British Shorthair Cat - CHARACTERISTICS and CARE

The British Shorthair cat is one of the most well-known breeds from the UK, but has become popular all over the world. It is also the oldest of the British breeds. If you have a British Shorthair cat already or are considering adopting one into your family, you will need to ensure you know everything you can about them. While every cat is an individual, there are certain characteristics, behaviors and traits of the British Shorthair cat which might be common to all. Here we also give you information on the maintenance and care these cats require to have a long and happy life, so keep watching AnimalWised to know all about the British Shorthair.

[@RobHinkforth]

My British Shorthair lived to be 24. We called him Otis. Bicolor. Grayish Blue overcoat, milky white undercoat. With a spot on his noise. When it was his time, he fell asleep next to the piano ( he loved listening to music ). Than he purred away into kitty heaven. 24 years old. He lived a long and happy cat life

[@RobHinkforth]

@blade ninja He was a wise kitty.

[@stevier4964]

Omg that's a veeeery long time

[@vicky3555]

Bro which is best Persian or British Shorthair and does British Shorthair make sounds cause I live in appartmants

[@RobHinkforth]

@@vicky3555 I had a Persian kitty once and she didn't shed hair all that much whereas my British shorthair did. Both kinds of cats make great pets, it comes down to things like this. Hope this helps alittle

[@vicky3555]

@@RobHinkforth yo rob thanks a lot man 👍

[@lindseymarie2732]

I adopted one as a first time cat owner. Couldn’t imagine getting any other breed. My cat is hilarious, energetic, loving, and relaxed- but is still reasonably independent. He’ll smack my husband in the head at night [repeatedly] to go away so he can spoon the back of my neck while he sleeps. Highly recommended!

[@becuteforme]

This made me laugh so much. 🙈

[@bumface1810]

I don’t see how this is a recommended trait. I would not want a moggy preventing me from spooning my wife.

[@Alexander99602]

Meanwhile my adopted street cat : *dominates everyone with an iron claw then sits on me and purrs*

[@fluffy9589]

Packing a small suitcase for a trip to the UK and bringing home. "souvenir" 😍

[@Mauro_B._Vieira.]

You sympathetic as a real true British blue shorthair!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LordHarry]

Totally agree!! Meoow 🐈

[@LordHarry]

That is SO CUTE! 🙀😻😻😻😸

[@Acubens.]

British pussy is the best...if you don't mind the teeth

[@catwalkster]

1:45 is a Russian blue. Same color, very different cat :)

[@AprilA15]

Cat Walker yeah they exactly the same color but their face is more like a domestic cat and more like Scottish gray cat

[@azmaz73]

Yes. Definitely a Russian blue there.

[@casper9571]

Oh yes I have a russian blue and a british!!

[@zimmcan8859]

BRITISH CAT SHORTS mononus.com/product/british-cat-shorts/

[@eglevanageliene7754]

Yea, if it would be a real british shorthair, it would be cuddly

[@elizabethfisher9594]

I adopted a 9 year old BSH 5 months ago. First time with this breed. He is gorgeous and is affectionate on 'his terms'. Settled in really well for a senior cat! Hoping that he will live long!

[@jamessmith6333]

Quiet? Mine won't stop meowing when I'm in the bathroom lol.

[@jessica2brook]

Mine isn't quiet either. Lol

[@cheekofeather6310]

I have two--ginger twins, they are the best breed. Before I got them I always thought cats were snarky and hissy. They have never hissed or clawed, they are the most chilled, cuddly boys. They love anybody who comes into the house, there's no such thing as personal space. And they know when it's bedtime and come and sleep with us xxxxx

[@mcauld]

Do they shed a lot? Thanks!

[@cheekofeather6310]

@@mcauld no more than any other cat. Give them a brush every day and jobs a goodun, and invest in a lint roller xxxx

[@rellimarual]

I’ve read that they dislike being picked up and are not big lap cats, though they like to sit close by their person, and both are true of mine.

