British Shorthair Cat

The British Shorthair is a medium-to-large-sized cat breed known for its distinctive stocky body, thick coat, and broad face. Some key facts about the British Shorthair.

It is one of the oldest recognized cat breeds, with origins tracing back to the traditional British domestic cat. 

The most common color variant is the “British Blue”, with a solid grey-blue coat, but the breed comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. 

British Shorthairs are generally affectionate, easy-going, and calm in temperament, making them good family pets. They are not overly needy or clingy.

They are relatively large, solid cats weighing 6-12 pounds on average, and can take up to 5 years to reach full physical maturity. 

British Shorthairs require minimal grooming due to their short, dense single coat. Brushing once a week is typically sufficient.

They are moderately active, preferring to spend much of their time relaxing, so care must be taken to prevent obesity.

Potential health issues include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common heart condition in cats.

The breed was formally recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1980 and remains the most popular pedigreed cat in the UK today. 

Temperament of a british shorthair cat

The British Shorthair is known for being an affectionate, easy-going, and calm cat breed. 

They are generally not overly needy or clingy, and prefer to spend time relaxing and observing their surroundings rather than being constantly active.

British Shorthairs are adaptable and make great family pets, getting along well with children and other pets.  

They are moderately active, enjoying playtime but also content to simply sit and watch their owners go about their day. 

These cats tend to be loyal and form close bonds with their owners, but they also respect personal space and don’t like to be smothered with attention. 

Average lifespan of a british shorthair cat

The average lifespan of a British Shorthair cat is 12-20 years. 

British Shorthairs live around 12–13 years on average, but it’s not uncommon for them to live way past that and reach 20 years old. 

Common causes of death in british shorthair cats

The common causes of death in British Shorthair cats include:

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):

• HCM is a common heart condition in British Shorthairs that can lead to sudden death.
• HCM can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, making breathing very difficult and unpleasant for the cat.
• Thromboembolic disease (blood clots) can also occur as a consequence of HCM, causing severe pain and distress.

2. Obesity: Obesity is a major disease that contributes to a surprisingly large number of illnesses and deaths in cats, including British Shorthairs.

3. Other Genetic/Inherited Conditions: British Shorthairs may be predisposed to certain genetic or inherited health conditions that could potentially lead to premature death. 

Early detection and proper management of conditions like HCM are crucial for prolonging the lifespan and quality of life for British Shorthair cats. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular veterinary check-ups are also important preventative measures. 

Common health issues of British shorthair cat

Common health issues of British Shorthair cats include:

1. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): British Shorthairs can have a genetic predisposition for heart disease, particularly HCM, which thickens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure. 

2. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): PKD is a genetic condition where affected kittens are born with cysts in the kidneys and liver, leading to organ damage over time. Symptoms typically appear around seven years of age.

3. Cataracts: Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older British Shorthairs, characterized by opaque lenses in the eyes. Surgical removal can restore vision, but cats can adapt to gradual sight loss.

4. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): FIP is a disease caused by a coronavirus mutation that can affect a cat’s immune system, leading to vasculitis and fluid build-up in the abdomen or chest. British Shorthairs may be more susceptible to FIP. 

5. Dental Disease: Dental issues like gingivitis and periodontitis are common in British Shorthairs, causing pain and discomfort that can lead to various health problems if left untreated. 

These health issues highlight the importance of regular veterinary check-ups, early detection, and proper care to ensure the well-being and longevity of British Shorthair cats.

What is feline arterial thromboembolism and how does it affect british shorthair cats?

Feline arterial thromboembolism (FATE) is a serious health condition that can affect British Shorthair cats.

FATE is an acute or peracute condition that results from the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) within a peripheral artery, which then dislodges and blocks blood flow to the affected limb(s). 

FATE is most commonly associated with cardiomyopathy (heart disease) in cats, though it can occur even without underlying cardiac issues. 

British Shorthairs appear to be predisposed to FATE, as it is listed as one of the most common hereditary diseases affecting this breed.

