, these loyal felines may be what most consider an ideal family cat. They’re cuddly and personable, yet they don’t require excessive care or attention. They have a pleasant disposition and happily cohabitate with various pets such as dogs, rabbits, and birds, provided they are introduced properly.