British Shorthair Kittens for Sale

British Shorthair Cats: The Perfect Family Pet

British Shorthairs are one of Australia’s most popular pure breeds, and for good reason. These lovely cats boast kind, even-tempered personalities, and form powerful bonds with their families. The added bonus is that British Shorthairs get along with everyone, including other pets and dogs, which, when paired with their independent yet loving and loyal natures, makes them the perfect family pet.

The temperament of British Shorthair

British Shorthair cats are generally gentle, easygoing, and placid. When loved and treated well, they can become very affectionate. Owners say they can sometimes even be a nuisance as they love to rub around your legs and figure eights between them. They also love strong smooching and headbutts, and most love cuddles as long as they have been brought up that way. However, they can be pretty averse to being picked up or lying on your lap and generally speaking, they will often sit close to their owners rather than on them. This independent streak can be a lovely balance to the smoochiness and means that they don’t require constant attention from their owners.

British Shorthair Personality

British Shorthairs are intelligent cats and like to be involved in everything that goes on in their household. They are quick learners and love to have a daily routine, which, if changed, can stress them out. They can learn small tricks and have become the favourite of animal trainers because of their nature and intelligence. In recent years, they have appeared in Hollywood films and television commercials.

British Shorthairs are safe around children and usually cope well with physical interaction. They have a stable character and rarely scratch or hiss. They are also good indoor cats and take well to apartment living. They are perfect for working people, as they are pleased to laze around the house while their owner is out. They do not get destructive or need other animals for company, though they do enjoy having another British Shorthair or a cat with a similar temperament around.

British Shorthairs get along well with dogs, provided that the dog is good around cats. However, care should be taken when introducing a British Shorthair to dogs they don’t already know, just in case the dog does not get along with them.

British Shorthair Appearance

British shorthair cats are a beloved breed that is treasured for their laid-back personality and luxurious, thick coat that can come in almost any colour or pattern. Blue-grey British shorthairs, affectionately known as British blues, are the most popular of all the colour choices available.

In addition to their unique colouring, British shorthairs are easy to recognize by their chunky build, with thick legs, broad chests, rounded heads, and cute, pinchable chubby cheeks. Those with blue coats have striking orange-amber eyes, while cats with other coat colours may have green, copper, amber, or blue eyes.

A British shorthair cat may be the perfect fit if you’re looking for a feline companion with a distinctive appearance and a laid-back personality. With their adorable features and various coat colours, these cats will surely steal your heart.

British Shorthairs are low-maintenance cats, but they do require some grooming to keep their thick, dense coats healthy and shiny. Regular brushing or undercoat raking is essential to prevent any matting, especially during seasonal changes or moulting. Along with grooming, feeding high-quality food that meets all their nutritional needs is crucial throughout their lives, especially for young kittens and older cats. With proper care and attention, your British Shorthair will maintain its stunning coat and healthy skin, making them the envy of all other feline breeds.

Copper eyes are the default for the breed, but their eyes can be blue in colour-point pattern cats and even one or both (blue and copper) in some pure-white cats. When this occurs in pure white, there must be due care as the cat may be deaf in the side with the blue eye.

Exercise and Play

The British Shorthair is a breed that is known for its easygoing and laid-back personality. They are great with kids and love to play in short bursts, making them the ideal family pet. Indoor cats require mental stimulation, and British Shorthairs are no exception. They need plenty of toys and activities to keep them entertained and happy. Additionally, they love to nap throughout the day, so it’s essential to provide them with plenty of cozy spots to snuggle up and rest. Overall, British Shorthairs make wonderful additions to any family looking for a loving and low-maintenance pet.

Ensuring Your British Shorthair Cat’s Health: Key Considerations for Potential Owners

British Shorthair cats are generally healthy and have a lifespan of around 12-20 years. However, like all cat breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues, including:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): a common heart condition in cats that causes the walls of the heart to thicken, which can lead to heart failure.
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): a genetic condition that causes cysts to develop in the kidneys, which can eventually lead to kidney failure.
• Gingivitis and periodontal disease: like many cat breeds, British Shorthairs are prone to dental problems, which can be prevented by regular teeth cleaning.
• Obesity: British Shorthairs tend to overeat and become overweight, which can lead to other health problems such as diabetes and joint problems.

