If ever there were a cat breed that could win a medal for looking like a teddy bear in feline form, it’s the British Shorthair. Stocky, plush, and round-faced, they’re built like little tanks, and they eat like them too, given half the chance. I’ve shared my home with these delightful cats for decades, and one thing I can tell you without hesitation is this: managing their weight is no joke.
My own BSH, Rosie, a striking black queen with a fondness for staring pointedly at the fridge, would happily eat herself into a rotund blob if I let her. But feeding a British Shorthair isn’t just about quantity. It’s about the right balance, nutrition, and structure to keep them trim, healthy, and full of life.
Let’s dive into what you really need to know.
Why Diet Matters More for British Shorthairs
British Shorthairs are prone to weight gain. That plush build, low energy, and love of lounging mean calories add up quickly. They’re not hyperactive cats, and you won’t often find them tearing around the house burning off excess kibble.
Excess weight in this breed puts pressure on their joints and can lead to conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. The key? Prevent rather than treat.
What Should You Feed a British Shorthair?
When choosing a food, aim for:
High protein to support muscle mass
Moderate fat to avoid excessive calories
Low carbohydrates (they don’t need fillers like wheat or corn)
Added taurine, omega-3, and vitamin A for eye and heart health
Look for formulas labelled for indoor or sterilised cats, as these tend to be lower in fat and calories.
My Picks for UK Owners:
Royal Canin British Shorthair Dry Food – formulated specifically for the breed’s jaw shape and nutritional needs
James Wellbeloved Turkey & Rice – natural ingredients, good for sensitive stomachs
Thrive Complete Wet Food – high in protein and no fillers
I personally feed Rosie a combination of wet and dry food. She gets wet food in the morning (less processed, more moisture), and dry at night for dental health. And yes, she lets me know if I’m two minutes late.
How Often Should You Feed Them?
I recommend two meals per day for adult cats. Free-feeding (leaving food down all day) is a fast track to pudgy BSHs. Kittens may need 3–4 small meals daily, gradually reducing as they grow.
For adult British Shorthairs, portion control is key. Always weigh the food rather than eyeballing it. What looks like a “little extra” can add up fast in calories.
Top Tip: Use a puzzle feeder or food ball
British Shorthairs are clever and food-motivated. Using puzzle feeders helps slow down eating and adds enrichment to their day—especially important for indoor cats like Rosie.
Treats: The Slippery Slope
Treats aren’t evil, but they should be just that—treats. I allow Rosie a couple of freeze-dried chicken bites or a teaspoon of tuna now and then, but I never go over 10% of her daily calories in treats.
Avoid human food like cheese, ham, or bread. Your BSH might give you the “starving orphan” eyes, but their waistline won’t thank you for it.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding by eye, not weight – Overfeeding is incredibly easy.
- Choosing low-protein foods – Leads to fat gain rather than lean muscle.
- Using food as entertainment – There are better enrichment options.
- Ignoring water – BSHs often don’t drink enough. Wet food helps.
My Feeding Routine with Rosie
- 7:30am – Wet food: chicken or turkey-based
- Evening – Dry food: 30g of breed-specific kibble
- Treats – Training-sized portions during play or grooming
Rosie also has two water bowls, one upstairs and one down, and I change them daily. She prefers wide ceramic bowls (like many cats, she dislikes touching her whiskers against the sides).
Bonus Feeding Tip: Rotate Protein Sources for Variety
Just like us, cats can get bored with the same meal every day. While British Shorthairs aren't usually fussy eaters, rotating between different protein sources—like chicken, turkey, and fish—can help keep them interested in their meals and reduce the risk of developing food sensitivities.
Rosie gets turkey most mornings, but once or twice a week I’ll mix in a rabbit or duck-based wet food to change things up. She gives me a look like I’ve just served her a Michelin-starred dish. That little bit of variety keeps her engaged and her digestive system happy.
Just make sure the new food meets the same high standards: grain-free, high protein, and made with named meat sources. Always introduce new foods gradually over a few days to avoid upset tummies.
FAQ: Feeding British Shorthairs
Breed-specific dry foods like Royal Canin or wet options like Thrive are great. Look for high protein and low fillers.
Adult cats need around 150–250 calories daily, depending on size and activity. Check your food packaging for guidance.
No. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Stick with fresh water and moisture-rich wet food.
Try feeding smaller meals more frequently, using puzzle feeders, and switching to higher-protein foods that keep them feeling full longer.
Yes, an automatic feeder can be a brilliant tool for managing portion sizes, especially if your British Shorthair is the type who thinks breakfast should be served hourly. These feeders allow you to control how much food is dispensed and when, which helps avoid overfeeding and keeps meals consistent even if you're not home. I use one for Rosie when I’m away for the day, and it’s stopped the guilt-tripping looks when I walk in late. Just make sure the feeder dispenses precise amounts and isn’t easy to break into, British Shorthairs can be deceptively determined when food is involved!
Real-Life Advice from British Shorthair Owners
Rachel from Leeds
My BSH, Monty, ballooned during lockdown. We switched to an indoor senior formula and introduced a laser toy after dinner. He’s lost 800g and is back to chasing socks.
Mike in Bristol
We ditched free-feeding and use an automatic feeder now. Poppy still gives us the side-eye at bedtime, but she’s much healthier.
Final Thoughts on Feeding a British Shorthair
Feeding a British Shorthair isn’t difficult—but it does require awareness. These cats are naturally chunky-looking, but that doesn’t mean they should be overweight. With the right diet, measured portions, and a bit of play to balance it out, your British Shorthair can stay healthy, happy, and wonderfully squishable (without being squashed).
Rosie has gone from slightly flabby to fabulously fit, and all it took was a few tweaks and a bit of tough love when she tried to convince me she needed “second breakfast.” She didn’t.