Le british shorthair

Le British Shorthair, chat originaire de Grande-Bretagne à l’allure majestueuse

Son nom permet d’entrée de jeu de connaître ses origines et ses caractéristiques physiques. Le British Shorthair est originaire de Grande-Bretagne. A l’allure majestueuse, il est reconnaissable à son poil court et s’apparente à un vrai ours en peluche.

Caractéristique du British Shorthair

Doté d’un corps musclé, puissant et robuste, le British Shorthair se distingue également par ses jolies rondeurs. C’est d’ailleurs pourquoi on le considère comme le « teddy bear » de la race féline. Avec des épaules et des hanches larges, il possède également des pattes de longueur moyenne à courte ainsi qu’une queue épaisse.

Sa tête au crâne arrondi et à la truffe noire laisse apparaitre de puissantes bajoues, surtout chez les mâles. L’une des particularités de cette race se trouve au niveau de son nez court aux narines ouvertes et incurvées. Ses yeux très ronds sont en général de la même couleur que sa robe qui peut se décliner en 17 nuances, bien que le British Shorthair silver soit le plus apprécié. Les poils de l’animal sont courts, compacts et denses. Un sous-poil épais se trouve sous la fourrure.

Historique de la race British Shorthair

Le British Shorthair a connu une histoire assez mouvementée. Originaire d’Angleterre, il avait comme ancêtres des chats de gouttière dont les aïeux avaient eux même une forte allure de Chartreux. D’importants croisements ont été réalisés entre les meilleurs de la race pour que celle-ci puisse être exposée à Londres au Crystal Palace en 1871. Décimés au cours de la Première Guerre Mondiale, ces chats ont fait l’objet de nombreux croisements au fil des années pour pouvoir renaître.

Cependant, à cause de ces différents mélanges de race, il a fallu attendre plusieurs générations avant qu’ils soient reconnus comme British Shorthair. Le même problème apparaît au cours de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale qui a causé la destruction des élevages de cette race. Des croisements Persans ont notamment permis à l’époque de rétablir toutes les caractéristiques physiques du British Shorthair.

Conditions de vie nécessaire et comportement du British Shorthair

A l’image de son aspect d’ours en peluche, le British Shorthair développe un caractère équilibré et paisible. Il n’est pas du tout envahissant et apprécie la compagnie d’autres chats et chiens. Il se plaira à évoluer auprès d’enfants. Ce grand chasseur est aussi un grand joueur. Si personne ne peut jouer avec lui, il saura se satisfaire d’un simple objet ou d’un jouet. D’ailleurs, le british ne souffre pas de la solitude, il peut rester seul longtemps dans l’appartement, une particularité intéressante pour les maîtres qui sont souvent absents.

Il peut très bien se plaire également dans les jardins et les grands espaces. L’idéal serait de l’équiper d’une clochette ou d’un collier GPS connecté en Wifi intégrant une puce GSM, s’il est laissé en liberté.

Alimentation et principaux problèmes de santé du British Shorthair

Le British Shorthair peut facilement être sujet à l’embonpoint si son alimentation n’est pas correctement surveillée. Ce grand gourmand doit consommer des aliments riches en protéines de préférence, avec un faible taux de graisse. Afin de lui assurer une santé de fer, des apports en vitamines et nutriments essentiels sont également recommandés.

De par ses origines, cette race de chat est rarement victime de maladies. Cependant, étant un descendant du Persan, il peut être atteint de maladies génétiques particulières comme la polykystose rénale ou la cardiomyopathie hypertrophique. Des tests sont généralement réalisés chez les reproducteurs pour détecter la présence éventuelle de ces pathologies et pouvoir ainsi les éviter.

Prix d’un chat ou d’un chaton de race British Shorthair

• Prix British Shorthair mâle : 950 €
• Prix British Shorthair femelle : 950 €

23 Best Short Blue Hair

The short hairstyles no doubt give you the double benefit of short, easy and effortless hairstyles along with the look of a professional lady. To even look different among those who possess short hair you can try the blue color on your hair. Check out these Best Short Blue Hairstyles and decide which one will suit you most. One of the best ideas you can try is an updo hair. In this way, your blue hair will get a daily look and you will be able to go anywhere you want in your daily life. If you like shorter hairstyles, then you can try pixie cuts. The blue hair color on pixie is just amazing. Make the top of your hair light blue and the sides dark. This will make the longer parts of your hair stand out and shine. Wavy hair is another option for blue hair. Waves give a gorgeous look and show off your blue color in an amazing way. Blue is really an eye-catching color and if you try a bold look along with this color you become even more stylish. Braided blue hair is another enjoyment. If you love to have a girlish look and make a statement then we offer you to try one-sided braid. The blue shades will show off your braid in a perfect way. If you have finally decided to go blue but don’t know what hairstyle to choose then there is not a more perfect option that bob haircuts. Be it round bob, angled bob, stacked bob or any other type, you will have an amazing look when you cut your hair bob. Round bob will show off your facial features and make your face even more beautiful. Angled bob will show you slimmer and the blue tone will really make you stand out. If you want a bold look, then we offer you try stacked bob and use various tones of blue color. Bob with Fringe is also a perfect option for your blue hair. This is a summer look which will help you become more innovative. Women who want to get a totally new look should try super short undercut hairstyles. This is a bold look that will turn everybody’s head. In general, all short hairstyles are amazingly beautiful in blue color. There are many kinds of blue shades, so you need to decide which ones to use on your hair. If you feel unsure you should discuss it with your hair stylist and she will choose the best hairstyle and color option that works best for you. Now just explore these photos below and you will feel inspired to take one of the blue hair color ideas for this summer!

1-Short Blue Hair

2-Pixie Hair

3-Curly Hair

4-Light Blue Hair

5-Dark Blue Hair

6- Cool Braided Hair

7- Short Hair With Fringe

8- Angled Bob

9-

10- Layered Hairstyle

11- Multi-colored Braided Hair

@mysenpaiseverus you rock dude. Thanks for always allowing my creativity to flow. 🙏🏼

A post shared by Audrey Hudson (@oddbarbie) on May 15, 2018 at 7:11pm PDT

Cute bob cut in a cool, aquamarine shade. This ons has short, blunt bangs for a more youthful finish.

Peek at freshened haircolors. Sun and shade #fashion #pulpriot #bobbedhair #bluntbangs #selfie #swipeleft #bluehair #purplehair #garden #yard #summer @hairbyannriordan #bobsbouffantsandbuzzcuts

A post shared by Di Kulka (@instadjdi) on Jun 16, 2018 at 11:57am PDT

Short, blue hair in a blunt bob cut enhanced with blunt bangs.

