They have round heads with full, chubby cheeks and a body that is rounded and sturdy. British Shorthairs are large and muscular, and are described as having a cobby build. The breed has a broad chest, shoulders and hips with short legs, round paws and a plush but not fluffy tail. These are the characteristics listed in most governing bodies breeds standards to which show cats must conform.
The males of this breed are larger than the females, and the size difference between them is more easily noticed compared to other breeds. As with many breeds the adult males may also develop prominent cheek jowls that distinguish them from their female counterparts. The typical lifespan of this breed is 14 to 20 years. The British have few health issues.
The males' average weight is 5-10 kilograms, whereas a female would weigh up to 5-7kg.
British Shorthairs come in many colors. For many years the more popular blue variant was common enough to have a breed name of its own: the 'British Blue'. It remains one of the most popular colors in the breed, however there are now a large variety of other color and pattern variations accepted by most feline governing bodies and associations. These include the colors black, blue, white, red, cream, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon and fawn. They can be bred in "self" or "solid" which is all the one colour as well as the colorpoint, tabby, shaded and bicolor patterns. All colors and patterns also come in the tortoiseshell pattern which is a combination of red and cream with other colors. Of these colours chocolate and it's dilute version lilac are relatively new. A lilac British Shorthair is described as having a pink-grey coat. Even newer are British Shorthair cats in cinnamon and its dilute form fawn. British are also bred in a shadded (tipped) coat pattern, in both the silver and the golden form.
British Shorthair's are an easygoing breed of cats. They have a stable character and take well to being kept as indoor only cats. This is ideal for apartment living. It also keeps them safe from harm that might befall them outside. They are not terribly demanding of attention, although they will let you know if they feel like playing and enjoy mouse type or stick style toys. They are not hyperactive or "in your face cats" preferring to sit next to you or near you rather than on you. They will tend to supervise household activities either watching from a comfy perch or laying on the floor nearby.
British Shorthairs are wonderful cats for people who work as they are very happy just to laze around the house while you are out. They don't get destructive or need other animals for company. They do enjoy having another British Shorthair or a cat with a similar temprement around though.
They like attention and enjoy being petted. They are not a very vocal breed but will meow to communicate with their owners. For example when they are hungry and you are preparing their food they will meow at you. They may also meow at their favourite toy as they play with it. British Shorthair cats have a tendency to follow people from room to room as they want to be with you and see what is going on. Some do not mind being cuddled but most prefer to keep four paws on the ground and have you pat them rather than pick them up.
The breed has become a favourite of animal trainers because of its nature and intelligence, and in recent years these cats have appeared in Hollywood films and television commercials. British Shorthair owners have reported that their cats have spontaneously started to play fetch with toys like dogs do showing how quickly their cats can learn small ricks.
The British Shorthair does not require a lot of grooming because the fur does not tangle or mat easily. However, it is recommended that the coat be brushed now and again, especially during seasonal shedding.
Famous British Shorthairs
• Writer Lewis Carroll and illustrator Sir John Tenniel chose the breed as the model for the Cheshire cat in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
• A British Shorthair silver tabby is the face of Whiskas and a British Blue is the face of Sheba cat food. The Bacardi Breezer commercials also featured a silver tabby British Shorthair.
• In Terry Pratchett's Discworld Humour/Fantasy Novels, the Lancre Witch Nanny Ogg's cat Greebo (also known as The Terror of the Ramtops) is a British Blue.
• Winston Churchill (Church) from Pet Semetary was a British Blue.
• Toby a fictional cat on the ABC drama Desperate Housewives is a British Shorthair.
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