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Is the British Shorthair Cat Breed For You?
They Are Great Ratters!
The British Shorthair cat
breed can help clean out unwanted
rodents if they are a problem for you in your home. These big cats may look
placid and lazy, but they are actually great hunters. After all, the British
Shorthair is descended from Britain's barn and house cats.
This breed was created in the late nineteenth century. Despite its early
popularity, the British Shorthair cat breed almost became extinct in the mid
twentieth century, as other breeds were developed. Luckily, a few Shorthair
fanciers were determined to save this wonderful, historic breed and the British
Shorthair was saved. In the late twentieth century, these cats reached the
United States, where they immediately became extremely popular.
Are You Looking for British Shorthair Cats?
Although you can find a British Shorthair cat in a wide range of
colors, including orange eyed or blue eyed white, red or silver
tabby, tortoiseshell, smoke, bi-colors, and points, the most popular
color is probably blue. In fact, blue British Shorthairs were so
popular in the United States that they were the only color
recognized by cat associations for many years.
This cat can be a heavy weight contender
The British shorthair cat breed is on the large side, weighing
in at a hefty nine to eighteen pounds. British Shorthair cats
have a short tail that is on the broad side, a round head with
wide cheeks, and a thick, short coat.
Although the British Shorthair cat breed is fairly laid back,
this is not a breed that is interested in being picked up and
cuddled. In fact, these cats hate being picked up or handled so
much that many cat fanciers say that they should be re-named the
'four feet on the ground' breed.

As long as you allow him to do his own thing, your British
Shorthair will be happy. If you are looking for a cat that wants to
snuggle in your lap as you watch television, you may be quite
disappointed with the British Shorthair breed.
For people who can't spend a lot of time at home, this cat breed
is ideal. The British Shorthair is very self contained and does not
spend a lot of time playing or socializing. As long as you are there
to feed him each morning and can give him a little attention each
evening, he will be a happy cat.
Since this breed is a descendant of several gene pools, it is
generally a healthy breed. However, there is one thing you should be
aware.
You should consider having your kitten tested to find out which
type of blood he has in case he needs emergency surgery in the
future.
You should be sure to have your veterinarian make a note of your
cat's blood type in his medical chart so that there are no
unnecessary complications.

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