My two new collaborations with @makeupforeverofficial are out! 😏Artist Liquid Matte in 15 shades and Artist Face Colors custom face palette with Sculpting Highligthing and Blush! Oh la la! #makeupforever #playwithcolors #madaboutmatte #artistliquidmatte #artistfacecolor

A post shared by J E S S I E . J (@jessiej) on Aug 31, 2017 at 11:39pm PDT

Jessie J in a short, vibrant blue hairstyle for a make-up endorsement. She looked a bit different with this style but she’s gorgeous as ever! Blue goes well with her skin tone.

Another shot of that teal periwinkle #pixie by @doug_theo. Check out the video posted earlier 🎽🎽🎽#hugosalon

A post shared by Maryland Hair Salon Pulp Riot (@hugosalon) on Feb 16, 2016 at 11:20am PST

A straight pixie dyed with the enchanting tone of teal. This hairstyle exhibited nothing but magic and creativity.

Bowl Cut and style on @lacroixgrl styled with #randco #americansalon #hairbrained #modernsalon #eastnashville #hairbybrianhickman #texture #undercut #localhoneynashville #nashville #behindthechair #beautylaunchpad #bluehair

A post shared by Brian Hickman (@brianhickman1) on Jan 21, 2016 at 5:29pm PST

An old-fashioned bowl cut incorporated with a modern, cool tone of blue. The combination of these two elements is indeed beautiful and edgy at the same time.

Messy and wavy bob looking so cute and perky with these unicorn tones of pastel blue and pink. This kind of hairstyle will surely stay on the current generation’s trend list for it looks really fun and youthful.

Dyed hair has never been this sleek and elegant. This straight bob is painted with aquamarine and silver hues that are enhanced by a v-shaped cut on the top layer of the hair.

@pulpriothair Cut live on main stage @premiere_orlando I used our new #neonelectric colors Candy, Nirvana, and Aera 51. Model @thatonehairdresser

A post shared by Doug Theoharis (@doug_theo) on Jun 5, 2017 at 6:12pm PDT

Short hair will never be boring if you just try and go for hairstyles that are beyond your limits. In this shaved style, two neon tones are used; specifically neon pink and neon blue. The combination is perfect for that punky finish.

A post shared by Chiyuki・LA Hair Stylist (@chiyukihair) on May 18, 2016 at 10:29pm PDT

Thick hair in a wavy bob cut. This hairstyle, since the black hair is paired with a sapphire blue tone, is oozing with beautiful contrasting effects.

☠

A post shared by @kimmyschram on Sep 11, 2016 at 5:51pm PDT

A wavy bob in a dusty aquamrine shade, tousled to perfection. This look creates a grunge and edgy look in a much deeper dimension.

Color fun for the bday girl💙💚 #sweet16 #modcolor #influancehaircare #thecutlife #modishhairstudio

A post shared by Kisha Larie (La-rie) (@msklarie) on Mar 19, 2016 at 10:35am PDT

Wavy bob cut with streaks of different blue tones for a mermaid-like finish.

Silver Metallic hues for one of my absolute faves!! Finished with a fresh cut & style! #modernsalon #americansalon #behindthechair #unicorntribe #taotam #209salons #209stylist #silverhair #shorthair #balayage #ombre #authentichairarmy @authentichairarmy #hotonbeauty #stylistshopconnect

A post shared by Aerica Pena | Stylist|Colorist (@aerica_marie) on Feb 3, 2016 at 1:32pm PST

A stacked bob with metallic blue and purple highlights.

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A post shared by Hairstylist | Salon Owner (@glamiris) on Apr 17, 2016 at 7:41pm PDT

Double turquoise bun for short hair, a great coachella look for millennials.

ICE ❄💙💦🦄⚪️ @schwarzkopfusa color #HairByJeffreyRobert #BeScenePulpRiot #PulpRiotHair

A post shared by Colorist | Hair | California (@jeffreyrobert_) on Jun 7, 2016 at 9:05pm PDT

Achieve an icy feel for your hair color by combining platinum blonde and pastel blue tones.

So I got to do some rad hair today at The Standard Hair Studio in Naples owned by my super good friend @dillahajhair This pretty thang @caseyrochelle made quite the drive to see us! Thanks Casey!

A post shared by Katie Sanchez (@katiezimbalisalon) on Jan 20, 2016 at 5:16pm PST

Short choppy hairdo with subtle blue streaks for a funky and bold look.

She ask for the two on the left…and I gave it to her right 😏 #atlantaStylist #atlstylist #SewInBob #atlSewin #AtlantaSewIn #atlQuickweaves #AtlantaQuickweaves #BlueBob #bluehair #ombre #sidepart #asymmetricbob #layers

A post shared by FunSize (@thathairchickfs) on Sep 7, 2015 at 7:58pm PDT

Fun color in an elegant cut. Combine two styles in one hairdo!

Grey/silver roots to a minty green color transition from her faded blue back to an icy silver #greyhair #silverhair #mintgreenhair #pastelhair #pastel #pastelhaircolor #Haircolor #redken #redkenobsessed by #mizzchoi cut by @salsalhair #ramireztran #ramireztransalon

A post shared by Cherin Choi (@mizzchoi) on Sep 20, 2015 at 9:00am PDT

Low-key mermaid hairstyle for those who wants to be bold in a subtle kind of way.

Loving my hair today! I used @styleedithair ‘s pink spray on top of my teal to make it a pretty purple shade! Their colorful root sprays are tons of fun for clients looking for something temporary. 🍭

A post shared by Kelsey Abercrombie ✂️ (@kelsaberhair) on Aug 1, 2015 at 2:43pm PDT

Add a little sweetness to your boyish cut but having pastel tones of teal and lavander.

A post shared by Art & Chemistry (@artandchemistry) on Jul 28, 2015 at 8:36am PDT

Royal blue and black create a beautiful contrasting effect. This hairstyle might be simple, but it sure is fun.

« Make it look like a wig » says Steffanee. « Lets do aquatic » says colorist Stevie. « It needs structure with a statement » says stylist/colorist Hannah. This is collaboration at its finest. @pravana @keunehaircosmetics #aimandailiehairboutique #aimandailie #salon #evanston #evanstonillinois #btcpics #behindthechair #modernsalon #hairspiration #bluehair #aquatichair #colormelt #tealhair #turquoisehair #itsnotawig #thisisrealhair

A post shared by Aim & Ailie Hair Boutique (@aimandailiehairboutique) on Aug 29, 2015 at 8:36am PDT

If you wanna go brave and quirky at the same time, then why not try this blue bob with full bangs? A fun. exciting and anime-like look!

