British Shorthair

The British Shorthair cat, originally from the United Kingdom, is one of the oldest breeds. It is noted for its robust, muscular body, dense, short coat and round head with large, expressive eyes, often copper or gold in color. His temperament is calm, gentle and independent, but he enjoys the company of his handler.

General details

The British Shorthair cat is medium to large in size, with a robust bone structure. Males usually weigh between 4.5 and 8 kilograms, while females weigh between 3.5 and 5.5 kilograms. They measure approximately 56 to 64 centimeters in length and 30 to 35 centimeters in height. Their life expectancy varies between 12 and 20 years. This breed is recognized by associations such as the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).

Breed history in brief

The British Shorthair breed has its origins in the United Kingdom and is one of the oldest cat breeds. It is believed to be descended from domestic cats brought to the British Isles by the Romans, who then interbred with local cats. Over the centuries, these cats adapted to the British climate, developing a dense, short coat to protect them from the cold. In the late 19th century, breeders began to establish breed-specific standards, and the British Shorthair was officially recognized and gained championship status in TICA in 1979. Today, it is one of the most popular and beloved breeds worldwide.

Breed characteristics

The British Shorthair has a robust and muscular body, with short, strong legs. Its head is round and broad, with full cheeks, short and firm muzzle. The eyes are large, round and expressive, usually copper or golden in color. The ears are small, broad based and rounded at the tips. The tail is of medium length, thick at the base and tapering towards the tip. Their coat is short, dense and soft, with a plush texture, and can be of various colors and patterns, including blue, black, white, cream and gray. They are calm, enjoy the company of their owners, but are not usually demanding of attention.

Common health problems

Despite its robust and strong body, the British Shorthair cat can develop certain diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, polycystic kidney disease, obesity and hemophilia B.