British shorthair cat: description, character, care, photo

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* Here is a photo of a typical representative of the British Shorthair cat breed . You can send us photos of your animals by email, and we will post them on the website. Don't forget to send your pet's name.

Video

* We invite you to watch a video about the British Shorthair cat . In fact, in front of you is a playlist in which you can select and watch any of 20 videos about a given cat breed by simply clicking on the button in the upper right corner of the window. In addition, the material contains quite a lot of photos. By looking at them you can find out what a British Shorthair cat looks like.

Idioms about tea

cup of tea - something preferred, desired, loved

Lit. "someone's cuppa"

Something pleasant, familiar, to taste:

Teaching children to read is just my cup of tea. — Teaching children to read is mine.

not one's cup of tea - something alien

Lit. "not anyone's" cuppa"

“Not my thing”, “not mine”:

Going to church, Mary said, was not her cup of tea. “She doesn’t like going to church,” said Mary.

tea party - 1) crazy party 2) simple and pleasant event

Lit. "tea party"

1. Loud, noisy, “crazy” party: There was a loud tea party going on in the pub when Jess came in. — When Jess entered, there was a noisy and riotous party in the pub.

2. An easy and pleasant event that does not cause fear or anxiety: The test was a real tea party. No sweat. — The exam was easy. No tension.

not for all the tea in China - not for anything in the world

Lit. “not for all the tea in China”

Not for any price, not for any price, never in life:

I wouldn't give up my car, not for all the tea in China. “I won’t give up my car for any wealth in the world.”

tempest in a teapot - storm in a glass of water

Lit. "storm in a teapot"

Also tempest in a teacup (“storm in a teacup”), tempest in a glass of water (“storm in a glass of water”), much ado about nothing (Shakespearean, “much ado about nothing”); in the British version - storm in a teacup. Overreaction to a minor event:

All that because a handful of the thousand invited guests didn't show up? What a tempest in a teapot! - And all this because a handful of thousands of invited guests did not show up? What a storm in a teacup!

History of the origin of British Shorthair cats

Representatives of felinology still cannot agree on the origin of British cats.

Today there are two main versions, each of which has its own list of supporters:

• France. Many felinologists believe that the history of the British is closely connected with their fellow French - the Chartreuse cat breed. According to scientists, representatives of these groups were brought to Europe from Africa at approximately the same time. The new breed was first bred by monks. Cats came to Britain through ships, where they served as rat catchers. This theory is confirmed by the similarity between the British and the Chartreuse;
• Rome. Delving into history, you can find interesting facts about the conquest of Britain by Rome. It is with this event, according to felinology scientists, that the emergence of this breed on British soil is connected. Felinologists believe that the Romans brought Roman cats to Britain, which, in turn, quickly adapted to the new land and were loved by its settlers. This version of origin is confirmed by numerous mass graves of cats that were discovered by archaeologists in Britain.

Only one thing can be said with certainty: the real history of cats began in Britain. It is here that the earliest depictions of British Shorthairs were discovered, dating back to around the 700s. Small pictures of animals were applied to colored miniatures.

Interesting fact: There were images of representatives of this breed in books. So, in the 800s, in a handwritten book, one of the Irish monks drew a British shorthair cat and wrote that such an animal really brightens up the monastic everyday life, making them more interesting.

In the 10th century, the cult of the British only increased. At this time, the Celtic sculptor, when creating a stone cross with scenes from the Passion of Christ, did not forget to add cats. One had a small kitten in his paws, and the other had a chick. Around the same time, a law was passed in Britain to protect cats. Representatives of this breed were very expensive.

Do the British have bad habits?

In most cases, as experienced British breeders note, the appearance of negative habits in an animal is associated with improper upbringing. Inexperienced pet owners should remember what actions the animal needs to be weaned from immediately.

• Throw objects from high surfaces to watch them fall. An extremely unpleasant habit, which the owner does not pay attention to at first, as unbreakable objects fall, but then they are replaced by vases, flower pots, and photo frames. There is no need to panic, just treat the surface where the Briton likes to play pranks several times. Any product that cats hate is suitable for this - citrus fruits or special products that can be bought at a pet store or veterinary pharmacy.
• Scratching and biting a person's hands. This happens especially often in kittens at 4 months of age, when their teeth change. It is better to offer your four-legged friend a scratching post or special toys on which to sharpen their fangs and claws.
• Love for other people's bags and packages. Although this habit is considered negative by breeders, it does not require adjustment. Often a cat can be found not only in bags belonging to friends and acquaintances, but also in bags and boxes of new shoes.
• Choosing an unusual item for the game. Unfortunately, in this case, the owner has only one correct decision - to allow him to play, since after 1-2 days the animal will forget about it.