Midnight Blue Natural Hair Pixie!

A post shared by Christol (@salonchristol) on Feb 3, 2016 at 4:19am PST

Unleash your edgy personality with this hairstyle. The lighter tones of blue in front give more dimension to the whole look.

« Violent « ! Sooo in love with this color #voiceofhair #manicpanic #sheekwe #voiceofhair #getfussy #mobhair #hypehair #yayahair #brooklynhairstylist #9hairstudio #shorthairrules #thecutlife

A post shared by YaYa✂️ (@yaya146) on Mar 13, 2016 at 11:14am PDT

Pixie cut in blueberry tones. This hairstyle is simple yet truly uplifting.

Blue black 🔛

A post shared by Christol (@salonchristol) on Apr 7, 2016 at 5:38pm PDT

Layered bob cut looks extra fun and chic in dark blue color!

THIS BEAUTY MADE @cosmoprofbeauty #hairofthe day I HAVE TO SAY THANK U @cosmoprofbeauty for LOVING THESE 💙DEEP BLUE WAVES JUST AS MUCH AS I DO!!!

A post shared by Stephanie Shofner🌹 (@hairbystephanierose) on Apr 13, 2016 at 7:13am PDT

Experience the actual calmness of the sea with this blue beach waves. Great summer hairdo.

P I X I E M E R M A I D #mermaidhair #mermaidians #mermaidcolor #pixie #pixiecut #asymmetrical #bluehair #purplehair #silverhair #colormelt #fantasyhair #behindthechair #modernsalon #pravana #pravanalockedin #pravanavivids #tealhair #hairinspo #colorinspo #hotd #lotd #hairpainting #embeemeche #nothingbutpixies #imallaboutdahair #hotonbeauty #mermaid #beautifinder #dyeddollies #santamonica

A post shared by Ⓐⓜⓨ Ⓖⓘⓜⓑⓛⓔ (@amygimblestudio) on Dec 3, 2015 at 11:10am PST

A combination of dark blue and violet tones for an edgy look. The transition gives this hairstyle a natural effect, as if you’re born with a multicolored head.

💙💜 @richardatkuthaus💜💙 Hair by @richardatkuthaus ・・・ Olivia / purple and blue #richardatkuthaus #kuthausclaremont #claremont #joico #swartzkopf USA #fanolausa #behindthechair #modernsalon#alinebob #americansalon #cosmoprofbeauty #hairbrained_official #hairgoals101 #balayage #oribe #kuthausclaremont #richardatkuthaus

A post shared by Claremont Salon Kut Haus (@kuthaus_claremont) on Apr 3, 2016 at 7:51am PDT

Treat your hair with this unique and elegant hairstyle. Tousled bob looks really great in deep blue color.

Shot today. Color by @francescanola_hairartist and cut by me. #freesaloneducation #americansalon #salonlife #hairnerd #hairbrained #hair #modernsalon

A post shared by Russell Mayes (@russellmayes) on May 16, 2016 at 9:48pm PDT

<Dipped in Aqua Aura> Aqua Aura:quartz infused with gold #bluehair #dipdyehair #btconeshot_color16 #btconeshot_ombre #behindthechair #unicorntribe #taotam

A post shared by Katie Alm (@katieealm) on Apr 15, 2016 at 2:26pm PDT

Aqua blue goes very well with jet-black hair. In fact, several celebrities have tried this look including Kylie Jenner.

Happy Saturday ☔️

A post shared by Christol (@salonchristol) on May 21, 2016 at 4:28am PDT

Super curly hair in blue tones! This hairstyle creates a fun and positive aura.

Nowadays, the bright colored hair would not to be seen as a sign of rebellion and only belonged to young teenage girls. Most of time, the multi-tone colored hairstyle is being a great alternative for the dull whole-colored hairstyle for women of all age groups. It will look better with a lighter toned complexation. Take for an example, the bright blue colored hairstyle can be a great choice for create a fabulous look. Have a look at 30 pretty and chic blue hairstyles for women below!

Turquoise Highlights for Brunette Hair

Turquoise Highlights for Brunette Hair via

The long brunette hair looks quite trendy and chic with turquoise blue highlighted layers underneath.

Short Blue Hairstyle

Short Blue Hairstyle via

This deep blue colored hair with side bangs is certain to earn more head-turns on street for the wearers.

Pastel Long Blue Wavy Hair

Pastel Long Blue Wavy Hair via

The light purple color works perfectly with the blue shade in this glamorous long wavy hairstyle.

Pastel Blue Long Wavy Hair

Pastel Blue Long Wavy Hair via

This lovely pastel blue color hair is ideal for girls who love natural and soft looks.

Neon Blue Wavy Hairstyle

Neon Blue Wavy Hairstyle via

It is a great idea to style your soft long waves with the bright neon blue color for a glamorous retro 60s’ look this season.

Medium Blue and Blonde Hair

Medium Blue and Blonde Hair via

The blue highlights can give a cooler and fresher look to this pretty blond curly hair.

Long Wavy Blue Ombre Hair

Long Wavy Blue Ombre Hair via

The glamorous blue ombre hairstyle is an ideal option for girls who want to wear off the blue hair for a makeover.

Long Turquoise Hairstyle with Bangs

Long Turquoise Hairstyle with Bangs via

Never forget the greenish turquoise blue as it will make a super sweet and dreamy look in hot summer days.

Long Blue Hairstyle with Bangs

Long Blue Hairstyle with Bangs via

It looks magic to have purple highlighted bangs for a long blue wavy hairstyle.

Long Blue Hair with Pink Highlights

Long Blue Hair with Pink Highlights via

The thin bright pink streaks paired with the long straight blue hair in a very gorgeous way.

Purple and Teal Ponytail Hairstyle

Purple and Teal Ponytail Hairstyle via

It is an effective way to style your simple ponytail with blue, teal and purple colors for a more impressive style.

Long Black Hair with Blue Bangs

Long Black Hair with Blue Bangs via

The bright blue highlights are being placed at the front to frame the face shape better.

Teal Green and Brown Hair

Teal Green and Brown Hair via

This medium brown hair looks fresh and vibrant with the teal streaks in it.

