▷ The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians

British Shorthair cat
Federations: CFA, FIFe, TICA, TICA, TICA, AACE, ACF, ACFA/CAA, CCA-AFC

Share with your friends !!
The original base of the British Shorthair cat was extracted from the robust common cats of Great Britain, when competitions and breeding became popular in the late 19th century. It was the most popular race of the first contests of British cats.
Británico de pelo corto
Photo: Wilkipedia

Content

Characteristics "British Shorthair cat"

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "British Shorthair cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.

Joy

3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Activity level

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to other pets

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to children

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Grooming requirements

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Vocality

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Need for attention

1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Affection towards its owners

3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Docility

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Intelligence

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Independence

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Hardiness

3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

History

The British Shorthair cat it is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. The Romans brought their cats to the British Isles, where they spread and adapted to the harsh climate. In 1871, the first breeders exhibited their cats at the Crystal Palace in London under the name of British Shorthair.

What, Unfortunately, the breeding stock was very small after the world wars, breeders crossed to persian cats with domestic cats not registered. This not only increased the variety of the breed, it also reinforced their friendly character.

Due to the crossing with the Long-haired persians, today there are also some cats of this breed with long hair. Breeders used to give away long-haired cats, while today they sell them under the name of “British longhair cat” (BLH). The British Shorthair cat (BKH) It is presented in more than 300 recognized color varieties, the best known being the silver tabby and the blue fur color. This particular breed is also known as British bleu cat.

Popularity of "British Shorthair cat"

From the years 70, the breed began a successful internationalization: It was recognized by the Fédération Féline Internationale (FIFé) in 1977, by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979, and for the American Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1980.

In fact, the British Shorthair cat is currently one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. It's no wonder it's even the preferred breed in Britain, where, With almost 7.000 kittens registered per year, represents almost a quarter of the feline population, and more than double that of its direct competitor. Nor in the United States can its success be denied, since the CFA figures show that it is on the podium of the most popular cats in the United States. It is also one of the most popular cat breeds in France., and its population does not stop growing in the country: according to the statistics of Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF), kitten records doubled in the second decade of the 21st century, reaching now about 2.500 copies per year.

British shorthair
Female British Shorthair cat. Feronia. 20 months old. 4,5 gr. – George E. Corona, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Physical characteristics

The British Shorthair cat it is a medium to large size cat, of solid constitution and very round. The body is broad and muscular, and the legs are short and powerful. The tail is wide at the base and should have a rounded tip.

The head is easily recognizable: it is solid and round, with a short nose, rounded cheeks and large round eyes that can be yellow, copper, blue or green. But it is above all to his whiskers and rounded snout that he owes his famous and enigmatic smile that gives the impression that he is always amused by what he sees.

Short, dense and without undercoat, their fur is more often blue (and it is also the most sought after color in feline exhibitions), but the British Shorthair cat can have a coat of different colors (white, cream, black, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon…) and with various patterns (bicolor, striped, tortie…).

The sexual dimorphism is moderately marked, the female being smaller than the male.

Size and weight:

  • Male size: 32 – 36 cm.
  • female size: 30 – 34 cm.
  • Male weight: 4 – 8 kg
  • female weight: 3 – 6 kg

  • British shorthair cat
    British shorthair cat

    Varieties of "British Shorthair cat"

    There is a long-haired version of the British Shorthair, which is the result of crosses with Persians made at the beginning of the 20th century. But, is not considered by most international feline organizations (FIFé, TICA…) as a simple variety, but as a race in itself: the British longhair cat.

    Apart from the length of the coat, there is no difference between British Shorthair and the British Longhair.

    Character and skills

    "British Shorthair cat"

    Gato Británico de pelo corto
    A British Shorthair cat, grey in color, sits in a bookshelf, looking up and to the left from the camera. – George E. Corona, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The British Shorthair cat he is a calm and powerful cat who forms strong bonds with his entire family, without favoring any person. Patient and tolerant, they are ideal for children who have learned to behave with a cat. On the other hand, does not like emotions and prefers to stay away from overly active games or unruly children. So, not the ideal companion for a family with young children; it is better if they are already a certain age.

    They are rather reserved with strangers, but they quickly become affectionate once they meet and welcome close friends who visit often. Having said that, your affection is not overwhelming: not one of those who demand constant attention, neither from his family nor from visits. After a few pats, find a comfortable place in the immediate vicinity and are able to support themselves.

    Extremely sociable with other animals, he gets along very well with his companions and with dogs accustomed to cats. His past as a guardian cat was left behind, as it now easily coexists with rodents, birds and reptiles.