British Shorthair cat - description of the breed

British shorthair cats are the most ancient representatives of large cats. The original name of the breed was “British Blue”. This is due to the peculiarity of the pet’s iridescent color. The new name is also associated with wool, only this time not with color, but with length: “Shorthair”.

The British are quite strong and robust pets, characterized by medium and large dimensions.

The main descriptive features of the body structure are:

• Round head, widened at the cheekbones. The neck of cats is very thick (almost invisible), but at the same time short;
• Expressive muzzle. The nose is short and straight. He is vertical with a strong chin;
• Big eyes. The look is one of the main characteristics of the British. The eyes of these cats are large, wide open and set far apart. They can be orange or blue. The shade of the eyes depends on the color of the animal;
• Squat body. The body of the animals is straight, the back is short, and the shoulders are massive;
• Short legs. At the same time, cats’ paws are very strong and large;
• Thick tail. This part of the cat's body is not very long. The tail is rounded at the end;
• Thick and short fur. The most important feature of animals of this breed. The British coat is shiny, medium soft/hard and has a dense texture.

In general, representatives of the British Shorthair look very attractive and graceful. It was their appearance that became the reason for the increased love for them from people. What attracts most about the British is their look and fluffy big cheeks, which children love to squeeze.

Average whole adult: 6-9 kg (males) and 4-6 kg (females). Height at the withers is 28-33 cm. The life expectancy of pets is 15-20 years. This period largely depends on the Briton’s habitat, conditions of detention, nutrition and treatment. Animals need regular vaccinations and a special menu. Moreover, they can be kept both indoors and outdoors.

Nutrition

We promised to tell you about nutrition, and now the time has come. Let us immediately draw your attention to the fact that a properly selected diet is the key to good health and excellent mood for your pet. Thick and beautiful coat, healthy teeth and strong claws are primarily the result of a well-balanced diet.

Moreover, recognizable brands and advertising are not always an indicator of the quality of food for an animal, and besides, the British are very prone to being overweight. Therefore, to ensure that your cat’s food includes all the necessary vitamins and beneficial microelements, we recommend that you consult a veterinarian. A competent specialist will always help you accurately select food and calculate portions, which in turn will ensure good digestion for your cat.

The daily feeding rate is determined according to individual criteria and the age of the kitten or cat. For example, it is enough to feed an adult cat twice a day, but it is recommended to give food to a pregnant or lactating cat four to five times a day.

Veterinarians recommend breastfeeding for babies who are not even two months old. But in cases where this is not possible, cow's milk or even goat's milk is quite suitable for feeding. The main thing is to maintain frequency and give milk to the kitten every four hours.

After two months, you can slightly change the diet and slowly add porridge, boiled meat and dairy products to the menu. And after the furry baby is three months old, you can give him special canned food. The number of meals is gradually reduced until the cat turns one year old. Then it can be transferred to the norm of an adult animal.

Popular colors of British Shorthair cats

Initially, almost all British cats had a gray-blue color (which is what their first name is associated with). During the selection process, the colors of the animals changed. Today, more than 100 types of British colors are known.

The most popular and frequently encountered of them are the following pattern options:

• Solid. In this case, the animal’s fur is completely painted in one specific color. Most often, the British have blue, gray-blue, black, silver, tabby shades;
• Smoky. This coloring is based on the contrast between the undercoat (as light as possible) and the coat itself (tips as dark as possible). The legs, back and head will be the darkest. The muzzle and legs themselves have practically no markings. This color is characterized by orange (copper) eyes;
• Bicolors. The coat of representatives of this color combines two shades: the main one (tortoiseshell/solid) and white. At the same time, the light part of the body is clearly separated from the dark part and has no hairs of any other shade (than white);
• Tortoiseshell. This color implies two or more shades that are similar to each other (blue and cream, red and black). Tortoiseshell coloring refers to the so-called spots on animal fur;
• Tabby. A color in which spots are clearly visible on the cat’s body: on the forehead in the shape of the letter “M”, on the back there are clear lines along the spine, on the chest there are continuous rings, the belly is spotted. This color is also called marbled, tacked, striped and spotted;
• Colorful. A color that implies the presence of a white “cloak” (on the body). With colorful coloring, only some parts of the body are actually colored: tail, paws, muzzle. An interesting fact is that this color can change due to temperature changes.

