The British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is a large round 'cuddle bug' of a cat. A gentle giant of the cat world.
It is bred in most colours contrary to popular belief. The most popular colour is the blue, which is often referred to as the British Blue, thereby giving the impression that it is a breed on its own, totally incorrect.

The origin or the British Shorthair, stems from the breeding of the Ordinary domestic 'alley cat' with the pedigree Persian. This was in the early part of the 1900's. The result was a big boned cat, with shorthair, and like its ancestor the alley cat, a great immune system. The British Shorthair is a hardy cat, and with good breeding behind it there should be no notable defects, either congenital or hereditary.

The round body of the British Shorthair should ideally consistent from the face to the body. We call it the 'Three Rings", round face, round head and round body. The size should be a big to large, cobby but not to compact a cat. Big round head, medium ears, with a good width between. Nicely rounded eyes and a round face. Big broad chest, muscled shoulders, strong round body.

Tail should be thick, but not longer than the total body length. The eye colour should be solid, and ranging from gold to copper, except in Whites, colour points and some Tabbies and Silvers.
The coat should be thick, short and dense, giving the appearance of crispness. Cracking in the coat is desired. Paws should be thick and powerful, not overly long, and not fine.
Personality of the British has sometimes been described as 'aloof' or 'independent', however this depends on the lines behind the cat, and the breeder. i.e.: a litter of handled right from birth will be loving and affectionate. Those left to get on with it, will not be as sociable .
People wanting to purchase a British Shorthair, should know that they, like 'all cats' shed their coats once a year, but are less likely to affect people with respiratory problems. They also play, just like any other breed of cat, but tend to slow down and not climb as much as they grow to adulthood.
They continue to grow and develop for up to three years. The average weight of a grown British Shorthair is approximately 7 kilos.
Although a big and heavy cat, they are usually gentle. The British also get along with most other pets.

Sardross Cattery has been 'line breeding' British Shorthairs for some fifteen years. We have had extremely good results. Our cats are always good natured and healthy, born and raised in our home. We specialize in Blue, Blue cream, and Cream. Over the years we have bred many champions, and champions of champions. We love our cats, and they love us.

Author:

Avril Ross / Sardross Cattery, Australia.

http://www.alphalink.com.au/~sardross

E-Mail: sardross@alphalink.com.au