[@michaeldean7220]

Absolutely spot on. I've owned three and all like that. They may look like a Teddy but they don't like being cuddled like one. Need to watch their weight too and even more so if indoor only

[@veronicaoliveiro6367]

My BSH Millie is anything but quiet. She’s super vocal and has established certain vocabulary which we can understand. Very sociable indeed n even follows the gas man. Love her to bits

[@kris_pavlov]

I have a British short hair cat and he is AMAZING he is 2 months old and we have got him 2 days ago He sleeps well (nearly all day) He plays well (during the night) And he doesn't bites,meows or even jump somewhere he isn't supposed to go.Oh and I live in Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Btw he's called Murphy

[@kris_pavlov]

Murphy Greyblue

[@laikathunderchild5746]

Thank You this is just what I needed to watch this morning, gorgeous little kittens playing...awwwww

[@LordHarry]

Totally agree!! Meoow 😻😻😻

[@vivalachoba]

Most importantly: THEY CHOMNK 😍😍😍😍😍

[@LordHarry]

Totally agree!! Meoow 😻😻😻

[@rosiebella7776]

I just got one. He is the most gorgeous baby ever!

[@NoctLightCloud]

it's so cute how you bathed it and it didn't run away!♡

[@f900ex5]

Fellow cat lovers just of aware of this, since even the OP never brought it up. Feline infectious peritonitis or (FIP) is high risk in British short hair cats. Google it and you find a world of information on it but its deadly to any cat that gets it. Unfortunately for me I found out the hard way, I ended up getting a 4 month old British short hair kitten and 85 days later I had to put him to sleep due to FIP. FIP can occur at any age, yet typically it is most often seen in young cats, less than two years of age, and most of these in the four- to 10-month period, there is no commercially effective vaccine for this disease. I was never aware or knew anything about this disease, you can't test for it. I believed I did all the right things, very clean house, never outside, never around any animals, no cheap cat food etc.. I ended up spending $4000 in vet fees trying to save him, I would of spent more if necessary, but it appeared in had the worse FIP (wet)... I'm not trying to scare you but ask your Vet about FIP. In the short time we had our kitten, he became part of the family and we changed a lot for him to make him happy. You can see a picture of him here, but just know I was there until the very end rubbing him the way he liked it until his last breath, I know many people have gone through putting pets down but this event came out of no where and devastated us. You see a picture of him here but he was put to sleep due to wet FIP ... www.toopics.com/p/2051265180806718504_12566775092

[@Profito.]

I love these cats.They are so unique.i own one adorable also.Have a check😘😍😋

[@PJ_the_tortie]

Maya! I'm a big fan! 😻

[@34bully]

You don't own cats, they own you.

[@IOUZIP]

My Juliet I love as well but she is very nervous all the time. We got her from a TICA breeder and I am thinking she may have been taken to early from her mom or something else. Yes, she is my avatar and I love her so much xoxox.

[@HollywoodColt]

How much do they cost

[@IOUZIP]

@@HollywoodColt my cat was 2,500. But you can get a BSH for 1k.

[@kevinpitt2203]

Some small corrections. Firstly they were first introduced in the 1st Century AD and bred with local wild cats. They eventually became known as Barn cats, or Cheshire cats, and were useful for their ratting capabilities. Around the time after WW1 they were bred with Persian cats, and around WW2 with Russian Blue and French Chartreux cats, that gave them a few extra colours and those orange eyes some have.

[@katywuste9054]

I have a boy and girl both 6/12 old and Maybelline is so vocal whilst Cecil is really quiet and affectionate and only talks when hungry. They are both really cute and well loved

[@rosiya189]

I am planning to get one of these little guys, so excited

[@lexielou3929]

I’m getting a little kitten in a week so I’m very excited and it’s a British shorthair. so thanks for Thea’s tips about the British shorthair personality !!!!!!!!✌🏻

[@auryle]

We used to have one called Diego, lived to 18. Gray pelt, yellow eyes and nice chubby cheeks. He was really playful and really friendly. I miss him dearly.

