British Shorthairs Owner’s Guide

Reviewed By Kim •  Updated: 03/30/21 •  6 min read
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Would you like to add a cat to your household? Cats are fantastic company for you and your family and they are fun to have around the home. You may have heard of the British Shorthair before and want to know if they are the perfect feline friend for you. So, let’s learn more about the British Shorthair and what their needs are.

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What can I Expect from the British Shorthair?

You will find that the British Shorthair is one of the oldest breeds that you can get. Their roots go back to ancient Rome and they used to have the job of catching mice. There was a time during the 19th century when this is was a rare breed. This was because other breeds started to become popular. But the British Shorthair made a comeback towards the end of the 19th century and remains a popular breed today.

The average lifespan of the British Shorthair is quite long compared to other cat breeds. For instance, your feline friend might live up to 15 years old. But there have been some reports of this cat living until they are 20 years old. The British Shorthair can enjoy a variety of colors. This can include cream, grey and white, white and black.

Do They Have a Good Temperament?

The British Shorthair has become popular as a family cat and this is for a good reason. They are known to be very affectionate pets and they love to spend time with their owners. They can also be very docile, which might suit your household. Thus, you can look forward to having a friend and social feline friend in the family, as well as one that likes to laze around in the evenings and relax with you. They are easy going and will go with the flow.

Do not forget that the British Shorthair is an intelligent cat. While they will enjoy taking naps and sitting in warm places, they also enjoy playing and will need mental stimulation. This is particularly true if they are going to be an indoor cat. Therefore, ensure that your cat has plenty of toys to play with and you spend time playing with them too. They are patient with children and this can become a fun family activity.

The British Shorthair is a quiet cat compared to some other breeds. This means that you might lose them around the house occasionally. But they will normally be somewhere curled up for a warm nap.

Do They Get along with Dogs?

If you are wanting to adopt a British Shorthair and you already have dogs in your household, you want to ensure that they are capable of getting on. The good news is that this cat can be a furry friend to your dogs. They are able to bond well with other animals since they have a kind nature. Therefore, your British Shorthair can be in the same household as other dogs you may already have.

The most important thing is not to rush the process. You want to introduce your British Shorthair to your dogs slowly. This is going to give them both time to adapt and learn about each other. Do not rush the process and they will soon be able to live together unattended. Just be patient and not expect it to happen straight away.

Do They Need a lot of Grooming?

There is going to be some grooming involved if you plan to adopt a British Shorthair. They will need brushed on a regular basis so that their coat can be free from tangles and look shiny and soft. While cats are known to clean themselves, this is something you can do to help them. You can also expect some shedding from the British Shorthair. This means you will have to vacuum on a regular basis. In particular, the fall and spring months you will see your British Shorthair shedding more. Indeed, they do have a double coat, which means that they shed both during the year.

Where Can I Find a British Shorthair?

The British Shorthair is a popular cat to have in a family household. They are playful, affectionate and loyal. If you have decided that the British Shorthair is the perfect feline friend for you and your family, you will want to know where you can find one. The best place to start looking is the local animal shelter. There are going to be a lot of cats here that are looking for their forever home. It is a rewarding experience to adopt a cat and it can be an affordable way to get a British Shorthair.

You can also look online for a British Shorthair. There can be charities and rescue organizations that can help you find a feline friend. Owners who are looking to re-home their British Shorthair can post adverts online too. Ensure that you ask a lot of questions and find out a lot about the British Shorthair first. This way, you can ensure that you are able to meet the needs of the cat and that they are the perfect match for your home.

Another option you have is to approach a British Shorthair breeder. This can be an ideal option if you have other pets in the household. Just be prepared to pay a high price tag when you purchase a British Shorthair kitten from a breeder. This can be quite expensive and you will have to do a lot of research to ensure you find a good breeder that has experience and good reviews. This is going to make sure that your cat is healthy and happy and you are not funding breeders that are only in it for the money. Always ask to visit the breeder’s premises and to see the parents of the British Shorthair kitten. This way, you can make sure they are healthy and well looked after. Then you can enjoy peace of mind and know that you have done everything you can.

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Kim

Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.

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