British Shorthair cat insurance
Round face, warm heart! Napo's lifetime British Shorthair cat insurance includes dental treatment as standard, unlimited 24/7 video vet appointments through FirstVet, and payments made straight to your vet.
British Shorthair cat insurance
Round face, warm heart! Napo's lifetime British Shorthair cat insurance includes dental treatment as standard, unlimited 24/7 video vet appointments through FirstVet, and payments made straight to your vet.
British Shorthair cat insurance
Round face, warm heart! Napo's lifetime British Shorthair cat insurance includes dental treatment as standard, unlimited 24/7 video vet appointments through FirstVet, and payments made straight to your vet.
British Shorthair quick facts
Meet your chubby-faced companion. The British Shorthair is one of the oldest cat breeds. They’re loving and easygoing cats with an independent streak, but can be prone to health conditions as they get older.
Size & weight:
Large, around 4-9kg
Coat:
Short, dense, plush, moderate shedding (sheds more during seasonal moults)
Activity level:
Low to moderate
Lifespan:
14-20 years
Breed group:
Shorthair
Temperament:
Calm, unbothered, independent
British Shorthair quick facts
Meet your chubby-faced companion. The British Shorthair is one of the oldest cat breeds. They’re loving and easygoing cats with an independent streak, but can be prone to health conditions as they get older.
Size & weight:
Large, around 4-9kg
Coat:
Short, dense, plush, moderate shedding (sheds more during seasonal moults)
Activity level:
Low to moderate
Lifespan:
14-20 years
Breed group:
Shorthair
Temperament:
Calm, unbothered, independent
British Shorthair quick facts
Meet your chubby-faced companion. The British Shorthair is one of the oldest cat breeds. They’re loving and easygoing cats with an independent streak, but can be prone to health conditions as they get older.
Size & weight:
Large, around 4-9kg
Coat:
Short, dense, plush, moderate shedding (sheds more during seasonal moults)
Activity level:
Low to moderate
Lifespan:
14-20 years
Breed group:
Shorthair
Temperament:
Calm, unbothered, independent
British Shorthair temperament & personality
Famously unbothered by life’s ups and downs, the British Shorthair cat’s just happy to be here! They prefer to calmly observe rather than get involved, and rarely demand attention on their own terms.
British Shorthairs make loyal and devoted sofa companions. They also have an independent streak and like to do their own thing.
Showing their fondness quietly, they’re perfectly fine sharing a room with you without needing to be constantly held or fussed over.
British Shorthair temperament & personality
Famously unbothered by life’s ups and downs, the British Shorthair cat’s just happy to be here! They prefer to calmly observe rather than get involved, and rarely demand attention on their own terms.
British Shorthairs make loyal and devoted sofa companions. They also have an independent streak and like to do their own thing.
Showing their fondness quietly, they’re perfectly fine sharing a room with you without needing to be constantly held or fussed over.
British Shorthair temperament & personality
Famously unbothered by life’s ups and downs, the British Shorthair cat’s just happy to be here! They prefer to calmly observe rather than get involved, and rarely demand attention on their own terms.
British Shorthairs make loyal and devoted sofa companions. They also have an independent streak and like to do their own thing.
Showing their fondness quietly, they’re perfectly fine sharing a room with you without needing to be constantly held or fussed over.
British Shorthair training and exercise needs
Left to their own devices, a British Shorthair will happily do very little! They tend to be lazy and need lots of encouragement to stay active.
That’s why regular play sessions matter more than many owners expect. A few short bursts of interactive play each day go a long way in keeping them a healthy weight.
As they aren’t particularly active, British Shorthairs aren’t big climbers or explorers. Providing simple enrichment toys like puzzle feeders, plus window perches to watch the world go by, is usually enough to keep them happy.
British Shorthair training and exercise needs
Left to their own devices, a British Shorthair will happily do very little! They tend to be lazy and need lots of encouragement to stay active.
