British Shorthairs 101

The British Shorthair is a large, calm cat most commonly seen in a solid, blue-gray color, but other colors exist too. They are stocky cats with short legs and large, somewhat flat faces. They are good lap cats, providing companionship and warmth while their owners take it easy.

What we love about British Shorthairs

Easy-going with a plush coat

Size

12 to 16 inches tall

Weight

8 to 12 lbs

Lifespan

12 to 18 years

My pet’s health planner`SM`

Mature adult British Shorthair

7 years to 10 years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Ear infection

Dental disease

Diabetes mellitus

Senior British Shorthair

11+ years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Kidney failure

Dental disease

Urinary tract disease

British Shorthair kitten

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Respiratory infection

Gastroenteritis

Ear infection

Young adult British Shorthair

2 years to 6 years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Colitis

Conjunctivitis

Gastroenteritis

Mature adult British Shorthair

7 years to 10 years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Ear infection

Dental disease

Diabetes mellitus

Senior British Shorthair

11+ years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Kidney failure

Dental disease

Urinary tract disease

British Shorthair kitten

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Respiratory infection

Gastroenteritis

Ear infection

Young adult British Shorthair

2 years to 6 years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Colitis

Conjunctivitis

Gastroenteritis

Nationwide can help you save on your British Shorthair's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Did you know?

The introduction of Persians to native UK breeds added size to the British Shorthair.

Good grooming, feline style

Cats with long fur can use a little more help than their other cats, especially if the fur is silky. Brush regularly, and check for mats behind the ears, around the neck and throughout the rear “pants.” Older cats may have more difficulty keeping up with grooming, and this can result in soiled fur and painful mats. (Neglected grooming can also be a sign that your cat isn't well, so talk to your vet if your cat's coat is looking dull, unkempt or matted.)

Consider keeping nail tips trimmed and brushing your cat’s teeth. Both procedures need to be gradually introduced with affection, patience and the yummiest of small treats, but they pay off in the long run for you both. Ask your veterinary healthcare team to demonstrate, or look up how-to videos by veterinary professionals online.

What's the best way to keep my cat happy indoors?

For health and safety reasons, it’s best to keep cats indoors. For cats, though, it means their sights, sounds and smells are limited to their home. That’s why feline experts recommend making sure your cat has plenty to do to keep their minds, bodies and senses engaged. Among the choices are food puzzles to satisfy their urge to hunt, cat trees and wall-mounting areas for climbing and scratching, interactive toys and games such as “cat-fishing” with a toy attached to a string on a pole. Best of all: Consider a “catio,” a screened enclosure for your cat to enjoy the outdoors safely, weather permitting. Providing your pet with environmental enrichment and opportunities to jump and exercise will keep them happier and healthier.

How can I keep my cat at a healthy weight?

While some may view chunky kitties as having "more to love," the extra weight is actually doing more harm than good. Obesity is linked to multiple health concerns, so keeping cats lean is key to better health. The first step is recognizing your pet’s body condition, because many people don’t realize their pets are overweight! Your veterinary healthcare team can help, both with assessing body fat and with guidance for reducing weight, including special diets.

Quick-loss diets can be deadly for cats, so aim for slow, steady reduction. First step: Close the kitty buffet and measure out a daily portion. “Wet” food, which has a higher water content, can help, as can food puzzles that slow down eating. Interactive toys and games will help burn calories, with the end goal of a cat who’s fit, not fat.

Is it better to have more than one cat?

Cats are often considered to be solitary, aloof animals, but in fact, unowned cats manage a complex web of social interactions in their communities. While it’s safer and healthier to keep cats inside, many of them prefer being with their own kind. The good news is that shelters have lots of feline friends to adopt! Consider adopting a bonded pair of cats, or a younger cat or kitten if you have an adult cat already.

Don’t rush the introductions: Let each cat choose how much – and how little – to interact, and provide separate food, water, litter boxes and cat trees. Even if both cats become good friends, they will likely still enjoy the privacy of their own space from time to time.

Dealing with instinctive behaviors

Double Trouble

Litter box rules

There are a few basic rules when it comes to litter boxes:

No sharing: One box per cat, plus one more.
Privacy please: Put each box in a quiet, private location.
No fancy fillers: Most cats prefer an unscented clumping litter.
Clean frequently: No one likes a dirty bathroom.

Since inappropriate elimination (accidents outside the litter box) is often a symptom of a health problem in cats, it’s best to consult your veterinarian first, especially if the problem is new. They can advise on the next steps, including how to address non-medical reasons for the problem.

Furniture Mauler

Scratch & Sniff

Scratching is necessary and satisfying for cats, so point their claws toward appropriate surfaces, using feline hormone spray and rubbing fresh catnip to encourage them. Entice them to shift away from furniture by:

Providing vertical and horizontal scratching choices
Offering a variety of materials, such as carpet, cardboard and rope
Putting tin foil or double-sided tape on surfaces you don't want them scratching
Trimming the tips of your cat’s nails regularly