[@istoleyourlatte]

Love the video. The voice is clear and the clips are amazing

[@corleone940]

I have one, he’s adorable and loving. Follows me everywhere and likes to sleep on my lap, but he absolutely hates being picked up

[@Mwah_BBY]

Omg sameeee

[@daisylupague1744]

So adorable I love them❤🐈

[@Tiger351]

My British short hair girl lived to the ripe old age of 17 even though she was an indoor/outdoor cat. She was also hugely territorial and all the tomcats in the neighbourhood feared her, many of them left their hair behind for identification after they lost the fight to her lol.

[@robertcarlos7273]

I love these british short hair cats... robust and affectionate to their owners... most of all observant to their surroundings...

[@Rat2rrj]

My Fudge's kittens are now a month old and thanks to this video, I've realized the bunch have British shorthair genetics in them despite being Floridian strays

[@CatsBringJoy]

We just love these cats! We cant wait for our Ted & Chloe to have their babies

[@kirkoneill725]

You have the best cat videos. Subbed and rung the bell.

[@GamingWithKJ_YT]

I just got a british shorthair a few weeks ago, and i love him very much

[@poppy7933]

I own two of these beautiful cats, one Lilac (12 years old) and one silver tabby (13 years old). They are so laid back, and are AMAZING with my young niece and nephew. I bloody love them

[@j.s.4819]

We have a kitten since August and she is adorable.

[@Jamk04]

One day after I finish school and college and all that I’ll definitely get one

[@Steve-oh9tu]

Love this breed!

[@charlenetrussell2943]

These are the best cats , i have 2 British blue shorthairs , they have a great character to them , so loving and friendly aswell x

[@RoanShip]

Mine never bites nor scratches, he would only try to do it only when I hug him for too long

[@ciaranmcguinness8900]

I love their little round faces

[@hreader]

I've come to know an extremely sociable and affectionate grey [i.e. 'British Blue'] friend on my walk from bus stop to church! Large, plump, friendly and talkative! And as the video clip says, a very dense coat.

[@londonwins3068]

Can't wait to get mine💙

[@Loralarify]

I’m getting mine Friday! 8/30. Excited!

[@Ali-ot7wu]

how’d it go?

[@Loralarify]

@@Ali-ot7wu Fantastic! He’s 2 now and the most splendid cat I’ve ever met! All that and gorgeous too!

[@Ali-ot7wu]

@@Loralarify oh, congrats (:

[@captainbleusmainecooncreu6997]

I need one now!

[@ganneff6658]

Bought one of these for my boyfriend.. he says she’s changed his life... he thought he wasn’t a cat guy. He adores this little ball of fur.

[@shingerz]

That's great 👍

[@geraldinerea1914]

Omg I’m getting a cat soon and I am SO EXCITED!!

[@YayangCoach]

I have one now (Mulder) since last year I adopted him, his color is greyish blue, I actually had him to replace my flat-face Persian (Garfield) that already gone 😭.. Mulder is 1 year already. He so tamed, cheerful, active, and loyal. When I back from work he definitely followed me and wait for me in-front of shower room. Sleep near me, kiss me, accompanied me my self when I get ready to work.. like seriously BSH is so gems.!!

[@Bobcat665]

My family rescued a British Blue from a pound once: he was gentle and incredibly handsome.

[@kaukapeabdulmonim9998]

I LOVE THESE CATSSS As I own one about to one two :)

[@rhondareadman]

I’m bringing home two British shorthair kittens ( brothers ) in June. I can hardly wait! 🐱💗🐱💗🤗

[@Loralarify]

I’ve been looking for one for over a year!

[@faryalhimayat5780]

Rhonda Meow Readman same!! I’m so excited!

[@same5952]

Well worth the wait!

[@Loralarify]

Usia55 I’ve got to find one that I can get first.. I’ve located a lovely one or two but they are in Texas.. I want to be able to pick up my kitten..and I do prefer a boy. Soft spot for boys.. :)

[@abiedwards7279]

I got a brutish shorthair recently he is so cute and playful but when he sleeps he just flops x

[@sesamet5187]

They are soooo cute!