Light Blue Short Spikey Hair

Light Blue Short Spikey Hair via

The short choppy haircut will look edgier and prettier if colored in the light blue shade.

Lavender and Light Blue Hair

Lavender and Light Blue Hair via

The beautiful light purple shaded strands can give added depth and dimension to the long blue straight hairstyle.

Edgy Blue and Green Hair

Edgy Blue and Green Hair via

The eye-catching lime green color will definitely create more spot of attention for this pretty blue hairstyle.

Dark Blue Straight Hair

Dark Blue Straight Hair via

The bright blue hair color is also being a great choice to create an edgy Funky look for young teenage girls.

Dark Blue Long Hairstyle with Bangs

Dark Blue Long Hairstyle with Bangs via

The sleek straight hairstyle shows more mysterious and alluring with blunt cut bangs and deep blue shade.

Blue, Blond, and Purple Braided Hair

Blue, Blond, and Purple Braided Hair via

This French braid updo shows very interesting and fun with green, purple and blue colors in it.

Blue Wavy Bob Hairstyle

Blue Wavy Bob Hairstyle via

This curly wavy bob hairstyle shows more adorable with the light blue tone over the length.

Blue and Purple Ombre Hair

Blue and Purple Ombre Hair via

It looks splendid to have the silver blue color blended into purple hair in the ends.

Blue and Pink Short Hair

Blue and Pink Short Hair via

This short hairstyle with side bangs will definitely make you stand out with the funky colors like blue, pink and orange.

Blue and Grey Straight Hair

Blue and Grey Straight Hair via

It creates an understated style to combine the greenish blue with black and light blond hair color.

Blue and Blonde Hair

Blue and Blonde Hair via

The blue colored hair ends can spice up a charming blond hairstyle to the peak.

Blue and Blond Bob Hair

Blue and Blond Bob Hair via

The choppy bob hairstyle shows very flattering with the light shaded blue color at the ends.

Blue and Black Wavy Hair

Blue and Black Wavy Hair via

This long wavy hairstyle shows very flowing and chic with the blue hued locks at the bottom.

Blue and Black Hair

Blue and Black Hair via

A spot of dark blue shade can liven up this dull black hairstyle greatly for girls.

Blonde and Blue Ombre Hair

Blonde and Blue Ombre Hair via

It is a great idea to wear pretty sugary hair colors on your head this summer. Pick out some and try this hairstyle.

Black and Blue Wavy Hair

Black and Blue Wavy Hair via

It is a great way to upgrade this glamorous long wavy hairstyle with the coolest dip dye coloring technique.
You can find more (blue hairstyles) on prettydesigns.com

British Shorthair Cat Breed

Shedding

Your British Shorthair may experience seasonal shedding in the spring and fall, so brush regularly during those periods to remove loose hair. Outside of those seasons, weekly brushing will suffice.

Health

Although the breed is free from many genetic diseases that plague other breeds, British Shorthairs are susceptible to gingivitis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hemophilia B. Obesity is another concern, as this cat loves to eat and leads a relatively sedentary lifestyle.

Choosing the Best Food for British Shorthair Cats

Due to their inactivity, particularly as they age, weight gain is a concern for British Shorthairs. To keep yours at a healthy weight, choose a cat food formulated for weight management, such as Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Formula or Purina ONE Healthy Metabolism. Follow the feeding guidelines based on your cat’s age and weight or consult with your veterinarian for additional guidance.

Choosing the Best Food for British Shorthair Kittens

Like many other medium to large cat breeds, the British Shorthair takes at least 3 years to fully mature. They only need kitten food specially formulated with all the nutrients essential to their growth and development during their first year of life, however. A kitten food like Pro Plan Focus Kitten Chicken & Rice Formula or Purina ONE Healthy Kitten Formula will provide your British kitty with everything she needs to live a long and healthy life.

To explore other products for your British Shorthair, see our Product Selector.

British Short Hair

• Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. This inherited disease is difficult to diagnose and often the first symptom is sudden death. It is caused by the thickening of the heart’s walls. It mostly affects older male cats, but can occur in younger cats too. Some cases may not be lethal and can be treated with medication if diagnosed via an echocardiogram. Signs of this disease include anorexia, lethargy, difficulty breathing, coughing, fainting and paralysis of the legs; however some cats may show no symptoms.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease. PKD is a condition that is inherited and symptoms can start to show at a young age. Polycystic Kidney Disease causes cysts of fluid to form in the kidneys, obstructing them from functioning properly. It can cause chronic renal failure if not detected. Look for symptoms like poor appetite, vomiting, drinking excessively, frequent urination, lethargy and depression. Ultrasounds are the best way to diagnose the disease, and some cats can be treated with diet, medication and hormone therapy.
• Gum Disease. British Shorthairs can be prone to gum diseases and should be examined regularly as some gum diseases can be potentially life-threatening. Their teeth should also be brushed frequently to prevent periodontitis, which can lead to kidney and heart problems.

Not all conditions are covered by Pet Insurance. For details of Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance cover, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement.

When many people picture a British Shorthair, the image that springs to mind is the classic British Blue: a handsome kitty with solid blue-grey fur and amber eyes. In actual fact, though, British Shorthairs exist in a range of amazing colours and patterns. Many of these have been formally recognised by the various cat registries. Besides completely solid colourings (what are called “self” colours in cat fancier parlance), many patterns are recognised including points, calicos, tortoiseshells and many kinds of tabby. While some colourations are not recognised, and would disqualify the cat as a show animal, they are often beautiful and endearing in their own way. In this article, we’ll discuss the breed in general before taking an in-depth look at all the gorgeous colours that a British Shorthair can manifest.

The British Shorthair breed

The British Shorthair is one of the world’s most beloved pedigree cat breeds. It’s very easy to see why: not only are they very winsome and prepossessing to look at, they have charming natures. While not given to extended sessions of lap time, they are nonetheless deeply affectionate, loyal and easy to get on with. The British Shorthair is a friendly character, quite laid-back and not prone to hostility or destructiveness. When provoked, she prefers to take her to leave and make a graceful exit to the nearest high spot rather than throwing a tantrum.

