English shorthair cat. A real British blue cat: description of the breed, appearance, character. Why does a British cat have a hanging belly?

The British are the aristocrats of the cat world. Looking at them brings incredible aesthetic pleasure. If you desperately want a cat that will add comfort and warmth to your home, but are afraid that you won't have enough time for a pet, the British is the right breed.

British cream cat

Beautiful, or better yet, luxurious, independent and charming animals with a calm disposition. What's the catch? It would be a lie to say that there is none. Before purchasing a plush kitten, it is better to learn in more detail some points about the character of the British. Then, if you decide that such a pet is ideal for your temperament, do some research on hereditary diseases in the British.

The British cat breed is exactly the option when the miser pays twice. Advertising sites are full of inexpensive kittens. On the other hand, the price for a kitten from a nursery can reach 15-50 thousand rubles. Where does such a range of prices come from and is there any point in overpaying? You need to figure this out on your own. After all, breeders of any price category have their own selfish interest - to sell kittens, so all their words and statements must be considered from a critical point of view.

The cutest cats in the world: the appearance of the British

The British cat is the embodiment of “blue blood”. When a person says “I have a purebred cat,” then most often we imagine an imposing British cat. Their appearance has become the ideal of feline beauty for millions of people: the breed is second in popularity only to the Scottish Fold.

Britons are quite large animals. Males weigh 5-8 kg, females about 4 kg. Pedigree characteristics are most clearly manifested in cats. Their silhouette looks squat (short, strong legs), and all shapes are soft and rounded. The tail is thick and short, with a rounded tip. Cats look very harmonious and proportional.

British silver chinchilla cat

A separate song can be dedicated to the head of British cats. Those cheeks! The head looks round no matter which way you look at it. A wide skull, a pronounced massive chin - the British cat personifies strength and solidity. Round, dense cheeks give the impression that the cat is constantly smiling into its whiskers.

The British have a recognizable head shape

The large round eyes of the British have a breed feature: a bright copper color. Exceptions are allowed for certain colors: silver cats will have green eyes, while pure white cats may have blue, yellow or different colored eyes. Cats of the so-called “Siamese color” (colorpoint) always have blue eyes.

British blue cat: bright copper eyes are magnificent

British cats of a certain color have an unusual phenomenon - eyes of different colors.

British bicolor cat with heterochromia

The fur coat of British cats is the pride of the breed, their signature feature. The short and dense coat looks plush and soft and is gentle to the touch. The secret is that the guard hair and undercoat of the British are the same length, no more than 2.4 cm, and the coat is very thick.

British color point cat

A British cat can have almost any color; to list all the color combinations would require a separate rather large article. In Russia, the most famous are the blue color, and after the advertisement of the famous cat food - the silver tabby, which is called the “Whiskas” color.

Next to a blue cat is a teenager of Whiskas color

What breeds were involved in the creation of British cats

British cats are considered by some to be an aboriginal breed - one that formed on its own, without active human intervention. In many ways this is true. Cats were brought to the islands of Great Britain by Roman legionnaires many years ago. On an island isolated from the mainland, the cat population developed “in itself”, without the infusion of fresh blood, but with strict natural selection. After all, cats did not live in houses, but on farms, fields, grain barns and factories. As a result, large cats with heavy bones and dense, thick short hair roamed the streets of England.

British cream color

At the end of the 19th century, targeted selection of British cats began, and for some time the breed was called the “British Blue”. At first, blue was the only acceptable color, then it was the most common, but now the variety of colors of the British is amazing.

"Classic" blue color of British cats

The breed's numbers declined twice in the 20th century - after the First and Second World Wars. In order not to lose the British, they were crossed with ordinary outbred shorthair cats. And in order to return the desired rounded appearance of the head, they began to involve in the breeding of Persians.

It was not possible to obtain stable offspring, and the British began to be mated with Russian blue cats, as well as Chartreuse cats. Then they returned to the infusion of Persian blood, weeding out kittens that were too snub-nosed or had long hair. It was the Persians who “gave” British cats more than 200 variations of coat color.

In 1982, the two breeds were finally separated: British and European Shorthair. At the same time, the British breed standard was written.

Plush on the outside, tough on the inside. The character of the British.

When you look at the cheeky little plush, round on all sides, you have an uncontrollable desire to squeeze the Briton endlessly. And here you will be greatly disappointed - British cats do not tolerate familiarity! Although kittens may willingly play with their owner and cuddle, adult cats behave more than independently.

Silver tabby kitten plays with a teaser fishing rod

They rarely or never come to sit on your hands. If you start stroking a pet that is sleeping or minding its own business, the cat will most likely leave, or prove that sharp claws are hidden in its soft paws. All that remains is to humble yourself and caress the Briton only with your eyes.

The owners of these luxurious cats admit that sometimes they do not feel like their owners. Sometimes it seems that everything is the other way around: Mister Cat lives in the apartment, the rest are service staff.

“I am the queen, and you are the two-legged food giver.”

This does not mean that British cats do not need love and care. They seek attention from people just like other cat breeds - but only on their own terms. A curious animal may simply follow you from room to room, carefully observing what its person is doing.

The manners of the British are inherently respectable; they rarely rush around the apartment or jump on cupboards. If you get used to the scratching post in a timely manner, you won’t have to worry about the furniture. They are not mischievous or annoying.

British cats only vocalize on special occasions. If we are not talking about sexual heat or severe stress (a trip in the car, a visit to the veterinarian), some owners do not hear their pet meowing for months. Meowing while begging for food is beneath the dignity of these aristocrats. Rather, you will be haunted by the gaze of large round eyes, reproachful.

In general, the breed is considered quite phlegmatic: the British have a calm and even character. To prevent your pet from completely turning into a sofa cushion, excess weight should not be allowed to appear.

Too thick

British cats are not a suitable breed for families with children. Rarely does a Briton favor children: they are too noisy, too clingy and lacking in delicacy. No, a cat is unlikely to scratch a child, even if he pulls his tail. But the life of a Briton will turn into constant stress and the search for a reliable refuge, where no one will disturb him to take a peaceful nap. These cats are not ready to play for too long, and even more so, they do not like to be persistently petted. Explaining to a child that this teddy bear is inviolable will not be easy.

Get your little hands off me, little man!

Is it difficult to keep a British cat?

You have to pay for everything - and in the case of the British, you have to pay for the cat’s incredibly beautiful fur coat with fur all over the apartment. In addition to seasonal molting, the undercoat is renewed all year round. Therefore, it is recommended to brush British cats regularly: in addition to regular brushes, you will need a furminator.

The pet is given products that facilitate the passage of fur through the digestive tract, otherwise the cat will suffer from trichobezoars (periodic vomiting, gastritis, constipation). This could be malt paste or special food. Brushing largely eliminates this problem, but grooming must be regular. Many owners also prefer to trim their pet's claws 2-3 times a month.

