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The British Shorthair, probably the oldest English breed of
cat, traces its ancestry back to the domestic cat of Rome. This breed was first
prized for its physical strength and hunting ability, but soon became equally
recognized and valued for its calm demeanor, endurance and loyalty to man.
The British Shorthair is a comparatively rare cat in the
United States. Around 1980 it was recognized for championship competition by CFA
stimulating much needed interest in the breed. Recognized world-wide, many fine
“Brits” are still imported today from England, Ireland, New Zealand and
Australia to help widen the gene pool for breeders in the United States.
The British Shorthair is gaining in popularity every year as
it is bred and exhibited by an increasing number of enthusiastic fanciers.
Because of its easy-going nature and intelligence, it has become a favorite of
animal trainers, for use in Hollywood films and television commercials. The
British Shorthair has a short plush coat with a luxurious feel which is very
easy to groom. A British Shorthair is always in quiet control of his or her
environment, supervising everyone and everything that happens in the family. A
larger sized cat that prefers to be on the ground, Brits are not known for
acrobatics or speed. However, they are steadfast companions to the entire family
and definitely look before they leap. When gracelessness is observed, the
British Shorthair is duly embarrassed; quickly recovering with a “Cheshire Cat
smile.”
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Pictured:
Second Best of Breed GC, NW EARENDIL BOOMER'S MINIME, Blue Male.
Photo: © Chanan
Although first known as the British Blue, due to the
breed’s original color, its native country incorporated a wide variety of
colors under the term British Shorthair in the 1950’s. CFA also now recognizes
the British Shorthair in many different colors and patterns.
Pricing on British Shorthairs usually depends on type,
applicable markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC),
National or Regional winning parentage (NW or RW) or of Distinguished Merit
parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced
five CFA grand champion/premier or DM offspring, or sire (father) having
produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring. Usually
breeders make available kittens between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After
twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the
physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being
transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying
and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural
behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery)
are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.
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