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British Shorthair Cat Breed Information and Facts

This page is about the British Shorthair cat breed information and what it means to own one as a companion animal. If you are considering getting British Shorthair cat breed, this profile will be helpful in deciding whether or not they are right for you!

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British Shorthair cat profile picture
OriginUnited Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
Other Names
What other names are there for the British Shorthair cat?
Highlander, Highland Straight, Britannica
Price
What is the cost of a British Shorthair cat?
$1,500 to $3,000
If you choose to purchase the British Shorthair cat, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and cat finder places. If you have a British Shorthair cat for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the British Shorthair gets to a happy place.
Cost Of Ownership Moderate
Breed Recognition The International Cat Association (TICA)American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA)The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)

British Shorthair Size, Appearance and Physical Traits

Size
How big is a British Shorthair cat?
Large
The large-sized cats usually weigh 10-20 pounds and are 10-16 inches long from the nose down.
Weight
What is the weight of the British Shorthair cat?
Males: 12–18 pounds, Females: 9-15 pounds
Bite Force Strong Bite Strength: Greater than or around 15 PSI
A strong cat bite strength, typically greater than or around 15 PSI, is associated with larger, more muscular cat breeds like the British Shorthair or those with well-developed jaw muscles. Cats with strong bite strength can inflict more considerable damage if they bite, emphasizing the importance of focusing on proper socialization and understanding feline body language to minimize biting incidents. This category is particularly relevant for those researching powerful cat bite force, strong-biting cat breeds, or seeking information about specific breeds like the British Shorthair.
Body Type Cobby
This body type is a mix between the cobby and foreign types. British Shorthair are muscular but not as broad as cobby cats and not as slender as foreign cats. Examples include the Ragdoll and American Shorthair.
Ear Shape MediumRoundedWide-set
Eye Color GoldCopper
Hair Color and Pattern Wide range of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, bicolor, and more.
Coat
What kind of coat does the British Shorthair cat have?
Short Hair
Leg Lenght Medium
Whisker Length Medium
Musculature Muscular
Head Shape Round
Toe Count 5 front4 back
Eye Shape And Orientation Round
Night Vision
Paw Size Medium
Nose Structure Button
Neck Length Medium
Fur Texture SoftCurled
Bone Density Medium
Flexibility
High
Bone Structure Robust
Tail Length Long and Tapered
Sleep Patterns ActiveLess Sleep

British Shorthair Special Abilities

Attention Span Long, enjoys calm activities
Guarding Instinct High
Protection Instincts High
Climbing Ability Moderate
Jumping Ability Moderate
Swimming Ability Poor
Water Affinity
Rescue Capability Moderate

British Shorthair Health

Litter Size 2-4 Kittens
Special Needs Low maintenanceIndependent
Breeding Easy to breed, large litter size
Dietary Preferences High protein, wet food
Solo Time Tolerance Medium
Noise Sensitivity Moderate
Genetic Diversity Moderate
Sensitivity To Changes
Medium sensitivity
Food Motivation High
Feeding Schedule Twice a dayMorning and Evening
Maintenance Level Moderate
Exercise Needs Medium
Life Expectancy
What is the life expectancy of the British Shorthair cats?
12-17 years
Energy Level
How energetic is the British Shorthair cat?
The British Shorthair cat has a lower energy level than other cats.
Hypoallergenic
Are British Shorthair cats hypoallergenic?
No
British Shorthair cats don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing an allergic reaction. Some of the cat breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response.

Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the cat's skin) or saliva, not actually to cat hair.

