British Shorthair cat

British Shorthair Cat

First Pet ParentApartment FriendlyIndoor CatLow MaintenanceCalm Temperament

Calm, independent, and plush-coated cat known for its gentle temperament and low-maintenance lifestyle.

Origin

United Kingdom

Size

4-7 kg

Lifespan

12-18 years

Cost

₹30k-1.2L

Calm & Composed
Indoor Friendly
Affectionate (Not Clingy)

Overview & Temperament

35%
Energy Level
65%
Trainability
80%
Friendliness
60%
Shedding
55%
Heat Tolerance

British Shorthairs are known for their round faces, dense plush coats, and relaxed personalities. They are independent yet affectionate cats that prefer calm companionship over constant attention.

In Indian homes, British Shorthairs do exceptionally well as indoor cats, especially in apartments. Their quiet nature and low energy needs make them perfect for working professionals and first-time pet parents.

Personality Traits

  • Calm and even-tempered
  • Affectionate without being demanding
  • Good with children and other pets
  • Independent but loyal
  • Not overly vocal

Energy & Activity

  • Low to moderate activity needs
  • Prefers short play sessions
  • Spends most time resting

Living Conditions in India

Climate Considerations

Adapts well to Indian climate with basic heat management.

  • Ideal temperature: 18°-26°C
  • Summer care: Cool indoor environment recommended
  • Hydration: Fresh water available 24/7
  • Best cities: Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad

Ideal Living Situation

  • Apartments
  • Indoor-only homes
  • Quiet households
  • First-time pet parents
  • Homes with predictable routines

Challenging Situations

  • Outdoor living
  • Very noisy homes
  • Lack of mental stimulation

Cost of Owning a British Shorthair Cat

Initial Purchase Cost

From breeders in India₹30,000 - ₹1,20,000

Price varies based on coat color, breeder reputation, and lineage.

Monthly Expenses

Food
Basic: ₹2,000Premium: ₹3,500
2,000
3,500
Veterinary Care
Basic: ₹1,000Premium: ₹2,000
1,000
2,000
Grooming
Basic: ₹500Premium: ₹1,200
500
1,200
Total Monthly Investment₹3,500 - ₹6,500

Overall low-maintenance compared to long-haired breeds.

Food & Nutrition

Ideal Nutrition Balance

Protein35%
Healthy Fats25%
Carbohydrates30%
Fiber & Vitamins10%

Feeding Guidelines

Kittens (2-12 months)

3 meals/day, 60-90g total

Adults (1-7 years)

2 meals/day, 80-120g total

Seniors (7+ years)

2 meals/day, 70-100g total

Best Food Options in India

  • Royal Canin British Shorthair
  • Farmina N&D
  • Sheba wet food
  • Vet-approved mixed feeding

Foods to Avoid

Milk
Human food
Bones
Chocolate
Onions & garlic

Health & Lifespan

Expected Lifespan

Generally healthy and long-living breed.

Indian climate note: Minimal heat sensitivity compared to flat-faced breeds.

Common Health Conditions

Obesity

Low activity levels can lead to weight gain

Medium Risk

Prevention: Portion control and regular play

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Genetic heart condition

Low-Med Risk

Prevention: Responsible breeding and periodic cardiac checks

Recommended Vet Care Schedule

Kittens: Vaccinations every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
Adults: Annual health check
Seniors: Bi-annual checkups
Deworming: Every 3 months

Daily Care Routine

Grooming Requirements

Regular Tasks

Brushing1-2x/week

Dense coat requires minimal grooming.

Nail TrimmingEvery 3-4 weeks

Prevents overgrowth.

Professional Grooming

Every 8-10 weeks

Full grooming session with professional

Services include:

Bath, nail trim, ear cleaning

Tailstart Grooming: Low grooming needs compared to long-haired cats.

Training & Mental Stimulation

Why Training is Essential

Helps maintain litter habits and easy handling.

Training Tip

Responds best to calm routines and gentle interaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Give Your British Shorthair Cat the Best Care

Professional grooming at your doorstep. Tailstart makes it easy to keep your British Shorthair healthy and happy in Indian conditions.