As its name suggests, the British Shorthair cat is as traditionally English as tea and scones. Here are nine facts about the stocky feline, whose chubby face, easy-going demeanor, and short, plush fur made it America's fifth most popular pedigreed cat in 2014.
1.Powerful cat
As a powerful cat, all components of this breed should be well developed. The British Shorthair has a broad chest, muscular neck, strong jaws and a well developed muzzle. The legs are thick and strong. The breed looks like what she originally was, a cat that was to keep rodents out of the barn and the house. The coat of the British is thick and dense. It becomes much longer and thicker during the winter. The texture of the coat is relatively hard, as it is meant as protection for the cat. When you pick up a British, you should always support her back end. British should not have their hind end drag down their abdomen, as this can make them uncomfortable and insecure.
2. THEY'RE DESCENDED FROM THE CATS OF ANCIENT ROME
The British Shorthair bears the proud distinction of being one of the world’s oldest cat breeds. Experts think that the feline is descended from cats imported to Rome from ancient Egypt. When the Romans invaded Great Britain in 43 CE, they took the cats with them.
3. Do British Shorthairs Shed?
They do shed, compared to other cats, though, British Shorthairs do not shed excessively. However, Shorthairs experience seasonal shedding during spring and fall—so get your lint brush ready to pick up some cat hair.
4.British Shorthair’s Personality
The British Shorthair is a very pleasant cat to have as a companion. She is easy going and placid. The British is a fiercely loyal, loving cat and will attach herself to every one of her family members. While the British loves to play, she doesn't need hourly attention. If she is in the mood to play, she will find someone and bring a toy to that person. The British also plays well by herself, and thus is a good companion for single people.
5. "THE FATHER OF CAT FANCY" LOVED BRITISH SHORTHAIRS.
British Shorthairs existed as street cats and barn mousers until Harrison Weir—a 19th-century animal lover known as “the father of cat fancy”—began breeding exemplary examples of the country’s native cats. He showcased the breed at London's Crystal Palace in 1871, in an event that’s considered by many to be the world’s first cat show. The show was filled with exotic imported cats, including Persians and Siamese-like cats. However, Weir preferred his country's native breed. "My first love will always be for the shorthaired domestic cat," Weir wrote in his book about various cat breeds, Our Cats and All About Them (1889).
6. How Big Do British Shorthairs Get?
Considered to be medium to large in size, British Shorthairs can weigh more than the average cat. Females typically weigh 9-15 pounds, and males are 12-18 pounds.
7. THE BRITISH SHORTHAIR MAY HAVE INSPIRED LEWIS CARROLL'S CHESHIRE CAT.
Historians think that Lewis Carroll may have based his Cheshire Cat illustrations in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland off a tabby British Shorthair.
8. How Long Do British Shorthair Cats Live?
On average, Shorthairs can live anywhere from 12-17 years. This number can be affected by many factors, including the cat’s diet and exercise plan, living situation, and overall health.
9. NOT ALL BRITISH SHORTHAIRS ARE GREY.
Some people think that all British Shorthairs are silvery grey with copper eyes, like the cat in the meme. That particular type of cat is called the British Blue. While the British Blue is a popular variation of the breed, it's not the only one. British Shorthair cats come in white, black, red, gold, and silver, among other fur colors. You’ll also spot British Shorthairs with color-point, tortoiseshell, bicolor, and tabby patterns. As for their eye colors, they range from gold to copper to blue-green.