Common Health Issues
Are British Shorthair cats a healthy breed?
Low
Very healthy cat breed. The British Shorthair rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Health Problems Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)ObesityPolycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Climate Temperate
Cold Tolerance Medium
Heat Tolerance Medium
Breeding Difficulty Easy

British Shorthair Characteristics and Personality

Common Vocalizations Soft and gentle meows
Interaction With Other Pets Good, calm and tolerant
Facial Expression Calm and easygoing
Tail Behavior Gentle swaying when calm
Explorer Instincts Moderate
Attention Needs Low
Protectiveness High
Territoriality High
Independence High
Response To Commands Moderate
Adaptability To Indoor Life High
Hunting Drive Moderate
Play Style PlayfulGentleCalm
Escape Tendencies Low
Curiosity Moderate
Hunting Skills Moderate ⏺️
Reaction To Strangers Cautious
Stalking Behavior Moderate
Aggression Level Low
Training Difficulty Moderate
Agility Moderate
Travel Compatibility Medium
Activity
Moderately Active
Compatibility With Other Animals PlayfulMedium
Household Noise Tolerance Medium
Playfulness
Balanced Playmate. British Shorthair have a balanced playfulness. They enjoy playing with toys and interacting with their owners but also appreciate downtime.
Trainability
Are British Shorthair cats easy to train? How hard is it to train a British Shorthair?
Moderately Trainable: British Shorthair cat breeds require more patience, repetition, and reinforcement to learn new commands and behaviors, but can still be trained successfully with consistent efforts. Examples of moderately trainable cat breeds include Maine Coon, Scottish Fold, and Birman.
Lap Cat
Are British Shorthair cats lap cats?
Yes
This cat loves to sit on his owner's lap.
Temperament
What personality do British Shorthair cats have?
Affectionate
Adaptability
Are Ragdoll cats adaptable?
British Shorthair cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Affection Level
Are British Shorthair cats more affectionate?
Average to High: British Shorthair cats are highly affectionate cats. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof cat.
Child Friendly
Are British Shorthair cats good with kids?
The British Shorthair cat is a child-friendly breed. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Dog Friendly
Are British Shorthair cats good with dogs?
Very dog-friendly: British Shorthair owners often find that their cats get along very well with the family dog.
Intelligence
Are British Shorthair cats intelligent? Are British Shorthair cats smart?
Average: the British Shorthair cat has an average level of intelligence.
Social Needs
Are British Shorthair cats social?
Average: they need as much social interaction as the average cat.
Stranger Friendly
Are British Shorthair cats friendly to strangers?
Below average: this cat breed tends to have difficulty getting along with strangers.
Vocalization
Do British Shorthair cats vocalize?
Low
Low vocalization cats are a category of cats that typically make less noise than other cats. This can be due to a variety of reasons, including genetic disposition, health, or even personality. While some low vocalization cats may simply be quiet by nature, others may only meow when they are distressed or in need of attention. Low vocalization cats can make excellent pets for those who are looking for a feline companion that is relatively low maintenance in terms of noise.

British Shorthair Grooming

Seasonal Shedding Moderate
Grooming Tools Needed BrushNail ClipperComb
Dental Care High
High dental care needs cat breeds, including the British Shorthair, are more susceptible to a wide array of oral health challenges due to genetic factors, distinctive skull structures, or other breed-specific features. These feline breeds necessitate more attentive and frequent dental care routines to maintain proper oral hygiene and avert dental complications. Pet owners should prioritize consistent teeth brushing, professional dental cleanings, and veterinary dental check-ups to tackle potential issues like overcrowding, misaligned teeth, gingivitis, and periodontal disease in these high-risk breeds.
Grooming
How to groom your British Shorthair cat?
Low Maintenance
Occasional grooming is recommended to keep the British Shorthair coat in good condition.
Shedding
Do British Shorthair cats shed a lot?
Minimal
This cat breed sheds much less than the average. Brushing your cat daily will help remove loose hair before it gets on furniture or clothing. It is also recommended that you make sure your British Shorthair cat gets plenty of good quality food and water. A healthy diet will help keep your cat's coat in good condition and reduce shedding.

British Shorthair Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Adaptability: British Shorthair cats adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Affection Level: Average to High: British Shorthair cats are highly affectionate cats.
  • Child Friendly: The British Shorthair cat is a child-friendly breed.
  • Dog Friendly: Very dog-friendly: British Shorthair owners often find that their cats get along very well with the family dog.
Cons
  • Energy Level: The British Shorthair cat has a lower energy level than other cats.

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