British Shorthairs are famous for their chunky builds, teddy bear faces, and plush coats... but have you ever wondered just how many colours and patterns they come in?
Most people immediately think of the classic "British Blue" when they picture a British Shorthair, and fair enough, that iconic slate-grey coat is beloved worldwide. But there’s a lot more to the breed than just blue. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of judging British Shorthairs in just about every shade and pattern you can imagine. From solid creams to dramatic bi-colours, there’s something for every taste.
Let's explore the wonderful world of British Shorthair colours and patterns.
The Famous British Blue
No article about British Shorthairs would be complete without starting with the blue.
Colour: A solid, even greyish-blue with no markings or patches
Coat: Dense, plush, and slightly crisp to the touch
Eyes: Deep gold or copper (the brighter, the better)
The British Blue is so popular that many people still use “British Blue” and “British Shorthair” interchangeably. Rosie, my black British Shorthair, often gets mistaken for a blue in dim light, although her coat is a rich, deep black up close.
At shows, I see more blue British Shorthairs entered than any other colour combined. It’s truly the hallmark of the breed.
Solid Colours Beyond Blue
British Shorthairs also come in a variety of other solid colours, all with the same thick coat and majestic build:
Black: A true, jet-black coat with no hint of brown or rustiness
White: Pure snow-white, with either copper, blue, or odd-coloured eyes
Cream: Soft, pastel-like cream that looks almost edible
Red: Often referred to as "ginger," but should be a deep, rich red without tabby markings
Lilac: A pinkish-grey, very subtle and elegant
Chocolate: Deep, rich brown
Fawn: A warm, soft beige
Each solid colour should ideally be even and free from any ghost tabby markings, though kittens sometimes show faint patterns that fade as they mature.
Patterned British Shorthairs
If you love a bit more flair, patterned British Shorthairs offer fantastic variety.
Bi-Colours
Bi-colour British Shorthairs are part coloured, part white. The ideal pattern is a balanced distribution, with no more than half the cat being white.
Blue and white is very popular
Black and white can look striking, like little tuxedo cats
Lilac and white, chocolate and white, and cream and white are also seen
I judged a blue and white bi-colour once who had the most perfect little white socks and a neat blaze on his nose. He looked like he was ready for a formal dinner.
Tabbies
Tabby British Shorthairs come in three types:
Classic tabby: Bold swirls and butterfly patterns on the sides
Mackerel tabby: Narrow, vertical stripes like a tiger
Spotted tabby: Distinct, well-spaced spots
Tabby colours include blue, brown, cream, and silver varieties. A well-marked classic tabby British Shorthair is a real show-stopper.
Colourpointed
Colourpoint British Shorthairs, similar to Siamese in pattern, have a pale body with darker points (ears, face, paws, and tail). They come in blue, lilac, chocolate, and seal point, among others.
These cats often have stunning blue eyes, adding to their appeal.
Tortoiseshell and Tortie-Tabby
Tortoiseshell British Shorthairs mix two colours (like black and red) in a mottled pattern.
Torties: Mix of solid colours
Tortie-tabbies (also known as torbies): Mix of tabby patterns and tortoiseshell colouring
Tortie British Shorthairs, particularly blue-cream torties, are highly sought after and often have a very lively, cheeky personality to match their vibrant coats.
Rare and Unusual Colours
You might occasionally come across some less common shades:
Silver shaded: White coat tipped with colour, giving a sparkling effect
Golden shaded: A warm golden undercoat with black tipping
Smoke: A solid colour with a white undercoat, which becomes visible when the fur is parted
While less common, these colours add even more variety to an already diverse breed.
faqS About British Shorthair Colours
Blue is by far the most popular and instantly recognisable colour.
No. Blues are the most common British Shorthair colour and widely available from breeders.
Copper, orange or deep gold are standard for most, but whites and colourpoints may have blue or odd eyes. Silver series BSH cats have green eyes.
Yes, solid red British Shorthairs exist, though their colour is often deeper and richer than typical ginger moggies.
No, British Shorthairs are fairly quite.
Final Thoughts on British Shorthair Colours and Patterns
British Shorthairs are a wonderfully varied breed when it comes to colours and patterns. Whether you love the iconic blue, the drama of a black and white bi-colour, or the playful elegance of a tortie, there’s a British Shorthair for every taste.
Rosie might not have the classic blue coat that so many people picture, but her sleek black fur and copper eyes turn just as many heads. No matter their colour, British Shorthairs all share that solid, confident charm that makes them such delightful companions.
Choose the colour that steals your heart... the British Shorthair magic comes with it, no matter what shade.