British Shorthairs 101

The British Shorthair is a large, calm cat most commonly seen in a solid, blue-gray color, but other colors exist too. They are stocky cats with short legs and large, somewhat flat faces. They are good lap cats, providing companionship and warmth while their owners take it easy.

What we love about British Shorthairs

Easy-going with a plush coat

Size

12 to 16 inches tall
Large breed size

Size: 12 to 16 inches tall. This is a Large sized Cat.

Weight

8 to 12 lbs

Weight: 8 to 12 lbs typical range

Lifespan

12 to 18 years

Lifespan: 12 to 18 years average

Height
12 to 16 inches
Weight
8 to 12 lbs
Lifespan
12 to 18 years

The British Shorthair stands 12 to 16 inches tall and weighs 8 to 12 lbs. British Shorthairs have a lifespan of 12 to 18 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do British Shorthairs get?
British Shorthairs stand 12 to 16 inches tall and typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds.
How long do British Shorthairs live?
The average lifespan of a British Shorthair is 12 to 18 years.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This British Shorthair health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from kitten through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult British Shorthair

7 years to 10 years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Mid-life British Shorthairs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Ear infection is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Diabetes mellitus
Above Average Risk

Senior British Shorthair

11+ years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Senior British Shorthairs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Kidney failure is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Kidney failure
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Urinary tract disease
Above Average Risk

British Shorthair kitten

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

British Shorthair kittens are most vulnerable during this early stage. Respiratory infection and Gastroenteritis and Ear infection pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Respiratory infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk

Young adult British Shorthair

2 years to 6 years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

As British Shorthairs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Colitis is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Colitis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Above Average Risk

Mature adult British Shorthair

7 years to 10 years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Mid-life British Shorthairs should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Ear infection is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Ear infection
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Diabetes mellitus
Above Average Risk

Senior British Shorthair

11+ years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

Senior British Shorthairs face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Kidney failure is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Kidney failure
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Dental disease
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Urinary tract disease
Above Average Risk

British Shorthair kitten

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

British Shorthair kittens are most vulnerable during this early stage. Respiratory infection and Gastroenteritis and Ear infection pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Respiratory infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk

Young adult British Shorthair

2 years to 6 years

Risk level for common British Shorthair conditions

As British Shorthairs grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Colitis is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Colitis
High Risk
60% on risk scale
Conjunctivitis
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Above Average Risk

Nationwide can help you save on your British Shorthair's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Kitten (0 to 1 year)
Respiratory infection: Very High Risk, Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Ear infection: Very High Risk
Young Adult (2 years to 6 years)
Colitis: High Risk, Conjunctivitis: Moderate Risk, Gastroenteritis: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (7 years to 10 years)
Ear infection: Moderate Risk, Dental disease: Above Average Risk, Diabetes mellitus: Above Average Risk
Senior (11+ years)
Kidney failure: High Risk, Dental disease: Above Average Risk, Urinary tract disease: Above Average Risk
Nationwide Outline

Did you know?

The introduction of Persians to native UK breeds added size to the British Shorthair.

Good grooming, feline style

Cats with long fur can use a little more help than their other cats, especially if the fur is silky. Brush regularly, and check for mats behind the ears, around the neck and throughout the rear “pants.” Older cats may have more difficulty keeping up with grooming, and this can result in soiled fur and painful mats. (Neglected grooming can also be a sign that your cat isn't well, so talk to your vet if your cat's coat is looking dull, unkempt or matted.)

Consider keeping nail tips trimmed and brushing your cat’s teeth. Both procedures need to be gradually introduced with affection, patience and the yummiest of small treats, but they pay off in the long run for you both. Ask your veterinary healthcare team to demonstrate, or look up how-to videos by veterinary professionals online.

Dealing with instinctive behaviors

Litter box rules

Litter box rules

There are a few basic rules when it comes to litter boxes:

  • No sharing: One box per cat, plus one more.
  • Privacy please: Put each box in a quiet, private location.
  • No fancy fillers: Most cats prefer an unscented clumping litter.
  • Clean frequently: No one likes a dirty bathroom.

Since inappropriate elimination (accidents outside the litter box) is often a symptom of a health problem in cats, it’s best to consult your veterinarian first, especially if the problem is new. They can advise on the next steps, including how to address non-medical reasons for the problem.

Scratch & Sniff

Scratch & Sniff

Scratching is necessary and satisfying for cats, so point their claws toward appropriate surfaces, using feline hormone spray and rubbing fresh catnip to encourage them. Entice them to shift away from furniture by:

  • Providing vertical and horizontal scratching choices
  • Offering a variety of materials, such as carpet, cardboard and rope
  • Putting tin foil or double-sided tape on surfaces you don't want them scratching
  • Trimming the tips of your cat’s nails regularly

British Shorthair fun facts

Top girl names for British Shorthairs

100%

of British Shorthairs are female

0%

of British Shorthairs are male

Top boy names for British Shorthairs

Nationwide loves British Shorthairs of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Explore pet insurance
British Shorthair gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among British Shorthairs insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

British Shorthair statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Best. British Shorthair insurance. Ever.SM

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