British Shorthair Cat - CHARACTERISTICS and CARE

The British Shorthair cat is one of the most well-known breeds from the UK, but has become popular all over the world. It is also the oldest of the British breeds. If you have a British Shorthair cat already or are considering adopting one into your family, you will need to ensure you know everything you can about them. While every cat is an individual, there are certain characteristics, behaviors and traits of the British Shorthair cat which might be common to all. Here we also give you information on the maintenance and care these cats require to have a long and happy life, so keep watching AnimalWised to know all about the British Shorthair.

[RobHinkforth]

My British Shorthair lived to be 24. We called him Otis. Bicolor. Grayish Blue overcoat, milky white undercoat. With a spot on his noise. When it was his time, he fell asleep next to the piano ( he loved listening to music ). Than he purred away into kitty heaven. 24 years old. He lived a long and happy cat life

[lindseymarie]

I adopted one as a first time cat owner. Couldn’t imagine getting any other breed. My cat is hilarious, energetic, loving, and relaxed- but is still reasonably independent. He’ll smack my husband in the head at night [repeatedly] to go away so he can spoon the back of my neck while he sleeps. Highly recommended!

[fluffy]

Packing a small suitcase for a trip to the UK and bringing home. "souvenir" 😍

[Alexander]

Meanwhile my adopted street cat : *dominates everyone with an iron claw then sits on me and purrs*

[elizabethfisher]

I adopted a 9 year old BSH 5 months ago. First time with this breed. He is gorgeous and is affectionate on 'his terms'. Settled in really well for a senior cat! Hoping that he will live long!

[catwalkster]

1:45 is a Russian blue. Same color, very different cat :)

[veronicaoliveiro]

My BSH Millie is anything but quiet. She’s super vocal and has established certain vocabulary which we can understand. Very sociable indeed n even follows the gas man. Love her to bits

[cheekofeather]

I have two--ginger twins, they are the best breed. Before I got them I always thought cats were snarky and hissy. They have never hissed or clawed, they are the most chilled, cuddly boys. They love anybody who comes into the house, there's no such thing as personal space. And they know when it's bedtime and come and sleep with us

[kris_pavlov]

I have a British short hair cat and he is AMAZING he is 2 months old and we have got him 2 days ago
He sleeps well (nearly all day)
He plays well (during the night)
And he doesn't bites, meows or even jump somewhere he isn't supposed to go.Oh and I live in Bulgaria 🇧🇬
Btw he's called Murphy

[rellimarual]

I’ve read that they dislike being picked up and are not big lap cats, though they like to sit close by their person, and both are true of mine.

[jamessmith]

Quiet? Mine won't stop meowing when I'm in the bathroom lol.

[Profito.]

I love these cats.They are so unique.i own one adorable also.Have a check😘😍😋

[fex]

Fellow cat lovers just of aware of this, since even the OP never brought it up. Feline infectious peritonitis or (FIP) is high risk in British short hair cats. Google it and you find a world of information on it but its deadly to any cat that gets it. Unfortunately for me I found out the hard way, I ended up getting a 4 month old British short hair kitten and 85 days later I had to put him to sleep due to FIP.
FIP can occur at any age, yet typically it is most often seen in young cats, less than two years of age, and most of these in the four- to 10-month period, there is no commercially effective vaccine for this disease. I was never aware or knew anything about this disease, you can't test for it. I believed I did all the right things, very clean house, never outside, never around any animals, no cheap cat food etc.. I ended up spending $4000 in vet fees trying to save him, I would of spent more if necessary, but it appeared in had the worse FIP (wet)... I'm not trying to scare you but ask your Vet about FIP.

[katywuste]

I have a boy and girl both 6/12 old and Maybelline is so vocal whilst Cecil is really quiet and affectionate and only talks when hungry. They are both really cute and well loved

[kevinpitt]

Some small corrections. Firstly they were first introduced in the 1st Century AD and bred with local wild cats. They eventually became known as Barn cats, or Cheshire cats, and were useful for their ratting capabilities. Around the time after WW1 they were bred with Persian cats, and around WW2 with Russian Blue and French Chartreux cats, that gave them a few extra colours and those orange eyes some have.

[corleone]

I have one, he’s adorable and loving. Follows me everywhere and likes to sleep on my lap, but he absolutely hates being picked up

[rhondareadman]

I’m bringing home two British shorthair kittens ( brothers ) in June. I can hardly wait! 🐱💗🐱💗🤗

[charlenetrussell]

These are the best cats, i have 2 British blue shorthairs, they have a great character to them, so loving and friendly aswell x

[auryle]

We used to have one called Diego, lived to 18. Gray pelt, yellow eyes and nice chubby cheeks. He was really playful and really friendly. I miss him dearly.

[j.s.]

We have a kitten since August and she is adorable.