British Shorthair

Like every breed, the British Shorthair is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other cats

  Usually enjoys the company of other cats.

• Dogs

  Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.

• Indoors and outdoors

  Often content as an indoor cat.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes with a few hours alone.

• First-time owners

  Often suits first-time cat owners.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own cat’s health.

• Weight gain

  The British has a slow metabolism, and owners need to make sure the breed's natural padding stays as muscle rather than turning to fat.

• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

  An inherited condition in which cysts form in the kidneys, affecting kidney function and potentially leading to kidney failure. GCCF says it is now under control in the breed thanks to the common use of DNA tests by responsible breeders.

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

  A disease in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, so the heart cannot beat effectively. There is no DNA test for HCM in the British breed yet; responsible breeders avoid breeding from affected cats.

• British Shorthair autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS)

  A serious condition in which too many immune cells are produced, leading to organ enlargement, anaemia and general illness. A DNA test is available, and since March 2025 GCCF has required a valid negative ALPS test for British Shorthairs imported from another registry to be registered for breeding.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a British Shorthair home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Kittens should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a kitten was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a British Shorthair home, and looking after one well. Kitten prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, litter, scratching posts and toys, and a cattery or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the cat’s life, typically 14–20 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the British Shorthair suits your life, take the same care choosing where your cat comes from. Meet the kitten in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

British Shorthairs do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the cat. An adult cat arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the cat’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a cat once, well.