About British Shorthair

History of British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is thought to be the oldest standard-acknowledged cat breed in the world. The legend says that these beautiful felines are the direct offspring of the domestic cats in Antique Rome, brought to Briton by Caesar and his legions.

Legend out of the dark of old history:
After conquering the British lands and around 400 B.C., Romans started to cultivate the fields and then brought a great number of cats to keep the crops safe from rodents.

The cats brought by Romans mated with wild cats, thus giving birth to a brand new species: robust and strong, thus able to endure the difficult weather of Briton. From the very beginning, these cats were very much appreciated for their resilience to effort and their striking agility. Soon in that age, they became famous for their hunting abilities. Nevertheless, along the years passing, due to their calm and loyal character, these cats have won the love of all humans around them.

At the end of the 19th century, the English writer Lewis Carroll (1865) describes the Cheshire cat in “Alice in Wonderland” as the classic tiger British Shorthair.

At about the same time, Harrison Weir - father of all cat shows - started to select the most beautiful British cats from the common breed. These were called British Shorthair, in order to set them apart from the felines brought from other countries, like Orientals and long-haired cats (Angora).

In 1871, at Crystal Palace in London took place the first feline show in the world. British Shorthair cats were the only cats to be shown as pedigreed. All others were simply shown as longhair or shorthair, divided by their various colors. The most important title of the exhibition was awarded by the jury to a tiger British Shorthair female with blue fur. Since that moment, the breed became the most popular of all breeds presented in feline shows at Crystal Palace. After World War II, some British breeders eager to improve the physical aspect of British cats have crossed them with Persians. For that reason, British Shorthair felines started to be born in different colors, and their forms became rounder.

Choosing a British Shorthair

By: J. Anne Helgren

The British shorthair, a plush feline with an unflappable, affectionate personality, has survived religious persecution, two world wars, and being voted off the island by British fanciers. Not only have these hardy cats survived, they have won over admirers on both sides of the North Atlantic. Brits, as the plush felines are affectionately called, are the perfect companions with whom to share a spot of afternoon tea. These polite, intelligent felines never slurp or bore you with tedious conversation, although you must excuse them if they drop a hair or two on the davenport.

Appearance

Today's British shorthair is a large, compact, powerful cat with a broad, strong chest and short, strong legs. The massive head is round and set on a short, sturdy neck. The face has round underlying bone structure, and the muzzle and chin are well-developed. Medium-sized ears are set well apart, fitting into the contour of the head. The eyes are large, and the broad nose has a gentle dip in profile. Full cheeks and large, well-rounded whisker pads give the cat a perpetual smile. As you might guess, the overall impression of the cat is one of roundness. Brits mature very slowly, reaching their physical peak at about five years.

Although blue is still the most common color, the Brit comes in myriad hues to suit any decor. All colors and patterns are acceptable except those showing evidence of hybridization, resulting in the colors chocolate, lavender, the Siamese pattern, or these combinations with white.

The Brit's coat is as plush as a deep pile carpet; the thick undercoat makes the fur stand away from the body. The fur feels like firm, warm velvet to the touch, prompting fanciers to dub Brits the teddy bears of the cat kingdom. The coat density changes with the seasons with the greatest density occurring in the winter months.

Personality

British shorthairs are quiet, confident cats with a bit of British reserve, particularly when you are first introduced to them. Brit fanciers describe Brits as cats that like to keep a low profile. Once they get to know you, however, they are affectionate without being demanding and playful without being hyper. Vocally, they are quiet but make up for their silence with mighty purrs.

Brits enjoy following their chosen humans from room to room to keep an eye on all activities. They also enjoy interactive games with their human friends, but they relish their quiet time, too. Unlike some breeds that crave constant attention, Brits enjoy being by themselves on occasion. This makes them good choices for folks who must spend part of the day away from home.

One thing Brits are not, however, is lap cats, or cats that enjoy being picked up. They'd much rather sit beside you, or curl up at your feet, than cuddle on your lap. When picked up they stiffen like fur-covered boards, legs stretched stiffly out and heads turned resolutely away until you give in and put them down.

Grooming

Grooming a British shorthair is easy. Because of the Brit's dense undercoat, a good once a week combing for five to ten minutes with a good quality steel comb is recommended. However, breeders recommend daily grooming during the spring and fall shedding seasons to keep your Brit looking beautiful and avoid a blanket of hair on everything you own. Bathing your Brit is not needed unless you plan to show.

Cost

Pricing on British Shorthairs usually depends in each individual kitten's bloodlines, type and markings.

Special Notes

Usually kittens available between eight and twelve weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.