Are British Shorthair cats cuddly? Are they playful? Do they need a lot of attention? Are British Shorthairs good with children and other pets? Gentle, affectionate and independent, discover why super popular British Shorthairs have just what it takes to be the ideal family cat.
4th September 2025
With their teddy-bear-like looks, warm personality and cool, calm and collected nature, it’s no surprise that British Shorthair cats are an incredibly popular breed.
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) reveals: “Half of all kittens registered with the GCCF each year are British Shorthairs, making the British the most popular pedigree cat in the UK.”
Chunky, cuddly cats, with an adorable expression, it’s easy to see why the British Shorthair is much admired. “British Shorthairs are well known for their round face and eyes, giving them a butter-wouldn’t-melt innocent look – but don’t be deceived!” notes insurer Petplan. “This gorgeous breed has oodles of character and isn’t nearly as demure as their doe-eyed expression suggests.”
What do British Shorthair cats look like?
British Shorthair cats are medium to large, powerfully built cats with a muscular body, broad chest, short, strong legs and a thick tail that tapers slightly to a rounded tip. Their round heads have short noses, chubby cheeks and prominent, rounded whisker pads, creating an enigmatic smiling look to their face.
“The round eyes are wide open and, combined with the smile, give the cat an amused air as it watches over its dominion,” observes The International Cat Association (TICA).
Their plush coat is short and dense and temptingly strokable. And, while British Shorthairs are best known for their ‘blue’ coats – actually charcoal grey with undertones of blue, setting off their arresting amber eyes beautifully – they come in a variety of colours and patterns. These include white, black, blue, lilac, chocolate, red, cream, fawn and cinnamon, as well as colour-pointed, tipped, tortoiseshell and tabby.
“Often resembling a sturdy teddy bear, the British Shorthair’s smile and a plush coat combined with their wonderful disposition makes them great family pets,” adds TICA.
Where did British Shorthair cats come from?
British Shorthairs have been prized by humans for centuries. “The British Shorthair bears the proud distinction of being one of the world’s oldest cat breeds,” says TICA. “Experts think that the breed is a descendant from cats imported to Rome from ancient Egypt. It is believed that when the Romans invaded Great Britain in 43CE, they brought the cats with them. One of the first breeds of the Cat Fancy (the world of pedigree cat breeding and showing) they have changed little over the centuries.”
“As the Cat Fancy developed at a rapid pace during the end of Queen Victoria’s reign and into the 20th century, British Shorthairs were among the most numerous exhibits at shows,” adds Your Cat. However, following the two World Wars, their numbers declined, but a few enthusiasts managed to keep the breed alive. Their lineage includes crosses with Domestic Shorthairs, Russian Blues and Persians, among others, and British Shorthairs gained championship status with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in November 2021.
Read on to find out more about British Shorthair cats. Can they be indoor cats? Are they good with children and other pets? What do British Shorthair cats like to do? From grooming to playtime, environmental enrichment to feeding, find out how to provide British Shorthair cats with everything they need to live a fulfilling and happy life.
But first, check out these fun British Shorthair cat facts!
6 BRILLIANT BRITISH SHORTHAIR CAT FACTS
- British Shorthair cats are medium to large in size. Adult females weigh between 8 to 11 pounds (3.6 to 4.9kg) and adult males 10 to 16 pounds (4.5 to 7.2kg).
- British Shorthair cats mature slowly, with full development taking up to five years.
- The coat of British Shorthair cats is a defining feature – it has more fur per square inch than any other breed. Only the British Shorthair has the short, plush coat that is often described as ‘crisp’ or ‘cracking’, referring to the way it breaks over the contours of the cat.
- British Shorthair cats have long been cat show favourites. On 13 July 1871, the very first cat show in the UK was held at the Crystal Palace, London. Among the 170 exhibits were ‘English Shorthair cats’ – the forerunner of the British Shorthair. Best in Show was awarded to a 14-year-old female blue tabby Shorthair.
- British Shorthairs may have inspired Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire Cat. Historians think that the Cheshire Cat illustrations by Tenniel in Alice in Wonderland were based on the chubby-faced British Shorthair.
