British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is plush, round-eyed and unflappable — the teddy bear of the cat world and one of the most popular breeds anywhere.
Breed at a glance
- Weight
- 4–8 kg
- Lifespan
- 12–17 years
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Energy
- Shedding
- With kids
- Affection
- Talkativeness
Temperament
British cats are calm and independent: they like being near you but not being held. They're quiet, barely meow and cope well alone while their owners are at work. Patient with children as long as they aren't squeezed. Active when young, increasingly fond of the sofa with age.
Care
Brush the dense coat weekly, more often during the moult. Most importantly, don't overfeed: British cats put on weight easily, and extra kilos hurt the heart and joints. Provide a scratching post and a few play sessions a day to keep it moving.
Health
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and polycystic kidney disease occur — ask the breeder for the parents' tests. Get a yearly check-up, and after age 7 a heart ultrasound and blood tests too. Watch the weight and teeth.
This is a general description: an individual pet's temperament and health depend on its parents, upbringing and care. Ask your vet about your own pet's health.
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