There’s no getting around the difficulties and hurdles that come with owning a pet cat. And these difficulties are no less present even with a relatively “low-maintenance” breed like the British Shorthair. Still, there are countless owners and families who have gladly adopted the breed.
Let’s examine the British Shorthair cat more closely, and find out why these feline enigmas can be an excellent choice for pet owners!
A Gentle and Easygoing Disposition
A remarkable attribute of your typical British Shorthair that almost every owner will verify is the breed’s calm, placid temperament. Unlike more energetic or anxious cat breeds like the Siamese or Burmese cats, these guys tend to be gentle and docile by nature. This makes them a great fit for first-time owners and households with more hectic, time-consuming schedules.
If you’ve had struggles with feline separation anxiety with past pets, this is unlikely to be an issue with this breed. Not only are British Shorthairs calm and even-tempered, but they’re also fairly independent. As long as they’re getting their daily needs met, chances are they won’t panic when you need to leave the house.
Additionally, if you own one or more other pets, the British Shorthair is a great choice. Most members of this breed are very nonaggressive and tend to get along easily with other animals. So, introducing your cat to any other pets you own should usually be smooth sailing!
Minimal Grooming Requirements
Another strong benefit of owning a British Shorthair is the breed’s forgiving, low-maintenance grooming needs. These cats don’t have super long or delicate coats, so an extensive grooming routine isn’t required. In most cases, a quick weekly brushing with a comb or brush is all you’ll need to groom your short-haired feline friend.
Contrast this light routine with, say, grooming a Persian cat and it’s a whole different story! On account of their long, thick coat, Persians generally require daily brushing, along with monthly baths. By comparison, grooming a British shorthair is a piece of cake. For less than an hour a week, you’ll be good to go!
Now, every cat is different, but there are a couple of general cat grooming tips I’d recommend. First, it’s a very good idea to start a brushing routine as early as possible in your cat’s life. This will help your pet adapt and adjust to the grooming process. Likewise, trimming your furry buddy’s nails every few weeks or so (even though they might complain!) is important for their health and well-being.
Thick Coat and Distinctive Appearance
One common contributing motivation for adopting a British Shorthair cat is the breed’s unique appearance. Owing to a combination of a thick, dense coat with their short fur length, these cats have a distinctly cuddly and fluffy appearance. Add in their medium-to-large build, and it’s not hard to see why these guys make terrific cuddle buddies!
British Shorthairs also have a relatively large face and big eyes, both of which help them physically stand out even more from other breeds. Most members of the breed weigh somewhere in the range of 6-12 lbs. Of course, some can grow quite a bit bigger than that, though you should keep an eye out for signs of an overweight cat.
The breed’s coat, besides its length and thickness, is also unique for the sheer range of colors it can come in. Believe it or not, there are over 30 different shades and colors that British Shorthairs’ coats can take.
This Breed Has a Loyal and Friendly Personality
An undeniable perk that comes with owning a British Shorthair is the breed’s highly loyal and affectionate disposition. Virtually any owner of one of these cats will attest to the fact that they are a highly devoted and friendly cat breed. This factor can be a huge plus for families with young children, or for households with other cats or dogs.
The affectionate, people-loving nature of the British Shorthair also shines in the cats’ love for play. Though the cats don’t have a massive activity level (more on that in a moment!), they still like to use playtime to bond with their owners. One excellent way of doing this is to incorporate DIY cat toys and games into your feline friend’s daily routine.
Some great examples include converting common household objects like paper towel rolls into makeshift toys, creating your own homemade scratching post, or transforming ordinary cardboard boxes into a playhouse.
Moderate and Adaptable Activity Level
When it comes to their energy level, British Shorthairs occupy a pleasant and adaptable middle ground. For the most part, cats belonging to this breed show a moderate activity level. They are not inclined to daily, vigorous exercise routines, but they aren’t total couch potatoes either. This makes them an ideal choice for busy owners who still like to get some short moments of playtime throughout the day.
This low-to-medium energy level makes British Shorthair cats roughly comparable to Ragdoll cats. Like the British Shorthair, Ragdoll cats like to play, but still enjoy plenty of quiet, peaceful relaxation time. A “best of both worlds” situation, if ever there was one!
One thing to watch out for with British Shorthairs is their short bursts of energy. It’s not at all uncommon for a representative of this breed to suddenly start acting like a kitten for a few moments and exhibit almost frantic play. Don’t worry, though; this is totally normal behavior for one of these cats.
