British Shorthair

The British Shorthair Cat

British Shorthair cats are a medium-sized breed that can be described as chunky or cobby. Numerous characteristics of its face and cheeks, ears, eyes, and head are rounded. Its short broad snout rests atop a deep powerful chin, and these features, combined with its deep chest and short, thick tail, all contribute to the impression of a robust and muscular cat. The coat is short and thick without being puffy and is available in over a hundred different colour and pattern combinations.

History

By far the most common pedigree breed of cat in the United Kingdom is the British Shorthair. Although documented records for the British Shorthair cat date only from the turn of the twentieth century, the breed has existed for hundreds of years. They were extensively transported to the New World, where they were extremely popular. The range of colours and coat patterns available now are the result of selective breeding of the best street cats in the nineteenth century and continued breeding plans into the twenty-first century.

Personality

British Shorthair cats are dubbed the 'gentle giants' of the cat world by some. They are kind and friendly toward both humans and other animals. British Shorthair cats are less demanding of human attention and are more peaceful than their Oriental counterparts. They also lack the inquisitive attitude that gets many Oriental cat breeds into mischief!