[@aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa4932]

Too late, already got one, and she’s the best!

[@skhackersk]

Lovely one, have a simmilar one. So cute 👌🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@ambregris]

British shorthairs are so adorable! My cat is half British shorthair, and she is exactly like described in this video. People are often amazed how friendly she is, because she will come to greet guests to the door and start asking for belly rubs quite soon after :)

[@LordHarry]

Totally agree!! Meoow 🐈

[@IcyWildcraftWolfie]

I love British shorthair!

[@lordthomasthescottishfold8738]

this British shorthair kitten are everything! But my favs are still Scottish Fold💜

[@msxy9594]

This is the original Chesire-cat breed from Lewis Carolls "Alice in Wonderland" and yes: they really "grin" when happy and they can be veeery talkative with their owner. I got one at home, so i know... 😅

[@aca2883]

My British short hair is very shy and anti-social :( no cuddling, but I know she loves me

[@rhyta5042]

They are not lap cats because of their size, they like to sit by you. They can be real sweethearts but you have to let them come to you for affection.

[@preppy_editsfr6954]

I am gonna get a British short hair soon this video helped me a lot thank you

[@danoverload999yearsago8]

I have these, their meow is cute

[@MustangDesudiroz]

Cutest cat ❤️

[@azmaz73]

We have two, a blue boy and a chocolate girl. Best cats ever!!

[@Joysiris]

Beautiful 🥰

[@ssianhcate]

my favorite cat 😻

[@kellysunserenity4068]

Too dang cute for words...

[@juneaumorales7771]

So Cuuuuuuute😍😍😍😍😍I wish i had those cat.

[@diedunichtbist]

Character :,, Quiet".. Guess my British Shorthair is broken then 😂 Or he just really likes talking to us 😂👍

[@LordHarry]

Totally agree!! Meoow 😻😻😻

[@Tmanaz480]

Exceptions abound with cats, don't they? They love to defy our "rules".

[@sixspeed5931]

Its so very cute 😍❤

[@penman8985]

Beautiful cats. Unfortunately we lost ours this year to cancer. Miss him so much! ☹️

[@RK-vz3zg]

Sorry for your lost. That must have been the hardest reality to digest.

[@spookskeeze]

So sorry for your loss. I too lost mine to cancer nearly one year ago. He certainly was a family member and we miss him very much 😢

[@bigboss5143]

I love the cute British cat 😻 the British cat is the cutest cat in the world

[@keluargakucingOyen]

Amazing

[@liamleedsuk4002]

I’ve got one called Tupac 😂 such a good cat, but so needy.

[@irma7503]

I’m waiting for my lil one to be born and can have him in December. Needy is what I wanted in his personality lol

[@tmccz1940]

Irma good name

[@kejiri3593]

Me against the world by Tupac is pretty good

[@callahan1492]

Now buy a another one and call him Biggie and you win the internet

[@kdhebskh]

Cuties 😍

[@iwasadeum]

I recently had to put down my 17 year old Kitty. She chose me. As I have pondered getting another companion, I have began to understand how blessed I am to have had a feline companion to have chosen me as her human. No matter the breed, these comment sections are always full of comments about being chosen by said cat breed. How are they so effortlessly elegant animals, and how lucky are we to enjoy their companionship?? Hoping to have a new Bombay, Burmese, or Tokinese kitten in 2022 😁

[@littlelion9979]

Lovely.