The presented classification is general. Due to selection, other shades can be obtained. However, only British dogs whose color is recognized and acceptable are allowed to take part in shows.

Habits

The bright character traits of the British directly influence their habits. Some people believe that since animals belonging to the presented breed are quite obedient, then they cannot do any bad things, but this is not so.

Common negative habits include:

1. Scratching and biting hands.
2. Throwing objects off surfaces.

To somehow compensate for this, many people want to know how the British are doing with catching mice, and this is a completely different matter.

Catching mice

British cats are often called clumsy. It is impossible to argue with this, but this does not prevent them from being excellent rat-catchers and mouse-catchers. If you believe history, the French always took cats of these breeds with them on voyages so that they would keep an eye on supplies and leave no chance for rodents to profit from various delicacies.

It is rare to find mice in modern apartments, so even with a strong desire, it would be difficult for cats to try to hunt someone. Another thing is animals that live in private sectors and in dachas. Pet owners have repeatedly noted that cats are very agile and excellent hunters. Some people believe that since they managed to cope with the rodent, they should definitely feast on it, but this is not so. Representatives of felines catch mice and rats for fun, they do not even understand that this is food that should be eaten. The reason lies in the character of the British cat, which was taught from childhood to a place for food. Having played enough, the animal leaves its prey and goes on about its business.

Biting and scratching

Scratching and biting the hands of their owners is a favorite activity of four-legged animals. At the age of three or four months, the kitten begins to bite the hands and sometimes the legs of a person. This is directly related to the change of teeth in animals. There is no need to think that such a habit will go away on its own. If the situation continues for a month, the animal will realize that it is possible to do this and in the future you will not wean it from it. At the same time, there is no need to try to beat the baby or shout at him; it is not his fault that his teeth itch. It needs to be done much simpler - during an attack, put a soft toy or mouse on your hand, which will interest the pet and become its favorite victim in the future.

Dropping items

Throwing objects off the table is an equally interesting activity. It can be anything, from a pen to a flower pot. Among the main character traits, self-indulgence is not listed among the British, but for them it is not self-indulgence, but curiosity. Cats are very interested to see how the object will fly down and what will happen to it after. If you want to stop this, then you should either sprinkle the surface with a pungent odor that animals cannot tolerate, or make the surface so that the pet does not have the slightest chance of climbing on it. At the same time, you must not forget about toys for your pet so that he does not have to get bored.

Character and habits of British Shorthair cats

British shorthair cats are quite peculiar animals. They are very calm and flexible, but at the same time they treat others in a special way. The British have their own attitude towards their owners. And, if there is a representative of this breed in the house, then he is the owner.

The character of cats is very aristocratic (which is fully explained by the history of their origin). Animals are independent, arrogant and majestic. If you are looking for a pet that will constantly cuddle, ask to be held and purr, throw away the idea of ​​​​buying a Briton. Such animals will not rub against you even if they are very hungry. The only action they will take when hungry is to sit next to an empty bowl.

Interesting fact: British Shorthairs do not like to be held or cuddled for long periods of time. However, they will happily settle down somewhere on the bed next to their owner. But only of your own free will!

In general, the nature of the animals is peaceful and calm. The British rarely tear their throats out with meows or run around the house out of boredom. Most often they can be found sleeping, eating, or languidly looking out the window. Animals are a little withdrawn, but quickly make contact with people (naturally, only with those they like). British Shorthair cats especially love children.

At the same time, kittens (under the age of one year) play well with their little owners, but are capable of inadvertently biting or scratching their “friend.” British adults simply tolerate all the antics of the children and pay practically no attention to it (unless you pull the pet by the tail).

British Shorthair cats can easily withstand solitude. They are waiting for their owner from work and are extremely happy about his return. Such pets are best suited for constantly busy or lonely people. Animals are wary of strangers. To trust a new guest, a Briton needs to take a good look at him. But there is only one way to make friends between a cat and a new pet - leaving them alone in the apartment for at least a day (while you are at work).

Ability to live together with other animals

If several cats live in an apartment, then the British cat will take its rightful place among them. As a rule, he lives in peace and harmony with other cats.

With dogs it’s a different matter, especially if they are playful and like to pester others. A British cat will categorically not like this attitude, an encroachment on personal space.

