British Shorthair
Plush, easygoing teddy bears with a dignified streak.
British Shorthairs are calm, undemanding, and famously easygoing. They are not lap cats by default but are deeply loyal in their own quiet way. Their dense plush coat and round faces give them a teddy-bear charm that makes them one of Britain's most popular breeds.
Key facts
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 9–17 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–17 years |
| Energy | Low |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush once a week |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●○ |
| For beginners | ●●●●● |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Excellent for first-time owners
- Quiet apartment companions
- Tolerant of being alone during workdays
- Long-lived and hardy
✗ Things to know
- Not a lap cat by default
- Prone to weight gain
- Sheds moderately
Ideal owner
A British Shorthair may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Prefer a calmer, less demanding companion
A British Shorthair may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, British Shorthairs can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Obesity tendency
Is a British Shorthair right for you?
The best way to find out if a British Shorthair suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a British Shorthair a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — British Shorthairs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: calm, independent, and quietly affectionate.
Are British Shorthairs good for apartments?
Yes — British Shorthairs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are British Shorthairs good with children?
British Shorthairs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are British Shorthairs hypoallergenic?
British Shorthairs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a British Shorthair suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: British Shorthair on Wikipedia