FATE can lead to severe ischemia and tissue damage in the affected limb(s), causing acute pain, paralysis, and potentially limb loss if not treated promptly.

The prognosis for cats with FATE is generally poor, with many being euthanized at presentation due to the severity of symptoms. However, some cats may survive for over a year with proper management.

Preventive measures like antithrombotic therapy and monitoring for underlying heart disease are important for British Shorthairs at risk of developing FATE.

In summary, feline arterial thromboembolism is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition that British Shorthair cats appear predisposed to, highlighting the importance of vigilant veterinary care for this breed.

Treatment for feline arterial thromboembolism in British shorthair cats

The key points regarding the treatment of feline arterial thromboembolism (FATE) in British Shorthair cats are:

1. Pain Management: Cats with FATE experience severe pain, so strong opioid analgesics like buprenorphine, butorphanol, or oxymorphone are crucial for pain relief.

2. Anticoagulant Therapy: Long-term anticoagulant medications like low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or clopidogrel are recommended to prevent recurrence of blood clots. Aspirin may also be used in combination with other anticoagulants.

3. Treating Underlying Conditions: Any underlying heart disease, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, should be treated concurrently to address the root cause. Treating heart failure with medications like furosemide and ACE inhibitors may also be necessary.

4. Supportive Care: Affected cats often require hospitalization for intensive nursing care, oxygen therapy, and management of complications like hyperkalemia and acidosis.  Passive physical therapy of the affected limbs may be beneficial once the cat is stabilized and pain is controlled.

5. Surgical Intervention: Surgical removal of the blood clot is generally not recommended due to the high-risk nature of these patients and the potential for reperfusion injury.

The overall prognosis for cats with FATE is guarded, and euthanasia may be the most humane option in some cases if the cat does not show signs of improvement within 2-3 days. Preventive measures and early detection of underlying conditions are crucial for British Shorthair cats at risk of developing this serious condition.

Cost of British shorthair cat

The cost of a British Shorthair cat can vary depending on factors like location, age, and pedigree. Prices typically range from $300 to $5,000, with kittens from reputable breeders costing between $500 and $4,500. 

Adoption fees for British Shorthairs can be around $75 to $100, offering a more affordable option. Overall, the cost of a British Shorthair cat can vary widely based on the quality of the feline, with top-of-the-line cats priced around $1,500 to $3,000, while pet-quality cats may start at $800 and up.

Reputable breeders for british shorthair cats

Here are some reputable breeders for British Shorthair cats in the United States:

1. Royally British Cattery (RBC Cats) – Located in Nashville, Tennessee, RBC Cats is described as one of TICA’s most trusted breeders of traditional British Shorthair and Longhair cats. They specialize in British Blues, Chocolates, Lilacs, Blacks, and Bicolors. 

2. Ouachita British Shorthairs – Located in Arkansas, this breeder is recommended by a Reddit user who has two cats from them. They can also arrange to have kittens flown to buyers. 

3. McSmitten Kittens – Located in Oregon, this breeder is active in local cat shows and comes recommended by a Reddit user. 

4. Precious Treasures Cattery – Also located in Oregon, this cattery is recommended by a Reddit user who has a kitten from them. 

5. Plaid Plus Cattery – Located in Connecticut, this breeder is recommended by a Reddit user. 

6. Maks British Cats Cattery – Located in Pennsylvania, this breeder is also recommended by a Reddit user. 

7. Laziblues British Shorthairs – Located in New York, this breeder is mentioned as having good experiences by a Reddit user. 

8. British Glory Cattery – Located in Houston, Texas, this cattery specializes in breeding British Shorthair and Longhair cats in golden colors and varieties. 

9. Snowflakes Cattery – Located in Los Angeles, this cattery specializes in breeding British Shorthair and Longhair cats. 

These breeders are considered reputable sources for acquiring healthy, well-bred British Shorthair cats in the United States.

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