7 Reasons British Shorthairs Are The Kings and Queens of All Cute Cats
British shorthair cats are some of the most adorable and sweetest kitties on the planet. So why does it feel like we hear so little about them on a day-to-day basis? If you ask us, it’s high time we appreciated British shorthairs for the dynamic little companions they are. And oh boy, they are characters to be reckoned with!
You may not realize it, but British shorthair cats have been a big part of popular culture for a long time. Remember the famous Cheshire Cat in the classic story Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? That entertaining — and mysterious — feline was said to be inspired by a British shorthair cat. More recently, eagle-eyed fans of the Shrek franchise couldn’t help but notice that the lovable character Puss in Boots closely resembled a British shorthair as well.
It just goes to show that British shorthair cats can charm people and win hearts all over the world, not just in the United Kingdom. So, let’s take a moment to appreciate all the things that make these lovable cats so special — and highly underrated.
1. British shorthair cats are social butterflies.
Cats are often stereotyped as aloof creatures who couldn’t care less if their human owners were around them or not. But breeds like the British shorthair turn that stereotype right on its head.
Not only do British shorthairs enjoy interacting with people, some of them actively go out of their way to do it, according to owners. For instance, Instagram user @kittykota_, who owns a British shorthair named Kota, says, “She follows us everywhere around the house and when we get home, she greets us like a dog.”
2. These kitties offer kindness to just about anyone they meet.
One look at the adorable relationship between Koda and O’Neill, two British shorthair brothers with a joint Instagram page (@britishbrothers), will fill you with awe and admiration. Why can’t all sibling relationships be this harmonious and aww-inducing?
Don’t think that British shorthairs only get attached to each other, though. These felines are known to get along with other animals as well (including dogs!), according to Catster. They also make a good breed for families and young kids to enjoy.
3. Their smiles simply cannot be beat.
One look at any grinning British shorthair and you’ll know instantly why this kitty has been long admired in stories and animated movies. But much like you’d expect, these smiling cats are so much more adorable in real life than they could ever be in a cartoon. An illustration simply could never do a real shorthair cat justice!
4. History is on the British shorthair cat’s side.
Besides being an integral part of pop culture, British shorthair cats also boast the added advantage of being one of the oldest English cats, dating back to Roman times, according to Catster. Clearly, if this feline has been around for that long, it must be doing something right.
Indeed, Vet Street reports that the British shorthair cat is a generally healthy breed. Of course, all cats have the potential to develop health problems, so they need regular checkups like anyone else. But overall, these are pretty hardy fellows and ladies — which is always welcome for pet owners.
5. They always look so adorably curious.
We simply cannot get enough of British shorthair cats’ eyes. Of course, it goes without saying that all cats’ peepers are beautiful in their own way. But there’s something particularly stunning about the British shorthair’s eyes. The lovely photo above of Karli, shared by Instagram user @karliswelt, is a perfect example.
Large and wide open, a British shorthair’s lovely eyes can vary widely in color, including shades such as deep gold, copper, blue, or green. They’re so captivating that you may feel like you’re falling into a trance just looking at them!
6. Despite their name, they actually have the perfect amount of fluff.
They might be named British shorthairs, but that doesn’t mean that they’re lacking in fur at all. To the contrary, British shorthair cats boast quite an impressively dense and plush coat that has been described as being similar to a teddy bear.
One thing’s for sure: A British shorthair is sure to make a cozy cuddle buddy if you ever own one someday!
7. They look absolutely dashing in bow ties.
Need we say more?
Next, see some adorable two-faced cats that will make you do a double-take in the video below:
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