There are no other special features of caring for British cats - and this is one of the secrets of their worldwide popularity. The British easily learn to go to the litter box and use a scratching post, and learn other rules of behavior established in the house.

Among the disadvantages of the breed: they have difficulty getting along with other animals, especially if they begin to bother them. The British will not tolerate such arrogance. These cats are more likely to agree to be the only ones in the house, and are not at all bored when alone.

White Briton: let me sleep peacefully!

Hereditary diseases: what you need to know about British health

The incredible popularity of the breed led to sad consequences. People simply bred their British cats with anyone, knowing that there would still be a queue for the kittens. It’s easy to sell such “British” dogs without documents, but 5 times cheaper than from the breeder. And buyers are happy - after all, they don’t want a cat for exhibition, but for the soul.

British kitten, silver tabby color

As a result, the British were bred with the Scots, animals with obvious defects such as too flat a nose were allowed to breed, and producers who brought kittens with congenital diseases were not culled. All this has led to the fact that the once healthy cat breed is considered one of the most problematic among veterinarians. “What did you want, yours is British,” this phrase can easily be heard in a veterinary clinic. Before you run for a kitten “from an advertisement” or look for a mate for your “sort of British” cat, you need to study information about these diseases:

1. Blood type incompatibility.

Like humans, cats have different blood types: A, B and AB (the latter is very rare). The blood type greatly depends on the breed of the pet. For example, all Siamese have blood type A. British cats have a problem: part of the population has blood type A, but 30-60% have blood type B. If animals with different blood types are bred, serious problems can arise in the kittens.

British cats are caring mothers

If the blood type of the mother and fetus do not match, pregnancy and childbirth proceed absolutely normally. But then the kittens suddenly die without showing any symptoms of illness. Sometimes they can survive for several days, their urine will be brown in color. The reason is that through their mother's milk they receive antibodies that destroy their blood cells. Anemia and kidney failure lead to the death of kittens.

Preventing the problem is simple: if a cat has blood type A, it is bred with cats that have blood type A. If a cat has blood type B, it is necessary to select a partner with blood type B.

Do careless breeders think about this? Hardly. In professional nurseries? Yes.

1. Polycystic kidney disease.

Persian cats, who actively participated in the development of the British breed, gave it a terrible hereditary disease - polycystic kidney disease. If a cat was given a defective gene at birth, then regardless of the living conditions, it develops kidney failure. Such animals live from 3 to 10 years and require constant treatment.

There are genetic tests that must be carried out for breeding animals. Cysts can be detected on ultrasound from 3 months of age and later. The older the cat, the more obvious the changes in the kidneys become.

British tortoiseshell

1. Heart disease.

The real killer of British and Scottish cats is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). With a hereditary defect, the wall of the heart thickens and the chamber becomes smaller, and the heart cannot pump blood properly. With HCM, a seemingly healthy cat can die suddenly at a young age.

All Britons need to have a heart ultrasound scan called echocardiography. Usually, owners find out about this before castration of the pet or other surgical operation: anesthesia provokes the manifestation of the disease. But British cats involved in breeding need to be examined before the first mating, even if there are no signs of disease. Usually an ECHO is done upon reaching 1 year of age.

Young British silver tabby (Whiskas)

1. Atresia of the lacrimal punctum.

Normally, the tear that washes the eye goes into the nasal cavity through a special channel. In the absence of the lacrimal punctum or its occlusion, constant lacrimation is observed. Animals with this problem can be easily identified by the brown trails that extend from their eyes. Lacrimal punctal atresia is a problem that runs in families, so British cats with this condition should never be bred. Treatment is only surgical.

This problem is more common in British cats of the “extreme type”, with an excessively shortened muzzle, like the Persian.

Classic British: the muzzle should not be flat and the nose should not be depressed

If you buy a British dog that is free from all genetic defects, then you can hope that the pet will delight you with excellent health for many years. Cats of this breed are somewhat prone to obesity due to their calm temperament, but this problem can be easily solved with proper feeding.

Reviews from British cat owners

“My Churchill behaves like a true aristocrat; one can envy his restraint. He tolerates nail trimming and brushing, never meows over trifles, but purrs and purrs so that you can hear him from everywhere. We joke that this is the ringtone of our house. Although he is an independent man, he always meets and accompanies him to work. When he wants to be pampered, he has to put everything aside and scratch and stroke. Smart as a person. Always looks straight into the eyes. Adored beyond belief!”

“Sir Tyson is the most beloved member of the family. But he can’t be picked up, he can’t lie on his lap, he can’t sleep on the floor - only on his personal chair. He eats the same brand of food and has never stolen from the table. Talking to us. When he is being petted before bed, we pay attention to him while he is in the mood.”

“When you return from work, the cat appears slowly, almost piecemeal, like the Cheshire cat. He sits down and looks - they say, where they were hanging around and how long to stay with us. Slowly washes off. He may freeze with his paw raised - he is thinking about something. He never asks for food. At most he can sit by the bowl, doesn’t look at you, just a living reproach. If you catch him eating something from the table, he doesn’t run away, doesn’t scream - sorry, it’s not me, the devil has confused him. Oh no! He simply looks reproachfully at where the equipment is and why he is forced to eat in such poor conditions. Mars sheds constantly, tolerates a dacha, but is not enthusiastic about fresh air.”

“They allow themselves to be loved - these words say it all. And you will be happy that you were allowed to live with these celestials."

“Zero attention to pussy-kiss-kiss, he won’t even turn an ear. It’s worth calling by name - immediately interrogative Mr-r-r-r, no matter where she is at that moment.”

“I had a British guy. I still remember with irritation how contempt for bipeds was imbued with his every glance. The self-esteem is simply exorbitant. I described the entire apartment, the stench could not be removed by any means.”

To summarize: who is a Briton suitable for?

A British cat may feel uncomfortable in your home if your lifestyle involves noisy gatherings and a lot of people. The British have a hard time putting up with children precisely because they scream, rattle and try to cuddle His Majesty the cat.

British chocolate cat

For business people, the British cat breed is an ideal option. If you spend a lot of time at work, but at home you want to enjoy the peace, comfort and company of your furry pet, then this is a suitable companion. And how respectable this cat looks! A true partner for a businessman.

British cats are loved by older people. Cats of this breed do not tire them with excessive activity and intrusiveness, while at the same time responding with warm reciprocity to care and affection. One look at the cheeky muzzle lifts your spirits.

Evaluate all the features of the British, and it will immediately become clear to you whether this is your option, or whether it is better to pay attention to another breed. You can fall in love with these cats for life, or you can suffer for 15 years, irritably pouring food into a bowl. There are no bad or good breeds, only unsuitable ones.