If a British cat kitten appears in the house, then he, of course, can play and run around with the dog. They can be friends and maintain a normal relationship. On the contrary, an adult British cat will most likely not like the appearance of a fidgety puppy in the house.

The British like aquarium fish, but only as an object of observation. Representatives of this breed have not been seen fishing (although every rule has its exceptions).

Hamsters, rats, guinea pigs and other small animals make Britons remember their hunting instincts, so these types of animals most likely will not be able to live together.

Interesting facts about British Shorthair cats

British shorthair cats are already unusually amazing and fascinating in themselves. Therefore, it is not at all strange that there are many facts that only increase the interest of pets.

Here are a few as examples:

• British cats are independent from people (as they believe). They choose for themselves who will be their friend and who they will never let close to them;
• There are no lop-eared Britons. You can often find the name “British Fold”. It is completely false. Only Scots can have long-eared or straight-eared ears. The British come in short- and long-haired varieties;
• British Shorthairs do not require special care for their coat. The molting of these animals is less problematic than the molting of their close relatives;
• The British have their own opinion on any issue. They need to be raised from early childhood - otherwise the cat will really become the master of the house;
• Animals are not afraid of loneliness. They can remain alone with themselves even for several days. The main thing is to always have a filled bowl nearby;
• According to one version, the image of the Cheshire cat was copied specifically from representatives of the British breed;
• Britons are one of the most ancient cats on earth. Despite its already venerable age, the breed gained worldwide fame and popularity relatively recently;
• Representatives of the British Shorthair breed are true sleepyheads. For the British, the daily sleep norm is 14-16 hours;
• Nowadays, British Shorthairs mostly decorate homes. Previously, the main task of representatives of this breed was to fight rodents. Therefore, the British have very well developed hunting abilities.

And the final interesting fact about these amazing cats is that the British tabby cat is the official representative of the Whiskas brand!

History of the breed

We would like to say right away that the breed of British cats is far from new. Despite the fact that no documents have been preserved about the origin of the British, researchers have their own quite plausible version of the origin of the ancestors of modern four-legged aristocrats. According to them, around 43 AD, Roman centurions brought very large cats to the British Isles to catch rats and mice that carried various diseases.

All this time, fluffies were faithful assistants to people, and they began to invent breeds for them: in Britain they were called the British cat, in France - Charteuse, and in Germany - they were called Cartesian cats. Until the end of the 16th century, they were used and perceived exclusively as hunters, but people were still interested in the curious appearance and color of the cats.

And in 1817, British cats visited their first exhibition in London. There, the breed standard and its characteristics were adopted, and the four-legged fluffies themselves began to actively conquer human hearts.

This cat breed appeared in Russia more than 100 years later - in 1992. At the same time, the Kartheusers, who are considered the predecessors of modern Britons, were brought into the country.

By the way

To ensure that the unique traits of British cats were well preserved and passed through the centuries, breeders resorted to a little trick - they crossed Britons with Persian cats. This fact answers the question why these aristocrats have a slightly flattened muzzle.

Pros and cons of British Shorthair cats

Representatives of this breed have many advantages. The first concerns their unique appearance. The animal's body is graceful, and its gaze is simply piercing. Such a pet will definitely not go unnoticed by guests. The British have other advantages.

The advantages of such cats include:

• Good health (cat's immunity can withstand all tests quite steadfastly);
• Friendliness (the British are absolutely not aggressive, they get along well with others and make contact);
• Cleanliness (cats carefully and scrupulously lick their fur; they should be washed extremely rarely);
• Lack of special care (cats are unpretentious in care, the only thing required from the owner is weekly hair removal).

Among other things, British Shorthairs are very good “healers”. They help their owners cope with depression, stress, and bad mood. Such animals are recommended for adoption in families with children with developmental disabilities. The British will have a positive effect on their psycho-emotional state.

However, not everything is as colorful and beautiful as it seems at first glance. The British also have certain disadvantages.

The main disadvantages of these royal English cats include:

• Special character. Each cat of this breed is special and has its own character. It is almost impossible to guess what kind of pet (playful or sleepy) you are buying. Everything depends on the upbringing and development of certain qualities;
• Standard beauty procedures. The British are purebred cats. And no matter how unpretentious they are in their care, some procedures will still have to be carried out. This applies to regular nail trimming, eye washing, and prophylaxis (vaccinations);
• Feeding. Britons need a balanced diet. You can feed them both premium food and natural food (fish, beef, chicken).

Of course, British cats have many more advantages. That is why they enjoy such high popularity and interest.

