The loving and gentle British Shorthair cat is one of the most easygoing and laid-back cat breeds you'll find. Though large and sturdy, these cats would rather spend some quiet time perched in a cat tree than cause a ruckus.
These cats are not typically rambunctious, loud, and overly active. Instead of knocking glasses off your table, they would rather observe their families and surroundings.
If you are looking for a cat that is low-key and relaxed, that likes to play but doesn't need to be running amuck through the house, then the British Shorthair is perfect for you.
Being able to match your personality with a breed of cat can help to ensure you get the perfect fit for your needs. Just as you want a cat that complements your temperament, cats also expect certain behavior and treatment from their humans, and the British Shorthair is no exception.
The British Shorthair cat might not open up to you upon your first encounter, but with patience and dedication, you’ll soon find your new furry best friend.
Origin of the British Shorthair cat
The British Shorthair is associated with Great Britain, but its origins are very well-traveled.
The British Shorthair has roots in ancient Rome. When the Romans came to Britain, bringing with them domesticated street cats, little did anyone know that a new line of adorable felines was soon to begin. These cats helped the Romans control the pest populations on their ships. Once they made their way to Great Britain, they began mating with European wildcats.
Roman cats (which may have been imported from Egypt) were long, lean, and elegant, while European wildcats were larger and more unruly, with heightened aggression and thicker coats.
As a result of this mating and over years of selective breeding, the British Shorthair cat was born! This cat was a great hunter with thick, short fur that helped them adapt to various environments, all while being sociable and friendly.
What was their intended purpose?
As the British Shorthair cat gained popularity and began to naturally appear all across Great Britain, it was clear that their jobs were to hunt down small prey, keeping homes and farms clear of pests. They warded off pests that could ruin an entire crop, making them highly important in the success of the farming season.
During the 1800s, British Shorthairs were known as “alley” cats. “Alley cats” was a term inspired by the surplus of stray former-farm cats living in cities. Around this time, these cats were beginning to gain trust and attraction from the people living in cities. They were brought in from the streets and transitioned to house pets.
British Shorthairs continued to keep the city streets free of pests and did the same for the apartments they now resided in. Eventually, they became comfortable in their domesticated home life and transitioned from a working breed to an easygoing companion by the end of the 1800s.
British Shorthair Characteristics
The British Shorthair is at once classic and incredibly unique in appearance. They have thick, dense coats that come in a variety of colors. The most prominent and potentially sought-out color is the “British Blue,” a blue (grey) British Shorthair also called British blue cat.
You might distinguish the British Shorthair from another breed due to their short and stubby legs, which provide them with balance and support. They also have rather round heads and chubby cheeks (that you probably want to squeeze).
A blue British Shorthair that is purebred will have bright orange-amber eyes. Other British Shorthair eye colors include green, copper, and blue. No matter their coloring, there is always a strong contrast between their fur color and their bright eyes. They also have a cute snub-nosed face and overall round features that make you want to hug them like a teddy bear (though they might not completely love that).
British Shorthair Personality & Temperament
The British Shorthair cat is known for its calm and easygoing temperament. Although friendly and kind, British Shorthair cats do need some time to get comfortable with their people. After all, cats all have their own boundaries that you should be sure to respect.
British Shorthair cats aren’t the type to open up immediately and bond with anyone that approaches—but once they do get used to you, you’ll see an entire personality blossom.
Friendliness
In general, the British Shorthair cat is very friendly towards other pets and children. They take some time to warm up to their people, but they aren’t aggressive. They mainly need some time to develop a better sense of their independence in your space.
Once they have determined who their human parent is and accepted them, they will show you lots of love and affection. They are extremely adaptable, very curious, and intelligent.
Playfulness
The British Shorthair cat is moderately playful. While they enjoy cat toys and climbing trees, they don’t need to be active all the time. They are a very laid-back breed; they like to sit and survey a room just as much, if not more, as chasing a laser for hours.
When they play, they aren’t loud or destructive, making them great pets for people who live in apartments or have small children. Even though they are on the larger side of cat breeds, they are very nimble and graceful.
Social needs
Once you’re accepted by your British Shorthair, you will find that they want more attention from you. They love to be pet and will let you know with deep purring. They don’t love to be picked up and carried or held on someone’s lap.
If you are graced with their affection, accept them with open arms. They appreciate following you around and watching you as you complete things around the house—but they most definitely don’t need your full attention.
These cats really enjoy watching from a distance and being paid attention to when they ask for it. If you are trying to win over your British Shorthair, play it cool. These cats don’t like being smothered and they respect people who acknowledge their chill vibe.
Loyalty
Once a British Shorthair has opened up to you, you will find them to be a very loyal companion. These cats aren’t just loyal to one person but rather adopt the entire family. They like to build relationships with many people—it just takes them a bit more time to do so.
Temperament
The British Shorthair cat has a very adaptable temperament. They are active and affectionate, but not destructive or overbearing. They are completely independent when they want to be, but they will also follow you around and check in on you throughout the day.
They are very easygoing and treat those around them like family. When raised from kittenhood, they are easily socialized and adaptable. They make for a great first-time cat parent because they remain very low-maintenance. Everyone in your family will love them!
Welcoming a British Shorthair
Loving a British Shorthair requires patience at first, which will lead to a true form of companionship. Despite their need for independence, they are loyal and attentive pets. You’ll want to have plenty of toys available to them for when they want to party.
This is an alley cat no longer. They will appreciate a self-cleaning litter box like Litter-Robot that offers privacy and cleanliness. Going to the bathroom outside is "just so 1800s."
Every cat will showcase their individual personality, and no two cats will be exactly alike. That is one of our favorite things about cats: They constantly surprise you with their quirks and attitudes. The British Shorthair in particular has a kind and gentle personality, but that doesn’t mean they won’t let loose and crash through their cat tunnel.
Your British Shorthair will be your best friend—just give them some time!
Sources:
Photo credits:
- Frederic Christian via Unsplash
- Lyo the cat
- Pooh and Nika
