British Shorthair
With a dense coat like a plush toy, a round face and a calm temperament, the British Shorthair is a balanced, independent companion for peaceful homes.
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Size
- Medium
- Adult weight
- 4–8 kg
- Typical lifespan
- 12–17 years
- Energy
- Grooming
- Shedding
- Trainability
The 1–5 scales are PetBondly editorial estimates based on breed-club descriptions and general references; every individual is different.
The British Shorthair is one of Britain's oldest cat breeds. Its best-known colour is blue-grey ("British Blue"), but it is bred in many colours and patterns.
Character and temperament
Calm, easy-going and independent. It is attached to its people but prefers to be near them rather than constantly on a lap. It is usually unflappable about change and likes routine.
Exercise and mental needs
It isn't a very active breed, but short daily play sessions matter for mental stimulation and for maintaining an ideal weight. Its calm nature can make it prone to inactivity and weight gain; food puzzles and games help.
Coat care
It has a short, very dense coat with a plush texture. Weekly brushing is enough, with more frequent brushing during shedding periods.
Who is it suited to?
Ideal for people looking for a relaxed, independent cat in a calm home. It suits working individuals and families well.
A short history
Its ancestors are thought to be cats that arrived in Britain in Roman times; the breed was standardised in England in the 19th century alongside the first cat shows.
Breed-specific health notes will be added after veterinary review. Please ask your veterinarian about health questions.