Character

The British Lilac cat is an affectionate and friendly creature, but with a proud and independent disposition. These animals are playful and do not like to be alone. But if they don’t like something, they will tell you about it defiantly. Lilac cats treat children well, but warily.

Many British people are quite stubborn and touchy. Cats can be vindictive, but they always move away quickly. You should pet and play with the British only when they are in the mood, otherwise you risk violating personal boundaries, according to the pet. In all other respects, these are surprisingly calm and aristocratic animals. They are clean and tidy, very smart and calm.

Breeding British Shorthair cats

Breeding purebred British dogs is quite a profitable and interesting activity. Breeders are working to increase the number of these cats. Breeding British shorthair cats begins with the purchase of a breeding (i.e. purebred, thoroughbred) individual. The process of finding a partner for an animal is quite long and labor-intensive. In addition to the ideal pedigree, the future parent of the offspring must be completely suitable for the companion. Cats don't always happen the first time.

In addition to the breeder, breeders are also involved in creating British offspring. What is the difference between these specialists? In relation to your business. The former begin breeding only with breeding animals and carefully approach not only the choice of a partner for the cat, but also the owners. The breeders are driven by the desire to earn more money. Most often, they breed non-pedigreed (not purebred) British and pay little attention to where the kids will live in the future.

Important fact: If possible, you should contact the breeder to purchase an animal. Such a person is guaranteed to provide you with a purebred cat, provide full training on its maintenance and provide a documentation package.

The breeding of British Shorthair cats is not regulated by any specific law. This action is allowed in all countries. Animals are bred in accordance with relevant certificates and standards. As a rule, the first mating occurs at the age of 10-12 months (with breeding - 16-20 months). Animals reproduce over a period of 7-8 years.

British smoothhair

The smooth-haired "British" is a type of breed that Europeans call "Highlanders" and Americans call "Lowlanders."

The breed variety was recognized only in 2008. Before this, smooth-haired kittens were recognized as pets.

The main feature in the description of the breed is the medium-length coat with dry guard hairs, often lengthening from the neck to the tail.

Caring for British Shorthair cats

British cats are cats that get along well both indoors and outdoors. These cats can be kept in an apartment or private house. The main thing is not to forget in advance (before the kitten arrives in the family) to prepare for it a sleeping place, a tray, a bowl of food. Immediately after the animal enters the house, it is necessary to begin accustoming it to these places.

As stated earlier, British Shorthair cats require little special care. They deal with the problem of dirty fur on their own and lick themselves several times a day.

However, owners should still follow some rules:

1. Combing. The coat of the British breed is short, so it is enough to brush it once a week. During the molting period, this procedure should be carried out daily;
2. Bathing. Animals should be washed as needed. However, bath procedures should not be carried out more than once a quarter. You can dry wet wool with a hairdryer (low flow of warm air). In this case, the drying process can also occur naturally. The main thing is to completely eliminate the possibility of drafts (they can provoke illness);
3. Claws and ears. Every 2-3 weeks, cats need to have their ears cleaned. This should be done using a damp cotton pad. Nails are trimmed at the same frequency. When performing this procedure yourself, you must be especially careful (so as not to touch the vessels). To reduce the frequency of nail trimming, it is enough to install a scratching post at home;
4. Veterinary assistance. To maintain the normal condition of the animal, it is necessary to regularly visit the veterinarian, get vaccinations and give vitamins.

In general, caring for the British is not particularly difficult. Animals cope well with some procedures on their own and only need some human assistance. And any deterioration in the condition almost immediately manifests itself externally (deteriorated behavior, increased drowsiness, lack of appetite).

FAQ

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It is not at all necessary to specifically engage in raising a Briton. These cats are quite smart and will be able to understand everything they need on their own. Even a tiny kitten is unlikely to go to the toilet anywhere other than the litter tray or sharpen its claws on the owner’s furniture. The sleeping place for a Briton should be located at some elevation and away from drafts. These cats do not experience insomnia, but periods of drowsiness may occur. After eating, a British person will never run around the apartment. He needs a full nap to digest his food.

You should not constantly keep your Briton busy with games or grooming procedures. This is a cat breed for which it is extremely important to get enough sleep. A kitty that doesn't get enough sleep will eat poorly and be lethargic and irritable.

The British cat is an extremely clean creature. She will spend half of her active time on hygiene procedures.