Physically these cats are very engaging: the breed standard calls for a stocky, muscular body (termed “cobby” in the official descriptions) with a broad chest. The ideal British Shorthair has short, well-developed limbs, round paws and a blunt tail with a broad base. The small ears are rounded and set rather far apart on the kitty’s head, which makes her head look even rounder than it already is. A British Shorthair’s skull is brachycephalic but not to an overly pronounced degree; this breed has a slightly snub nose, not a squashed one. The chin should be nice and strong, lining up perfectly with the nose. The face of a British Shorthair cat has large whisker pads and, in some males, noticeable jowls. With its round eyes and the suggestion of a permanent smile, the British Shorthair cat‘s face has a natural friendliness that can’t help but charm anybody who meets one.

Make Sure To Read:

• British Shorthair As Pets – 10 Things You Need To Know
• How Do You Take Care Of A British Shorthair Cat – Full Guide For First Time Owners
• 15 Ways to Keep Your British Shorthair Healthy and Happy

Eye colours in British Shorthair cats

British Shorthair cats can have a number of different eye colours. To be a show animal, however, they should have deep orange eyes. Blue or mismatched eyes are only accepted in white BSH cats; green or hazel eyes are accepted only in black silver tabbies. Eye colour needs to be pure, without rims or flecks of other colours in the iris.

The “British Blue” self-coloured British Shorthair

British Shorthair Blue

This colouration is, in many people’s minds, the epitome of the British Shorthair. It’s one of the oldest in the breed, created by breeding the British Shorthair line with Russian Blues many generations ago. It’s a tremendously appealing colouration. To be a real British Blue the cat’s colour must be completely solid and very pure: a dense, crisp coat of light to medium blue-grey, without any spots or even a hint of tabby striping. In particular, there should be no white hairs anywhere. In kittens, silver tipping is permissible but the cat needs to outgrow it in order to become a really top-class show animal. Nose leather and toe pads should also be blue to match the cat’s coat. The cat’s eyes should be a strong coppery orange or rich amber; this can take a few months to fully manifest, with many British Blue kittens having eyes of flat brown until they grow into their adult colour.

White self-coloured British Shorthair cats

White self-coloured British Shorthair cats

Self or solid colour BSH cats can be pure white — the only time that any white hair is accepted on this breed. To be a show-quality cat the white needs to be clean and pure, with no tinge of yellow or other colours. A white British Shorthair cat can have sapphire blue eyes (known as a blue-eyed white BSH). Orange-eyed white BSH cats should have copper, amber or deep gold eyes. Odd eyes are also accepted by the breed standard. Odd-eyed BSH cats must have one sapphire blue eye and one amber or golden eye; other eye-colour combinations are not accepted. Nose leather and paw pads should be pink. In kittens, colouration on the head may be accepted but not in the adult.

Black self-coloured British Shorthair cats

Black self-coloured British Shorthair cats

Black BSH cats need to have fur of the purest jet black, with no rusty shades or brown patches. A little tinge of rust is okay when the cat is still a kitten; they tend to grow out of it. In an adult cat, the fur should be solidly black. A black BSH cat should have black nose leather and paw pads (no pink or brown “toe-beans”). The classic orange eye-colour of this breed makes an arresting combination with deep black fur.

Chocolate self-coloured British Shorthair cats

Chocolate British Shorthair

Chocolate British Shorthairs get their colouration from cross-breeding with chocolate Persians (followed by extensive work to rein in the tendency to longer hair and regain the proper coat texture). It’s a charming colour, especially combined with the British Shorthair’s orange eyes. The coat colour in this breed can vary somewhat, with any shade of rich chocolate being accepted within the breed standard. Paw pads and nose leather may be either chocolate or pink.

Lilac self-coloured British Shorthair cats

Liliac British Shorthair

“Lilac” in cat fancy jargon denotes a delicate frosty grey, lighter than the classic blue and with a noticeable pinkish tone. This combination of shades creates the cat’s overall lilac colouration. The nose leather and paw pads of a lilac British Shorthair should be a similar pinkish lilac to the fur.

Red self-coloured British Shorthair cats

Red British Shorthair

Red as a British Shorthair colour is still at the provisional stage; it’s quite a recent addition. The coat colour should be a deep rich red, with as few tabby stripes or markings anywhere as possible. The cat’s nose and pads should be brick red. Like red-haired humans these cats sometimes have freckles on their bare spots, such as pads, nose leather, ears, eyelids and lips. As long as the freckling is slight, it won’t be penalised by show judges even in a mature cat.

Cinnamon self-coloured British Shorthair cats

Cinnamon British Shorthair

Cinnamon is another fairly new addition to the breed standard. Cats with this colouration are a warm reddish brown, exactly like the spice their colour is named for. They can have pink or cinnamon noses and paw pads.

Fawn self-coloured British Shorthair cats

Fawn self-coloured British Shorthair

Fawn BSH cats have coats of a warm mushroom colour with a rosy hue. Their nose leather and paw pads need to be a pinkish fawn to conform to the breed standard. This colouration’s commonest fault is silver tipping, which is only permissible in kittenhood.

Cream self-coloured British Shorthair cats

Cream self-coloured British Shorthair

“Cream” in the breed standard refers to a warm but pale off-white hue, neither as ruddy as the red colouration nor as dark as the fawn. The cat’s nose leather and paw pads should be pink. Cream BSH cats may have a few tabby markings, which should be as faint and slight as possible. Like red BSH cats they sometimes have freckles; as long as freckling is slight, it’s acceptable in adult cats.

Tabby British Shorthair cats

Tabby British Shorthair

Tabby markings in British Shorthair cats fall into one of three categories: classic tabby, mackerel tabby and spotted tabby. In all varieties, the markings need to be clear and dense in colour, well-defined and not faint or blurred. Markings should not be brindled. There should be no white anywhere; lips and chin can be lighter than the rest of the cat but mustn’t be white.

The cat’s cheeks should have narrow lines and there should be an unbroken line of “mascara” running from the outer corner of both eyes. The tabby’s ears should be the same colour as the stripes, with a “thumbprint” of the ground colour at the base. In classic, mackerel and spotted tabby cats, the face markings should include a letter “M” on the forehead that looks rather like a frown.

There should be lines running from the M, over the cat’s head, and down to the markings on the cat’s shoulders. In both varieties of tabby, the cat’s tail should have ring-shaped markings that are narrow and as numerous as possible. The tip of the tail should be the same colour as the stripes.

The belly should show spotted markings and a tabby’s toes should also be spotted. In classic and mackerel tabbies the cat’s legs should be barred with even markings; the “bracelets” ringing the tabby’s legs need to extend from the body markings to the cat’s paws. On the hind legs, the markings need to extend from the hock to the sole of the foot. In spotted tabbies the pattern on the legs should be spotted rather than barred; we shall go into more detail about the spotted tabby’s colouration in a later section. Symmetry is important; the markings should be exactly similar reflections on either side of the cat. The ground colour and stripe colour should be evenly balanced with neither dominating.

