Due to its easy-going nature and intelligence, the British Shorthair has become a favorite among animal trainers, and in recent years, numerous examples of these cats have appeared in Hollywood films and television commercials. The British Shorthair is easy to groom and is a playful but no-nonsense cat. It tends to be reserved, in fact, typically British by nature, but once it becomes a part of the family, it is a devoted cat and an undemanding companion.
A British Shorthair’s devotion and empathic bond to its family are strong friendship traits most people don’t expect from a cat. Spirited but gentle, intelligent, not weak, the British Shorthair is the ultimate companion in the human-feline experience. Just like a teddy bear, a British Shorthair’s round and velvet-soft appearance makes it resistant to hugging and cuddling. They show affection by offering head bumps and body rubs in loving abandon. Throwing their weight into their embrace, they are impossible to ignore; a true companion cat. Offering a soft paw and a comforting look, they’ll lap and knead, soaking up the soreness and fatigue of a hard day. Many owners say they can actually feel their British lower their blood pressure.
The British Shorthair is as amazing as you’ll let them be. They will put as much (or as little) into a relationship as you do. They are a cat to be intellectually savored and pondered. Not a dull cat, they have a strong ego and insist on being treated as an equal member of the family. A British Shorthair’s Roman history and vast intelligence do not appreciate boredom. They love to play with toys, balls, feathers, and they adore exercising on a tall scratching post or cat tree with jumping and stretching ledges. A large cat with a small voice, a British cat rarely talks, preferring to capture attention by head-butting and rubbing against its owner.
Sometimes they will insist on standing on an offending object, such as a keyboard or book, or they jump in the middle of a newspaper if they are not receiving what they feel is proper attention. A British Shorthair always determines how much attention is enough. They dislike being restrained or forced to stay in one place, as they dislike uncool behavior. A British Shorthair will hold a grudge if not treated kindly, and may not forgive until a sincere apology is made. The British Shorthair has a very easy-going nature and is considered a non-destructive, low-energy cat. Since they are large, they do tend to make clumsy jumpers, so care should be given to remove priceless objects from harm’s way. Protective of family, a British Shorthair has been known to sound the alarm by waking their family when an intruder is in the house. Understanding of young children, a British Shorthair usually takes the position of being out of reach, preferring adult companionship.
Compared to most short-haired breeds, the British Shorthair is a relatively calm cat. They are easy-going in nature and talk infrequently. Very affectionate, they become quite attached to the people they own. British Shorthairs are easily trained and very adaptable. They seem to get along well with all human members of the household, regardless of age. Pets of all kinds have been kept alongside British Shorthairs, including dogs of various sizes, rabbits, and birds. They have been called aloof, but this is generally a perception held by strangers to a household. If given time, they generally warm up to any cat-loving person. Another thing that draws people to the British Shorthair is its size. Although not as large as the Maine Coon, this is a medium to large, sturdy cat, with mature males averaging 9-17 pounds and females 7-12 pounds. No breed-specific health-related problems plague the British Shorthair. It is probably due to this very fact that so many breeds over the years have used the British Shorthair as an acceptable outcross to establish a good gene pool. Currently, the British Shorthair is being used as an outcross for the Selkirk Rex, Devon Rex, and Scottish Fold.
Individual Characteristics
One of the most unusual oddities British Shorthairs have – a protest, if you suddenly want to take your pet in your hands. Firstly, these cats prefer to independently control the situation, and therefore consider such acts as violence against their own will. Additionally, they are afraid of feeling vulnerable. Secondly, due to the impressive dimensions of the British Shorthair, they may experience physical discomfort. Despite the stubborn unwillingness to sit on your lap, the British never abandon affection. The females are more cautious and distrustful of strangers.
There are exceptions – the Silver Shaded and Chinchilla British Shorthairs.
However, it should be noted that the British Shorthair group was released separately, with a very significantly different character and exterior. This is the British Shorthair Silver Shaded and Chinchilla. Borrowing the spectacular appearance of Persian cats, they are captured in the bargain and angelic nature.
The British Shorthair Silver Shaded and Chinchilla varieties love more contact, are calmer, and more affectionate than their counterparts with classic colors. Taking the Persian’s calmness and kindness, British Shorthair Silver Shaded and Chinchilla did not lose the intelligence inherent in the British Shorthair breed.
British Shorthair Silver Shaded and Chinchilla have a quiet and balanced character. Cats and kittens are known for being very sociable, affectionate, and friendly. They quickly establish a common language with all family members, including children. That is why the British Shorthair has become one of the most popular breeds of cats.