- A British Shorthair once held a Guinness World Record for the loudest purr. In 2011, a 12-year-old British Shorthair called Smokey’s vocal rumblings measured 67.7 decibels and were reportedly as noisy as a lawn mower.
BRITISH SHORTHAIR CAT PERSONALITY PROFILE
If you enjoy the company of a loving, chilled-out, independent cat who welcomes but doesn’t demand attention, then a British Shorthair could be your ideal feline friend.
“The British Shorthair cat personality combines the best of cat personalities; when they are well socialised as young kittens, they are friendly and affectionate, but also independent and content, says Petplan.
A top choice for families
“British Shorthairs’ warm and lovable personality combined with their independent nature makes them a top choice for many families,” adds TICA. “It is a dignified, affectionate cat, sometimes referred to as the Winston Churchill of the cat world, roaming its household dominion with all four feet on the floor. Known to be loyal and devoted companions. They are not lap cats, however, and prefer quietly snuggling beside you on the sofa.”
“There is a very good reason why the British is such a popular breed with owners,” notes Your Cat. “It isn’t just its handsome and imposing good looks, but also its quiet intelligence and calm personality.”
“The British personality is just like their appearance – strong, stable and, perhaps when mature, prone to laziness!” adds the GCCF. “Not a talkative breed, the British form strong bonds with their ‘people’ and are patient and tolerant companions. The British is a four-square cat that prefers to have all four paws on the ground, so may not wish to be carried about as an adult – but you will find that they are very happy to lounge on your laptop as you work! This is a wonderfully adaptable, confident cat that makes a superb family companion.”
“British Shorthair cats love to cuddle and play, but aren’t demanding of their human companions,” says Petplan. “They make lovely additions to a family with or without children due to their gentle nature.”
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IS MY HOME SUITABLE FOR A BRITISH SHORTHAIR CAT?
As long as there are people around to interact with, and plenty of cosy snoozing spots, the laid-back British Shorthair will contentedly fit in with most family arrangements, and can even adapt to being an indoor cat.
“British Shorthair cats love company and an easy life,” says Petplan. “Like most cats, some outdoor room-to-roam space will encourage British Shorthair cats to stay active and healthy. However, this breed can potentially adapt to indoor-only lifestyles and often prefer to stay indoors, as long as they are provided with opportunities for play and stimulation to prevent boredom.”
“Whilst not overly talkative, your British will take a great interest in the family routines and will make sure that he is always on hand to ensure things are done properly and on time!” notes the GCCF. “The British is suitable as an indoor-only companion, but this intelligent animal will need suitable stimulus, and care must be taken to ensure that any tendency to weight gain is managed.”
Happy in their own company
Having an independent nature, British Shorthairs are happy to spend part of the day in their own company. “Exerting their independence, they are content with their own company and have no problem quietly amusing themselves in your absence and waiting patiently for your return,” says TICA.
British Shorthairs tend to be homebodies, but extra care is required if they do venture outside. “Although they are unlikely to roam far from home, the British should be supervised outside because their nature may be trusting, leaving your pet vulnerable to mishap,” advises the GCCF. “If you’re concerned about theft or other risks, you might want to invest in some cat-safe outdoor precautions if you have the space,” adds Petplan.
An all-rounder cat who gets on with children and other pets
Gentle, easy-going British Shorthairs also tend to get on well with children and other pets.
“British Shorthair cats are a great all-rounder cat for any household. Blessed with an even and friendly temperament, British Shorthair cats’ personalities mean they can play well with other cats and less boisterous dogs if they are well socialised, carefully matched and gradually introduced. They can also be a firm friend to children who can respect their need for some personal space. However, thanks to their prey drive, they are not suited to being around smaller animals such as mice, rabbits and guinea pigs, so you will need to keep them separate,” advises Petplan.
“The British is a patient, relaxed soulmate, forming strong bonds with human companions of all ages and being tolerant of other pets such as dogs and rabbits,” suggests the GCCF. “They make great companions for children, although they are not particularly fond of being picked up and carried around,” adds Your Cat. “They also adapt well to apartment living.”
