The British Shorthair Cat is very popular as a pet because of its chubby body, short hair, chubby face, and friendly personality.
However, not everyone knows how to care for them healthily and obediently. In this article, let’s learn with DailyPets.net how to care for British short-haired cats.
British Shorthair Cat Origin
The British Shorthair is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, originating in Egypt during the ancient Roman period. They are very loved by the British mainly because of the time when the Romans invaded the British island in ancient times, leading to this cat breed being almost associated with the beautiful UK.
The reason is that, after being brought to England, they adapt to the living environment here and grow, multiply, and are often loved by families of aristocratic lineage.
Characteristics of British Shorthair cats
British Shorthair cats weigh 4 – 8.5kg and have large tails. They have round faces, chubby cheeks, and extremely cute short noses. In particular, the eyes of purebred British Shorthair cats have a very beautiful and characteristic bronze color. As the name suggests, this cat breed has a short coat, but the hair is very thick, smooth, and less prone to shedding. British cats’ most common coat color is classic navy blue.
The body of the British Shorthair cat is round, strong, and well-proportioned. Cat’s legs are quite short, and their padding is thick, so they move very gently.
The cat’s head is large and round, the cheeks are wide, the mouth is plump, the ears are triangular, and the eyes are large and round.
The dominant personality of British Shorthair cats is that they are very easygoing and quiet but very affectionate and attached to their owners. Unlike regular cats, this short-haired cat loves petting, petting, and cuddling. However, their only bad habit is laziness, sedentary, and just like lying down.
How to care for a British Shorthair cat
Cat enclosure for British Shorthair cats
When you first bring a cat home, they are often timid and fearful. Therefore, a cat enclosure is an essential accessory for British Shorthair cats. You should select the right enclosure size so the cats can move freely and play flexibly without feeling constrained.
Training and hygiene
Patience is key to achieving the best results in training your cat, such as teaching them to shake hands, respond to their name, or avoid biting. Additionally, each short-haired British cat will have different characteristics, so you should always consider their temperament and preferences to adjust the training methods accordingly. Cats have a high level of self-esteem, so using severe punishments can have counterproductive effects on training.
Even though the coat of a short-haired British cat is not excessively long, it is quite dense. To ensure your cat maintains a shiny and smooth coat, you should brush its fur daily using a specialized cat brush. The cat’s claws also need regular trimming to keep them neat and clean and help them move easily.
Additionally, this cat breed is very clean. Therefore, you should provide them with a specialized litter box so that they can relieve themselves in the proper place.
Common Issues and Diseases
The short-haired British cat breed often experiences specific health conditions, so it’s important to thoroughly understand the causes in order to find the proper treatment methods. Some of the common diseases that British Shorthair cats are prone to include:
- Diabetes
- Gingivitis (gum inflammation)
- Feline Leukemia Virus
- Rabies
- Respiratory infections
- Chlamydia
- Parasitic infections
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Caring for British Shorthair cats in Different Developmental Stages
Caring for Newborn British Shorthair cats
Newborn British Shorthair cats are quite fragile, so you should provide them milk formula or porridge. Along with nursing from their mother, you should supplement their diet with specialized kitten milk formula. During this stage, their digestive system is weak, so you should never give them fresh milk with sugar. This will help prevent diarrhea and intestinal issues.
Additionally, the bodies of newborn cats are very sensitive, so they need to be kept warm. You should add a cushion to their sleeping area to keep them warm.
Caring for British Shorthair cats at 1-3 Months Old
This is the age when short-haired British kittens are weaned from their mother’s milk and transition to solid food. It would be best if you alternated between commercially packaged food and homemade food to prevent them from getting bored with their meals. Soften dry food before feeding it to the kittens since their jaw and teeth are still weak. For homemade food, you should prepare blended porridge from various meats and vegetables to ensure they receive adequate nutrition.
Bathing helps remove dirt and bacteria from the bodies of British Shorthair cats. You should not bathe them too frequently, which can harm their health. The appropriate bathing frequency for British Shorthair cats is once a week.
British Shorthair cat price
The price of a British Shorthair cat can vary depending on factors such as the cat’s pedigree, coat color, lineage, and the breeder’s reputation. On average, British Shorthair kittens from reputable breeders might cost anywhere from $800 to $2,000 or more.
Rare coat colors, such as silver shaded, golden shaded, and colorpoint, as well as specific patterns like “blue” (gray) or “lilac” (pale lavender), might increase the price further. Keep in mind that prices can change over time, and they can also vary based on location and the breeder’s practices.
When preparing to purchase a British Shorthair, it’s important to research and choose a responsible and ethical breeder who prioritizes the cat’s health and happiness. Ask about your cat’s health, vaccination, and socialization history.
Some frequently asked questions about caring for short-haired cats
What should I feed British Shorthair cats?
British Shorthair cats like eating fresh foods such as beef, organ chicken, and eggs. However, you should add pate or cheese in each meal because these two dishes are very good for the growth of British Shorthair cats.
Is the British Shorthair Cat easy to raise or difficult to raise?
British Shorthair cats are extremely easy to raise cats; they are very easy to eat. However, you should not choose foods high in fat because it can make your cat obese. Training a British Shorthair can also be done easily if you understand your cat’s personality.
What are the coat colors of British Shorthair cats?
Each type of British Shorthair cat has a unique coat color. Although they are the same cat breed, the coat color of each British Shorthair cat is different. British Shorthair cats’ most popular coat colors include Bicolor, blue, white, black, Cinnamon, Cream, and Chocolate,…
The British Shorthair cat has a lovely, chubby appearance and is docile and affectionate, so many people love it. Hopefully, through this article, DailyPets.net has helped you learn useful information on how to care for a British Shorthair cat to take care of your cat properly.
