Generally known as a British Shorthair, a British, and often abbreviated to BSH, this breed usually live into their early teens but it has been known for them to live much longer but generally 15 years is an average life span. The British Shorthair is one of the largest breeds of cat. It is chunky and substantial, the male is much larger than the female. The face is round with full cheeks and the nose is short and broad. The chin is deep and strong. The ears are small and rounded and set so as to blend with the round contour of the head. The eyes are large and round. The head is set on a short thick neck. The body is cobby with a short level back. The chest is deep and the shoulders are strong. The legs are short and strong with round paws. The tail is thick and of medium length.

The British Shorthair is an immensely popular show cat and with the huge combination of coat colour and pattern available it is one of the biggest breed sections at major cat shows. They are relatively easy to prepare for shows because of their short coat and their easy temperament means that most cats enjoy a trip to a show. The competition is always tough and the standard is high. Prizes are withheld for long or fluffy coats, unlevel bite, incorrect coat colour or pattern, incorrect eye colour, white patches on anything other than a white cat as well other faults as stated in the breed standard.

The British Shorthair is a large cat and will require approximately 70 Kcals per kg bodyweight per day of food. However, many British Shorthairs are prone to obesity, particularly neuters, and some restriction on their diet may be necessary. British Shorthairs usually have between three and five kittens in a litter, though eight is not unusual. Generally British Shorthair queens make good mothers, being placid by nature, they are very content with their brood.

Disease susceptibility

Breeders

• Huebner, Cherie (Aust) Mischievous cats