A very sturdy and strong cat with a body shape that is
almost square, since they are almost as broad as they are
long in length. Like a bull dog, a British Blue Shorthair
has thick, short legs on a heavily muscled body. With broad
shoulders and powerful hips, the British is affectionately
referred as the body builder or bull dog of the cat fancy.

While the male British is noticeably larger, broader and
rounder than the female, both male and female British
Short-hairs are an imposing cat presence. Growing very
slowly, a British Blue Shorthair does not reach full
maturity until four to five years of age.

The head of a British Shorthair is very massive, broad, and
round. Chubby cheeks give the British Shorthair a chipmunk
appearance, and large, brilliant copper eyes are prominent
facial features. Medium to small sized ears with rounded
tips are set wide apart on the domed tophead. A snub nose on
a short wide muzzle, with firm, slightly rounded chin
emphasizes the roundness to the head and powerful jaw.

The coat of a British Shorthair is unique. No other breed of
cat has the thick plush, well bodied coat of the British.
With the texture and density of lush rich velvet, a British
Shorthair feels like a sheered lamb or a rich Persian carpet.

The thick, naturally protective short hair of a British
seldom sheds if living quarters are kept cool and hand
grooming (petting) is done on a regular basis. British
Shorthairs don't like water, but will accept the indignity
of a bath provided it is done with tender loving care.

The blue colour of a British Shorthair can range from a pale
light silver to a dark charcoal, with the lighter shades
being preferred. The colour should be solid and even
throughout the body, with ghost tabby rings on the tail
allowed only in immature specimens. A blue British Shorthair
must have deep copper eyes that are large and round, giving
the British a sweet, open expression.

Just because the British Shorthair is a big, massive cat, it
does not mean it is a fat cat. A British Shorthair should be
the same width at the shoulder as at the hips. Their body
should not pouch out or cave in. They should have a firm
tummy, that does not sag or wiggle. Sound muscular body type
is obtained through sound genetics, quality food, and plenty
of exercise.

Temperament: British Shorthairs are very affectionate,
quietly following you from room to room until they can
settle contentedly by your side. Gifted with lasting
patience and confidence, Brits are especially good with
children and other types of pets. A moderately active cat,
they are not destructive as a breed, adapting well to any
size household. British are very easy going and are
affectionate to numerous people in the circle they consider
family.

Most breeders recommend feeding a British a high-quality dry
food. Care must be taken to not allow your British Shorthair
to get fat, or its life span will be shortened. Middle-aged
cats (5-10) are most likely to have weight problems which
can usually be controlled by switching to a low-calorie
food. Feed controlled portions once or twice a day; if your
cat seems to be overly heavy, ask your vet for more specific
advice.

The British Blue can be regarded as the feline equivalent of
the British Bulldog. Worldwide, where there are pedigree
cats and those who love and admire them, the British Blue
stands as the symbol of the United Kingdom. A large
muscular, working cat, the British Blue is the refinement of
the natural domestic shorthair that has said to have
inhabited Britain since the time of the Romans. The British
Blue has mutated in colour by cross breeding. Now you can
find anything from calico to a copper colour.