Your Big Cuddly British Shorthair Guide

With its perfectly squishable, bear-like face, the cuddly charm of a British Shorthair cat or kitten is hard to deny. Their stout bodies and plush coats spawn a wealth of cute cat photos online. In fact, if you’ve ever wonder what breed of cat is Garfield – it’s speculated it’s a British Shorthair! (more on that later).

The below article is a comprehensive deep dive into all things British Shorthair. From the breed’s origins and health to your most asked questions – including what this cuddly cat costs in New Zealand and where to get one.

Oh, and we’ve thrown in plenty of cute cat photos for good measure.

What is a British Shorthair cat?

The British Shorthair cat is a beloved breed known for its teddy bear-like appearance, dense fur, and round face. They’re also known for being gentle, affectionate, and relatively low-maintenance companions.

British Shorthairs come in a variety of colours and patterns, but the most familiar is the British Blue, with its solid grey-blue coat and copper eyes. They’re medium to large in size and have a sturdy build.

These cats are perfect for families with children and other pets, as they’re known for being patient and tolerant. They’re also relatively quiet cats, so they’re a good choice for people who live in apartments or other small spaces. (By the way, check out these top 10 low maintenance pets for apartments for more on that).

Where do they come from?

The British Shorthair has its roots in… you guessed it, Britain! These adorable cats are native to the United Kingdom. They’ve been around for a long time, dating back to the 19th century when they were originally known as the “British Blue.”

Over the years, breeders refined their characteristics, giving them their distinctive round faces and dense, plush coats that we recognise today.

How long do British Shorthair cats live?

One of the many appeals of the British Shorthair is their longevity. With proper care and a healthy lifestyle, these feline friends can live anywhere from 12 to 20 years. This impressive lifespan is due in part to their sturdy genetics and robust health.

To ensure your British Shorthair enjoys a long and happy life, regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of mental and physical stimulation are key. Providing a loving environment and addressing any health concerns promptly will contribute significantly to their overall wellbeing.

What are they like?

British Shorthairs are known for their lovely and laid-back personalities. They’re often described as calm, easy-going, and friendly cats. These cats are generally very gentle and enjoy a quiet, peaceful environment. As mentioned, they’re not overly demanding or overly vocal, which makes them great companions for people who prefer a more relaxed pet.

British Shorthairs are affectionate but not overly clingy, so they won’t be in your face all the time. They’re quite independent and can entertain themselves. They get along well with other pets and children and are said to be noticeably patient.

In general, they aren’t big fans of being picked up or held for extended periods. They’re a bit more on the independent side and often prefer to have their paws on the ground. While they can be affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners, they may not appreciate being carried around.

In a nutshell, they’re like your chill, dependable, and low-maintenance friends who are always there to hang out when you want some company but won’t bug you when you’re busy.

When do British Shorthair kittens calm down?

Like all kittens, British Shorthairs are full of boundless energy in their early months. Around the age of one to two years, you’ll notice a significant shift in their behaviour. They’ll begin to mellow out, becoming more sedate and less prone to high-energy play.

Just remember that each cat is unique, and some may take a bit longer to reach this stage of maturity. Patience, consistent training, and plenty of interactive playtime will help ease the transition from lively kitten to composed adult. Either way, your British buddy will be an endless source of love and cute cat photos.

How long does it take for a British Shorthair to be fully grown?

British Shorthairs are known for their slow maturation compared to other cat breeds. While most cats reach their full size and weight within a year, British Shorthairs continue to grow for up to three years.

This gradual development contributes to their sturdy and robust physique, characteristic of the breed.

How big does a British Shorthair get?

The British Shorthair is a medium to large-sized breed with a sturdy build. Adult males typically weigh between 5.4 to 9 kg, while females tend to be slightly smaller, ranging from 3.6 to 5.4 kg.

When do British Shorthair kittens’ eyes change colour?

