The British Shorthair is a gentle, clam and intelligent cat. Since he is the biggest of all shorthaired breeds, we can call him „a gentle giant”. He loves to play but only on condition that he feels like playing. The British Shorthair cat is dignified and self-confident, hence he never tends to be a nuisance. It does not mean though that he is not greedy for strokes and cuddles. Quite the opposite, he shows his warm affection for his owner rubbing against his legs or walking by his side like a shadow.

The British Shorthair cat is quiet by nature. Contrary to his heavy built and muscular body, he’s got a weak voice. We can often hear him purr, whereas we can rarely hear him miaow. He uses his voice only when it is absolutely necessary e.g. when it’s high time for the evening cuddles or a full bowl. In this sense, he is the opposite of the noisy and active breeds with slender bodies, e.g. the Siamese cat.

The British Shorthair cat is undemanding. Due to his moderate temper he does not need much living space. He easily accommodates to various living conditions as well as his flat-mates, e.g. dogs. His coat does not need much care except for the periods of intensive shedding.

The British Shorthair is a strong, muscular, healthy and brave cat that stands up for his rights and territory. He isn’t fond of daredevil curtain/furniture/tree climbing (except for the early period of his life of course:), that’s why he is an environmentally-friendly cat:). He prefers to have his four firm paws on the ground. If he has the opportunity of going outdoors he will take advantage of it. He may even hear the voice of nature and go hunting for mice, grasshoppers or even birds. However he will stay equally happy living indoors.

The British female is a good mother. She usually does not have problems with bearing and rearing her children. The average litter contains of 4-6 kittens. 

The British Shorthair is a long-lived cat. He develops very slowly, sometimes till he’s 4-5 years of age.

The British Shorthair cat’s personality, his moderate temper and gorgeous, teddy-like appearance make him a purrfect pet in our present, busy world.

S T R I K I N G   B E A U T Y

For me, the British Shorthair is the epitome of grace and beauty. The British Shorthair is compact, well-balanced and powerful, showing good depth of body, a full broad chest, short to medium strong legs, rounded paws. The head is round with good width between the ears, round cheeks, firm chin, medium ears, large round and well-opened eyes, and a medium broad nose. The coat is short and very dense. Females are less massive in all respects with males having larger jowls. This breed is slow to mature. 

The head is round and massive. Round face with round underlying bone structure well set on a short thick neck. The forehead should be rounded with a slight flat plane on the top of the head. The forehead should not slope. The nose is medium and broad. In profile there is a gentle dip. The chin is firm, well-developed in line with the nose and upper lip. The muzzle is distinctive, well-developed, with a definite stop beyond large, round whisker pads. The ears are medium in size, broad at the base, rounded at the tips. Ear set is important. Set far apart, fitting into (without distorting) the rounded contour of the head. The British Shorthair has got large, round, well opened eyes which are Set wide apart. On unnutried males it’s common with „cheekpouch” which gives the characteristic „British look”.

The legs are short to medium, well-boned and strong in proportion to the body. Forelegs are straight. The paws should be round and firm.

The tail is short and thick of medium length in proportion to the body, thicker at base, tapering slightly to a rounded tip.  

The characteristic short, very dense, well-bodied and resilient coat is firm to the touch. It should not be lying flat and with a good undercoat. It gives the impression of velvet. Every hair should be uniform in colour down to the roots, except in tabby and silver varieties.

The British Shorthair cat can now be found in almost all colour varieties but most of the breed lovers find the classic blue variety – BRI a – the most attractive.