Cat Breeds

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a popular cat breed known for its smooth coat and affectionate nature. 

British Shorthair

Cat Breeds

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a popular cat breed known for its smooth coat and affectionate nature. 

British Shorthair

Cat Breeds

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a popular cat breed known for its smooth coat and affectionate nature. 

British Shorthair

Cat Breeds

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a popular cat breed known for its smooth coat and affectionate nature. 

British Shorthair

Other Names

Shorthair, British Blue

Other Names

Shorthair, British Blue

Other Names

Shorthair, British Blue

Recognized By

CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe, WCF

Recognized By

CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe, WCF

Recognized By

CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe, WCF

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Country of Origin

United Kingdom

Popularity in the UAE

Widely popular

Popularity in the UAE

Widely popular

Popularity in the UAE

Widely popular

Primary Traits

Companion cat, show cat

Primary Traits

Companion cat, show cat

Primary Traits

Companion cat, show cat

British Shorthair

British Shorthair

British Shorthair

Breed History

The British Shorthair is one of the oldest breeds in the world. Its beginnings originated in the United Kingdom, where it was thought to be bred with Russian Blues and Persian Cats. These cats were among the most favored during the Crystal Palace cat show, where they made a lasting impression. 

Even when the Shorthair faced dwindling numbers during World War II, several dedicated breeders sought to revive the breed. Fortunately, not only were they able to do so, but they were also able to improve on the cat’s characteristics. Today, these cats continue to be a part of homes and families everywhere around the world.

The British Shorthair is one of the oldest breeds in the world. Its beginnings originated in the United Kingdom, where it was thought to be bred with Russian Blues and Persian Cats. These cats were among the most favored during the Crystal Palace cat show, where they made a lasting impression. 

Even when the Shorthair faced dwindling numbers during World War II, several dedicated breeders sought to revive the breed. Fortunately, not only were they able to do so, but they were also able to improve on the cat’s characteristics. Today, these cats continue to be a part of homes and families everywhere around the world.

British Shorthair Breed History
British Shorthair Breed History
British Shorthair Breed History
Just brought home a British Shorthair?
Just brought home a British Shorthair?
Just brought home a British Shorthair?
Just brought home a British Shorthair?

Schedule their wellness check today!

Schedule their wellness check today!

Schedule their wellness check today!

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Fibrosarcoma

These soft tissue sarcomas are aggressive cancers that come from the connective tissues of cats. Notable signs of affected cats include lumps and bumps, swelling, ulcerations, and lameness. (Dobromylskyj, 2022)

Lymphoma

This type of cancer affects the cat’s lymphatic system, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. This can be caused by genetics, viruses, and environmental factors.  (Versteegh et al., 2023)

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Fibrosarcoma

These soft tissue sarcomas are aggressive cancers that come from the connective tissues of cats. Notable signs of affected cats include lumps and bumps, swelling, ulcerations, and lameness. (Dobromylskyj, 2022)

Lymphoma

This type of cancer affects the cat’s lymphatic system, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. This can be caused by genetics, viruses, and environmental factors.  (Versteegh et al., 2023)

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Neurology

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Reproduction

Reproduction

Temperament and Common Traits

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a British Shorthair ranges from 12 to 20 years.

The shortest they can live is 9 years, while the longest they can live is 20 years. Cola was the oldest British Shorthair to live at the age of 28.

The shortest they can live is 9 years, while the longest they can live is 20 years. Cola was the oldest British Shorthair to live at the age of 28.

Training and Care

British Shorthair Training and Care
British Shorthair Training and Care
British Shorthair Training and Care

Trainability

These cats are intelligent and quick learners. They can easily be trained, especially when a consistent routine is followed. 

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

These cats are intelligent and quick learners. They can easily be trained, especially when a consistent routine is followed. 

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

These cats are intelligent and quick learners. They can easily be trained, especially when a consistent routine is followed. 

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

These cats are intelligent and quick learners. They can easily be trained, especially when a consistent routine is followed. 

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

British Shorthairs are not suited for extreme heat. They have dense coats that can make them prone to overheating in high temperatures. 

Precautions

The best way to keep your British Shorthair comfortable is to let them stay indoors, away from the heat. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

British Shorthairs are not suited for extreme heat. They have dense coats that can make them prone to overheating in high temperatures. 

Precautions

The best way to keep your British Shorthair comfortable is to let them stay indoors, away from the heat. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

British Shorthairs are not suited for extreme heat. They have dense coats that can make them prone to overheating in high temperatures. 

Precautions

The best way to keep your British Shorthair comfortable is to let them stay indoors, away from the heat. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

British Shorthairs are not suited for extreme heat. They have dense coats that can make them prone to overheating in high temperatures. 

Precautions

The best way to keep your British Shorthair comfortable is to let them stay indoors, away from the heat. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.

Diet & Nutrition

Dietary Needs

British Shorthair cats need a diet consisting of high-quality protein. Controlled portions should be given to prevent obesity.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

British Shorthair cats need a diet consisting of high-quality protein. Controlled portions should be given to prevent obesity.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

British Shorthair cats need a diet consisting of high-quality protein. Controlled portions should be given to prevent obesity.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

British Shorthair cats need a diet consisting of high-quality protein. Controlled portions should be given to prevent obesity.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

British Shorthair Diet and Nutrition
British Shorthair Diet and Nutrition
British Shorthair Diet and Nutrition

Suitability as a Pet

Ideal Owners

British Shorthairs are perfect for families and singles who want something low-maintenance. They are great for households with a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

British Shorthairs are perfect for families and singles who want something low-maintenance. They are great for households with a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

This cat breed is generally good with cats and other pets because of its calm demeanor.

This cat breed is generally good with cats and other pets because of its calm demeanor.

Compatibility with Children & Pets

First-Time Owner Friendly

Yes. British Shorthairs are good options for first-time cat owners because they are easy to train and care for.

Yes. British Shorthairs are good options for first-time cat owners because they are easy to train and care for.

Physical Characteristics

British Shorthair Physical Characteristics
British Shorthair Physical Characteristics
British Shorthair Physical Characteristics

Head

Head

Head

The British Shorthair cat has a large, round head with full cheeks and a short nose.

The British Shorthair cat has a large, round head with full cheeks and a short nose.

Eyes

Eyes

Eyes

Their eyes are round and prominent, with colors varying from blue to gold, copper, and orange. 

Their eyes are round and prominent, with colors varying from blue to gold, copper, and orange. 

Ears

Ears

Ears

The ears are medium-sized and slightly rounded at the tips.

The ears are medium-sized and slightly rounded at the tips.

Body

Body

Body

British Shorthairs have a compact, muscular, and well-balanced body with a broad chest and short back.

British Shorthairs have a compact, muscular, and well-balanced body with a broad chest and short back.

Limbs

Limbs

Limbs

Their legs are short and have round, firm paws.

Their legs are short and have round, firm paws.

Tail

Tail

Tail

The tail is thick at the base and has a lot of fur. 

The tail is thick at the base and has a lot of fur. 

Coat

Coat

Coat

The British Shorthair’s coat is short and dense. Classic colors come in blue, black, and lilac, while less common colors are cream, chocolate, cinnamon, and fawn. 

The British Shorthair’s coat is short and dense. Classic colors come in blue, black, and lilac, while less common colors are cream, chocolate, cinnamon, and fawn. 

Size

Size

Size

Both males and females can reach a height of 30-46 cm (12-14 inches).

Both males and females can reach a height of 30-46 cm (12-14 inches).

Weight

Weight

Weight

Males: 4.1-7.7 kg (9-17 lbs), Females: 3.2-5.4 kg (7-12 lbs).

Males: 4.1-7.7 kg (9-17 lbs), Females: 3.2-5.4 kg (7-12 lbs).

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics

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