If you’re the type of person that enjoys having a cat “share” the couch with you or one that is completely content spending a late Sunday afternoon in your lap while reading a book, then there is a really good chance that the British Shorthair cat breed might the perfect cat breed for you!
But it’s important to remember…
Deciding to become a pet owner is a very important decision which is why we want to take a moment to discuss what it might be like to own a British Shorthair cat so that if you ever get a chance to own one of these cuddly little guys, you won’t be disappointed six months from now that you didn’t pick a different “type” of cat that might be better suited to your lifestyle.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
British Shorthair Cat Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales)
Size: Medium to large
Weight: 9 to 12 pounds
Eyes: Round (green, gold, blue or mix-matched)
Shape of Head: Round
Lifespan: 14 to 20 years
Origin of the British
While it is true that the British Shorthair cat was developed and “created” in Britain, the British Shorthair’s earliest ancestors were actually cats that were first from Egypt and brought to Britain by Roman soldiers.
This is why…
The British Shorthair is considered one of the “oldest” cat breeds within Western Europe, and why so many “Brits” have such a strong sense of pride when it comes to this fabulous cat breed.
Because you see…
Throughout the centuries, cats haven’t always received the “credit” that they deserve as being “man’s best friend”. So, for many centuries during their development, these guys sort of had to just “fend” for themselves.
Fortunately…
This all came to an end when in the early 19th century, owning a cat in England began to become quite fashionable. So much so that even the Queen herself owned tow Persians cats.
And given…
How vast the British empire was back at this time, it should come as no surprise that many British citizens where taking advantage of this and using it to gain access to all sorts of wonderful “exotic” breeds.
Which…
“Kickstarted” a local campaign within Britain to create and develop a truly British cat breed. Which is exactly what we have today in the British Shorthair cat breed.
Unfortunately…
Like many other domesticated animals located throughout western Europe during World War II, the British Shorthair cat was nearly whipped out. Which is why, many British Shorthair breeders chose to crossbreed their surviving Shorthairs with Persian cats so as to be able to replenish the British Shorthair breeding stock.
This is why…
Many “cat organizations” including the American Cat Fanciers Association were a “bit” hesitant to “officially” recognize the British Shorthair as an “official” breed. That said however, by 1980, the British Shorthair did achieve “championship” status so we guess that’s no longer an issue nowadays!
British Shorthair characteristics
Now regardless of what “kind” of British Shorthair you decide to adopt, basically what you’re going to find is that your British Shorthair is going to resemble a “fluffy” ball.
This is because…
Just about every part of a British Shorthair is “fluffy” and a bit round. Heck…
They’re rounder in all areas, their heads are round, their bodies are round, their paws are round, and even their eyes are round. Yet, they don’t look fat!
In fact…
They’re typically have a very “powerful” look with their broad chest and strong, thick legs. These guys just look “comfortable” in their skin and don’t feel the need to have to try and impress you by jumping all around the place!
Now…
This breed used to be a solid blue-gray, and many of the photos that you see online will be only of solid blue-gray specimens, but in “real” life, breeders have developed the British Shorthair into a variety of different colors including black, white, cream, red, blue, silver, and golden. They’re also available in a variety of patterns as well including the traditional solid coloring as well as tabby, and bicolor.
British Shorthair Temperament
Now we’ve got to be honest with you, the British Shorthair cat is one of our all time favorite cat breeds out there. To us, they almost look like a walking pillow or stuffed animal that just needs to be picked up and “squeezed” (in a friendly way)!
That thick and dense…
Fur just screams…. “hold me” and “pet me” which is why, this is one of our “go to” cat breeds that we do like to recommend folks check out before deciding on any one particular cat breed to adopt.
British Shorthairs…
Are extremely tolerate cats. Meaning that they’ll put up with a lot. Whether that be a young child running around, another house pet or a ton of visitors to the home. In all of these situations, the British Shorthair will just take things in stride.
He’s not going to…
Stress out, jump all around the place or “meow” incessantly. Rather, he’ll probably just give you a look that will seem to say “really?” And then just go about his or her business.
Now if you’re…
Looking for a cat that is going to make you the center of his or her universe or one that is going to want to play with you all day and all night, well then, the British Shorthair probably isn’t going to be your cup of tea.
But if your…
Looking for a really magnificent looking creature that will be happy to share your home with you and take a nice nap with you when he is ready for one, then we here at IndulgeYourPet believe you would find it hard to find a better companion animal out there.
British Shorthair Health Concerns
Whenever you decide to purchase or adopt a pedigree cat, you always run the risk that, that cat breed may be at a higher risk for developing some type of inheritable genetic disorder common for that particular breed.
Fortunately…
When it comes to the British Shorthair breed, while they are susceptible to developing hemophilia B, this is a medical condition which can be easily screen for and thus avoided when working with a reputable British Shorthair breeder who knows what they are doing and only breeds their cats responsibly.
Which brings us to…
The last topic we want to discuss when it comes to the adoption of any new pet which is the importance of being a responsible pet owner. And because we all know how important it is to spay and neuter your animals and be sure they get all their vaccinations and immunizations, we want to focus on one other important thing to consider which is pet insurance.
Because…
Unless you have 1000’s of dollars sitting in your bank account right now that can be immediately used to pay for any kind of medical emergency for your new pet, as a responsible pet owner, you really ought to consider purchasing a pet insurance policy for all of your animals.
Now will a pet insurance policy be right for everyone?
No, of course not. But until you know what these “types” of policies will and won’t cover and until you know how much these “types” of policies cost, how will you know whether or not a pet insurance policy isn’t “right” for you?
For more information about who we “feel” currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies in the industry, we would encourage you to check out our Top 10 Best Pet Insurance Companies article.
TY for the help
Thank you, this helped alot I was thinking about getting one of these.
Meow will take your entire stock of these purrrrrrfect kitties.
These cats are such great companions! They really love humans and cuddling, this is my brother’s favourite cat breed and one of my favourites!
I love how round these cats are. your description of thick and dense really gives a scrumptious feel to this purrrrrrrfect organism. I will definitely be purchasing one of these round and thick and dense just to give it a good squeeze and listen to it squeal, as it gently purrs for help in my lap ( 4 paws out of 5 lap cat so will be good at satisfying my needs) 😉 !!!!!!!!!