British Shorthairs are famous for their plush, teddy bear-like coats, but don’t be fooled by appearances. Although their fur is thick and luxurious, grooming them is surprisingly straightforward—as long as you stay on top of it.
As someone who’s bred, judged, and lived with British Shorthairs for decades, I’ve had my fair share of fluff-filled laps and moulting mishaps. My current queen, Rosie, is a sleek black British Shorthair with a coat so dense it could double as a draught excluder. Grooming her isn’t a battle... but it is a ritual.
So, how much brushing do they really need? Let’s take a look.
What Makes a British Shorthair’s Coat Unique?
The British Shorthair coat is short, but very dense and plush. It stands away from the body and has a crisp, springy texture—quite unlike the silky coats of other breeds.
This is due to a thick undercoat that insulates them beautifully, but also means they shed more than people expect. Particularly in spring and autumn, their moult can leave your sofa looking like a fur throw.
Do British Shorthairs Shed a Lot?
In short, yes. Not all year round, but during moulting seasons—typically spring and autumn—they shed quite a bit. If you’ve ever worn black trousers near a blue British Shorthair, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
That said, they don’t shed as much as long-haired breeds like Persians or Ragdolls, and their fur is easier to manage because it’s shorter. A regular grooming routine will keep it under control and help reduce hair around the house.
Paul from London
“Our BSH, Alfie, sheds like mad in spring. We started brushing him during telly time and now he hops up onto the footstool for his turn. It’s part of the routine.”
How Often Should You Brush a British Shorthair?
For most of the year, once a week is enough. But during moulting seasons, step it up to two or three times a week. It takes no more than 5–10 minutes, and they’ll often come to enjoy it if you start early and keep it gentle.
Rosie, for example, wasn’t a fan of the brush as a kitten. I started with a soft rubber grooming glove, and gradually introduced a slicker brush as she got used to it. Now she sees it as a bonding session... or a bribe if I pair it with treats.
The Best Tools for Grooming a British Shorthair
You don’t need a whole grooming salon at home. Just a few basic tools will do:
Rubber grooming glove – Great for kittens or cats new to brushing
Soft slicker brush – Ideal for catching loose undercoat without pulling
Wide-tooth comb – Useful during moulting season
Lint roller – For you, not the cat
Avoid anything too harsh or sharp. British Shorthair skin can be sensitive under all that fluff.
Naomi from Kent
“Brushing Teddy has become our daughter’s job. She calls it their ‘fluff party’. He lies there purring while she works through his coat.”
Grooming Tips From a Breeder and Judge
Start young: Handle your kitten gently from the start. Make grooming a calm, positive experience.
Brush in the direction of growth: Don’t go against the fur, especially on the back and flanks.
Focus on moulting areas: Around the thighs, shoulders, and lower back is where they shed the most.
Make it short and sweet: Five minutes is often enough. Quit while you’re ahead.
Reward them: A small treat after brushing goes a long way. Rosie expects her dried chicken cube without fail.
Is Bathing Necessary?
For most British Shorthairs, absolutely not. They’re excellent self-groomers and rarely get dirty enough to need a bath. Bathing can also strip natural oils from their coat.
I’ve only bathed Rosie once, and it was due to a rather undignified incident involving wet concrete. She forgave me... eventually.
If your cat has a medical condition or is particularly greasy (rare in this breed), consult your vet before reaching for the shampoo.
Nail Clipping and Other Grooming Bits
Nail clipping: Every 2–3 weeks. Use proper cat nail clippers and avoid the quick.
Ear checks: Wipe with a damp cotton pad if they look dirty, but don’t poke anything inside.
Eye cleaning: Most BSHs don’t have runny eyes, but a soft cloth will do if needed.
Teeth brushing: If your cat tolerates it, brilliant. Otherwise, a dental treat or vet-approved chew is a good compromise.
My Grooming Routine with Rosie
Here’s how we do it:
Weekly brushing with a slicker brush (twice weekly in spring)
Quick comb-through during heavy moult
Nail check every fortnight while she’s snoozing
Treats and praise after every session
She’s learned to tolerate it well, and even seems to enjoy the attention now. The key is consistency and patience.
faq
No, once a week is usually fine. During moulting season, two or three times a week is helpful.
A soft slicker brush or rubber glove is ideal. Avoid harsh brushes that pull at the coat.
No. Their coat helps regulate body temperature. Shaving can do more harm than good.
Rarely. Their coat is short and doesn’t tangle like long-haired breeds. Regular brushing keeps it smooth.
Start when they’re young and keep sessions short and positive. Use a soft brush or glove at first, pair grooming with treats or praise, and stop before they get bored or annoyed. With time and patience, many British Shorthairs will come to tolerate—if not enjoy—the process.
Final Thoughts on British Shorthair Grooming
British Shorthairs might look like they need loads of grooming, but the truth is they’re fairly low maintenance, provided you stay consistent. A simple weekly brush is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and your furniture less furry.
Rosie sees it as part of our routine now. She gets her brush, I get fewer tumbleweeds drifting across the living room floor... everyone wins.
Whether you’re grooming a show cat or a sofa snoozer, it’s about building trust and making the experience pleasant. Keep it calm, keep it gentle, and always finish with a treat.