During the Second World War, as in the First World War, the British Shorthair breed was decimated, but it always reemerged into the top ranks of popularity. Today, the British Shorthair is accepted in cat registries worldwide. At one time, it was known as the British Blue, but since it comes in a variety of colors, it is called either the British or the British Shorthair.

   General Appearance
   The British Shorthair cat is medium to large in size, well balanced and powerful, showing a good depth of body, a full broad chest, strong short legs, rounded paws, tail thick at base with a rounded tip. The head is round, round cheeks, firm chin, large round, well-opened eyes and a short broad nose. The coat is short and dense.
   The coat of the British is thick and dense. It becomes much longer and thicker during the winter. The texture of the coat is relatively hard, as it is meant as protection for the cat.
   When you pick up a British, you should always support her back end. British should not have their hind end drag down their abdomen, as this can make them uncomfortable and insecure.

   Personality
   British Shorthair are placid, not demanding, tolerant, docile and respectful. They are not vocal cats and in fact are very quiet and can cope with being alone without fretting. They are not inclined to wander. They love children and get along extremely well with dogs. They are fiercely loyal and a good companion for single people.
   British Shorthair is a very companionable cat with family, although like many cats they may take a little time to warm up to strangers.  

   Care
   Unlike long-haired cats, British Shorthair don’t need to be fussed over to look good. Their short, soft, dense coat only requires weekly brushing to remove dead hair and skin cells. But for the most part, they do a good job keeping themselves clean and tidy.
   Like other breeds, British Shorthair need frequent nail trims and dental care, as well as regular trips to the veterinarian. Be sure to spay or neuter your pet and keep their vaccinations up to date, as instructed by vet. Check their ears regularly for wax build-up or possible ear mites as well. It’s also important to keep their litter boxes clean so they don’t turn their nose up at it.

   Health
   British Shorthair are a large, healthy breed that can live up to 20 years. However, they are susceptible to certain health problems, as all breeds are.
   These kitties can be prone to a condition called hypertrophy cardiomyopathy, which is a thickening of the muscular walls of the cat’s heart; this causes difficulty breathing, lethargy, and loss of appetite in older animals. And, similar to other breeds, British Shorthair can develop urinary tract and kidney issues.
   To help prevent health problems from developing, start by getting your British Shorthair kitten from a reputable breeder who uses healthy adults. And always take your cat to your vet once a year for a check-up.
   In addition to regular health check-ups, exercise should play an important role in your British Shorthair life. These cats save energy but aren’t that active, so they can gain too much weight (especially in their later years) unless you develop strategies that keep them moving when they’re young. Interactive toys, fishing wands, balls, lasers, and climbing structures like cat trees and cat shelves will all help keep your British Shorthair fit and trim, physically and mentally.

   Facts
   British Shorthair are the ideal choice as a house cat. The average life span of these cats is 15-20 years, although many live past that age. They are a very hardy cat. British Shorthair can be bred in over 30 different colors, although some colors are not readily available.