British Shorthair Cat Breed Information

What type of breed is a British Shorthair cat?

The British Shorthair is a muscular-bodied cat, recognisable for various distinctive features. These include a dense coat, a broad face, and large round eyes. The British Shorthair comes in different colours and patterns; however, the Blue British is the most commonly seen with its deep grey colour and bright copper eyes. While known for their gentle and playful nature, the breed is also considered more independent. British Shorthair cats, while affectionate in their way, differ from other breeds in that they can become uncomfortable when picked up or will only tolerate being picked up briefly. For this reason, they may not be suitable for families with small children. The British Shorthair has a less demanding temperament than some other cat breeds, so it is considered an ideal companion for those with active or busy lives.

History of the British Shorthair cat

British Shorthair cats are pedigree cats, resulting from intensive breeding during the late 1800s. English cat breeder Harrison Wier, considered the first professional cat breeder, is thought to have developed the British Shorthair through a selective breeding program. The breed originated from a cross between domestic shorthair cats and other purebred lines, including Persians and Russian Blues – a breed recognisable for its solid blueish-grey fur and large green eyes. Breeding sought to retain the hardy traits of the domestic shorthair while enhancing physical characteristics drawn from other breeds, like a round face, a dense coat and a solid body.