Does your Briton match the breed description? Share your pet's features in the comments!

British Shorthair cats are considered one of the oldest furry breeds in the world. They are beautiful, noble, smart and active, which makes pets very popular all over the world. Like all other cat breeds, the British have their own characteristics and preferences. Today I will tell you how they appeared British shorthair cats, how they differ from other representatives of their species, and how to properly care for this breed.

Origin of the British Shorthair cat breed

Most modern felinologists have still not come to a final conclusion as to when the first representatives of the British Shorthair appeared. Many even suggest that the first kittens of this breed were recorded back in the days of Ancient Rome.

If we talk about the date of registration of the breed, then the first fluffies that fit the description of the British Shorthair appeared in Great Britain in the middle of the 19th century. Thanks to their activity and developed hunting instinct (these purrs love to chase rats and mice), they have gained popularity among many peasants who want to protect their crops from rodents.

With the spread of fluffies throughout the British Isle, it became necessary to record the characteristics of the breed. This allowed the British to take part in the cat exhibition that took place in London at the end of the 19th century. Plush fluffy cats have since become popular not only among peasants, but also among aristocrats. They appeared on the canvases of artists and became heroes of stories (for example, the famous Cheshire cat from the fairy tale “Alice Through the Looking Glass” was a British shorthair).

Due to the fact that this breed was bred naturally and was not crossed with other cats, it managed to retain all its original features and characteristics even after several centuries.

Initially, this breed of cat was called British Blue (due to the characteristic color of the animal). However, over time, many other colors of cat fur appeared. Today, there are more than 100 color options for fluffies, which was the reason for changing the name of the breed to British Shorthair.

External features of the breed

As I already said, the appearance of the British Blue cat has changed little since the 19th century. Let's take a closer look at the main features of the appearance:

Personality of the British Shorthair

Moving away from appearance, let's talk about the character of British cats. Fluffies have a quiet and calm disposition, making them ideal for people who like to spend time in peace and quiet. Like true Britons, these animals have aristocratic habits - they do not like to throw things off, damage furniture or wallpaper, and would rather give up active games in favor of a more relaxing pastime.

Of course, during adolescence, furries can get a little naughty. However, an adult British Shorthair cat shows restraint in character and is independent. She loves her owners, but prefers to spend most of her time alone (for example, watching what is happening outside the window).

At the same time, purrs are very inquisitive and active, they love to try something new. This breed of cat is perfect for people who, due to circumstances, are forced to spend a lot of time traveling or at work. Pets do not get bored when they are alone in an apartment and can easily occupy themselves in the absence of a person.

At the same time, the British are very loving. They do not have a favorite among one person and are equally attached to all family members. From time to time, a cat may ask for attention. Spend time with the animal talking and playing. The main thing is not to violate the furry’s personal space if he wants to be alone.

This breed of pet quickly finds common interests with other animals.

Interesting: The vast majority of British Shorthair cats do not like it when you carry them in your arms for too long. So you shouldn’t regularly move your animal from room to room. The cat feels much better with all four paws on the ground (floor).

The British Shorthair cat will fit perfectly both in a small apartment and in a large private house. The main thing is to provide the animal with a sleeping place, which can be a blanket, your clothes or a special bed for kittens. In addition, you will need to buy:

• tray;
• scratching post;
• toys;
• bowls for food and water;

The plush coat needs to be brushed 1-2 times a week. To do this, use a special brush with natural bristles.

About 2 times a month, clean the animal’s ears and bathe the cat.

If you do not want to breed British kittens, sterilize the animal in a timely manner. This will help avoid many diseases in the future.

Nutritional features of British shorthair cats

When it comes to food, British cats are very picky. Of course, it is advisable to give animals special food designed specifically for this breed and avoid cheap food.

Many people believe that table foods (foods that family members eat) are ideal for their four-legged friends. However, this is not quite true. Modern feeds have a balanced diet that contains all the vitamins and microelements necessary for the normal growth and development of the animal. So, when choosing what to feed your British kitten, give preference to premium, super-premium, and holistic food. You can read more about cat food.

The British Shorthair cat responds well to both dry types of food and wet or pate.

Please note that the British are not very active. With age, they become completely lazy. So make sure your pet doesn't gain weight. This breed tends to have problems with obesity (this is especially true for sterilized cats and female cats).

On average, regarding feeding, veterinarians recommend calculating the daily portion as follows: 65-70 kilocalories per 1 kilogram of animal weight. You should strictly avoid foods such as: smoked meats, cow's milk, corn, onions, garlic.

Health and illness

Since shorthair cats were naturally bred, they tend to be in fairly good health. Pets rarely get sick and do not have serious genetic abnormalities. With proper care, British cats can live up to 20 years.

The first rule that anyone who wants to adopt a British dog must adhere to is timely vaccination. Timely vaccinations will protect your cat from rabies calcivirus and many other serious infectious diseases. Also, prevention against worms is important. All these questions should be addressed to an experienced veterinarian. It is he who will determine the vaccination schedule for the animal.

The only health problem that is common to all representatives of this breed is obesity. Do not overfeed your pets with too high-fat, high-calorie foods. Otherwise, with age, problems with the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract may arise. Be sure to regularly take your cat for examination to the veterinarian for prevention and timely treatment of diseases.

Many potential furry owners are interested in how long British Shorthairs live. The life expectancy of this breed is quite high, ranging from 13 to 16 years.

Photos of British Shorthair cats

I have already said that there are several dozen color options for British Shorthair cats. Each of them is interesting and undoubtedly deserves your attention. Highlight:

1. Solid color. In this case, all the fur of the fluffy has the same shade. Solid colors include: black, brown, chocolate, lilac, blue, red, milk, white, gray. The rarest ones are those with black or red fur.
   
   
   
2. Turtle (tortie). This is a beautiful combination of shades that is often found in British Shorthair kittens. As a rule, it appears in a combination on the body of red (red) and black, as well as blue (gray) and milky.
   
3. Color point. Externally, this color strongly resembles Siamese cats. Among British shorthair cats, color point is found in such variations as: cream, red, lilac, chocolate, blue.
   
4. Tabby. This color is reminiscent of brindle, and also has much in common with the British harlequin. Another main feature of this type of coloring is the characteristic darker M-shaped pattern located on the animal’s forehead, as well as several rings on the pet’s tail and paws. Among British shorthair kittens, the golden and silver tabby colors stand out.
   
   
   
5. Chinchilla. In another way, this color is also called smoky. The undercoat of such pets, as a rule, has a light shade. While the tips of the fur are colored dark. The presence of light hair on the sides of the animal is also characteristic.
   
   
   
6. Bicolor. This color implies inclusions in the main shade of white. For example, you can often find bicolor as a combination of tortoiseshell and white.
   

How much do British Shorthair kittens cost?