And, when it comes to choosing all the cat kit and feline accessories, due to their chunkiness, ensure you supply ample, comfy sleeping spots (high priority for British Shorthairs!), spacious hideaway places, roomy litter trays, generously-sized cat tunnels for them to run through and play in – and sturdy scratching posts and climbing trees.
How cat friendly is your home? >>
WHAT DO BRITISH SHORTHAIR CATS LIKE TO DO?
While every cat is an individual with a unique set of likes and dislikes, there are certain things that are extremely important to British Shorthair cats.
Top of the list are fun, intriguing toys that enable these intelligent cats to exhibit all their natural behaviours in short bursts of high-energy play (before finding a comfy spot to settle down for a doze).
“Cat toys are a favourite with this playful breed – keep a whole range on hand and rotate them regularly to keep your cat engaged,” advises Petplan. “Thanks to their high prey drive, any games that emulate the hunt will be ideal for your new cat. They love to chase and pounce, therefore using cat toys that provide the opportunity for pouncing can be a great way to interact with your British Shorthair cat.”
Playtime helps British Shorthairs stay in shape
And, for a cat that tends to be on the lazy side, playtime encourages them to stay in shape.
“While not very active cats, they do have their occasional ‘mad’ moments where they like to act like kittens. Encouraging them to play burns calories off while toning muscles,” says TICA. “Teaser toys provide lots of gymnastic entertainment; training your cat to fetch adds running to their day; and chasing a laser light pen gives their muscles a real workout.” Always ensure your British Shorthair has something to physically ‘catch’ when playtime’s over to avoid them becoming frustrated
Be aware that British Shorthairs like to do things on their own terms. “British Shorthair cats will let you know when they want to play, often bringing their own cat toys along to make a point,” adds Petplan.
These clever cats also thrive on learning new stuff. “British Shorthair cats are very smart and enjoy encouragement and, as such, they are perfect students for training, as well as mastering all manner of fun tricks,” says Petplan. “Clicker training works well for the British Shorthair cat, as does training with treats – but watch out for overindulging, as too many treats could cause unhealthy weight gain.”
GROOMING YOUR BRITISH SHORTHAIR CAT
With their short, dense coats, British Shorthairs take care of most of their grooming themselves, only requiring a little help from their human.
“They are among the easiest of the cat coats to groom, with regular brushing to keep them in top condition with minimal fuss,” says Petplan. “Look out for times when your British Shorthair cat might need extra help with coat care, such as shedding in the springtime.”
“Maintaining the British Shorthair coat in top condition is easy as the coat does not tangle,” adds TICA. “Combing with a wide-toothed metal comb once a week will help reduce shedding during a change of seasons.”
“Gently introduce grooming to your cat when they are a young kitten, and get them gradually used to regular grooming,” advises Petplan. “Positive reinforcement techniques are great for helping your cat to engage in cooperative care, such as grooming. Regular grooming is not only great for bonding, but enables you to see any irregular lumps, bumps, bites and scratches that are best caught early.”
FEEDING YOUR BRITISH SHORTHAIR CAT
All cats – from tiger to domestic tabby – are obligate carnivores, which means they must eat meat to survive. Meat contains essential amino acids which they can’t make themselves. Cats also require high levels of protein and can benefit from food that’s appropriate for their life stage.
Industry body UK Pet Food states: “Cats vary from many species, requiring a significant amount of protein in their diet, plus certain nutrients, such as taurine, as part of a balanced diet with just the right amount of fats, carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals, to stay in peak condition. Nutrients must be present in the correct amounts for their stage in life and in the correct proportion to each other, in order to provide a nutritionally complete and balanced diet.”
Burgess in-house vet Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS advises: “Along with high protein levels, cats require a careful balance of vitamins, plus the essential amino acid taurine necessary to promote a healthy heart and eyes. A complete diet will have all the necessary vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids in the right ratio.”
How much and how often should you feed your cat?
Adult cats are generally fed twice a day. Alternatively, as cats in the wild naturally eat lots of small meals per day, you could try splitting their daily intake into several small meals (unless advised otherwise by your vet). Providing dry cat food in a variety of ways, such as in treat balls or cat puzzles, can deliver a much more exciting and rewarding experience for your cat.
