Having been officially recognised since the 1870s, the British Shorthair is one of the world’s oldest cat breed. These kitties have a stocky appearance with a round face, lush cheeks, and a cobby body, boasting a close resemblance to a cute teddy bear. They are unsurprisingly the most popular cat breed in the UK. If you’re considering this breed as a pet, here’s a guide to a successful British Shorthair cat parenting.
They’re no picky eaters
The British Shorthair is notorious for its appetite that they would eat anything they can get their paws on. But what diet should you provide for your British Shorthair?
The British Shorthair feline should be fed with a high-quality diet that mainly consists of meat and very few carbohydrates. Avoid food that contains grains and potatoes as they can cause digestive issues. Meat products such as poultry and rabbit are a few of the preferred choices for the British Shorthair. Also, ensure that your kitty has access to fresh water at all times.
Here’s a rough feeding guide for British Shorthair kittens and adult cats:
- Give three to four feedings for kitties that are 5–6 months old.
- Give two to three feedings for kitties that are 7–12 months old.
- Give two feedings for cats one-year-old and older.
Click here for a more detailed guide on kitten feeding.
A large breed, not obese
At first glance, adult British Shorthairs can be mistakenly perceived as obese due to their size. The truth is, the British Shorthair is a large breed and has a naturally round body shape. It takes around three years for them to reach maturity.
Should you worry about your cat’s weight? Here’s a weight guide on British Shorthair by age:
Age | Average Weight |
---|---|
3-month-old kitty | 1.4–1.8 kilograms |
4-month-old kitty | around 2 kilograms |
5-month-old kitty | 2.3–2.7 kilograms |
6-month-old kitty | around 2.5 kilograms |
7-month-old kitty | Around 2.75 kilograms |
8-month-old kitty | 2.75 kilograms |
9-month-old kitty | 3 kilograms upwards |
10-month-old kitty | 3.5 kilograms |
11- to 12-month-old kitty | 3–4 kilograms upwards |
3-year-old cat | 4–8 kilograms |
British Shorthairs reach their full maturity size at three years old, although some may grow slower than others. And some may keep growing even pass three years of age. However, growth at this stage tends to be slower than their first 12 months of life.
Aim for the ideal weight
An ideal weight mark of an adult British Shorthair is 7.7 kilograms. Diet and exercise routine are some of the ways to ensure that your cat’s weight is at an ideal range.
Keep your British Shorthair moving
A healthy diet, together with an exercise routine, is the key to maintain a healthy weight. The British Shorthair’s personality varies from cat to cat. Some are energetic and others are more passive. Regardless, you need to keep your four-legged friend moving and get her in action. Introduce cat toys that will challenge her physically and mentally. Check out the list of cat interactive toys here. Don’t forget to enjoy and play with your furry buddy for a minimum of 15 minutes every day to keep her interest in playing even after she grew out of kittenhood. It also helps you to strengthen the bond between you and your kitty.
Bathing and brushing tips
Aside from making your feline look stunning, grooming is also a great opportunity to check for signs of injuries and health problems, such as cat skin problems.
Groom with a hairbrush
- Start with a massage. Make your feline feel relaxed by having a gentle massage from her head to tail. Whilst on it, check for any signs of loss hair, rashes, or any other skin problems.
- Brush using a metal tooth comb or a rubber brush; just choose products that are specifically made for pets. This will help brush away your cat’s loose hair.
- Keep a regular brushing twice a week on normal days. Spring season means shedding season for our furry cats. That said, you might want to brush your feline more often during spring.
Bathing your British Shorthair
- Your cat will likely groom herself on a daily basis, but it’s still best to bathe her regularly. Being inquisitive by nature, cats have the tendency of getting in contact with anything oily, dirty, or sticky. It requires a bath to completely remove the dirt and keep your cat neat and clean.
- Bathe your feline with warm water, not hot. You can give treats after bath to associate bathing as a positive experience.