Cat breed · Shorthair
British Shorthair
Calm, independent, dignified
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 4–8 kg (9–18 lb)
- Height
- 30–36 cm (12–14 in)
- Life span
- 12–17 years
- Origin
- United Kingdom
The coat
Short
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are British Shorthairs right for you?
You will love
- Gentle and patient with children
- Usually gets on with other pets
- Copes well in a flat
- Content with modest exercise
- Next to no grooming
- Quiet
Be ready for
- Independent — training takes patience
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult British Shorthairs weigh 4–8 kg (9–18 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the British Shorthair
With their round faces and dense “blue” coat, British Shorthairs look like teddy bears. They are affectionate but not clingy and usually prefer sitting beside you to sitting on you.
They are one of the calmest breeds to live with and cope well with being left for a working day. Their love of food and dislike of vigorous exercise mean weight gain is the most common problem, so measure meals and play daily.
Health to know about
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Obesity
- Dental disease
Care in short
- Weekly brushing, more when moulting
- Measure food carefully — they gain weight easily
- Short daily play sessions
- Regular dental checks
Kit for a British Shorthair
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Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for saving the sofa
Sisal scratching post, 80 cm
4.6Tall and heavy enough for a full stretch without wobbling.
- Sisal rope cats prefer
- Wide weighted base
Best for indoor cats
Multi-level cat tree
4.4Climbing, perching and hiding in one piece of furniture.
- Several perches
- Replaceable posts
Similar breeds
| Trait | British Shorthair | Exotic ShorthairCompare | Scottish FoldCompare |  Russian BlueCompare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 4–8 kg (9–18 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 3–6 kg (7–13 lb) | 3–5.5 kg (7–12 lb) |
| Energy | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good with children | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Grooming needs | 1/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Trainability | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 | 3/5 |
Questions owners ask
How big does a British Shorthair get?
Adults usually weigh 4–8 kg (9–18 lb) and stand 30–36 cm (12–14 in) tall.
How long do British Shorthairs live?
Typically 12–17 years.
Are British Shorthairs good with children?
Generally very good (4 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do British Shorthairs shed?
A moderate amount, more in spring and autumn.
What health problems are British Shorthairs prone to?
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; Polycystic kidney disease; Obesity; Dental disease.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts