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Everything You Need to Know About the British Shorthair Cat

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By Jacqueline HackettPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
Everything You Need to Know About the British Shorthair Cat
Photo by Josh Couch on Unsplash

The British shorthair cat is naughty, but this trait seems to have been rather exploited in animated films. The feline wit from "The Shoeless Cat" and the Cheshire from "Alice in Wonderland" belong to this breed.

If you are thinking of buying a short fur cat or you already have one, but want to know more, here are some essential things about the British shorthair cat.

British shorthair cat - general information

This cat is, as its name suggests, originally from Great Britain. Appreciated especially for its hunting spirit and physical strength, it is believed that the British shorthair cat has ancestors even in ancient Rome.

A key moment of the breed was after World War II when very few purebreds survived. But with the help of other breeds, the British shorthair cat began to breed.

The cute kitten is very easy to care for, especially due to the thick, water-resistant plush fur that covers her athletic, compact body. You'd think she was an acrobatic cat, but she's clumsy.

In general, the British shorthair cat has a lot of energy and, to consume it, its strong muscles come to its aid. Some experts describe her as a bulldog in the feline world, due to her tough features, thick neck, and massive, round head.

At the same time, most cats belonging to this breed have a "smile" on their face. Yes, British shorthair cats always seem to laugh because of the shape of their mouths and the appearance of a teddy bear.

Although this breed usually has a bluish-gray color, there are also beautiful specimens with fur in other shades, even lighter or in different combinations.

The personality of the British shorthair cat

The cat of this breed is sweet and calm, which makes it an excellent family friend. He likes affection, but with limits. He will reject you if you insist on sweets. Avoid holding it in your arms or lap.

However, he attaches himself to family members and will most likely follow you around the house, finding a place to sleep wherever you are.

Slightly more reserved than other cat breeds, the British shorthair cat is an unpretentious companion with a quiet meow.

As a kitten, she will be very active but will calm down as the years go by. Mature kittens of this breed tend to be very lazy, so most likely your little cat will be sitting next to you on the couch while you read or drink your coffee.

When she runs around the house, it will be like hearing an elephant, but she will avoid breaking things, she will not be on her list of hobbies. At the same time, your guests will be received properly, the British shorthair cat being a perfect host, although at the beginning it will be quite reserved.

She is loyal to all family members, patient with children, and easily adapts to changes in the home.

Health status

The British shorthair breed needs to be treated with care, especially when it comes to daily feeding. Cats of this breed have a high risk of obesity because they are not particularly active and do not burn calories at a fast pace.

But in general, you do not have to worry, there are not many health problems that could affect your cat. The most common problems are heart problems, but gingivitis can also give them headaches.

A specimen of this breed can live up to 14 years if properly cared for. So make sure you brush his fur weekly with a special brush, take care of his teeth, and cut his nails periodically.

Also, check her ears constantly; if you think they are dirty, use cotton swabs to clean them easily. And last but not least, the love of it!

A British shorthair cat will bring you a ray of joy in the house, but be careful to take care of it properly.

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