Behaviour & Temperament of British Shorthairs

1. Introduction
2. History
3. Behaviour
4. What To Look For
5. Standards
6. Conclusion

If you are looking for an easygoing nature in a cat, then this breed is hard to beat. They are stable, steady companions, who are quite prepared to go their own way when you are busy at work, or don't have time for playing with them. Their nature makes them adapt well to being indoor only cats, say in apartment. Provided they have access to all their needs, such as a patch/pot of grass and all the usual requirements such as food, water and scratching posts, keeping them in is kinder than letting them out in urban areas where traffic claims the lives of millions of British Shorthair cats each year.

This breed will not demand your attention, but they will most certainly let you know when they feel like playing. Not being hyperactive, they enjoy a small ball or their catnip mouse being thrown up stairs, to either bounce down, or to be retrieved by the cat and returned to the owner for another throw.

Generally this breed prefers to be beside you rather than perched on your shoulder, but there are exceptions. Rather than participate in the household routine, they tend to find a comfy spot from which to supervise all family activity.

British Shorthairs are the ideal pet for those who live in an apartment and who must go out to work every day. They are perfectly happy snoozing and lazing around while you are elsewhere. They rarely get destructive (especially if they are provided with a scratching post) and have no need of the companionship of others, except for you from time to time.

But don't get the idea that this breed is not affectionate. They are. And whilst they are not the most vocal of cats, they will communicate with their voice with their owners. Cats generally prefer a routine, and will become accustomed to you opening their tin of food at a certain time, insinuating their silky bodies around your legs and purring contentedly as the aroma arouses their appetite.

As to cuddling, British Shorthairs generally prefer to be with you, to see what is happening, but do not object to the odd cuddle. Mostly though, they prefer to be petted on the floor rather than being hauled up in the air for hugs. This is a generalisation, and of course, each individual cat has its own character.

This breed of British cats are easy to train as they are intelligent, and because of this British Shorthairs are a firm favourite for any videos, films or television advertisements. Tricks are easily taught to this breed in particular, and playing 'fetch' much in the same way as a dog fetches a ball, is just one example of a simple game which this innately intelligent breed learns fast.

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