The mesmerising blue eyes of a British Shorthair kitten (which makes for awesome cute cat photos!) are one of their most endearing features. However, these striking blue eyes are typically a temporary trait.

Around the age of six to eight weeks, their eye colour begins to change. By the time they reach four months, most British Shorthair kittens will have developed their permanent eye colour, which can range from shades of gold to green.

How expensive is a British Shorthair cat?

At the time of writing, British Shorthair cats in New Zealand typically sell for between $1,300 and $2,000. The price can vary depending on the breeder, the cat’s bloodline, and its coat colour and pattern. Rare colours and patterns may be more expensive.

Be wary of unusually low prices, as they may be indicative of irresponsible breeding practices. Always choose a breeder who prioritises the health and wellbeing of their cats over profit margins.

Why are British Shorthair cats so expensive?

The price of a British Shorthair cat reflects the care and attention that goes into responsible breeding. Ethical breeders invest significant time and resources in ensuring the health and wellbeing of their cats. This includes regular vet check-ups, high-quality nutrition, and a comfortable living environment.

As mentioned, factors such as the rarity of certain coat colours or patterns can influence the price. The expense also covers pet vaccinations, microchipping, and other initial healthcare costs. Choosing a reputable breeder ensures that you’re supporting ethical breeding practices and bringing a healthy, well-adjusted cat into your home.

Where to buy British Shorthair kittens?

When it comes to bringing a British Shorthair into your home, there are several avenues to explore. Ethical breeders, who prioritise the health and welfare of their cats, are an excellent option. They can provide you with a well-socialised kitten that’s received proper veterinary care.

Rescue organisations and shelters are also worth considering. It might surprise you to find these majestic cats sometimes end up in need of loving homes. More than ever, Kiwis are giving up their pets for adoption. Adopting from a shelter not only gives a cat a second chance at happiness but also allows you to provide a home for a cat in need.

Here are your guides for pet adoption:

• Want to adopt a cat? Top tips
• 5 things new kitten parents need to know
• How to find the perfect family pet
• Foster a dog or cat in New Zealand

British Shorthair health

Like many cat breeds, British Shorthairs can be prone to certain health issues. Some common concerns include obesity, dental problems, and certain genetic conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (a heart condition) and polycystic kidney disease.

To keep your British Shorthair healthy, it’s important to provide a balanced diet, regular exercise to prevent obesity, and routine vet check-ups. Also, maintaining good dental care, like brushing their teeth or providing dental treats, can help with their oral health. Regular vet visits can help catch and manage any potential health issues early.

Perhaps consider pet cover that includes dental care, like PD Insurance’s Deluxe cat insurance plan?

What breed of cat is Garfield?

With all these British Shorthair cute cat photos popping up, you may have been thinking ‘hmmm, these cats look a lot like Garfield!”

But what breed of cat is Garfield? Some people theorise that he could be a Tabby Cat, Persian, British Shorthair, or Maine Coon. However, Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield, has never officially designated a specific breed for the character. He’s always described Garfield simply as a generic, everyday cat.

So, what breed of cat is Garfield? None – he’s just a lovable, overweight, orange cat without a specific label.

Read more on cat breeds

Our blog contains tons of info on all kinds of cat breeds and dog breeds, as well as pet parenting tips, lifestyle reads, insurance insights and more. Check out these breed-specific articles:

• The Exotic Shorthair: Cuddly and Family-Friendly
• 3 “Ugly Cat Breeds” That Make Cute Pets
• 5 Different Cat Breeds and Their Personalities
• How Expensive Is Pet Insurance Really?
• Why Do Siamese Kittens Change Colour?

Protect your British buddy

With a cat as regal and plush as the British Shorthair, you’ll want to make sure they’re covered. Pet insurance covers you for non-routine vet visits for accidents and illnesses and even third party liability (which means coverage for damage to others’ property).

PD Insurance offers award winning insurance with no lock-in contract plus, at the time of writing, we’re offering one or more months of free cat insurance.