If you want to know how much a British cat costs, keep in mind that the price will depend on the purpose for which you are taking the kitten. Regular Britons cost between $100 and $250 depending on color. If you want an animal with a pedigree and plan to breed and sell kittens, you need to take a purr with a noble origin. Its price starts from $300. In this case, in addition to the cat, you receive all the necessary documents confirming its origin.

Exhibition (show class) British Shorthairs are the most expensive category of cats in this breed. They are sold primarily for performance at various exhibitions. The cost of a kitten starts at $500 and can even go up to $2,000. It varies depending on the color. For example, British redheads are considered the most expensive.

There is also a slight difference depending on the sex of the animal. However, it is not that significant. Most often, cats cost a little more (20-50 dollars) than males, since they are taken for breeding.

Many unscrupulous breeders or simply scammers sell a breed called the British Fold. Please note that this breed is not registered by any felinological organization. So, if you want to get a kitten with floppy ears, take a closer look at the Scottish Fold.

Video

British cats will become a loyal friend and member of your family. Despite their rather peculiar character, kittens of this breed are immensely devoted to their owners and always confirm this with an affectionate purr. The main thing is to spend enough time with your pet (especially when he asks for attention), play with the cat, teach him something new and, of course, love him.

Meow everyone,

The calm and independent British Shorthair cat is quite self-sufficient and does not particularly need the constant presence of its owner. They tolerate loneliness well - business and working people choose them for this quality.

How else does a British cat differ from its relatives, what kind of care does it require and how much money should be allocated for it, what kind of food do they prefer - you will find answers to these and other questions in our article.

Character and description of the British cat

How to cope with loneliness 5

If you leave for work early in the morning and return only in the evening or at night, this breed is for you!

British cats do not experience any discomfort when you are not around. They will always find a toy and activity to relieve boredom. They will not suffer without you and do dirty tricks to attract attention - this is not a royal matter. But they will greet you emotionally when you return. When leaving for work, do not forget to leave your pet food, water and a clean litter box.

How much shedding 4

Don't be fooled by the fact that the British cat is a short-haired cat - she sheds.

Sheds often and a lot. Be prepared to pick up hair from around the house and brush your pet daily.

Activity/playfulness 2

The British Shorthair cat is an excellent choice for those who cannot and do not want to play with their pet for hours.

This breed is only active as a kitten. A matured animal is calm, balanced and will not run around, knocking you down, climb curtains or jump on cabinets.

Does he like to purr 3

Discreet British cats are not affectionate purrs - they do it rarely and very quietly. However, some representatives of this breed meow a lot and loudly.

If you want a cat to rub against your legs, sit on your lap and purr soothingly, take a look at other breeds.

How to treat children 4

British cats are tolerant of children, but indifferent - they are not drawn to small family members. The British will never become toys for children.

It is important to explain to children from the first day that they do not need to squeeze and carry the British in their arms - they can tolerate it, but they do not like it. Do not be afraid that the cat will harm the child - cats simply hide in secluded corners of the house from overly intrusive toddlers.

How to treat guests 3

The plush beauties are wary of strangers - noisy and overly active guests can scare them, which forces the cats to hide in a shelter.

Tell your guests to give your cat time to watch them from a safe distance so they may have a chance to pet your pet.

How to treat other animals/dogs 3

The British cat is selfish and jealous. She won't be happy about your idea of ​​getting a new pet.

If a British cat is taken into a house where there are already other animals, he will be able to coexist with them. But, on one condition - they should not bother His Britannic Majesty too much. With calm dogs and cats, British cats live peacefully - they are not aggressive by nature.

Easy care 4

It will be difficult for those who are not ready to brush their cats regularly, at least once a week - they will have to deal with hair throughout the apartment.

There will be no difficulties with toilet and scratching post training - this cat immediately understands where to do its business and sharpen its claws.

Intelligence 5

Cats of this breed have incredible intelligence. If you take a British dog, be prepared that he will train you, not you.

You may get the feeling that these cats understand human speech - they do what their owner says. But, if they consider it reasonable and necessary. They, like dogs, can understand and follow commands, love to fetch toys and run after the ball.

Soreness 4

Health is the weak point of British cats.

They have a predisposition to certain genetic diseases. Buy kittens from trusted breeders and be sure to ask for the results of their genetic tests.

History of the origin of the breed

The breed appeared naturally. The ancestors of the modern British cat were the cats of Roman legionnaires, whom they brought with them to the island during their conquests. This was a very long time ago - in the 1st century AD. The Romans needed cats to protect food from rodents.

The Romans left British soil in the 5th century, but the cats remained. At first they were street animals and farmer's pets, captivating the British with their plush charm, strength and endurance. Then, when breeding purebred cats became fashionable in Victorian England, these street animals were taken as the basis of a new breed - the British Shorthair cat. The first representatives of the breed had a classic blue color.

The breed barely survived two World Wars; most of the cats died of hunger in those years. Breeders revived the breed after the end of World War II by crossing the surviving British with other breeds. During this selection, a separate breed branch emerged - the British Longhair. These cats are still bred, but they are recognized by only one International Felinological Organization - TICA.

British Shorthairs are included in all international cat registries. Thus, the American Cat Association (ACFA) was the first to recognize the breed in 1967. In 1979, it was recognized by the International Cat Association, and a year later, in 1980, by the Cat Fanciers Association.

Appearance

Descriptions of the exterior and characteristics of the British cat breed are found in all major international standards. Let's see how the British are described in the European WCF system.

Description of the breed according to the WCF standard

• Body. Muscular, stocky, dense and squat. Medium to large size. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced - cats are much larger than cats.
• Rib cage. Massive and wide.
• Back. Straight, short.
• Shoulders. Wide, massive.
• Hips. Wide.
• Head. Round shape. Massive with well-developed cheeks (in cats this feature is more pronounced). Cheekbones are wide. A mandatory feature is a round forehead.
• Muzzle. Short. Not narrowed. The chin and nose are vertical. Smooth transition from nose to forehead. Mustache pads are large and round.
• Nose. Straight, wide and short.
• Chin. Strong, smooth.
• Ears. Rounded, small in size. Set wide and low.
• Eyes. Round, big. Wide set and wide open. The eye color is rich, matching the color of the coat. Most often - orange (gold). A green rim around the pupil is not allowed. The expression in the eyes should be serious and appraising.
• Neck. Thickened, short.
• Limbs. Muscular, short.
• Paws. Round, strong, with tightly clenched fingers.
• Tail. Wide at the base. Medium length, thick. The tip is rounded.
• Wool. “Beaver” type – plush, elastic. Short, dense, with a pronounced thick undercoat. Brilliant. Longhaired Britons exist, but they are not recognized by most international feline organizations.
• Color. All colors and color point without white are allowed. The classic color is blue.
• Weight. Females - 2.5-5.5 kg, females - 4.5-8 kg.
• Height at the withers. From 28 to 33 cm. Not measured at exhibitions.
• Average life expectancy. From 10 to 16 years.