Portion control is also important, so get into the habit of measuring out accurate amounts each day. Giving your cat a little more than they need means they could become overweight. If you don’t feed enough, your cat will not get all the nutrients they need and will become underweight.
With British Shorthairs, portion control is particularly important to prevent them from getting tubby. “British Shorthair cats have a tendency to put on weight, so regular, measured meals and plenty of stimulating play are essential,” advises Petplan.
“These cats love food and, with their sedentary ways, can quickly gain weight, so it is important to keep a careful eye on their portions to make sure they do not get fat,” says TICA. “The British cat has a slow metabolism; whilst a healthy mature British will have a well-padded muscular body, we must be careful not to let this padding turn from muscle to excess fat,” notes the GCCF.
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Dr Moyes adds: “By following the on-pack instructions, it’s easy to measure out exactly the right-sized portion that’s suitable for your cat’s age and lifestyle to ensure they consume the correct amount of nutrients. For instance, house cats may need fewer calories than cats who spend much of their day roaming outdoors. Dry cat food is a good option as it’s easily portioned, may be better for dental health and encourages extra water consumption.”
Wet food v dry food
Unlike wet cat food, dry cat food stays fresh inside the pack until you’re ready to serve it to your cat. And that’s not all! Other benefits include:
- Free feeding – As dry food can be left out because it won’t spoil, this suits those cats who prefer to graze their food over the day rather than at specific mealtimes.
- Helpful for healthy teeth – Munching on crunchy kibble encourages chewing and helps to keep teeth clean. Petplan says: “British Shorthairs may suffer from gum and dental disease during their lifetime. This condition can be prevented with basic routine care, such as feeding cats dry food and brushing their teeth, helping them to lead a normal, pain-free life.”
- Makes feeding more fun – Dry food is easier to use with food dispensers and puzzle toys, providing environmental enrichment and mental stimulation.
- Portion control – By following the on-pack instructions, it’s easy to measure out exactly the right-sized portion to help your cat maintain a healthy weight.
Make sure to supply plenty of fresh water too, in a separate place from their feeding area. Lots of cats aren’t keen on drinking water from a bowl, preferring moving water to still – so it may be worth investing in a cat fountain if you don’t want them drinking from a dripping tap!
GETTING A BRITISH SHORTHAIR CAT
If you’re interested in adding one of these fabulous felines to your family, find out as much as you can first and decide if you’ll be able to provide them with everything they need to be a truly happy and contented cat.
If you’re looking for a kitten, only ever buy from a reputable, registered breeder. Be aware that British Shorthair cats can carry a gene that leads to a form of heart disease called HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). While this condition is not curable, it can be treated with lifelong medication.
Alternatively, visit the British Shorthair cats rehoming and adoption Facebook page to find beautiful cats looking for happy new homes. Also check out other rescue charities such as Cats Protection, Battersea, Blue Cross, RSPCA and Woodgreen, who’ll be delighted to hear from you, and can provide you with lots of helpful advice on adopting a rescued cat.
EVERY CAT DESERVES A DELICIOUS, NUTRITIOUS DINNER!
At Burgess Pet Care, all our cat food is made using premium ingredients to ensure excellent quality and superior taste to help keep your cat happy and healthy – from kitten, to adult and mature and Burgess Neutered Cat with Chicken – an advanced, high protein, complete food with added L-Carnitine to help maintain a healthy weight.
- Salmon? Duck? Chicken? Let your adult cat pick their favourite flavour with our fussy cat bundle >>
- Our cat diet and nutrition guide is here to help you create a meal plan that's tailored especially for your feline friend.
- How often should you feed your cat? Find out why little and often suits most cats – and the reason why play should be part of your feeding routine.
- Adapting your cat’s diet throughout their life What you choose to feed your cat can make all the difference.
CARE MORE Find out more about caring for your cat from Burgess, the Pet Care Experts.
Is your cat a Burgess cat? Join our Pet Club for exclusive offers and competitions – and expert advice from our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes.
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