Back to Cats
United Kingdom•natural
British Shorthair
popularApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Calm, easygoing, and dignified. British Shorthairs are sturdy, round-faced cats with a plush teddy bear appearance.
Weight4-8 kg9-17.5 lbs
Height30-35 cm12-14"
Lifespan12-20 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
CalmEasygoingDignifiedAffectionateLoyal
Height
30-35 cm12-14"
Weight
4-8 kg9-17.5 lbs
Lifespan
12-20 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Couch potato - content with short walks and lounging
Trainability
Independent thinker - requires patience and creativity
Grooming
Minimal grooming - occasional brushing
Vocalization
Rarely meows
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐱
British30-35 cm12-14"Compatibility
How well British Shorthair matches your lifestyle
??%
Your Match Score
Take our 2-minute lifestyle quiz to see how well British Shorthair matches your lifestyle.
Good Fit
- +
- +
- +
Things to Consider
- !
- !
Colors & patterns
British Shorthair comes in 6 recognized colors
Blue
British Blue
Black
White
Cream
Lilac
Silver Tabby
Classic Tabby
Exercise
Activity requirements for British Shorthair
low energy20-40 min/day
British Shorthairs have modest exercise needs. Short walks and light play sessions are typically sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
Low - content with short play sessions
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Short Walks
Gentle strolls around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace.
15-20 min
Low intensity
Indoor Play
Light play sessions with toys indoors.
10-15 min
Low intensity
Sniff Walks
Leisurely walks focused on mental stimulation through sniffing.
15-20 min
Keep in Mind
- Avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather
- Watch for signs of fatigue during exercise
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for British Shorthair
Low Maintenancefur coat
British Shorthairs require minimal grooming maintenance. Occasional brushing and basic hygiene care will keep them looking their best.
Weekly Brushing
A quick brush once a week removes loose hair and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat.
Weekly
Occasional Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or smelly - typically every 2-3 months. Over-bathing can strip natural oils.
Every 2-3 months
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to prevent discomfort and clicking on floors. If you hear clicking, they're too long.
Every 2-4 weeks
Dental Care
Brush teeth regularly or provide dental chews to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
2-3 times per week
Training
Training approach for British Shorthair
Independent Thinker
The British Shorthair thinks for itself and may question why they should follow commands. Training requires creativity and understanding their motivation.
Best Approach
Understand that independence isn't disobedience - it's how they're wired. Find what motivates them (often not just treats) and make training feel like their idea.
Training Tips
Essential
Find Their Motivation
Discover what truly motivates them - it might be play, specific treats, or simply their own curiosity.
Essential
Keep It Interesting
Vary your training approaches and keep sessions unpredictable to maintain their interest.
Essential
Build Relationship First
A strong bond makes them more willing to cooperate. Focus on relationship before commands.
Recommended
Respect Their Nature
Don't expect robot-like obedience. Appreciate their unique personality while establishing boundaries.
Common Challenges
- May ignore commands they find pointless
- Can be selectively obedient
- May need 'what's in it for me' motivation
- Recall can be challenging
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for British Shorthair
Medium Breed2 meals$37-74/month
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Feeding Tips
Balanced Nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (kitten, adult, senior).
Adjust for Activity
Active cats need more calories; less active cats need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Quality Protein Source
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Consistent Schedule
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in British Shorthair
1
High Risk
3
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for British Shorthair
Monthly costs
Food
$37-74
Insurance
$17-44
Supplies
$10-20
Litter
$20-30
Monthly total
$84-168
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$144-432/yr
Annual total
$144-432/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for British Shorthair's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
4 references for British Shorthair
Cat Fanciers' Association Breed Information
Registry·Cat Fanciers' Association
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Veterinary·International Cat Care
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
Veterinary·Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Obesity in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research