A distinctive feature of an adult British cat is the presence of full cheeks (the so-called jowls) and a “Cheshire cat smile.” Only British cats can smile.

Experts refer to breed defects as:

• pinching. This is what they say when the quills of British cats stand out too much;
• “exotic” muzzle. If a short nose goes into the forehead through a noticeable hump, this is the case. Following the deformation of the nose, the proportions of the cheekbones and eyes change;
• a muzzle similar to a domestic cat. Expressed in a flat forehead, large brow ridges and a long nose;
• "fox face" There is no fullness of the muzzle, typical of the British, but there is a narrowed nose. Often accompanied by malocclusion.

Photos and colors of British cats

Any colors for British cats are acceptable, but color point and white are not allowed.

The uniform color of the animal implies uniform coloring of all hairs without exception. But there may be some shadedness, haze and shimmer, which is not prohibited by the breed standard.

Experts identify 30 types of colors of British cats! Of the single-colored ones, the most popular are British kittens: black, white, blue (gray), cream, red, lilac (a combination of pink, gray and gray colors).

Of the bicolors, the most common combinations are silver-blue, harlequin, tabby and ticked. The latter is one of the varieties of tabby, which is also sometimes called the Abyssinian color. Looks like freckles - very cute!

Whiskas coloring is at the peak of popularity these days (remember those same cats that starred in popular commercials?). In fact, this coloration has the official name “mackerel”. Whiskas' brindiness is ensured by the obligatory three wide stripes on the back and thin stripes along the body of the animal. Moreover, the main color of whiskey is silver, and the stripes are always darker.

British cats are called "cats for businessmen" - this breed can be afforded by busy city dwellers. In addition, they are quite unpretentious and do not require too much space or attention. However, proper care and maintenance are the key to the health and longevity of your pet.

Grooming

Use a furminator or a soft brush to remove dead hairs. You will have to try especially hard in. If you do not brush your cat regularly, mats may form. The active process of changing coat will be too noticeable on furniture and clothes, so the British kitty should be combed daily.

But that's not all. Cats constantly lick themselves and their stomachs become clogged with bezoars (dead hairs). There is no need to wait for your pet to get rid of them himself, because hairballs can clog the intestinal lumen. During the molting period, give special tablets or food that absorb the fur in the pet’s stomach.

Kittens and adult animals do not need to be bathed unless absolutely necessary. This is a mandatory procedure for show-class pets; they are bathed before exhibitions. Regular cats are washed if their fur is heavily soiled (dye, oil). But, even in this case, it is best not to bathe the pet entirely, but only to rinse the areas of contamination.

Caring for your eyes, ears and nose

Light discharge from the eyes of a British cat is normal. But, these secretions can leave an unwanted tear trail on your pet's fur. Remove these tears with a cotton pad soaked in a special eye care product. Saturate the pad and gently wipe the area around the eyes. The direction of movement should be from the inner corner to the outer. If discharge from the eyes becomes profuse, colored, or foul-smelling, contact a specialist immediately.

A healthy British cat's ears do not need to be cleaned often - they should be kept clean. The owner is required to regularly examine the ears in order to notice signs of illness in time: pimples, dark brown wax spots, redness. If such signs are detected, you should take your cat to the veterinarian.

If your pet has increased ear wax, you will have to clean the ears once a week. This should be done carefully with a cotton pad soaked in a special ear care product. You can lubricate a cotton pad with Vaseline. Be careful not to insert the disc too deeply to avoid damaging the eardrum. If the auricle is very heavily contaminated, treatment is carried out with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

A healthy animal's nose should be clean and free of discharge. British kittens are allowed to have crusts in the corners of their nostrils - this is a dried secretion. They are removed with a damp swab or cotton pad soaked in ordinary boiled water at room temperature. Nasal discharge, redness, microtraumas (cracks) are a reason to consult a doctor.

Dental care

The main thing that owners should take care of is to ensure sufficient load on the teeth. With natural feeding, cats are given large pieces to stimulate chewing. For animals receiving dry food, your veterinarian may recommend a special brand of food. This promotes self-cleaning of the mouth and teeth. Teeth are brushed with a special brush and toothpaste no more than 1-2 times a week - kittens need to be gradually accustomed to this. As a result of this procedure, the gums are massaged and soft deposits are removed. Tartar is removed only in the clinic, as prescribed by a veterinarian.

Nail care

Regularly inspect your animal's claws for the presence of fungus for preventive purposes. only needed when they are overly branched. If the cat moves a lot, climbs trees and special play complexes, and is accustomed to, then there is no need for this procedure.

How much money do you need for care and maintenance?

What to buy for a kitten

Required set:

1. Bowls for food and water. Deep ones won't work. Choose wide ones with a low side. Ceramic ones with a ribbed bottom are best. Price: from 100 to 350 rubles.
2. Tray. A closed tray or a large open one (without a grid) with sides curved inward will do - the British have large paws and love to dig. Price: from 800 to 4000 rubles.
3. Comb and massage mitten. It will cost you 350-550 rubles.
4. Choose stable models or those that are mounted on the wall. Price: from 250 to 950 rubles.
5. Toys (to play with your pet and keep him occupied while you're away). Price: from 100 to 1500 rubles.

Additional accessories:

1. Bed. It will cost 300-1200 rubles.
2. Carrying. The best ones are plastic models with a soft mattress inside - they can be used instead of a house. Price: from 1200 to 4500 rubles.
3. Ribbed rubber mat under the tray. Helps keep your home clean. Price: from 300 to 500 rubles.
4. This grooming device costs 600-1200 rubles.
5. Harness. For walking outside. Price: from 600 to 1300 rubles.
6. . Price: 300 – 500 rub.

Every year, the care and maintenance of a British cat may require from 20,000 to 35,000 rubles.

The total amount will depend on the chosen feeding method, the brand of food, the type of tray filler, the need for professional grooming, the number of visits to the veterinary clinic and the animal care products used.

Video on caring for a British cat:

Health and illness

The British are strong cats, physically well developed. But during breeding work, the breed developed a predisposition to a number of hereditary (genetic) diseases.

Genetic pathologies

1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Pathology that cannot be treated. This is a disease of adult animals that is easier to prevent than to treat. Her symptoms:

• anorexia;
• loss of interest;
• weakened heartbeat;
• difficulty breathing, breathing with sounds;
• sudden paralysis of the hind limbs;
• bluish color of paw pads.

