🐈 Cats

British Shorthair

Plush, calm and wonderfully easygoing.

British Shorthairs are sturdy, round-faced cats with dense coats. They are affectionate without being clingy and adapt well to apartment life.

Lifespan12–17 years
SizeMedium–Large · 9–17 lb
Care levelBeginner
Typical cost$45–90 / month
Great for
Busy ownersApartmentsFamiliesCalmIndependentGentle
British Shorthair

Photo: BritishEmpire · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

Indoors with sturdy perches and scratching posts.

Portion-controlled — they gain weight easily.

Short daily play sessions.

Brush weekly; more during spring shedding.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
  • Obesity
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Dental disease
  • Hemophilia B
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual exams; heart screening recommended.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.