And this has not only a hygienic meaning. In this way, the cat often escapes stress and brings itself into psychological harmony after, for example, a trip to the veterinarian, a trip by transport, catching up with the owner.

Video: character traits of the breed

Pet activity

Up to a year old, little British babies are restless and love outdoor games. In this they are no different from all other kittens. But after reaching the age of one, the activity decreases, and the Briton begins to lead a much more relaxed lifestyle.

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When a Briton is well-fed and sleepy, he will take advantage of every opportunity to play. Only very old and fat cats do not play. In games, British cats are precise, dexterous, and inventive.

It is especially interesting to watch little kittens play. They endlessly hunt each other down, ambush each other, and race each other.

Interestingly, they accurately imitate the behavior of adult cats: showdown with an opponent, attack, defense, a mother guarding her children, defense of prey, fighting.

When a cat plays, its actions are almost indistinguishable from its behavior in real life. She can hunt for a ball or the owner's hand, like a mouse. But she does not experience such vivid emotions as in a real situation, and her sharp claws are hidden in the soft pads of her paws.

Young Britons can play alone, for example, with a cork, a piece of fur, a ball, or paper that has fallen under their paw. But an adult cat is unlikely to play alone. In order to somehow motivate her to move or be physically active, you need to provide your beloved kitty with a corner where she can hunt and improve in simple acrobatic exercises. And if there is no corner, then you need to pay attention to your pet 2-3 times and play active games with him, including running and jumping.

If a cat is not engaged in controlled play, then it can fulfill its need for movement by rushing around the apartment at breakneck speed and knocking over everything that comes in its way.

At the same time, the cat can jump on tables and cabinets and look for new interesting toys there. It is best to provide the kitty with a sufficient amount of activity so that the game does not go out of control.

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Sometimes animals that have not been played with for a long time begin to play hide and seek with their owner and test his patience.

The British are very fond of toys, which must be periodically replaced with new ones so that the kitty does not get tired of them.

Diet of British Shorthair cats

The British are quite voracious pets. Complementary feeding of kittens begins already at 3 weeks of age (not with mother's milk). As soon as the animal becomes more independent, they begin to gradually switch it to wet (canned) food. The transition to dry food is carried out only at 4 months. Most breeders follow this algorithm. Kittens arrive into the hands of new owners already accustomed to food.

There are two ways to feed the British: feed and natural. The first is the simplest, but requires significant investments. Cats can eat dry food all their lives without harm to their health. In this case, you should choose premium mixtures. You cannot save on a new family member. It is not worth feeding an animal if it only eats artificial complementary foods. Of course, a piece of boiled chicken will not kill a cat. But, firstly, its body may malfunction (which will lead to the onset of illness), and secondly, all the microelements necessary for a cat are present in the food - such food is both healthier and more appealing to animals.

If you decide to feed your Briton exclusively natural food, then be prepared to learn the difficult science of “British cooking”.

The animal's basic diet should consist of:

• Meat (low-fat chicken and beef) - boiled, pitted and cut into small pieces;
• Cereals (cats can only have rice, millet, buckwheat, oats) – boiled in the usual way;
• Vegetables (carrots, herbs) – boiled or baked and served as top dressing.

The following foods are strictly prohibited for the British: pork, smoked meats, flour, sausages, and fatty fish. With this method of feeding, it is necessary to observe the ratio of vitamins, microelements, as well as the individual preferences of the animal. Your pet's menu should periodically include boiled eggs, chicken liver, and dairy products. You should not forget about drinking - clean and fresh water should always be in the bowl of a British shorthair cat.

Feeding

By nature, any cat is a predator, so there should be variety in the diet. According to her instincts, she eats the entire portion of food given to her. You should not overfeed your pet to avoid causing problems with digestion and obesity. Lack of activity also affects weight gain.

Food should be either completely natural or ready-made. Mixing them is not recommended by veterinarians and cat breeding specialists. Cats prefer meat and meat products as natural food.

You should not choose fatty meats. You can include milk, kefir, cheese, vegetables, and various cereals in your diet. Special vitamin complexes can be used as supplements. If your cat receives ready-made food, it is better to choose a reliable manufacturer. Economy class food can be harmful to health.

Diseases and health problems

The health of British Shorthair cats is quite good. Proper care and timely vaccination almost completely eliminate the likelihood of diseases. However, some dangers still await animals.

