Paw-Sitively British

Often referred to as the “teddy bear” of the cat breeds, the British Shorthair is one of the most beloved popculture icons that has captured the hearts of many.

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Just like their English counterparts, the British Shorthair is a confident cat that comes with a touch of British reserve. With a sturdy body, rounded face and thick fur coat, this feline exudes nothing but power. Yet, don’t let the physical features of this breed fool you; these adorable creatures are known for their affection and playfulness towards their owners.

Arguably one of the oldest cat breeds in the world, the origins of the British Shorthair date back as early as the first century AD of the Roman Empire. It was through the Roman invasion of Great Britain that this beloved feline was introduced to the nation, and it was through breeding with other local European wildcats that helped shape this distinctive feline’s large and robust body with short but thick coat.

The British Shorthair is considered to be the first cat of the cat fancy movement. The “father” of this breed is Harrison Wier, the first professional cat breeder who transformed this humble farm feline into the pedigree breed it is today. Popular for a long time, during World War II there was a brief decline in the demand for the British Shorthair breed, especially after the introduction of Persian cats into the mix, however, these robust felines emerged to the top of the ranks again thanks to its adaptable nature.