Last Updated: 06/05/2025
British Shorthair Cat Complete Breed Guide
Wondering whether a British Shorthair kitten would make a good addition to your family? Take a look at our comprehensive guide for facts and care tips.
Author: Dr Tiffany Barnsdale BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 16 minutes - medium read
With their round face and stocky body, it's no wonder the British Shorthair has been mistaken for a teddy bear. These social and affectionate cats are well known in the pedigree world for being calm, independent and fiercely loyal.
Find all your British Shorthair essentials including food, furniture, toys and treats in our British Shorthair Shop.
Facts about the British Shorthair
| Place of origin: | Life expectancy: | Other names: |
| England | 10 to 17 years | Brit, BSH, British blue |
| Energy level: | Tendency to vocalise: | Coat colours: |
| Moderate | Low | Many solid and patterned colours, blue is one of the most common |
| Coat type: | Size: | Coat markings: |
| Short | 5kg+ | Variable |
| Shedding factor: | Overall grooming needs: | Eye colour: |
| Moderate | Moderate | Blue, gold, copper |
British Shorthair History
The British Shorthair is one of the oldest breeds of cat in Great Britain. They are thought to have started out as a street cat and then been refined into the British shorthairs we know today. Another claim to fame is that they were one of the first breeds to be shown at England's inaugural cat show in 1871.
British Shorthair Personality
Top toys and accessories for British Shorthair Cats
You can teach your British Shorthair to play fetch with this variety pack of fuzzy, jingly and plush balls.
When the humans are out of bed and don't sit still long enough to provide a warm lap to lie on, this cosy self warming bed is the perfect spot for your cat nap.
This stylish piece of furniture provides wonderful variety for your cat. The multiple plush resting platforms, hidey holes, ball on a string and jute twine scratching poles provide endless opportunities for rest and play.
British Shorthair cats love their food, so why not turn meal time into fun time? This interactive brain teaser is perfect for slowing down meal time while providing mental stimulation by engaging their problem-solving abilities.
British Shorthair Diet and Nutrition
What is the best food for a British Shorthair?
Due to their solid build there can be a tendency for the British Shorthair to carry around extra weight. Excess weight can cause and/or perpetuate health issues such as arthritis, diabetes and heart problems. It is recommended to feed your British Shorthair a complete and balanced premium diet.
Want to know more? Check out our Cat food buying guide.
Top dry foods for adult British Shorthairs
Top wet foods for British Shorthair Cats
British Shorthair Health Concerns
The British Shorthair are well known to be a generally healthy breed. However, like most other breeds they can develop dental disease, polycystic kidney disease and feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Dental disease
It has been reported that up to 90% of cats 4 years and older suffer from some form of dental disease. Dental disease can cause pain and discomfort, leading to inappetence and more serious health problems down the track. Thus, it is really important to establish a regular dental care routine with your British Shorthair to reduce the risk and severity of future dental problems.
For more information, check out Dental Care for Cats.
British Shorthair Health Concerns
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a disorder in which cysts form in the kidney causing them to lose function which eventually leads to kidney failure. It is an inherited condition with some linkages to the British Shorthair. A gene test is available which can be done on a blood sample of cheek swab by your breeder before purchasing your kitten.
Want to know more? Have a read through our article on Kidney Disease.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common type of heart disease in cats. In this condition, there is an increase in thickness of the walls of the heart. The thickened walls reduce the ability of the heart to pump resulting in heart failure. If your British Shorthair has regular health checks with a vet, HCM is often diagnosed before you can see any signs. Your vet will be able to hear an abnormal rhythm or murmur (extra sound) when listening to your cat's heart. They will then confirm their suspicions of HCM using an ultrasound. HCM can be managed using medication, unfortunately there is no cure.
British Shorthair Fun Facts
The British Shorthair almost went extinct as they were no longer bred in World Wars I and II due to the popularity of longhaired breeds increasing
In 2011, a British Shorthair named Smokey was crowned the world's loudest purrer. measuring at 67.7 decibels.
The British Shorthair is thought to have been the inspiration for Puss in Boots from Shrek and the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
Further Reading
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
Games you can play with your cat
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.