The most common health problems in the UK include:

• Obesity. This disease is associated with the natural large body of animals and their constant desire to eat. Excess weight can occur due to a violation of the pet’s diet, as well as an increase in the daily norm. At the same time, you cannot starve the animal - this can lead to a decrease in activity and loss of natural fluffiness;
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A hereditary disease, the detection of which dooms the animal to the absence of offspring (transmission of the disease is unacceptable). HCM occurs in adult cats (under 8 years of age) and cannot be treated. Annual cardiac ultrasounds and strict monitoring by a veterinarian help maintain the animal’s condition;
• Conjunctivitis. This disease occurs quite often. Its main symptoms are watery/festering eyes, and its prerequisites are injuries, infections or lack of vitamins. The disease is not fatal and can be treated fairly quickly;
• Gastritis. Inflammation of the stomach may be associated with an incorrectly composed diet of the animal. With such an illness, the cat may vomit, diarrhea and lead an inactive lifestyle;
• Parasites. Foreign living creatures affect not only the animal’s fur, but also its ears, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract. Among parasitic diseases, the most common are helminthiasis, demodicosis, and otodectosis. Regular deworming is used as a preventive measure.

Most (non-genetic) diseases are easily identified and quickly treated. The first signs of a cat's health problems are: lack of appetite, inactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in the structure of the coat. Any of these signs should be a reason to visit a doctor. With timely examination and a correctly prescribed course of treatment, complications can be avoided.

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As we said earlier, the British people have quite good and good health. However, despite this, cats need proper and careful care. It will not only keep your tailed friend healthy, but will also help avoid various problems.

It’s worth starting with the fact that the British themselves are very inactive and lazy. Therefore, owners need to regularly play with the animal and monitor its physical activity. Otherwise, the cat will suffer from joint diseases and suffer from excess weight in old age. By the way, the nutrition of these cats is also special, but we will talk about it a little later.

The coat also requires care - the pet must be combed regularly and thoroughly to make it comfortable in the apartment. To do this, buy a massage slicker brush or furminator. These devices will rid your cat of excess undercoat, and will make it easier for you to clean the house, because there will be much less hair on the floor. Usually it is enough to comb your Briton only twice a week. As for bathing, these cats are washed as needed or a couple of times a year.

By the way

If you use clay clumping litter, your pet's fur may develop an unpleasant, dusty odor. It is easy to get rid of if you wipe the animal’s fur several times a week with special wipes, which can be purchased at any pet store.

Don't forget to wipe your eyes! With the British, these hygiene rituals are carried out daily - with a damp cotton wool it is necessary to carefully remove the natural secretions that form in the outer corner of the eye. The ears are examined several times a month and cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in a hygienic solution.

To avoid problems with teeth, they also need to be examined every day. Yes, the cat will have to be patient, but the owner should adapt and do it quickly. To make the inspection process easier, get your kitten accustomed to it from childhood - this will greatly simplify the task in the future. And lastly, do not create drafts at home, since the British are very sensitive animals in this regard. Because of the cold wind, they can get a bad cold, and you have to admit, it won’t be easy to watch a cat constantly sneezing.

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Description of the British

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//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> This is a fairly powerful animal with a somewhat stocky body and a large chest and well-developed muscles. The body is perfectly balanced, and the limbs are strong and strong.

Female cats are significantly smaller than males, their maximum body weight is 6 kg, while well-fed males can reach 12 kg.

On average, British cats live 12-16 years. The main thing is to properly care for your furry friend and not forget about feeding.

The legs are short but strong, and the tail is quite fleshy and rounded at the tip.

All British cats have thick fur, which can be blue, grayish or lilac. There are two types of breed: long-haired and short-haired.

It is characterized by a round head and thick cheeks, giving the muzzle that very serious expression. The neck is short and massive and has a distinct fold.

The nose is small, and the ears are short and rounded. Perhaps this softens some of the severity of British cats. The location of the ears does not distort the impression of the roundness of the head. A feature of British women is considered to be noticeable jowls and a depression between the ears.

The normal body temperature of the breed is considered to be 38-38.5 degrees.

The eyes are round and coppery-orange, although heterochromia sometimes occurs. Then the second eye can be either blue or green.

Allergies to the British breed are at a moderate level.

British shorthair cats

Living conditions in England gave the animals a thick coat and dense undercoat. The short wool of the first breed group is elastic in structure and at the same time soft to the touch, and looks like plush in appearance. The British Shorthair is also called Teddy.

This branch of the British breed received wool 2.4-2.5 mm long as a gift.

