Are British Shorthairs good indoor cats? That’s a question that many cat owners have. After all, these cats are known for being mellow and low-energy, which can make them perfect indoor pets. We’ll take a closer look at whether British Shorthairs are good indoor cats and share some tips on how to make sure they thrive when kept inside.
Are British Shorthairs Good Indoor Cats? 9 Reasons Why They Are
Yes, British Shorthairs cats are great indoor cats. Their relaxed and calm attitude makes them the perfect indoor kitty. However, that’s not the only reason British Shorthairs are considered indoor cats. Check out the rest of the reasons British Shorthairs are good indoor cats.
1. They Are Low-Maintenance
British Shorthairs don’t require a lot of maintenance. They are a low-maintenance breed, which means they don’t need as much grooming as some other cat breeds.
This can be a big relief for busy cat owners who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to their feline friend’s care.
2. They Are Easy To Litter Train
Litter training a British Shorthair is easy since they are such intelligent cats.
In fact, most of these cats will figure out how to use the litter box on their own without any help from their owner. This makes life easier for everyone involved.
3. They Are Not High Energy
British Shorthairs are not high-energy cats. This means they are content to lounge around the house all day and don’t need a lot of exercise.
This can be great for indoor cats since they won’t need a lot of space to run around and play.
4. They Are Affectionate
A British Shorthair is an affectionate cat that loves spending time with their humans.
They are known for being lap cats and will often seek out their owner’s attention. This makes them great indoor companions.
5. They Are Not Prone To Wandering
They are not prone to wandering, which means they are less likely to wander off and get lost outside.
This is good news for indoor cat owners who want to keep their feline friend safe!
6. Furniture Friendly
Unlike some other cat breeds, British Shorthairs are not known for scratching furniture.
This means they can be left alone with your furniture and not cause any damage.
7. Happy Being Alone
British Shorthairs are happy being alone. This means they don’t need a lot of attention and can be left alone for long periods of time without getting bored or anxious.
This is ideal for indoor cats since their owners may not be home all day.
8. Gentle Nature
They have a gentle nature, which makes them excellent around children and other pets. They are also known for behaving well with strangers, making them perfect indoor cats.
9. Minimal Shedding
These cats have minimal shed, which means there is less hair around the house to deal with.
This can be a big relief for indoor cat owners who don’t want to deal with excess shedding.
Can A British Shorthair Go Outside?
So we’ve given 9 reasons why British Shorthair cats are good indoor cats. In general, it’s advised that British shorthairs stay as indoor cats. But can they go outside? The answer is yes, they can go outside.
However, it’s important to note that they should not be left outside unsupervised. They are vulnerable to predators and cars, and they can also contract diseases from other animals.
It’s best to only let them out for short periods of time and to make sure they are supervised at all times.
Tips For Keeping Your British Shorthair Cat Happy Indoors
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Are British Shorthairs good indoor cats?” let’s take a look at some tips for keeping your cat happy indoors.
1. Provide Them With A Comfortable Home
The first step to keeping your British Shorthair cat happy indoors is to provide them with a comfortable home.
This means having a litter box, food and water bowls, a bed, and plenty of toys. It’s also important to have a safe place for them to hide if they ever feel scared or overwhelmed.
2. Give Them Plenty Of Attention
British Shorthairs are known for being affectionate cats that love spending time with their humans.
This means they need plenty of attention from their owners. Make sure to spend time playing with them, petting them, and just talking to them every day.
3. Keep Their Litter Box Clean
No cat likes a dirty litter box, so it’s important to keep your British Shorthair’s litter box clean at all times. scoop it out at least once a day, and change the litter completely every week.
4. Give Them Plenty Of Toys
British Shorthairs are not high-energy cats, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like to play.
Make sure to give them plenty of toys to keep them entertained, such as catnip toys, scratching posts, and toy balls.
You could visit your local pet store and freshen up their toys. Alternatively, there are many online stores such as Chewy, offering a range of products for cats.
5. Take Them To The Vet Regularly
It’s important to take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations. This will help them stay healthy and happy indoors.
6. Vaccinate Your British Shorthair
These cats should be vaccinated against common diseases, such as rabies, distemper, and feline leukemia. This will help them stay healthy and safe if they ever do go outside.
7. Spay Or Neuter Your Cat
It’s important to spay or neuter your BSH cat. This will help reduce their desire to roam and will also help reduce the risk of certain health problems.
8. Check Their Fleas And Ticks
If your British Shorthair does go outside, make sure to check them for fleas and ticks regularly.
These parasites can cause serious health problems, so it’s important to remove them as soon as possible.
9. Exercise Is Great
Even though a British Shorthair is not high-energy cats, they still need to get plenty of exercise.
Make sure to provide them with plenty of toys and playtime so they can stay active and healthy.
10. A Good Cat Diet
A healthy diet is important for all cats, but it’s especially important for indoor cats. Indoor cats tend to be less active, so they need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat.
This will help them maintain a healthy weight and keep their energy levels up.
Related Content: BSH Recommended Foods
How Long Will An Indoor Cat Live?
The lifespan of an indoor cat can vary depending on a number of factors, such as diet, exercise, and health problems.
Generally speaking, though, an indoor cat can expect to live between 12 and 20 years. This is much longer than the average lifespan of an outdoor cat, which is only 2 to 5 years.
So if you’re looking for a cat that will be a part of your family for many years to come, a British Shorthair is a great option. Are British Shorthairs Good Indoor Cats?
Why Do These Cats Need Shots?
As we mentioned before, it’s important to vaccinate your British Shorthair against common diseases.
This is especially important for indoor cats because they are not exposed to as many germs and viruses as outdoor cats.
Vaccinating your cat will help them stay well and safe if they ever do go outside.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Keeping Cat Inside?
There are both pros and cons to keeping an indoor cat.
Some of the pros include that they are less likely to get fleas and ticks, they are less likely to contract diseases, and they live much longer than outdoor cats.
Some of the cons include that they need more attention from their owners, they can get bored easily, and they may start to spray if they are not spayed or neutered.
Conclusion
As you can see, typically British Shorthairs are excellent indoor cats. There are many reasons why British Shorthairs make good indoor cats. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for indoor cat, then the British Shorthair breed may be the perfect cat for you.
At the end of the day, a Shorthair is well suited to any home with people who will love him. If you liked the article, make sure to share it with your friends.
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.