British Shorthair Cat Breed Profile

So as a GCCF British Shorthair cat judge I am sure I can help.

Let me introduce you to the wonderful British Shorthair cat breed.

A Charming Brit with a Teddy Bear Soul

There’s something delightfully old-fashioned about the British Shorthair. With their plush coats, chunky builds, and stoic demeanours, they look like they belong perched on the windowsill of a country cottage, watching the world go by with a raised eyebrow. They're not the clingy, lap-cat type — they’re dignified, composed, and utterly British.

Origins and History of British Shorthairs

The British Shorthair is one of the oldest recognised cat breeds, believed to descend from cats brought to Britain by the Romans. These cats were likely kept to control rodents, and over time, they developed into the robust, thick-coated cats we know today, thanks to natural selection and the chilly British climate.

The breed’s modern journey began in the 19th century, when cat fanciers began selectively breeding the best examples. Harrison Weir, often called the “father of the cat fancy”, was instrumental in their development. The iconic ‘British Blue’ became especially popular.

However, both World Wars were devastating for the breed, and numbers declined drastically. Breeders crossed British Shorthairs with Persians and other breeds to save them, which introduced some of the plush coat and rounder features we see today.

Today, the British Shorthair is one of the most popular breeds in the UK — and rightly so.

Physical Characteristics (Based on GCCF Standard)

British Shorthairs are compact, powerful cats with a balanced, symmetrical appearance. According to the GCCF breed standard, here’s what defines them:

• Head: Large and round with full cheeks (especially in males), a short, broad nose, a firm chin, and rounded whisker pads. The skull should be broad and slightly domed.
• Eyes: Large, round, and expressive. The classic eye colour for blues is deep gold to copper, but this varies with coat colour — self white and colourpoints may have blue eyes; tipped and shaded may show green.
• Ears: Small to medium, rounded at the tips, and set well apart, following the contour of the head.
• Body: Medium to large, with a broad chest, strong legs, and a level back. The overall appearance should be cobby and muscular.
• Tail: Thick at the base, of medium length, and with a rounded tip.
• Coat: Dense, short, and plush — it should feel crisp, not soft or woolly.

Common Colours:

• Solid Colours: Blue (the most iconic), black, white, cream, red, chocolate, lilac
• Patterned Varieties: Tabby, colourpoint, bi-colour, tortie, shaded, and more

There are over 300 recognised colour and pattern combinations in total — so you’re spoiled for choice!

Personality and Behaviour of British Shorthairs

British Shorthairs are calm, confident, and quietly affectionate. They’re not needy, but they do enjoy being near their people — just not on them. If you're expecting a cat that clings to your leg like a toddler, this breed may not be for you.

They are intelligent, but not prone to mischief. You won’t find them swinging from your curtains or launching surprise attacks from under the sofa. A British Shorthair would consider such behaviour utterly beneath them.

Typical Traits:

• Quiet and low-energy
• Independent but friendly
• Tolerant with children and other pets
• Not particularly vocal
• Affectionate without being demanding

A British is more likely to sit beside you than in your lap, and when they do decide to share your sofa, you’ll feel honoured.

Living with a British Shorthair

This breed fits beautifully into a calm, steady household. They’re excellent for working people, as they can happily entertain themselves during the day. They’re not likely to develop separation anxiety, though they do enjoy your company when you're home.

They make wonderful companions for older adults or families with gentle children. British Shorthairs don’t tend to scratch furniture or climb the curtains — their play is more dignified. Think chasing a felt mouse across the floor rather than scaling a cat tree.

Indoor vs Outdoor:

They adapt well to indoor life. If allowed outside, it should be in a secure garden or supervised space — they’re not the most agile or fast-reacting cats, and urban dangers aren’t their forte.

Grooming:

British Shorthairs are very easy to groom and their short, thick coats will only need a brush or a comb once a week to keep them looking good. Be sure to remove all the dead hair during this weekly grooming session.

When the British Shorthair starts to shed you will need to groom them two or three times a week. This usually occurs for a couple of weeks in the spring and the autumn as they grow their new coats.

As with all breeds of cat, grooming should include keeping their claws trimmed and their ears clean and free from dirt. British Shorthair kittens quickly get used to being groomed and having their ears and teeth checked weekly.

Diet:

They’re not fussy, but they do enjoy their food. Portion control is a must, as they can be prone to weight gain.

Health Considerations

British Shorthairs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they have a few known issues:

• Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): A heart condition that can be inherited. Responsible breeders scan their cats.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Although less common now, it’s still seen in some lines.
• Obesity: They have a tendency to put on weight — keep an eye on portions and encourage gentle play.

Considering the British Shorthair?

If you’re still weighing up whether this breed is right for you, here’s who they’re best suited to:

British Are Ideal For:

• First-time cat owners
• Families with calm children
• Seniors or quieter households
• Working adults or part-time workers

British May Not Be For:

• People who want a cuddly lap cat
• Homes seeking a super active or playful breed
• Those expecting constant interaction or noise

They’re more “quiet companion” than “furry tornado”. If you want calm, character, and charm — you’ll love them.

British Shorthair Cat Gallery

Below are some British Shorthair cat pictures, please feel free to contact us if you would like to contribute any photos of your own British Shorthair cats and kittens, we would love to include them!