1. Christmas disease (hemophilia B). Characterized by increased bleeding after injuries or surgery.

Non-hereditary diseases

1. Gingivitis. It usually begins with inflammation of one tooth, which progresses over time without treatment. At the second stage, the pathology will affect 25% of the teeth, at the third stage - 30%. Then advanced periodontitis sets in, the gum tissue recedes and the disease spreads to the roots of the teeth.
2. Claw fungus. Outwardly, it looks like spots on the nails and their deformation. Periodically and systematically inspect your pet's limbs.

Preventive measures

The main preventive measure is this!

Thanks to vaccination, you can reduce the risk of contracting panleukopenia, calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, rabies, and chlamydia.

Traditionally, kittens are vaccinated between 2-3 months or 8 months, when teeth change. It is important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your veterinarian.

First, the animal is given . If worms are detected after 10 days, repeated deworming is carried out and after another 10 days they are vaccinated. If worms are not detected in the feces immediately, then after 10 days they are vaccinated as usual. Do not forget to quarantine for about 2 weeks after each vaccination.

Rabies vaccination is carried out immediately after changing teeth and is repeated annually.

Of course, the vaccine is powerless against genetic pathologies. To be on the safe side, you need to carefully get to know the kitten, ask the breeder for information about the health of its parents and demand the results of genetic tests.

On average (excluding the cost of sterilization/castration surgery), treatment and preventive measures will require from 3,500 to 5,000 rubles. in year. Add to this amount a one-time payment for a veterinary passport - 100-200 rubles; the cost of the sterilization/castration operation is 1500-3000 rubles; chipping – 950 rub.

Genetically healthy British cats can live up to 15 years. Lifespan depends not only on health, but also on housing and feeding conditions.

Today’s material will allow you to plunge into the nearby cat world, understand its features, structure and laws. A description of a British breed cat will help you with this. Of course, having become acquainted with only one breed, it is impossible to learn to find a common language with all cats.

This article will be useful both to experienced “cat people” who have decided to acquire representatives of this breed, and to those who are just starting or planning to start caring for cats of the British breed.

Where did the British come from?

The British cat breed is one of those lucky few whose biography is rooted in events that took place before our era. In the distant forty-third year BC, the uncle of Emperor Caligula took the throne. He decided to strengthen his power by opening a war with Britain, and therefore sent troops. Upon their return, cats returned along with the Romans who fought in Britain.

The confrontation between the Romans and Celts did not end for forty years. But the British shorthair cat did not take any part in this war between people. They conquered more and more people with their beauty and affection.. Therefore, when at the end of the nineteenth century we started talking about the nation’s favorite animals, the descendants of the very cats that managed to somehow, but still reconcile two violent peoples in the past were used as a basis.

Another legend

Old scriptures and documents say that an ordinary cat suddenly turned out to be very strong and resilient, able to survive in a variety of conditions, and at the same time did not lose its charm and charm. We learn about this from G. Weir, the founder of cat exhibitions. This is the history of the British breed.

Quite often, scientists argue about which cat breeds are closest to the British. They definitely have something in common with Persian cats - a slightly flat, round muzzle, but nothing more.

Description of the breed

First of all, let's remember that the British are quite capricious, and even somewhat touchy - something, but these little animals have no less pride than their owners. The main thing is not to confuse a Scot and a Briton - their owners will definitely consider this an insult. Just remember that British cats are purebred animals who came to their appearance through adaptability, experience and mutation. But the Scotsman is a genetically bred breed, like many other cats that appeared relatively recently.

Distinctive features

Nose

Since cats almost always breathe through their nose, this is the basis of their instincts (unlike people who can independently switch to mouth breathing), it is important to pay attention to the nose and the correctness of its structure. A purebred British breed will have a short but wide nose with no bending or variation. There is a small, barely noticeable, but unnoticeable depression on the bridge of the nose. If the nose is crooked, the cat may wheeze when breathing or make other strange sounds.

Ears

The British Shorthair is an exception to the cat rule. If cats usually always “keep their eyes open,” the British breed does not have this feature. Their ears are low and at a great distance from each other. At the same time, the ears are small and slightly rounded. They have a fair amount of fur on the outside. This does not apply to the British Fold - their ears are often lowered and placed quite close, and also closer to the back of the head.

Eyes

The British breed has rather large eyes, which are open and, of course, round in shape. Like the ears, they are located quite widely. The British eye color is predominantly golden. Less common are blue, bright green and lavender. Cats with both unusual and pronounced typical eye colors are valued. But dull eyes or an iris with spots, rims, etc. are not only not appreciated, but are even considered a disadvantage.

Body

The origins of the appearance of standards for the body and physiology of British cats go back to those distant times of their appearance. Since the British felt themselves masters of their own lands, they grew into muscular cats that have considerable strength. Moreover, they can be large or medium in size according to the international classification.

They have a wide chest, and at the same time, a massive and muscular back, which allows them to perform all kinds of pirouettes even in everyday life. Paws are short but strong, which allows the cat to periodically land on only three of the four, and use the “spare” paw as an attacking weapon in case of jumping on prey.

As for the tail, it is also quite short. Thin only in kittens, while in British cats of all ages it should taper towards the base.

Weight and size

The British breed cat is much larger than a cat, but this is expressed only in appearance, and not in their characteristics. In scientific terms, this breed is characterized by demorphism of the sexes. Kittens, regardless of gender, quickly gain weight. From small, skinny Britons, they quickly turn into miniature copies of their parents, but only in appearance. It takes them a long time to gain weight, and the process of growing up also lasts for several years.

Appearance

After four years, the physical part of the British body is fully formed, and by the age of five he has a stable personality. At this age, cats weigh about five to eight kilograms, and females from four to six.

Wool

This is where the striking differences begin between breeds that are British, but at the same time fundamentally different.

There are two directions of development of this breed: long-haired and short-haired. Apart from fur, there are no differences at the physical level.

The British Longhair cat is a kind of elegant and representative aristocrat. You cannot crossbreed with other breeds, only with the British, otherwise you risk getting a wild Briton with an incomprehensible color. But it doesn’t matter whether such an animal’s partner will have short or long hair.

Despite the fact that the breed is called long-haired, the length of the coat reaches only a medium level. Without waves or curls, straight, with a rich undercoat, which provides the cat with warmth. Wherein the tail is always very fluffy. There are a variety of colors, the only exception that is not recognized is the combination of white with Siamese or partial color on the paws, face and tail.

As for individuals with short hair, they always have surprisingly delicate colors. The coat is dense and evenly distributed over the body. The average length of wool is up to three millimeters.

Color

The predominantly monochromatic color should be uniform and monotonous so that the coat does not stand out in some places. At the same time, the British breed may have something like a haze on the coat or a shimmer of some color - this is not prohibited by the breed standard.

According to official data, there are three dozen color variations of the British.

The most popular solid types of this breed are:

• Red breed
• Cream breed
• Black breed
• White breed
• Gray breed
• The Lilo breed is a combination of gray, gray and pink.

