Cat breeds / British Shorthair
Photo: BritishEmpire · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Cat breed
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a calm, sturdy cat with a round face and a dense, plush coat. Most are easygoing and content to spend long stretches near their people without demanding constant attention. They tend to get along well with children who are gentle with them and with other pets, and they often adapt to a household with a dog once introductions are unhurried.
Day to day, they need a steady routine of meals, a warm resting spot, and a few short play sessions. Because they can gain weight easily, measured portions and regular activity matter. Scratching posts, a clean litter box, and a few window perches will keep them comfortable and entertained.
Good for: Quiet homes, first-time owners, families with gentle kids
| Size | small |
| Weight | 9–15 lb |
| Life span | 14 years |
| Exercise | about 35 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
Expect a relaxed, low-drama companion, but watch portions closely since they gain weight easily.
Living with a British Shorthair
Exercise
Plan two or three short play sessions a day, about 10 to 15 minutes each, using wand toys or chase games. Interactive play helps prevent weight gain.
Grooming
Their dense double coat sheds steadily and needs brushing once or twice a week, more during seasonal shedding. Bathing is rarely necessary.
Health
The breed is prone to heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and polycystic kidney disease, and can be prone to obesity. Ask your vet about screening and regular checkups.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Obesity
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a British Shorthair
Feeding, adult
0.75–1 cups a day
About 302 kcal, roughly 6 lb of dry food a month at 9–15 lb. Start here and adjust to the bag and your vet. Portion calculator →
What a year costs
$900–$1,600
Food about $222, plus routine vet care, parasite preventives and gear. US averages; insurance and emergencies on top.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Coat or short walks below 45°F. Indoor cats are fine year-round; for an outdoor cat, bring them in below about 45°F and give shade and water above 85°F.
Right now
Latest cat food recalls
Winfield's CWB Chocolate Bar, packed in clear cello bag with fabric bow on top. Manufactured by CBSL Commissary (DBA Winfield's Chocolate Bar) 9127 Stella Link Rd Houston Texas. Multiple product shapes/sizes: 1) Cat, Net wt. 8oz (226.8g), UPC: 00810079833030, Unit size 5 x 3 1/2 x 2. 2) Teddy Bear, Net wt. 8oz (226.8g), UPC: 00810079833405, Unit size 5 1/2 x 2 1/2 x 2. 3) Easter Bunny, Net wt. 16o
Chocolate Bar Holdings LLC · Apr 27 · Undeclared milk allergen.
Black Coffee Canned Beverage packaged under the following brands and sizes: 1. 41 & Change Coffee Co A Finca / Nicaragua Cold Coffee, 12 oz. UPC 1 97644-95863 4. 2. Alchemy Roast Elixir or Life (Gutemala/Huehuetenango Blend) 12 oz. UPC 8 10149-37056 4. 3. Amavida Coffe Roasters Guatemala Manos Campesinas, 12 oz. UPC 8 10149-37046 5. 4. Appalachia Coffee Nitro Cold Coffee Kentucky Black Gold, 12 oz
Snapchill, LLC · Jun 17 · Potential under-processing.
Fat Cat Purry-Purry Sauce, Net Weight: 5 oz (141g)
United Natural Foods, Inc. · May 25 · Undeclared allergen: Peanuts
Questions owners ask
Do British Shorthairs shed a lot?
They shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and fall. Weekly brushing keeps loose hair under control and reduces hairballs.
Can a British Shorthair live in an apartment?
Yes. They adapt well to indoor life and do not need outdoor space, provided they have toys, perches, and daily play.
Are British Shorthairs noisy?
They are generally quiet. They may chirp or meow to ask for food or attention, but they rarely yowl or cause problems with noise.
Good picks for a British Shorthair
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