Short-haired breeds
British Shorthair: personality, life span and weight
The British Shorthair is a short-haired breed from Britain with a round face, full cheeks and a solid body. It is relaxed and independent and copes well with time alone.
- Easy-going
- Independent
- Prefers being beside you to being held
British Shorthair at a glance
- Adult weight
- 4–8 kg
- Life span
- 12–17 years
- Shedding
- moderate
- Activity
- calm
- Origin
- United Kingdom
- Coat
- Dense, plush short coat like velvet. Blue (grey) is the classic colour
British Shorthair personality
Calm and dignified. Many dislike being held or picked up and show affection by quietly staying in the same room. They are slow to mature, taking three to five years to reach full size.
Coat care and daily care
Brush the dense coat about twice a week, and daily in shedding season to reduce hairballs. They are not very active and gain weight easily, so use hunting games to get them moving.
Health problems British Shorthair keepers should know
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)The most common heart disease in cats. Ask about a heart ultrasound at a check-up.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)Reported because of past crosses with Persian lines. A genetic test can confirm it.
- ObesityA naturally stocky build hides extra weight. Record the weight as a number.
These are problems reported relatively often in the breed. It does not mean every cat will have them. If a symptom worries you, see a vet.
Real British Shorthair photos from cat keepers
Photo tip The round face and cheeks look best from the front at eye level. Do not miss the "loaf" pose with the front paws tucked in.
There are no public records yet. Your cat could be the first.
Add my cat and start a diaryBritish Shorthair questions and answers
- How long do British Shorthair cats live?
- An indoor British Shorthair typically lives about 12–17 years. Weight control, regular check-ups and indoor living all make a difference.
- How much does an adult British Shorthair weigh?
- A fully grown British Shorthair usually weighs 4–8 kg. Males tend to be larger than females, and a body shape where the ribs can be felt lightly matters more than the number.
- Do British Shorthair cats shed a lot?
- Shedding is moderate. Dense, plush short coat like velvet. Blue (grey) is the classic colour. Brush the dense coat about twice a week, and daily in shedding season to reduce hairballs. They are not very active and gain weight easily, so use hunting games to get them moving.
- What is the British Shorthair personality like?
- Calm and dignified. Many dislike being held or picked up and show affection by quietly staying in the same room. They are slow to mature, taking three to five years to reach full size.