If you are considering purchasing a British Shorthair cat, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of your cat developing these health issues:

• Choose a reputable breeder who performs genetic testing for HCM and PKD.
• Ensure that the cat’s parents have been screened for HCM and PKD.
• Ask to see the cat’s veterinary records and any health certificates from the breeder.
• Ensure that your cat is fed a healthy diet and is not overfed.
• Schedule regular veterinary checkups for your cat, and be sure to address any health concerns as soon as they arise.
• By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your British Shorthair cat lives a long, healthy life.

History of the British Shorthair Breed

The British shorthair is an ancient breed that is believed to have descended from the cats brought to England by the invading Romans, according to The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Over time, according to The Cat Fanciers’ Association, they developed distinctive features such as round faces and short, thick coats that came in all colours.

In the late 1800s, a passionate cat breeder named Harrison Weir began breeding British shorthairs by crossing different individual felines. At the first organized cat show in 1871, held at London’s Crystal Palace, a blue tabby British shorthair owned by Weir won Best in Show. However, despite their early success, their numbers were decimated by the two World Wars. After World War II, the breed almost vanished completely.

But thanks to the efforts and dedication of breed enthusiasts, the British shorthair was saved from extinction by carefully introducing Persian, Russian blue, French Chartreux, and domestic shorthair cats into the mix. Through these efforts, the breed was refined and eventually given formal recognition worldwide in the 1970s.

Since 1997, British Shorthairs have consistently been the most popular breed of pedigree cat in Britain by a long way in terms of numbers registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

British Shorthair FAQs

Do British Shorthairs need a lot of attention?
British Shorthairs are generally independent cats and don’t require much attention, but they enjoy spending time with their owners and playing interactive games.

Are British Shorthairs high maintenance?
No, British Shorthairs are not high-maintenance cats. They have short, dense coats that require regular grooming, and they need a healthy diet and exercise, but they are generally easy to care for.

Is British Shorthair cat good for beginners?
Yes, British Shorthair cats are good for beginners because they are easygoing and adaptable cats that generally have a laid-back personality.

What age should you get a British Shorthair cat?
It’s best to get a British Shorthair kitten at around 12-16 weeks old when they have been fully weaned and socialized by their mother and breeder.

Are British Shorthair hard to take care of?
No, British Shorthairs are generally easy to take care of as long as their basic needs are met, such as regular grooming, a healthy diet, and exercise.

Do British Shorthair cats need special care?
No, British Shorthairs do not need special care, but they need regular grooming to maintain their dense coat.

Can British Shorthair cats be indoor only?
Yes, British Shorthairs can be indoor-only cats, but they should be provided with plenty of toys and scratching posts to keep them stimulated and happy.

Do British Shorthairs need baths?
No, British Shorthairs do not need frequent baths because they are generally good at grooming themselves. However, a bath may be necessary if they get into something dirty or if they have a skin condition.

Are British Shorthairs happier in pairs?
British Shorthairs can be happy both as single cats or in pairs, depending on their personality and socialization. Some cats enjoy having feline companionship, while others prefer to be the only cat in the household.

Should British Shorthairs be kept indoors?
Keeping British Shorthairs indoors is recommended to protect them from outdoor hazards such as traffic, predators, and diseases. However, they can enjoy outdoor access in a safe and enclosed space such as a cat enclosure or catio.

Do British Shorthair cats like to be held?
British Shorthairs are generally affectionate cats that enjoy spending time with their owners but have their own personalities and preferences. Some cats may enjoy being held and cuddled, while others prefer to be near their owners without physical contact.

Can British Shorthairs be left alone?
British Shorthairs are independent cats that can be left alone for a few hours without any issues, but they do enjoy the company and may become lonely if left alone for extended periods.

Are British Shorthair cats safe to own?
Yes, British Shorthair cats are safe to own if they are properly socialized and trained. However, handling them with care and respecting their boundaries is important.

What are behavioural issues with British Shorthairs?
British Shorthairs are generally well-behaved cats, but they can develop behavioural issues such as aggression, anxiety, or destructive behaviour if they are not properly socialized, stimulated, or trained.