Classic tabby body markings in British Shorthair cats

The classic tabby cat’s markings should include a butterfly shape across the shoulders. Both this butterfly pattern’s wings, upper and lower, should be clearly defined and crisp. The butterfly’s wings should be broken up with patches of the lighter ground colour. The classic tabby pattern features a line leading from this butterfly, down the back to the tail. This line should be unbroken and there should be lines on either side of it, running unbroken down the length of the cat’s back. On each flank there should be an oyster-shaped oblong mark with at least one unbroken ring around it. Tail rings need to be complete on a classic tabby.

Mackerel tabby body markings in British Shorthair cats

Mackerel tabby body markings in British Shorthair

Mackerel tabbies should have the same facial markings seen on the classic tabby. The mackerel tabby pattern is characterised by many narrow stripes, without the oblong “islands” seen in the classic tabby. There should be one central line running unbroken along the length of the cat’s spine, with broken lines on either side of it. The ring-shaped stripes surrounding the tail may be complete or broken.

Black silver tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

The coat colour for this type has markings of a dense black and ground colour of silver, producing a dramatic contrast; it’s no wonder that this particular colouration is very highly sought after among cat fanciers. This variety of British Shorthair can have green or hazel eyes alongside the breed standard eyes of orange. Nose Leather should be brick red, preferably; black nose leather is also allowed. Paw pads should be black. A brown tinge on the nose or paws constitutes a fault in this colour.

Blue silver tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

This lovely variety of British Shorthair has a ground colour of pale silvery blue with darker blue markings. It’s a very attractive combination, a bit more subtle than the black silver tabby. The nose leather ought to be blue according to the standard, while the paw pads may be blue or pink.

Chocolate silver tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

The stripes and other markings for this colour should be a shade of rich chocolate brown, while the ground colour should be a pale silvery shade of chocolate. The nose Leather should be chocolate. Paw Pads can be either
chocolate or pink in colour.

Lilac silver tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

The lilac silver tabby is an unusual and charming colouration. The coat colour has markings of a warm pinkish grey, while the ground colour is a pale silvery lilac. It’s quite a subtle combination, almost ethereal. The cat’s nose leather and paw pads should have a pink shade, which can be dark or pale.

Red silver tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

This is a vivid and vibrant colouration, with a rather more pronounced degree of contrast than the conventional “ginger” tabby cat. The coat colour for this variety has deep red markings on a ground colour of pale silvery cream. The cat’s nose leather and paw pads should be a nice rich red.

Cream silver tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

This is a very light and subtle variation on the tabby theme. The coat colour should have markings of a warm cream on a ground colour that’s silvery, almost white. The nose leather and paw pads should be a light or rosy pink.

Red tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

Not to be confused with the red silver tabby, these cats have a light red ground colour (although not too light, as an overly pale ground constitutes a fault). The cat’s markings should be deep rich red. The cat’s nose leather should be brick red in colour. Paw pads should also be red. This is one of the oldest pattern colours in the breed and is very popular.

Brown tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

These cats have a deep and subtle colouration, with markings of dense jet black on a rich copper brown ground. An overly pale brown ground colour constitutes a fault in this combination. Nose Leather can be black but brick red noses are preferred. Paw Pads should be black.

Blue tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

The ground colour for this variant should be a soft bluish fawn. The stripes and other markings should be a deep blue. The nose leather may be blue or pink, as may the paw pads.

Chocolate tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

The coat colour standard for this variant specifies markings of rich chocolate brown. The ground colour should be a warm-toned bronze, neither too light nor too dark. The cat’s nose leather should be chocolate brown in colour. The paw pads need to be chocolate or pink.

Lilac tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

Lilac tabby BSH cats have markings of lilac — that is to say, a warm grey with a distinctly pink hue. The ground colour is a cool light beige. Nose leather and paw pads in a lilac tabby should be pinkish.

Cream tabby coloured British Shorthair cats

These pretty cats have rich cream markings against a lighter ground colour of pale cream with a cool tone. Their nose leather and paw pads should both be pink.

Spotted tabby markings in British Shorthair cats

The spotted tabby should have the same head markings as the mackerel and classic tabby types. The body markings should consist of clearly defined spots of a dark colour against a lighter ground colour. Spotted tabby British Shorthairs have the same set of acceptable colourations as compared to their mackerel and classic tabby cousins. The following colours are accepted in spotted tabbies as for the classic and mackerel varieties:

• Brown spotted
• Blue spotted
• Chocolate spotted
• Lilac spotted
• Red spotted
• Cream spotted
• Black silver spotted
• Blue silver spotted
• Chocolate silver spotted
• Lilac silver spotted
• Red silver spotted
• Cream silver spotted

As well as the varieties listed above spotted British Shorthairs may also have tortoiseshell tabby colourations.

Tortie (tortoiseshell tabby) British Shorthair cats

The tortie tabby colouration is a combination of both tortoiseshell and tabby patterns, with the tabby spots or stripes being overlaid with patches in shades of cream or red. The markings and the patches should both be nice and distinct, with light red and/or dark red over the non- dilute colours (stripes or spots) or pale cream in the dilute (ground) colours. The colours should be strong and dense. Recognised tabby colourations include tortie tabby, tortie silver tabby, tortie spotted and tortie silver spotted British Shorthair cats. A tortie tabby’s eye colour should be copper, orange or amber with no trace of green. Other eye colours are not permitted in mature cats; rims and flecks of other colours are not allowed either. The exception to these rules is the black silver ticked tabby, who may have green or hazel eyes. Any colour of nose leather or paw pads is permissible as long as it’s appropriate to the coat colour; pink is also acceptable.

Ticked tabby British Shorthair cats

All colours of the ticked tabby variant are deemed to have preliminary status and are not yet fully recognised as part of the British Shorthair breed standard. Ticked tabbies are rather different from classic or mackerel tabbies. Ticking refers to stripes down the length of the hair shaft. Each hair should have two to three bands of colour that extend down the hair shaft; the colour at the roots is the base colour. Ticked tabby markings are restricted only to certain parts of the body. The tabby’s hairs should be evenly ticked all over the body but ticking may be heavier along the line of the cat’s spine. This heavier ticking may extend along the full length of the ticked tabby’s tail. The cat’s tummy should have spotted markings but the body should not have any markings — no stripes, no spots and no blotches at all. A ticked tabby’s tail can be ringed (the rings can be complete or broken); alternatively, it may show a continuation of the spine line’s darker colour. The tip of the tail should have the same colour as the cat’s markings. In adult cats, the legs may be barred or they may not.