The most popular two-color breeds are:

• Gray-blue breed
• Marble
• Ticked breed
• Tabby breed (“freckles” on the coat)

Recently, cats of the British breed with Whiskey-style coloring have been gaining momentum. The name comes from an advertisement for a famous food. But this is just a common or colloquial name, and if you turn to specialists, they will explain to you that this is a “mackerel” type. The main color of these British people is silver.. There should be only three dark stripes on the back, and an unlimited number of dark stripes along the body. It is important that the stripes are darker, not lighter.

Cat development

Disadvantages of body parts, head

Deformation of the nose, consisting of an excessively hump of the nose. Flat forehead, large eyebrows, long nose. The nose is too narrow, the bite cannot be corrected, and the shape of the muzzle is also distorted.

Lack of the required level of “plushness”. This trait depends on the undercoat, which ideally should be smooth and very dense. Then the fur is fluffy and looks like plush. The absence of necessary signs most often occurs in large cats, cinnamon-colored cats, and tabbies.

If a pet has at least one of the above deficiencies, it will not be considered an ideal purebred.

Therefore, if you expect to take part in exhibitions or competitions, you should choose an animal of this breed with special care. And if you buy a friend for your home, then these external features do not matter - they do not affect health, breed or character in any way.

Character

What features of the British cat distinguish it from representatives of other “cat races”? First of all, these are manners. Her pretense, and the impossibility of getting to her, is still touchable, especially if the pet doesn’t like the person. At the same time, it is a rather capricious animal, despite its cute appearance. Of the constant character traits that are inherent in this breed at any age, one can note independence and stubbornness.

The British are very friendly and affectionate creatures, they make contact very easily.

They love a friendly and gentle tone, do not tolerate orders or demands on themselves - especially if it comes not from the owner, but from someone else.

Communication

The British breed easily gets along with dogs and loves to play with children. He doesn’t like to be bothered, but in the case of a small child, he will endure until the last moment so as not to hit his paw. What's special about the British? This breed easily tolerates loneliness. If you are rarely at home, but really love cats, then a British cat is a great solution for you. They calmly remain alone with themselves, play, sleep, explore the outside world. And although they miss the owner, they will not create a mess in all the rooms when they meet or in his absence.

Be healthy and beautiful!

The unique qualities of British cats is the ability not to get sick even in very harsh conditions. They do not have hereditary diseases, as such, and at the same time, cats tolerate cold weather with steadfastness. However, this does not mean that the British do not get sick in principle - they are characterized by diseases typical of cats.

• Gingivitis. This is inflammation and subsequent decay of the teeth. It is important to show the animal to the veterinarian in time, because in the first two stages the disease can be cured. But it’s much easier to simply prevent it - brush your pet’s teeth and don’t let him eat any nonsense.
• Cardiomyopathy, which occurs due to too much load or, conversely, due to its absence. The main symptoms are catastrophic weight loss, loss of interest in the outside world, the owner, toys, slowing of the pulse and breathing, and wheezing.
• Also possible partial paralysis. Usually these are the hind limbs. In addition to the above, pay attention to your pet's pads. If they change color to blue, consult a doctor immediately.
• British people are sometimes diagnosed with hemophilia. There is nothing you can do here either; the best option would be to simply monitor your pet so that he does not get injured.
• And the last typical disease is a fungus that appears on the claws. You can recognize it by deformation or spots on the claws, so pay attention to your pet’s paws.

To prevent heart problems, doctors recommend an examination - an ultrasound of the heart, at least once a year, ideally every six months.

Vaccinations

Care

The difference between the British breed and many other breeds is the lack of need for meticulous and thorough care. This breed is unpretentious in its living, although it has a number of its own characteristics, but caring for them will not require much time from you.

The first thing you need to do is remove the undercoat once a week. To do this, you should purchase a soft round brush made of rubber or a special material that will remove static from the fur. When a cat begins to shed, it is necessary to brush it daily., otherwise this process will affect your furniture.

Hygiene

The British are a very neat breed, and even cats, even cats, are very concerned about their hygiene, so they constantly lick their fur. Because of this, their stomachs often become clogged with fur. You do not need to wait until the kitten becomes ill and he himself gets rid of the hairballs in the internal organs, since it is not a fact that until then they will not cause harm. To prevent this, give your cat special medications, which are sold in the form of tablets and food, and dissolve lumps in the gastrointestinal tract.

And returning to the paws, be sure to regularly inspect the claws to ensure there is no fungus, cracks or chips.

Trim the nails regularly or take your Briton to a special salon if you cannot perform this procedure yourself. Don't forget to buy a scratching post.

Finally, remember that the characteristics of the British cat do not mean that standard procedures do not apply to it. Eye washing, specialized cleaning of ears and pads - this is necessary for every purebred cat, not just the British.

How to feed, what to feed, when and where?

We immediately hasten to disappoint fishing lovers - cats don’t need fish. At all. None – be it food or regular fish. Don't believe advertisements that advertise fish food - it's just a marketing ploy. Yes, your cat will happily eat fish, but this does not mean that he will like it. What to feed British cats? - you ask. Let's take a closer look at the diet for such a cat.

• Meat. Most of your pet's diet is meat products. Three quarters, sometimes a little less, of the diet should be a meat component.
• The best option for a cat would be beef or poultry, as well as offal. Giving a cat a piece of meat is not a wise decision. Freeze the meat, then mince or slice it. In general, prepare the cat for food.
• Garnish. One quarter of the diet consists of various cereals, potatoes and vegetables. This can be a side dish from your table, but you can cook it separately for your cat.
• Be sure to give your Brit an egg every five to seven days.
• Occasionally you can give dairy products - this can be cottage cheese or kefir, cheese, ryazhanka. You can use premium dry food - it contains all the necessary substances for a cat, but its taste leaves much to be desired, alas.

What should you not give to cats?

• Milk. Allergy to lactose is especially pronounced in purebred cats.
• Sweet. Even occasionally. And on holidays it’s also not allowed. Consider that your cat needs to watch his figure!
• Marinated and salted. The marinade contains acid, which has a bad effect on the cat’s body, and salt delays the release of water from the body.
• Alcohol and coffee. It not only harms the body, but leads to heart problems.

Remember that the British cat breed is prone to obesity, so you need to monitor their diet.

Where to buy, what for and why?

The main characteristic of a British breed cat is photogenicity. These cats love to play at any age, they can be taught to pose, and most importantly, they know how to smile! The resulting photos are simply amazing: a smiling cat in a flower pot, wearing a bath cap, hanging in the air at the moment of a jump. And what funny videos they make with their participation! These cats are sometimes too smart, but they are amenable to training. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the obedience of such a cat.