That’s why regular play sessions matter more than many owners expect. A few short bursts of interactive play each day go a long way in keeping them a healthy weight.
As they aren’t particularly active, British Shorthairs aren’t big climbers or explorers. Providing simple enrichment toys like puzzle feeders, plus window perches to watch the world go by, is usually enough to keep them happy.
British Shorthair training and exercise needs
Left to their own devices, a British Shorthair will happily do very little! They tend to be lazy and need lots of encouragement to stay active.
That’s why regular play sessions matter more than many owners expect. A few short bursts of interactive play each day go a long way in keeping them a healthy weight.
As they aren’t particularly active, British Shorthairs aren’t big climbers or explorers. Providing simple enrichment toys like puzzle feeders, plus window perches to watch the world go by, is usually enough to keep them happy.
British Shorthair grooming
The British Shorthair cat has over 30 different variations of coat colours and patterns, with solid blue-grey being the most common. Other shades include black and white, red and cream, chocolate and lilac, and cinnamon and fawn.
Their dense coat needs a weekly brush to remove loose hair, with more frequent grooming required during their seasonal spring and autumn moults.
Beyond that, British Shorthairs are fairly low-maintenance. Regular nail trims and dental checks will help keep them groomed and healthy.
British Shorthair grooming
The British Shorthair cat has over 30 different variations of coat colours and patterns, with solid blue-grey being the most common. Other shades include black and white, red and cream, chocolate and lilac, and cinnamon and fawn.
Their dense coat needs a weekly brush to remove loose hair, with more frequent grooming required during their seasonal spring and autumn moults.
Beyond that, British Shorthairs are fairly low-maintenance. Regular nail trims and dental checks will help keep them groomed and healthy.
British Shorthair grooming
The British Shorthair cat has over 30 different variations of coat colours and patterns, with solid blue-grey being the most common. Other shades include black and white, red and cream, chocolate and lilac, and cinnamon and fawn.
Their dense coat needs a weekly brush to remove loose hair, with more frequent grooming required during their seasonal spring and autumn moults.
Beyond that, British Shorthairs are fairly low-maintenance. Regular nail trims and dental checks will help keep them groomed and healthy.
What health conditions are British Shorthairs prone to?
Generally, British Shorthairs are strong, healthy cats, but their solid build and laid-back nature can make them prone to certain health issues worth knowing about before bringing one home.
Common conditions include obesity, heart disease, and hereditary conditions like kidney disease.
Insure your British Shorthair cat with Napo now to keep them covered for life.
Heart disease (HCM)
British Shorthairs are one of several cat breeds with a higher likelihood of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle thickens over time. Regular vet check-ups, including listening for a heart murmur, help with picking up early signs.
Obesity
This British Shorthair’s calm (arguably lazy) nature and great love of food can be a recipe for weight gain. Measured meals and consistent daily play will help keep them at a healthy weight, easing pressure on their heart and joints.
Kidney disease (PKD)
Some British Shorthair bloodlines carry a heightened risk of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), largely due to historic crossbreeding with Persians. A vet can check your cat for this with a simple scan.
Other things to keep an eye on
Haemophilia B - this rare, inherited blood clotting disorder can cause excessive bleeding after injury or surgery, even for a routine dental procedure
Cataracts - this can affect British Shorthair kittens from birth or develop later in life, so any cloudiness in the eye is worth a vet check
Dental disease - Napo pet insurance includes dental cover as standard, as long as you take your British Shorthair cat for annual dental check-ups
What health conditions are British Shorthairs prone to?
Generally, British Shorthairs are strong, healthy cats, but their solid build and laid-back nature can make them prone to certain health issues worth knowing about before bringing one home.
Common conditions include obesity, heart disease, and hereditary conditions like kidney disease.
Insure your British Shorthair cat with Napo now to keep them covered for life.
Heart disease (HCM)
British Shorthairs are one of several cat breeds with a higher likelihood of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle thickens over time. Regular vet check-ups, including listening for a heart murmur, help with picking up early signs.
