British Shorthair

The British Shorthair cat is a largish breed which could be described as chunky or cobby. Many of its contours are rounded – face and cheeks, ears, eyes and head. Its short broad nose sits above a deep strong chin and these, along with its deep chest and short, thick tail, all convey a strong and sturdy cat. The coat which is short and dense without being fluffy and comes in over 100 colour and coat pattern combinations.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain The British Shorthair cat is, by far, the most popular pedigree breed of cat in the UK. Although there are only written records for the British Shorthair cat that date back to the beginning of the century, the breed has been in existence for hundreds of years. They were exported in large numbers to the New World where they were very popular. The variety of colours and coat patterns available today have come about from the selective breeding of the best street cats during the nineteenth century and continuing careful breeding plans to the present day.

Lifespan

12 to 17 years

Colors

Although their coats come in almost every possible color and pattern, the most popular color is blue (gray). These cats are sometimes referred to as British Blues. Shedding

Health

Although the breed is free from many genetic diseases that plague other breeds, British Shorthairs are susceptible to gingivitis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hemophilia B. Obesity is another concern, as this cat loves to eat and leads a relatively sedentary lifestyle. Choosing the Best Food for British Shorthair Cats