Breeding only Blue self, and occasionally  Blue and White Bicolour British Shorthairs

 

Frequently asked questions

Q: Do British Shorthair cats need special care?
A: Every breed needs some care specific to their breed but the British are hardy and a gentle brush through their coat for  those few weeks when they are loosing  their extra winter hair is always appreciated.

Q: Do British Shorthair cats get along with children?
A: Each cat is different, some cats will want to be in on everything and others will disappear when things get too rowdy. In our house Fern loves the younger grandchildren  and her breeder did not have any children Dallas who came from a breeder with a young child and two teenagers, will  retire to a favourite place to observe as soon as  our grandchildren arrive.

Q: How long do  British Shorthair cats live?
A: A good average is fifteen / sixteen years especially for a cat who has been neutered and avoids the added stress of hormones and reproduction.

Q: Can  British Shorthair cats be trained?
A: We have had British who actively play football, retrieved balls of tin foil and played marbles.

 

Q: Can  British Shorthair cats be left alone?
A: A British does not need the company of another cat whilst they love company  they are happy to be left while you go to work but they  will be delighted to greet you on your return

 

Q: Do  British Shorthair cats scratch furniture?
A: All cats no matter which breed,  will scratch furniture if given nothing else on which to strop their claws,  British Shorthair cats are no different, whilst they do not make a point of scratching furniture,  like all indoors cats they  will need a good scratching post.

 

Q: Is it better to own a female or a male British Shorthair ?
A: As long as they are neutered or spayed, the sex makes no difference.  it is  said that  males are more loving and in many ways they are and we therefore second this but a well brought up female is a joy to have, the girls are just as loving but like all females, they just may want their alone time a little bit  more than a male. The males are bigger and get the lovely big round jowls in the cheeks probably more than a female, although some females have this.

 

Q: Do  British Shorthair cats have special health problems?
A: Generally the British are a hardy breed.
 

Q: How big do British Shorthair cats get to on maturity?
A: Females weigh between  9  and 11 females weigh between 11 and 16 pounds.
 
Q: Can I have more then one cat?
A: Most definitely -  but unlike the foreign breeds, a British is happy to be an only cat

 

Q: What if I  wanted to breed from my cat?

A: It depends on what  you bought your kitten for in the first place, if you  bought as a pet then he  or she is probably registered as non active. It is against  the GCCF rules for a registered stud to be available to  unregistered queens and if a stud owner agrees to this I  would question their reputation in the first place. Siamese girls are prolific callers and  only the most dedicated can live with it week in and week out. There are very  serious health issues to having girls calling for too long but how to cope when they have had kittens and start calling again a few weeks later.  There are so many negative aspects before the kittens are even born, then moving on the the problems of rearing, socialising and finding buyers if you are not known.

 

We were told years ago, that  it is best to show a neuter for two years and  learn about the cats, their type and problematic bloodlines, get to know other exhibitors and breeders, who will be there to support and help you.

 

My own advice,  if you are positive that  you want to breed and nothing is going to deter you,  get to know a good breeder and  ask for advice and guidance. I personally feel if anyone wants to breed then it is far more beneficial to the cats and the kittens if the newcomer has help. If those breeders, many are termed 'back street breeders' were given advice in the first place they would in many cases not be breeding the way they are now. We were very  lucky, as we  showed neuters for several  years we were given help and made good friends of a few honest and trustworthy breeders who taught us and are in some ways are still teaching us. No one knows everything, new situations happen with each litter and it is good to have a network of support and advice, this is not available to those who go it alone.