Obesity
This British Shorthair’s calm (arguably lazy) nature and great love of food can be a recipe for weight gain. Measured meals and consistent daily play will help keep them at a healthy weight, easing pressure on their heart and joints.
Kidney disease (PKD)
Some British Shorthair bloodlines carry a heightened risk of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), largely due to historic crossbreeding with Persians. A vet can check your cat for this with a simple scan.
Other things to keep an eye on
Haemophilia B - this rare, inherited blood clotting disorder can cause excessive bleeding after injury or surgery, even for a routine dental procedure
Cataracts - this can affect British Shorthair kittens from birth or develop later in life, so any cloudiness in the eye is worth a vet check
Dental disease - Napo pet insurance includes dental cover as standard, as long as you take your British Shorthair cat for annual dental check-ups
What health conditions are British Shorthairs prone to?
Generally, British Shorthairs are strong, healthy cats, but their solid build and laid-back nature can make them prone to certain health issues worth knowing about before bringing one home.
Common conditions include obesity, heart disease, and hereditary conditions like kidney disease.
Insure your British Shorthair cat with Napo now to keep them covered for life.
Heart disease (HCM)
British Shorthairs are one of several cat breeds with a higher likelihood of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, where the heart muscle thickens over time. Regular vet check-ups, including listening for a heart murmur, help with picking up early signs.
Obesity
This British Shorthair’s calm (arguably lazy) nature and great love of food can be a recipe for weight gain. Measured meals and consistent daily play will help keep them at a healthy weight, easing pressure on their heart and joints.
Kidney disease (PKD)
Some British Shorthair bloodlines carry a heightened risk of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), largely due to historic crossbreeding with Persians. A vet can check your cat for this with a simple scan.
Other things to keep an eye on
Haemophilia B - this rare, inherited blood clotting disorder can cause excessive bleeding after injury or surgery, even for a routine dental procedure
Cataracts - this can affect British Shorthair kittens from birth or develop later in life, so any cloudiness in the eye is worth a vet check
Dental disease - Napo pet insurance includes dental cover as standard, as long as you take your British Shorthair cat for annual dental check-ups
How much does British Shorthair insurance cost?
The cost of insuring a British Shorthair cat depends on their age and the level of vet fee cover you choose. Napo's lifetime cover limits range from £2,000 to £16,000 a year, so you can pick what you need for your cat and budget.
As they get older, British Shorthairs may develop health conditions like heart or kidney disease that need ongoing care, not just one-off treatment - but that's exactly what lifetime pet insurance is built for.
How much does British Shorthair insurance cost?
The cost of insuring a British Shorthair cat depends on their age and the level of vet fee cover you choose. Napo's lifetime cover limits range from £2,000 to £16,000 a year, so you can pick what you need for your cat and budget.
As they get older, British Shorthairs may develop health conditions like heart or kidney disease that need ongoing care, not just one-off treatment - but that's exactly what lifetime pet insurance is built for.
How much does British Shorthair insurance cost?
The cost of insuring a British Shorthair cat depends on their age and the level of vet fee cover you choose. Napo's lifetime cover limits range from £2,000 to £16,000 a year, so you can pick what you need for your cat and budget.
As they get older, British Shorthairs may develop health conditions like heart or kidney disease that need ongoing care, not just one-off treatment - but that's exactly what lifetime pet insurance is built for.
British Shorthair FAQs
Why do British Shorthair cats have such round faces?
It's part of the breed standard! A broad, rounded head and full cheeks are what breeders have selected for generations, giving the British Shorthair their distinctive 'teddy bear' look, without the extreme flat face seen in some other breeds.
Are British Shorthairs good for first-time cat owners?
Yes! They're great for first-timers as their easygoing nature suits owners who want a calm, settled companion rather than a demanding one.
Do British Shorthair cats get on well with children and other pets?
Generally, yes. These tolerant, unflappable cats make them an adaptable choice of breed around a busy family household.
