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British Shorthair - Self Cats

British shorthair cat sitting against a white background A beautiful british shorthair with dark orange eyes A plush coated british shorthair with amber eyes British shorthair cat lying on a kitchen floor

Breed Rating (4 Reviews)

Appearance
Friendliness
Hardiness
Garden

History


The British Shorthair cat is an ancient breed of cat. It is believed that the British Shorthair’s ancestors were brought to Britain by the Romans during the invasion of Great Britain. Their name has changed over the centuries and other breeds have been included into the mix. Crosses with Persians created a longhair variety in 1914-1918.

Early on the British Shorthair and Russian Blue were considered the same breed and simply judged as blue cats but the two breeds separated to be judged in their own right.

WW2 had a significantly negative impact on the British Shorthair cat breed and many breeding lines were lost. To recover the population the remaining British Shorthairs were outcrossed to Russian Blues, Persians and some other breeds.

The British Shorthair gained championship status from The International Cat Association in June 1979 and today is one of the most popular breeds of cat in the United Kingdom.

Behaviour


The British Shorthair cat is a friendly and docile breed. They love their owners company and will spend as much time in a warm lap as the lap owner allows them to. They will always welcome you home and fuss for some attention. They get on fine with other animals and small children but dislike being left alone for long periods.

Varieties


Comes in many different colours such as grey, blue, lilac, brown, chocolate, black etc.

Breed Details


  • Status: Common
  • Place of Origin: UK
  • Rough date of Origin: 1800s
  • Hair length: Shorthair
  • Activity Level: Medium
  • Vocalness: Low
  • Child friendly: Good with children
  • Intelligence:
  • Playfullness: Relaxed
  • Grooming Requirements: Less than once per week
  • Weight: 4.0 - 8.0kg
  • Size: Large
  • House Cat or Outdoor Cat: Outdoor Cat
  • Pet Compatibility:
  • Social Needs:

British Shorthair - Self Pictures

Two British Shorthair cats having a nap together.
Grey British Shorthair cat sitting on wooden floor in the sunlight
Cat laying down
Cat laying down in grass
an orange British shorthair cat stood on the bonnet of a car

Latest Reviews For British Shorthair - Self (4 of 4)


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- Waseem,

Best feline friends ever. Teddy bear look alike.


- Catherine,

I have a black tipped British shorthair. He is 13 years old, not a lap cat but tolerate to be carried for a few minutes. He is very attached to me and wants constantly to be with me, follows me around the house. He is very talkative and always answers when I talk or call him. He has a very friendly and curious nature. Has a calm demeanor, nothing faze him. Gets along with my other pets and stand his ground when challenged by the other cats He is willing to try all type of food but is a small eater, prefering to eat small amount, multiple times a day. He is my pride and joy has the most beautiful eyelinered green eyes, lips. The cutest paws, ears and face like a cuddly toy. Although is he is a senior cat, he still looks like the most adorable kitten and very playful.


Carlotta had 2 feverish births sorry I give up my words are changing - Ellen,

I got Carlotta an indoor silver tabby because of loneliness after my husband died 2014 she was 2yrs gorgeous beautiful large eyes I was told by breeder she didn't shed hair I had to replace carpets for flooring she still won't sit on my lap but will lye on me in bed she wants my company but only on her terms she's very fussy .eater .Very intelligent I feel she knows every word I say she likes me talking to her I'm 81yrs on my own Those eyes captivate me I have to say she's been a lot of work very timid still hides when family visit I would miss her She's always been very clean.I love her.


A Big Softy - Sally,

I love British Shorthair Cats, some find them aloof but my experience is completely the opposite. Monty is very vocal and 'talkative' he loves cuddles and likes nothing more than to be stroked and fussed. I find them to be good eaters, not fussy, they are playful and intelligent. I would recommend them for families, subject to all the normal checks one would do with animals and young children.