The cat’s face, tummy and should show the base colour clearly. On the cat’s head, the ticking can be rather more dense. In kittens it may be completely solid, showing an M pattern on the forehead. The cat may have necklaces, either broken or unbroken; these are not a requirement, however, and there may be no necklaces at all without this constituting a fault in the colouration. The ticked tabby’s facial markings are the same as the British Classic Tabby standard.

Ticked tabby coat colours include brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, cream and red. Silver variants of all these colours are also acceptable, along with black silver ticked tabbies.

Bi-Colour and Tri-Colour British Shorthair cats

In these colour combinations, white markings are permissible. The oldest of these patterns is the handsome tri-coloured tortie and white; the original variant has a black, red and white coat but any two colours (as listed in the self-colour section) plus white are now accepted. Bi-colour BSH cats arrived on the scene somewhat later; they have coats showing patches of one self-colour and white.

British Shorthair Van cats

Vans are cats with a predominantly white body and a patch of colour on the head. The van’s tail is also fully coloured. Vans can have any of the self-colours as their markings. Bi-colour and tri-colour variants are possible. Van markings should be nice and clear with no white hairs in the coloured sections; all colours should be sound with no pronounced tabby markings. Blue vans should not have silver tipping once mature. Van BSH cats should have breed standard golden eyes. Note that all van colourings are preliminary for this breed.

British Shorthair Colourpointed cats

These charming cats appeared almost four decades ago when breeders introduced the Himalayan gene to the British Shorthair breed. This gave rise to a blue-eyed BSH variant with light-coloured bodies and contrasting points. To fulfil breed requirements, the British Shorthair colourpoint should have ears, mask, tail and legs in matching point colours. The points should be clearly defined and with good contrast against the body.

Colourpoints in all the recognised self-colours are accepted, along with seal point BSH cats. The breed standard also accepts tortie points and a great range of tabby colourpoints. The number of combinations is staggering, with everything from the traditional light fawn and seal points to exotic variants such as lilac and blue.

Colourpointed and white cats are also permissible under the breed standard. The cat’s face should have a white marking in the shape of an upside-down V. The apex of the V should start on the forehead and extend all the way down the cat’s face to cover the nose and the whisker pads. The markings should be as symmetrical as possible. The rest of the mask should be a clearly defined point colour and should match the ears and tail. There should be a nice, clear contrast between the body colour and the coloured points; any shading should blend with the points. Even heavy shading is acceptable as long as the cat’s other features are good. The cat’s bib, chest and undercarriage should all be white; the legs should either have tonal shading or be white too. It’s okay for the legs to have small patches of colour. All four of the cat’s feet need to be white.

British Shorthair Smoke cats

The smoke variant has caused something of a stir in the cat fancy. BSH smokes are characterised by an undercoat of silver that peeks through the topcoat, especially as the cat moves, creating an eye-catching smoke effect. The topcoat can be seal, any kind of tortie, or one of the previously listed self-colours. Smoke BSH cats with colourpoints are also possible, adding yet another variety to the already staggering range of possibilities.

Tipped British Shorthair cats

Also known as a “Tippy”, the tipped British Shorthair is a cat with the silver gene but with a colour at the ends of their hairs. The undercoat is very pale (it can be cream, silver or another light shade), appearing white with a “frosting” of colour. The tipping should be even across the whole of the cat’s body, except for the undercarriage and chin. Colours can be any one of the accepted self-colours with a pale near-white undercoat. It’s the evenness of the tipping which is of paramount interest to a show judge, rather than the degree thereof.

Tippies should not have any strong tabby markings; that said, rings on the tail may be acceptable if the cat is otherwise a good specimen of the breed. The cat’s coat should be evenly tipped, with the colour on the legs fading towards the paws. The cat’s chin, chest, stomach and undertail fur should be pale — the lighter the better — but there should not be any white patches. In the case of a tortie tipped cat, red or cream should not be absent or insufficient. Paw pads should be in keeping with the overall colour of the cat. Nose leather should be brick red, with some black outlining allowable.

There is also a non-silver variant of the British tipped cat. This is the golden tipped BSH cat, which has a coat of rich apricot-gold and black or dark brown tipping. The gold colour must be sound all the way down the hair shaft to the roots, with no darkening or fading into a different hue. Golden tippies should have a chin, stomach, chest and undertail of a pale apricot colour. Nose leather should be brick red (a black outline is permissible). Paw pads should be black or dark brown.

Tippies should have the breed standard copper or golden eyes, all except for black and golden tipped BSH cats (which should have green eyes). Nose leather should be brick-red. Their eyes and noses should be outlined with “mascara” in a dark colour. New varieties of tippies are appearing all the time, with the reception on the show bench being very positive.