    Although he is very affectionate, he does not usually like to sit on his master's lap, instead he prefers to snuggle up next to him. in addition, once adult, does not appreciate being picked up and prefers to stay on the ground on all four legs.

    Independent and hassle-free spending time with himself, does relatively well to be left alone for a reasonable period of time. You don't suffer from separation anxiety when your family is at work, and can be left home alone for a long weekend without worry, provided their food and water needs are met. In general, easily adapts to different situations.

    Last, it is not a very noisy cat, but when he speaks, her soft voice contrasts with her teddy bear physique. His purr, on the other hand, it is powerful and strong, similar to the sound of a small motor.

    Care and grooming of the "British Shorthair cat"

    The British Shorthair cat it is a low maintenance feline breed: a weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hair and ensure a healthy, shiny coat. During the moulting season, in spring and autumn, brushing should be more frequent.

    Brushing sessions are the perfect opportunity to check your teeth, eyes and ears for signs of infection.

    They should also give the opportunity to look at their nails, that can be trimmed with nail clippers if they are too long. Obviously, this is more prevalent if you don't have a scratching post available.

    Indoor or outdoor cat?

    The British Shorthair cat It is a breed of indoor cats, and can do without access to the outside. But, if they are allowed to go outside, their owners must ensure that they do not endanger themselves. In fact, calm and confident, may not recognize potentially dangerous situations, not running away when seeing an aggressive dog or staying calmly in the middle of the road despite an approaching car.

    How much activity does he need? "British Shorthair cat"?

    Little active, even if they have their moments of madness, the British Shorthair cat needs to be stimulated from time to time to avoid becoming lazy. Running after a ball, Chasing the point of a laser or catching a toy are activities that help strengthen the bond with its owner while helping to keep it healthy.

    It also, despite his calm and laid-back nature, the British Shorthair cat he is extremely intelligent, able to learn many tricks. They also love the different puzzles for cats, especially when they deliver a reward to enjoy.

    Health and nutrition

    The British Shorthair cat It, in general, a robust cat breed, but may be subject to certain conditions:

    • The polykinetic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that causes numerous cysts in the kidneys: thanks to the work of the breeders and the existence of a DNA test, this disease is now relatively rare;
    • hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an enlargement of heart tissue that causes changes in its function: although the responsible breeding program that has been carried out has greatly reduced the risk, this disease is still a problem;
    • Hemophilia type B, a clotting problem that causes dangerous bleeding: this disease can be detected by DNA tests, and a conscientious British Shorthair breeder identifies both carrier and affected cats to rule them out;
    • Gingivitis, a relatively benign condition but in some cases may require veterinarian intervention.

    It should also be taken into account that the greater risk to the health of the British Shorthair cat It, with much, the obesity. Greedy and quite lazy, often pampered by his family, you are at great risk of watching your muscular body gradually turn to fat, what can be the cause of many diseases. The owner has a real responsibility to allow him to have a sufficient level of activity and thus prevent him from gaining weight, for example, taking the initiative to play with your cat.

    Life expectancy

    Of 12 to 15 years

    Food

    The British Shorthair cat He is a glutton who enjoys both industrial cat food and that consumed by his family. So they stay healthy, your diet should be adapted to your age and activity level.

    Obesity in cats is a real risk in this breed, but it is not inevitable: a cat that plays daily and is not given more rations than recommended by the manufacturer should not gain more weight than necessary. On the other hand, a lazy cat, who is given all the food he wants and is regularly pampered with treats, you are likely to gain weight and endanger your health.

    So, it is better not to rely too much on the cat's self-regulatory ability. To prevent you from eating more than you should, its owner must not leave food in its bowl, and you must make sure that your partner does not have access to the food left by your family.

    If, despite these precautions, the British Shorthair cat begins to overeat, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to establish a suitable feeding program.

    For sale "British Shorthair cat"

    The average price of a British Shorthair cat is of 1.000 EUR, but the price range is very wide, from 500 up to more than 2.500 EUR.

    These differences are explained by the physical characteristics of the cat (especially its color) and its greater or lesser conformity with the breed standard, as well as for their more or less prestigious ancestry. On the other hand, there is no significant price difference between a male and female cat.

    Videos "British Shorthair cat"

    British shorthair cat - BRITISH SHORTHAIR
    GATO BRITÁNICO de pelo corto – BRITISH SHORTHAIR
    British Shorthair Cat Review after 5 years: The worlds best cat? (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
    British Shorthair Cat Review after 5 years: The worlds best cat? (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

    1 thought on "British Shorthair cat”

    Leave a Comment