British Shorthair Kittens
British Shorthair History
The British Shorthair is possibly the oldest known cat breed in England, thought to be the domestic cat of ancient Rome brought back by the Romans when they invaded England all those many years ago. This breed was first called British Blue because blue/grey was the only known colour around, however, as more colours were introduced through breeding the name was changed to British Shorthair.
A cat fancier named Harrison Weir worked to establish the breed in the 1800's and because of him, the first British Shorthairs were shown at the Crystal Palace in London. After this initial introduction, the breed became extremely popular at shows, but then during the 1900's other more exotic breeds, such as Persian and Siamese came to England and took the place of the British Shorthair as the most popular breed. It wasn't until about 30 years after this that breeding of this cat became popular again and they were cross-bred with Persians and other long-haired breeds in attempt to improve the breed. This resulted in the British Shorthairs large round head, they remain a popular breed and the amount of breeding has been increasing every year. The intelligent, relaxed character of this cat has been greatly recognised by many and they have become a preferred cat to train and also a popular breed to use in the media, for example, in films and adverts.
The strength and hunting skills of the British Shorthair is what first attracted cat fanciers to this breed, however, when people began owning the cats as pets they realised other key characteristics the cats possessed such as loyalty and calmness. In the 1980s the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognised the breed and gave it championship status. This breed is is not a well known breed in America but they have a similar cat in terms of appearance and temperament known as the American Shorthair.
British Shorthair Appearance
The British 'blue' Shorthair is a stocky cat with short, dense silky fur that comes in hundreds of colour and marking combinations. This breed can be found in practically every colour of other domestic cats, however, blue is the most well known because it is the most common. The tabby is the oldest known colour, which relates to this breeds connection to its wildcat roots. The tabby's markings and coloured striped are distinctive and strong. Their short fur does not need grooming unlike other breeds, as the cats are able to groom themselves and keep the fur looking plush.
The British Shorthair has a medium to large size body and appears broad and strong. Their heads are large and round and sit on a short stumpy neck, their facial features are set close together making their heads appear even larger. Their eyes are very round and again can come in a number of colours. The most common shades are gold and coppers (almost orange) but silver tabbies have hazel or green eyes and some newer coloured Shorthairs even have blue. Their ears are generally quite small and set far apart with rounded tips. Then there's their mouth - perhaps their most irresistible characteristic due to the continuous smile created by their whisker pads. These cats have quite short legs compared to other breeds and their tails are thick with a rounded tip.
British Shorthair Personality
This cat is a perfect addition to the family if you are looking for a calm, gentle friend who doesn't demand continuous attention. Although quiet, these intelligent creatures are very affectionate, confident and aware of their surroundings. They have a playful nature (especially when kittens) but are also quite happy to be a 'lap cat' if someone at home is sitting down.
British Shorthairs love company and like to know someone is around. (Usually so they can be fed!) They are especially gentle and placid around children and other domestic animals and do not make much noise unless there is something wrong, like they're hungry. They are quite happy to be house cats as long as they aren't left alone all the time, they also enjoy a little time chasing leaves and climbing in the garden.
Brits can be quite shy to begin with but when they become more familiar with their surroundings they are extremely loyal pets. Many cats of other breeds tend to bond with just one person in a family rather than everyone, but British Shorthairs show their affection to the whole household.
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British Shorthair Lifespan
14 - 20 years
British Shorthair Average Litter Size
The average litter size for this breed is 5 kittens which is relatively small compared to some other well known breeds.
British Shorthair Recognition
User Comments
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im getting an adorable brittish blue from a amazing breeder im getting it in 1 week; but i did cost me £1000 but i dont care because its the best cat (in my area) that money can buy
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My partner and I are travelling from Kingston, Surrey up to Doncaster to collect our 13 week old little'uns, Rafael & Ruben. The British Shorthair blue is a stunning cat. We can't wait.
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i have a rescued female bsh shes lovely and have just bought 2 boys 1 lilac and 1 colourpoint am having a bit of problem with dolly she really hisses at them any ideas on how to introduce them
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i am picking up my 17 week old blue boy saturday 3 hours drive away spending 48 hours with him then going to work for 12 hours next day. Will he be okay, coming from lots of company?
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we have just bought a female british blue kitten and she absolutely adorable.such a playfull, lovely natured kitten/cat.its out first pedigree and have no regrets.really happy.
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I have just got my little girl and she is amazing. I love her. I couldnt have asked for a nicer breed cat. I found a good breeder on the kitten list website.
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It is hard finding a british shorthair near my home, I would like a pureblood but a siamese & brit would be fine any ideas? I live in BC Fort St. John. P.S. do Brit cope well on a plane ride from toronto to F.S.J.
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I have 2 female sibling black and white, british short hairs, 11 months old. They are so playful, absoloutly adorable though, one is very affectionate and the other is very independant and boisterous!! They are adorable, beautiful, loving cats. I couldn't imagine life without them!!!!
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I have just reserved two gorgeous little blue boys! Going to visit them this weekend and they'll be ready in september! Can't wait! To the person in Scotland...there are breeders up there but expect to travel. I'm driving four hours away for mine. I felt it important to choose the breeder I felt best. x
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I'm picking up my Siamese X British Blue tomorrow, he is totally gorgeous! Sleek Siamese appearance with beautiful blue coat and massive green eyes. I've only ever owned moggies before, does anyone else own an Oriental X BSH who could give me some advice?