The British Shorthair Colours And PatternsBreed standard.
​Described by the GCCF in its General Type Standards as compact, muscular, well-balanced and powerful, the British Shorthair has a deep body, full, broad chest and short legs. Paws are rounded and the tail should be round-tipped thick at the base. The head has a good width between small ears, cheeks and big expressive eyes. These facial features are completed by a firm chin and short, broad nose. The overall appearance should be one of alertness and perfect physical condition.
The self or single colours of the British Shorthair are found in blue, black, white, chocolate, red, cream, lilac, cinnamon and fawn. Added to this are the many non-self colours (more than one colour), such as tortoiseshells, tabbies and spotties, bi-colours, tri-colours, colourpointeds, smokes and tipped series.
In the Self British Shorthair the coat is of a single colour, sound to the roots, with no tabby markings and, with the exception of the Self White BSH, no white hairs anywhere. Eye colour should be copper, orange or deep gold, with the exception of the blue-eyed White (both eyes blue) or odd-eyed White (one copper, orange or deep gold eye, one blue eye)
The best known of all colours is the British Blue, being light to medium blue-grey with contrasting copper, orange or deep gold eyes. It has attracted admirers for more than a century and proved to be one of the most popular British colours of all time.
Add red, cream or white to any of the self colours and you have an attractive mix. These are known as Non-Self. Perhaps most popular is the Blue Cream or Dilute Tortie, while the Black Tortie is a longtime favourite. The newer colours are also producing chocolate-torties, lilac-torties, cinnamon-torties and fawn torties) Adding white will produce the bi-colours and tri-colours.
Smokes
This colour is becoming more popular as they are a very attractive cat. The top coat is any of the Self or Tortoiseshell colours but has a contrasting undercoat of silver which is often only apparent when the coat is parted through movement.
Tipped
This is a genetically silver variety of British Shorthair in which the colour is restricted to the ends of the fur in the form of tipping and the undercoat is so pale as to appear white. Tipping should be evenly distributed, and can look like a ‘frosting’ of colour on the coat. The Golden Tipped is the non-silver version of the British Tipped in which the coat is a rich golden apricot colour, sound to the roots, with black/dark-brown tipping. The Black and Golden Tipped cats have green eyes, with all other colours of tipped having copper, orange or deep gold. ‘Tippies’, as they are affectionately known, have outlining to their eyes known as mascara lines, and their brick-red noses are also outlined in colour appropriate to the colour of the coat tipping. Several new variations of colour are currently appearing on the show-bench and are proving to be popular.
Tabby and Spotted
The British Shorthair cat has three main patterns defined under the ‘Tabby’ heading. The Classic Tabby, The Mackeral Tabby and the Spotted. The Classic and Mackeral patterns differ only in the body markings. The Classic Tabby has a black line running down the spine with another black line running parallel on each side. Each flank should have an ‘oyster-shaped’ patch which should be surrounded by one or more unbroken rings. ‘Butterfly wing’ markings appear on the shoulders. The Mackeral Tabby should have a narrow unbroken spine line, on either side of which is a broken spine line from which the narrow lines which form the Mackeral pattern run vertically down the body. These lines should be as narrow and numerous as possible. The Spotted has the same head pattern as the Classic and Mackeral tabbies but the pattern on the body should consist of numerous, well-defined oval, round or rosette-shaped spots.
​The Tabby and Spotted patterned British Shorthair is available in all colours, both Silver and Non-Silver, although the Black Silver Tabby and Black Silver Spotted are the most well-known and sought after.
One of the oldest pattern colours, the British Red Tabby, has deep mahogany red markings on a red ground colour whilst the Brown Tabby has dense black markings on a copper-brown colour. Other colours to have been added include the ,Blue Tabby, with deep blue markings on a biscuit ground, Chocolate Tabby with deep chocolate markings on a bronze ground and the more dilute Lilac Tabby with lilac markings on a beige ground.
Bi-Colours and Tri-Colours
Short haired cats with white markings have been around for a very long time. The tri-coloured tortoiseshell and white, with its patched black, red and white coat, has the longest history and for many years was the only recognised British Shorthair breed with white markings. They appeared at the earliest cat shows and were a great favourite on the British show scene. Bi-colours were a later development ‘with patches of one self colour and white. Symmetry of design is desirable with the colour/white ratio paramount for showing.’ The Tri-colours have patches of two self colours with white.
Vans
Are a predominantly white cat with patches of colour on the head and a fully coloured tail.
British Colourpointed
It is getting on for 40 years now since the Himalayan gene was introduced from longhaired lines, creating a blue-eyed British with contrasting points and lighter coloured bodies that is now well established. All self points colours are possible, as well as tortie points and a wide variety of tabby pointed colours.

The British Shorthair is native to Great Britain in the same way that the American Shorthair is native to America—long ago it was transported there from somewhere else. However, the progenitor of the Brit, as it’s affectionately called, is probably Great Britain’s oldest natural breed of cat, and was roaming around Great Britain for centuries before its cousin journeyed to the New World.

In many ways, the British Shorthair’s struggle for recognition resembles the American Shorthair’s in North America. Both began as working cats and weren’t appreciated as the special breeds they are for many years. The British Shorthair originated from a common street cat once called the European Shorthair. This breed, whose appearance is much different from the Brits you’ll see today, came to Great Britain some 2,000 years ago, courtesy of the Roman Empire. As they conquered and colonized other lands, the Romans brought cats along with them to protect their homes from rodents. These cats had been obtained from the Egyptians, who were very tight-pawed with their treasured felines. Eventually, however, Phoenician caravans transported them along trade routes, and Roman armies smuggled them out of Egypt and carried them along to many lands. Although the Phoenicians first introduced cats to England, the Romans were most likely responsible for their widespread establishment when Rome invaded the British Isles. Eventually, the Romans were driven from the Isles, but the cats they had brought with them remained.

The cats left behind didn’t look like today’s British Shorthair. Lithe with long, elegant bones, these cats were sandy brown or yellow-gray in color, with ticked coats like the Abyssinian and tabby markings on their face, legs, and tail. They were probably members of, or closely related to, the African wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica, the progenitor of all domestic cats. After arriving in Europe, however, they mixed with the European wildcat, Felis silvestris silvestris, a local wildcat subspecies inhabiting most of Europe. This caused a shift in both coat and body style, since the European wildcat has a broad head, small wide-set ears, a sturdy, muscular body, and short, thick fur.

Some European wildcats bear the mackerel tabby pattern; this common tabby pattern found today in so many breeds and mixed-bred cats may have arisen from the European wildcat. Because of the colder and wetter conditions, the cats in Europe developed stocky, muscular body styles and thicker, water-repelling coats that were favorable to the climate. For hundreds of years, these cats earned their livings protecting from rodents in Great Britain’s barns, granaries, alleys, gardens, and households. From these working cats, the British Shorthair developed into a stalwart, substantial breed. In the 1800s, residents started to appreciate these hardy alley cats for their beauty, strength, personality, and their value as companions.

Blue British Shorthairs, at first simply called “Shorthairs,” were favorites of cat enthusiast Harrison Weir. Mr. Weir was instrumental in getting the British Shorthair recognized as a breed in its own right. While they became popular for some time there after, just before the turn of the century, longhaired exotics caught people’s eye and British Shorthairs declined in popularity. Nevertheless, British Shorthairs held their own until the chaos of World War II decimated the breed, along with most other European breeds as well. After the war, efforts were dedicated to preserving the British Shorthair breed. It took many generations to bring the breed back to their former glory, but eventually they prevailed.

Americans took little notice of the British Shorthair until the 1960s. In 1970, ACFA recognized the breed for championship in only one color—solid blue—and under the now obsolete name “British Blue.” Blue was, and still is, the most common color both here and in Great Britain. The breed slowly earned supporters, and between 1970 and 1980 British Shorthairs were officially recognized in all the many colors of the breed. Today, the British Shorthair has an active following. In Great Britain, the breed also has many fans.