British Shorthair Cat: Temperament, Size, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Round-faced, thick-coated and unflappable, the British Shorthair is the teddy bear of the cat world. The breed is best known in its blue-gray form, but it appears in many colors, and its quiet, steady nature makes it one of the most popular pedigreed cats worldwide.

Origins

The British Shorthair descends from the domestic cats of Britain, traced back to cats brought by the Romans. Breeders in the late 1800s, including Harrison Weir, selected the sturdy street cats for show quality, and the breed grew in popularity. After the world wars, numbers fell, and breeders crossed in other breeds, such as Persians, to rebuild, which is why longhaired variants sometimes appear.

Appearance

British Shorthairs are compact, muscular and broad, with a deep chest, short thick legs and a plush tail with a rounded tip. The head is round with full cheeks, small rounded ears and large round eyes in copper, gold or other colors depending on the coat. The dense, crisp coat stands off the body slightly, and the texture is often compared to a plush toy.

Blue, a solid gray-blue, is the best known, but the breed appears in cream, black, white, tabby, bicolor, colorpoint and many other patterns.

Temperament

The British Shorthair is calm, easygoing and independent. It is affectionate and loyal, but usually does not demand attention, and many prefer to be near rather than on their person. Most dislike being picked up and carried, though they enjoy a lap now and then on their own terms.

They tolerate being alone during the workday better than many breeds, which makes them popular with working households. They are generally good with children who are gentle and with other pets, and they play in short bursts, with a taste for chasing toys. Their quiet voices mean you will rarely hear much more than a small chirp.

Grooming

Their short, dense coat needs weekly brushing with a rubber brush or a medium-toothed comb, and daily brushing in spring and fall when they shed more heavily. Trim nails every few weeks, check ears and brush teeth often. See how to brush a cat.

Weight management

British Shorthairs are prone to obesity, particularly once neutered. They are happy lounging, and their stocky build can hide extra weight. Weigh your cat regularly, feed measured meals and use puzzle feeders and play to encourage activity. Our guide to how much to feed your cat and the cat food amount calculator help you plan portions.

Health

British Shorthairs are generally healthy, but a few conditions are worth discussing with a breeder.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Heart muscle thickening seen in the breed. Breeders may screen with echocardiograms and DNA tests where available.
• Polycystic kidney disease. Present in some lines because of Persian ancestry, with a DNA test available.
• Hemophilia B. An inherited bleeding disorder reported in the breed.
• Blood type B. More common in this breed than in many others, which matters for transfusions and for breeding.
• Gingivitis and dental disease.
• Obesity and its related diabetes and joint problems.

Read the cat health guides for signs and the emergency warning signs guide for urgent signals.

Living with a British Shorthair

Provide a sturdy cat tree, a large litter box and a few scratching posts. Offer play sessions of ten to fifteen minutes twice a day. Many British Shorthairs enjoy the company of another relaxed cat or a dog that does not chase.

Is a British Shorthair right for you?

The breed suits families, singles and seniors who want a calm, low-drama cat and are willing to manage weight. It is less suited to someone who wants a very vocal, athletic or lap-loving cat. For a very different personality, see the Siamese, or for a large longhaired alternative, the Maine Coon. The cat breed finder can compare the options.

Introducing a British Shorthair to your home

Give a new cat a quiet room with a litter box, food, water, a hiding place and a scratching post. Let it explore the rest of the home gradually over several days. Because the breed is easygoing, adjustment is often quick, but still give it time, especially if you have other pets. See our cat care guides for introduction tips.

Colors and varieties

Blue is the best known, but many colors are accepted, including cream, black, white, lilac, chocolate, tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor and colorpoint. Longhaired versions are sometimes called British Longhairs, and some registries recognize them separately. Coat color does not affect temperament.

Finding one

Choose a breeder who screens for HCM, PKD and other conditions, or ask rescue groups, which often have British Shorthairs and mixes. Our guide to cat vet visit costs gives an idea of expenses.