Do British Shorthairs need to go outside, or are they happy as indoor cats?
British Shorthair cats are one of the breeds best suited to indoor living. Their calm, relaxed nature means they rarely pine for the outdoors, provided they get enough daily play and enrichment inside.
Are British Shorthair cats hypoallergenic
No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic and British Shorthairs are no exception. Their dense coat can trigger allergies as much as any other breed!
Why is 'British Blue' the most recognisable British Shorthair cat colour?
When the British Shorthair breed was first standardised, that iconic blue (actually a solid grey) was their original coat colour, and remains the most recognised today.
British Shorthair FAQs
Why do British Shorthair cats have such round faces?
It's part of the breed standard! A broad, rounded head and full cheeks are what breeders have selected for generations, giving the British Shorthair their distinctive 'teddy bear' look, without the extreme flat face seen in some other breeds.
Are British Shorthairs good for first-time cat owners?
Yes! They're great for first-timers as their easygoing nature suits owners who want a calm, settled companion rather than a demanding one.
Do British Shorthair cats get on well with children and other pets?
Generally, yes. These tolerant, unflappable cats make them an adaptable choice of breed around a busy family household.
Do British Shorthairs need to go outside, or are they happy as indoor cats?
British Shorthair cats are one of the breeds best suited to indoor living. Their calm, relaxed nature means they rarely pine for the outdoors, provided they get enough daily play and enrichment inside.
Are British Shorthair cats hypoallergenic
No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic and British Shorthairs are no exception. Their dense coat can trigger allergies as much as any other breed!
Why is 'British Blue' the most recognisable British Shorthair cat colour?
When the British Shorthair breed was first standardised, that iconic blue (actually a solid grey) was their original coat colour, and remains the most recognised today.
British Shorthair FAQs
Why do British Shorthair cats have such round faces?
It's part of the breed standard! A broad, rounded head and full cheeks are what breeders have selected for generations, giving the British Shorthair their distinctive 'teddy bear' look, without the extreme flat face seen in some other breeds.
Are British Shorthairs good for first-time cat owners?
Yes! They're great for first-timers as their easygoing nature suits owners who want a calm, settled companion rather than a demanding one.
Do British Shorthair cats get on well with children and other pets?
Generally, yes. These tolerant, unflappable cats make them an adaptable choice of breed around a busy family household.
Do British Shorthairs need to go outside, or are they happy as indoor cats?
British Shorthair cats are one of the breeds best suited to indoor living. Their calm, relaxed nature means they rarely pine for the outdoors, provided they get enough daily play and enrichment inside.
Are British Shorthair cats hypoallergenic
No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic and British Shorthairs are no exception. Their dense coat can trigger allergies as much as any other breed!
Why is 'British Blue' the most recognisable British Shorthair cat colour?
When the British Shorthair breed was first standardised, that iconic blue (actually a solid grey) was their original coat colour, and remains the most recognised today.
A note from Napo, our original founder
Hi! I’m Napoleon, but everyone calls me Napo. Like all small Dachshunds, I’m remembered for my enormous personality.
My owner JP (the human founder of Napo) struggled to find good insurance to cover my health needs as I got older. And he loved me so much that when we had to say goodbye, he created an inclusive pet insurance company in my memory 💙
A note from Napo, our original founder
Hi! I’m Napoleon, but everyone calls me Napo. Like all small Dachshunds, I’m remembered for my enormous personality.
My owner JP (the human founder of Napo) struggled to find good insurance to cover my health needs as I got older. And he loved me so much that when we had to say goodbye, he created an inclusive pet insurance company in my memory 💙
A note from Napo, our original founder
Hi! I’m Napoleon, but everyone calls me Napo. Like all small Dachshunds, I’m remembered for my enormous personality.
My owner JP (the human founder of Napo) struggled to find good insurance to cover my health needs as I got older. And he loved me so much that when we had to say goodbye, he created an inclusive pet insurance company in my memory 💙