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I have a gorgeous rescue cat about 5 years old.. she has a very unusual tail in that it curls up over her body .. a bit like a squirrel! absolutely lovely temperament and we adore her.. could someone define the difference between a blue and a lilac for me.. I sometimes wonder if she is a lilac ..
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I bought a blue female two weeks ago. She's now 15 weeks old. I've called her "Heidi". She is the most well behaved cat I've ever had with the plushest fur coat. She is extremely affectionate and she sleeps like a baby at night. Playful, eats all that she's given, and she is never destructive. I just love her!
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I'm getting a blue male, he will be 4 months old, does anyone know how they cope being left alone as I have to work during the day
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i have reseved a male kitten bsh but he is skinny compare to other kittens
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I am getting a lilac boy in August. Can't wait
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We have a 16 week old cream boy called Otto. Everything they say about the breed is true, loyal, affectionate and intelligent. Unfortunately, also very naughty, although he knows exactly when he is doing wrong ! He is, however, happy with his own company, in his cage when we are both out at work. We would never get any other kind of cat now, and are considering a colourpoint, blue or black addition to the family.
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I have an 11 month blue boy and he is my shadow. The only thing he does out of the ordinary is talks a lot, he shouts to see if anybody is in the house and says hello when there is. He is wedged between me and the laptop as I type or try to!!!!
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If anyone on here has a kitten they do not want please let me know my email is GoddessOfTwo@live.co.uk as our cat died just before xmas and i ahve been looking for a kitten ever since!!! cheers
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I had a BSH Blue, his name was Bohemian! Boh-cat was originally my cat but when our children arrived, he became our cat he loves the boys. . . even though they pull his tail and test his patience to the absolute limit! My patience gives out before his does and I ask the children to play nicely or leave Boh-cat alone! A star amongst felines, the BSH breed is to be recommended as a companion, playmate and a friend! When replacing this boy. . . there can only be one option - 2 BSH kittens so that they can be friends together!
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am looking for a kitten.. does anyone know where i could get one about, iv'e looked what seems everywhere. I live in the scottish borders. please help.
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I have a cream boy and a blue boy and they are brothers they are the most affectionate cats i have known. They run to welcome me home and are gentle and playful, i would recommend getting two as they love each others company
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I have an 11 year old lilac-point boy, who is a great big soft lump of a cat. A real teddy bear with a big smiley face and SO loyal. I love him, and would highly recommend this breed to anyone. The British are highly intelligent, but not in a demanding way. They know what's right and what's wrong, are happy to be indoor cats and just want to be your friend. If you're considering a cat - then please do consider a BSH! You won't be disappointed!
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i have a blue girl, she is so cute, loves to play with my daughter, she is only 12 weeks yet, but so so kind, lies on her back and loves to be stroked on her belly. she is so quiet, excellent temperament, definetly a cat to buy. money well spent!
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i love these cats! i have a little girl she is a blue/cream called missy shes like a teddy bear!
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i love kittens and british shorthairs are no exception!!!! they are one of my favorite breeds!!!
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These cats are gorgeous! I have one black shorthair named Sooty, and I also used to have her brother, a ginger tabby who I'm asuming got his fluffiness from the cross breeding :D. Sooty is 13 years old, and likes being stroked and cuddled :) When i read this page, I was looking at Sooty (who is currently sitting on my lap) and nodding, especially about the part with the friendliness to children. My parents often tell me about when I was a toddler and we got her, and she and her brother (Pebbles, like Pebbles off The Flinstones) would let me carry them round in the oddest positions, but if anyone else tried to pick them up they would end up with scratches! I LOVE these cats!
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We have a 17 month year old british blue boy (dark blue), who is new to our family. At the moment he is still exploring the house and doesn't like too much attention, hopefully this will change with time. Likes to sit alone but in the same room as us. Very vocal and talks to himself. He is lovely to look at at puts a smile on our face.
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I have a gorgeous female called Mia who is 1 year and 2 months, she has took over our lives!!!! There are a few frayed carpets and sofas due to her playfulness! but we would not swap her for the world, a true member of the family devoted not to one person but to each member. She is a diamond!!!!
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i breed british shorthairs, and they are one of the most enjoyable cats ive come across.very inteligent.you can get stunning colours!lovely kittens.this is a cat to have.
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I have 3 cats, 2 of which are Brits - a blue/cream and a blue. They are the best breed of cats in the World - I will definitely be getting more of them.
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I have a blue female who is 8 months old and she is the cutest thing EVER! her little face just melts your heart
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sweet kittens i luv them!!!!!
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I've just adopted a 4.5 year old female colourpoint (lilac) and she is stunning with a lovely personality. Highly recommended breed of cat with their lovely cheshire cat faces and glass marble eyes..
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I have just brought a blue colour point tabby, I can't wait to pick him up.
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i've got 3 kittens of this breed but they're totroiseshells and one of them is ginger with a cute pattern on her head. i've also got their mother and she's a tortoiseshell as well. the odd one out is the ginger one, but that doesn't make a difference. they're all female and very playful. they're sooooooo sweet!
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its georgous there so cudly and sweet lookin they make your heart melt
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these cats are my favorite! im so glad im getting a little girl soon! they are so affectionate too!!!
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i love these cats! can you get them in any other colour
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