Emblehope

The British Shorthaired Cat.

The BSH (as I will refer to them) is a very old breed, hundreds of years old.  It is thought that they first came to Britain with the Romans when they invaded us in the 2nd century AD.  They can be found in Cat “breed” books as early as the 1800’s.

 Description.

The BSH is a very large “square” Cat, very heavy boned, short cobby body and shortish legs.  They come in a whole host of colours, including “self” colours such as blue, cream, red, lilac, chocolate etc.., mixed colours like tortoiseshell, blue/crem etc and “colourpoint” colours such as seal, chocolate, lilac, blue etc.  You also get tabby marked BSH and spotty marked ones too.

 Living with a BSH.

The BSH can make an affectionate and playful pet, they are not however a permanent “lap Cat” they like their own space and will come to you when they want attention.  They can be incredibly loving and seem to lack the “must get out” attitude of many breeds and types.  They make suitable house Cats as long as they are given sufficient mental and physical stimulation.

They are greedy!!!  They gain weight quickly and measures should be taken to avoid this, their shape lends itself to being big and heavy and although they are a heavy and large breed, they should not carry excess weight.

Their coats are fairly easy, they do however moult fairly heavily and regular combing is a must.  It will thicken and form “clumps” if not attended to regularly.

 Be aware, despite their “cuddly” appearance they are NOT an animal to be mauled and pulled around, whilst they may have been the breed used for the “Cheshire Cat” and “Bagpuss” the BSH is every bit the hunter, he is a proper Cat in every way.