[@1satine1976]

My BSH is the best in the world. Silver tabby , she was always shy towards strangers, not the type that would come up to my lap, but come close, lay right next to me. Now she is old, she is 15 , starting to not take care of her fur as much. But she is oh so snuggly now, she loves to eat still, is a little bit in a phase of dementia where she miows at the wall for no good reason. I love this cat, and yes, soo soo loyal. They love their people. They are very sensitive. She now sometimes plays... it is so funny. She was an outside cat for almost her whole life.. would come in, to sleep and snuggle and just go outside to have fun.. HOnestly .. best Mice catcher in the world. Now she does not want to go outside but sits at the window, enjoying the sun, sleeping and purring . I love my cat

[@therandom_yotuber38]

Theyr awesome my family and i are thinking about getting a cat i really want one! ❤️🐱

[@littlebros5745]

So cute

[@anth6121]

I have four British short hairs lily,daisy,bear and sonny

[@user-tn5kz3up9i]

Im excited becouse i might get one 😺

[@hermitcard4494]

I want one of those grey ones. I would name him/her: Ash vs Evil Dead ❤️

[@Loralarify]

I’m getting a BS kitten at the end of August- am integrating him into my pack of one sweet tabby boy who is the love of my life.. and several pugs who inhabit my life first and foremost as I’ve bred and shown them for two decades. I’ve always had a huge crush on the BS Blue variety especially.. am beyond excited about this addition! :)

[@randomwacko7929]

This comment B.S. This video is B.S. My cat is BS

[@LordHarry]

Totally agree!! Meoow 🐈

[@OGCJ10]

Did you end up getting the BS ?

[@Loralarify]

@@OGCJ10 I sure did!!❤️ he’s so amazing!

[@OGCJ10]

@@Loralarify same here. Got him about a month ago and I wish I could have gotten 2 of them lol. All around such a great breed.

[@yasseri9658]

This is my dream cat😍 i want to have one

[@vainex5450]

I wish to donate my cat to you. Is a dumbass cat

[@Hamid-rm1gu]

I love my 2 British cat boys.

[@CoconutandFamily]

Coconut Blue British Shorthair is the BEST!!!

[@edsacoymo2298]

Cute cat

[@phuongluong8555]

cute!

[@dominatorandwhocaresanyway9617]

Fitting with other cats you say. Our one is like the devil himself :D

[@omoz189]

Their an amazing breed. Had my Luther sometime now it's about three weeks he was born in the 120720 it looks like he is going to be a big boy 🤪😜

[@deepalall647]

My kitty!!! 😆😙😘🤗

[@tanyamariebarlow9284]

I have a British shorthair blue boy, he is a lazy sod lol! He actually acts more like my mums French bulldog! Not like any cat I have been around before lol! I love them and want a girl now a cream girl.

[@elmoinhell888]

I have the same one from the start

[@yoshikagekira6831]

Ah yes, at last i found you, *STRAYU CATO!*

[@exekielanthonyvergara8855]

jojo!

[@ClairvoyantDreams358]

Yoshikage Kira The cat you used to blow people up. Wait, don’t you already have a cat that does that?

[@soapm4ster370]

Yoshikage Kira Naruto

[@soraya.alaoui8319]

I love and like you Dear Cat

[@jeremiahmoya5054]

Watching this while my cat lays on my chest purring 😂

[@putthatjellyinmybelly9698]

Heaven

[@bradc01x]

I think I found my next pet. 👍

[@shingerz]

Great video we're picking ours up on Saturday a rare lilac female she's so cute can't wait its just picking a name that's a bit difficult I like phoebe is that appropriate for a a British short hair I don't know

[@asiajannea8806]

I looooooove these cats!!!!

[@artcervera9939]

I can imagine it with a little top hat and bifocals saying in a british accent 'hello mate, would you like tea and crumpets.

[@ThijmenTheTurkey]

the main reason I love british shorthairs is because they’re just cute and chubby

[@rhyta5042]

They are like teddy bears, so chubby and plush coats. We have have several over a couple of decades, love them so much.

[@Laperdash]

1:46 looks more like a Russian Blue instead of a Brit

[@NukaEatsPepeni]

Because it's definitely a Russian blue lol

[@breanntheartist1989]

They are both beautiful cats

[@nourhancute3429]

They actually live up to 20 years if your cat very healthy but anyway thank you for the information 👍😊🐱

[@roselinejeremie2912]

Why do I love cats so much😫😫 Mines was a ninja the stuff she did🙄