The length of the pile is the same throughout the body. When the animal is sitting, a slight ruffiness is noticeable on the line of the back. This “hedgehog” is formed as a result of a not very tight fit of the fur to the body.

The advantages of short pile include easy care of the coat, both on the part of the owner and on the part of the pet.

Longhaired British cats

The aristocratic appearance of the long-haired British cat, the second breed group, immediately catches the eye. Mating with breeds other than British Shorthairs is not allowed in any way, otherwise the new litter will not be recognized as purebred.

The medium-length coat has a good undercoat and dry guard hair. A noticeable collar and peculiar fluffy pants add special beauty. The luxurious tail with long pubescence deserves special words of admiration.

The breed standard prohibits long-haired British females from having a white color with a color point.

The breed appeared as a result of crossing British cats with Persians. Seals from Britain already sometimes had kittens with long hair, and special breeding only strengthened this trait. The Persians made their own adjustments to the appearance of cats, causing asymmetry of the skull and distortions of the jaw, so today only the ancestors of the first hybrids continue the race, without the involvement of Persian cats.

Colors of British cats

Many people define British cats by their monochromatic blue color, but today there are 200 different shades of color.

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Popular colors of the breed:

Solid colors include not only white, black or chocolate, but also red, cinnamon, and fawn. Tortoiseshell colors include black and red, chocolate red, creamy blue, smoky, and bicolor.

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By type, the colors that are of greatest interest are:

• tabby(brindle);
• marble;
• color point;
• spotted;
• shaded.

Each color contains variations and additions of other shades.

The colors of the British breed are especially beautifully combined

:

• tabby marbled;
• silver tabby;
• golden tabby;
• mackerel;
• cream marbled;
• Torbico;
• silver ticked;
• gold marble;
• smoky color point;
• silver veiled;
• golden shaded.

The color requirements are clearly stated in the standard. For some reason, the most popular colors in Russia are silver tabby, blue, lilac and chinchilla, and black is completely unpopular.

Attitude towards children

The presence of cats in the house has a very beneficial effect on the development of children. They create a favorable environment and promote the production of “happiness hormones.” Quite often in families with one child, you can hear complaints from parents that the baby is growing up capricious, spoiled, and misbehaving. A furry pet in the house changes the psyche of children for the better.

The animal partially switches the parents' attention from the child to themselves, reducing the intensity of excessive care. The child may begin to talk to the cat, which will help with speech development. By playing with a pet, children develop fine and gross motor skills.

Some psychologists even argue that having an animal in childhood helps you cope more easily with adolescence, and then in family life. Such children, and subsequently adults, are kind, sociable, and treat others with understanding.

It is believed that cats strengthen the baby's immunity. They bring their own microflora, which the baby will encounter outside the home, and make it possible to resist various diseases.

Parents often worry about their child's allergies. Before adopting a pet, consult your doctor. It is believed that children who grew up with animals are less susceptible to allergies.

Bad habits

Just like people, cats have bad habits. No, they don't smoke or drink alcohol, or even use drugs. They have a different world and other bad habits. As a rule, they take up to a year to form.

British cats can take offense at their owners.

British babies can start biting their hands as early as 4 months. They, like small children at this age, are teething. This problem can be easily solved with special teethers.

The owner's hands will be the favorite teething tool if you don't wean him off this habit in time. Having matured, a British cat can bite constantly.

A Briton can push his owner out of bed.

When a little kitten sleeps in the same bed as its owner, it looks quite cute. The fluffy little ball is snoring peacefully nearby.

But when he grows up, he begins to consider the bed his territory, and sometimes the owner will survive from his own bed. Therefore, while the kitten is small, designate the territory where he is not allowed to go, show acceptable boundaries.

Kittens love to watch things fall from the table, from the bedside table, they will throw away everything that is “badly worth it.” It is necessary to wean the animal from this habit in early childhood. Otherwise, on the floor there will be not only a pencil, but also an expensive telephone, a vase of flowers, dishes and everything that falls cheerfully and loudly.

They treat toys the same way as small children - their interest in them is very short-lived. For a maximum of one day, the fluffy will play with a new entertainment, and then interest disappears, the toy will gather dust in the corner.

To give your kitten toys that don't put a strain on your budget, make them yourself. Pencils, tennis balls, and ping pong balls are suitable for active games.

Nothing can replace personal attention to your pet. Nowadays, we spend a lot of time at the computer. As a break, play with your fluffy fidget, then he will learn to occupy himself independently when his owners are not around.

It is worth getting personal toys for your British cat.