Market

When it comes to where to buy, you have several options. The most common is the cat market. A popular but unreliable option. Prices there are twice as low, but this is where danger awaits you. It is not a fact that an animal purchased at such a market will be healthy and with all vaccinations. Of course, you can get vaccinated, treated, and so on, but is it really worth it? And a healthy kitten is better than a sick one.

From hand

You can purchase the British breed secondhand from people who breed British dogs. Reliability, like the price, will be higher, but there are pitfalls here too. You cannot always check the documents and purebredness of the breed, and you will not receive any guarantees.

The British cat is an unusual breed and quite popular among both domestic and foreign breeders. This is a powerful and well-built pet with a largely undocumented origin story.

History of the origin of the breed

There are several versions and different assumptions of the genealogy that try to explain the emergence of the “British”, but they do not claim to be documented and the only true ones. It is assumed that cats of this breed were brought to different countries from the territory of France on merchant ships, where sailors kept such animals to protect the transported food from rodents.

In the 19th century, exotic breeders paid close attention to the graceful and outwardly very attractive “British” cats, but a special contribution to the development of the breed was made by Harrison Fair, with whose direct participation the first exhibition with a British shorthair blue tabby cat was held in 1871. In 1950, the breed was approved in America, and the British cat deservedly gained worldwide fame. “British” were brought to our country in the last century, but they became popular relatively recently.

Description and appearance of a British cat

The breed is characterized by the presence of a well-developed body and head, as well as many different colors. Some of the most popular colors include solid blue-gray, black and chocolate, as well as tabby and its varieties including spot, stripe or merle.

Breed standards

The breed is distinguished by a rounded head with fairly well developed and pronounced cheeks, wide in the cheekbones. The neck is thick and short. The short nose has a wide and straight shape, and also forms a vertical line with a strong and level chin. The ears are small, rounded, set wide and low on the head. The eyes are large, round in shape, well open and fairly wide set. Eye coloring depends on the characteristics of the main color.

This is interesting! The second name for the “British cat” is a positive or optimistic cat. It is believed that this is the only cat breed that can smile. This feature is explained by unusually plump cheeks and a protruding tongue.

The body is squat, cobby-type, with a straight and short back, as well as a broad chest. The shoulder part is wide and massive. The limbs are short, powerful and thick, ending in round, strong and dense paws. The tail is thick, medium in length, rounded at the end and wide at the base.

The short and thick coat has a shine. The coat is quite dense, with a thick undercoat. It should be remembered that the “British Fold” breed does not exist in nature.. All "British" breeds belong to the "British Shorthair" and "British Longhair" breeds.

British cat character

True “British”, unlike most other breeds, are independent animals. An adult pet can easily tolerate loneliness and almost never fawns over its owner or asks to be held. However, the British cat loves its owner very much and gets bored when apart.

Important!“British” is a true English gentleman, distinguished by characteristic restraint and having a sense of self-esteem.

The breed is very distrustful of strangers and prefers to keep a sufficient distance from strangers. This is a calm, moderately affectionate and absolutely non-intrusive pet, naturally intelligent, clean and very smart. Loyal "British" dogs do not scratch or bite, and are somewhat melancholy, so the breed is well suited for keeping in a home with small children or elderly people.

Lifespan

Good health, and as a result, the life expectancy of any pet, are the result of proper animal care. British cats belong to the category of healthy and strong breeds that can live in home conditions for more than ten to fifteen years. It should be remembered that it directly depends on a large number of external factors, including good nutrition, quality care and regular veterinary examinations.

However, it is very important to take into account some nuances that will allow the “British” to shine at exhibitions or participate in breeding.

Care and hygiene

An unusually attractive coat is the main advantage of all “British” dogs, so caring for your pet in this area will require quite careful and competent care. A couple of times a week you need to comb your British cat using a special massage slicker brush.

This procedure will allow you to promptly remove all dead hair and at the same time plays the role of a kind of massage. Short-haired animals can be washed a couple of times a year or when dirty. Long-haired specimens require more frequent brushing.

Important! Even if you have a scratching post, it is important to trim the nails of an adult “British cat” to half their total length about a couple of times a month.

British cats require daily eye care. Hygienic measures should be aimed at removing natural secretions using a damp cotton pad. Movements should be carried out in the direction from the outer corner to the nose. Preventative ear examinations are performed every two weeks. Accumulated dirt and earwax should be removed with a cotton swab or disk soaked in a special hygienic solution.

The domestic cat's oral cavity is examined daily to detect tartar and other pathologies. It is recommended from an early age to accustom the kitten to hygiene procedures in the form of brushing its teeth with special means.

Diet - what to feed a British cat

The structure of the coat, as well as its condition and general well-being of the British cat largely depend on a properly formulated diet. The composition of the feed should be as complete as possible and contain not only the nutrients necessary for the animal, but also microelements and vitamin complexes.

The diet can be represented by ready-made food, as well as natural products. The type of food and its components must be selected based on the age and gender of the pet, as well as its health status and preferences.

This is interesting! At an early age, the need for mother's milk persists for up to one and a half months, after which the animal can be gradually transferred to cow's or goat's milk, milk semi-liquid porridges, as well as scraped or thoroughly ground beef.

If there is absolutely no opportunity to prepare your kitten’s food yourself, then it is advisable to purchase special ones, focusing on the age category.

The natural diet of an adult animal must include:

• lean meats such as chicken, beef, rabbit or turkey;
• meat by-products, represented by kidneys, lungs, liver and heart;
• boiled low-fat sea fish, cleaned of bones;
• quail eggs;
• buckwheat, rice, oatmeal, semolina and wheat porridge;
• sprouted grain crops, represented by wheat or oats;
• special cat grass.

Starting from three months, natural food must be enriched with special vitamin and mineral preparations, the quantity and composition of which varies depending on the age characteristics and physical activity of the pet. It is strictly forbidden to feed your cat “from the table” regular food..

Diseases and breed defects

Real “British people” are characterized by a fairly strong immune system, but are highly sensitive to cold and drafts, so it’s enough.

British cats are extremely rarely affected by various mutations or diseases of a genetic nature, and therefore are among the healthiest and most robust breeds of domestic cats currently registered.

This is interesting! British cats, compared to other breeds popular with breeders, are least susceptible to various cancers, and neutered and castrated animals live much longer than their relatives who are capable of having offspring.

Breed defects include insufficient fullness of the cheeks, due to which the main charm of the “British”, represented by thick plush cheeks, disappears. Common faults of the breed include excessively long or soft hair, too pronounced stops or whisker pads.

Animals with a severe underbite or an anomaly in the position of the jaws and teeth, as well as skeletal deformation and cryptorchidism, are excluded from breeding work. It is prohibited to use for breeding animals with deafness, blindness, strabismus, eyelid abnormalities, or significant deviations from color standards.