# British Shorthair (*Felis catus*) A British Shorthair is a sturdy cat with a plush coat and calm nature. It often has round, golden eyes. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Homes and apartments; enjoys quiet spaces - **Also known as:** British Blue ![British Shorthair](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424765/objects/4438.jpg) ## Appearance The British Shorthair has a distinctive chunky body, broad chest, and short, thick legs. Its most notable features are a large, round head, full cheeks, and big, round copper or gold eyes. It boasts a remarkably dense, plush coat that feels crisp to the touch, often in the famous blue-grey color. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Felidae - **Genus:** Felis ## Interesting facts - British Shorthairs are the oldest known cat breed in England! - The Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland is thought to be a British Shorthair! - Their 'smile' comes from the roundness of their whiskers pads. - They were almost wiped out during World War II. ## Special abilities - **Teddy Bear Coat:** British Shorthair has a super dense, plush double coat that helps them stay warm and protected in cooler climates. - **Quiet Observer:** British Shorthair can sit very still and observe their surroundings with keen eyes, helping them understand their home environment. - **Powerful Pounce:** British Shorthair has a strong, muscular build that allows them to make quick, powerful pounces when playing or hunting. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 30-46 cm - **Weight:** 3.5-7.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-20 years - **Speed:** 48 km/h - **Litter Size:** 3-5 - **Gestation:** 63-67 days ## Diet & Feeding These domestic cats are carnivores that primarily eat specially prepared cat food, but also enjoy small prey. - **Primary Foods:** commercial cat food, mice, small birds, insects - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [House Mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — Historically kept to hunt mice in homes and barns. - **Depends on:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Relies on humans for food, shelter, and companionship. - **Parasitizes:** Cat Flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — Common external parasite feeding on the cat's blood. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Respect their space when they rest; brush gently. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify British Shorthair? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is British Shorthair? 30-46 cm ### How much does British Shorthair weigh? 3.5-7.5 kg ### How long does British Shorthair live? 12-20 years ### How fast can British Shorthair move? 48 km/h ### What does British Shorthair eat? These domestic cats are carnivores that primarily eat specially prepared cat food, but also enjoy small prey. ### Where is British Shorthair usually found? Homes and apartments; enjoys quiet spaces ### How does British Shorthair hunt? Ambush ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [British Shorthair: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/british-shorthair)