How To Take Care Of A British Shorthair

British Shorthairs are unique cats that require a different level of care than other breeds. If you’re the proud owner of a British Shorthair, make sure you know how to take care of them properly!

In this blog post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to properly care for your British Shorthair. Keep reading for more information.

16 Tops Tips To Take Care Of A British Shorthair

1. Buy Them Plenty Of Toys

Make sure they have plenty of toys to play with. Even though they are considered lazy, low activity cats.

British Shorthairs love to play, so make sure they have a variety of toys to keep them amused.

There are many different types of toys that are great for cats.

Some popular examples include scratching posts, balls, and feathers. These types of toys help keep your cat active and entertained.

Scratching posts which we will discuss in more detail later in the post.

Balls are a great toy for cats because they can chase them around and play games of catch.

This is a fun way to keep your kitty active and engaged. Additionally, playing with a ball can help keep your cat’s reflexes sharp.

Feathers are another great option for cats because they can be batted around and chased.

This is a fun way to stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts.

Additionally, chasing a feather can help keep your cat mentally stimulated.

2. Keep Their Toys Appropriate For Their Size

It’s essential to get the right-sized toys for a cat, as they can be dangerous if they are too small or too large.

For instance, cats can choke on small toys, and large toys can cause injuries if the cat gets its head stuck in them.

It may seem unlikely that things like that can happen. However, British Shorthairs can get big and then can easily break smaller toys that aren’t appropriate for them anymore.

3. Get A Cat Condo

Cat condos, also known as cat trees or cat towers, are a type of pet furniture designed specifically for cats.

They typically consist of multiple levels, with each level featuring a different activity or piece of furniture for your kitty to enjoy.

Cat condos can provide your British Shorthair with a place to scratch, climb, and perch, as well as a safe haven, to retreat to when they need some alone time.

There are many benefits to owning a cat condo, both for you and your feline friend. Here are just a few:

1. A Place To Exercise

Climbing and jumping is an instinctive behavior for cats, but it’s not always easy for them to do these things indoors.

A cat condo provides your feline friend with vertical space to explore, giving them the opportunity to stretch their muscles and burn off some energy.

2. Cat Scratching Area

Scratching is another instinctive behavior for cats, but it can be destructive if directed at your furniture or walls.

A cat condo gives your cat a place to scratch to their heart’s content, without damaging your home.

3. Relax And Feel Safe

Cats are naturally curious creatures, but they also like to have a safe place to retreat to when they need some time alone.

A cat condo can provide your feline friend with a cozy spot to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

4. Entertainment

Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors in cats, so it’s important to provide them with stimulating toys and activities. A cat condo offers a variety of different perches and platforms for your cat to explore, as well as built-in toys like balls and feathers.

5. Attractive And Stylish

Gone are the days of ugly, Tatami IKEA hacks! These days, cat condos come in a variety of styles to match your home décor.

Whether you’re looking for something modern or traditional, there’s a cat condo out there for you.

4. Get A Scratching Post

A scratching post is a great way to keep your British Shorthair happy and healthy.

It allows them to scratch their claws, which is something they need to do in order to stay healthy.

Additionally, it can help keep them from scratching furniture or carpets.

5. Feeding Your British Shorthair Cat A High Quality Diet

Feed them a high-quality diet. A nutritious diet is essential for keeping your British Shorthair healthy.

A High-Quality cat food is important for a cat’s diet because it provides them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

A poor diet can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

That’s why it’s important to feed your British Shorthair a high-quality diet. Good cat food will provide them with all the nutrients they need, including protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals.

6. Get A Water Fountain To Encourage Water Consumption

A water fountain is a useful accessory for cats because it provides them with a constant stream of fresh water to drink.

It also helps to keep their water bowl clean, as the water in the fountain circulates and is replaced on a regular basis.

British Shorthair cats can have issues with drinking water at times so a fountain makes it a little more stimulating and interesting for our cat.

7. Dont Overfeed

It’s important not to overfeed your cat because it can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Overfeeding can also cause cats to become lazy, and they may not get enough exercise.

Make sure you are providing your cat with the correct amount of food based on its weight and activity level.

8. Play Games With Your British Shorthair

Games can be a great way to keep British Shorthair entertained, as well as help them learn new things.

Some of the best games to play with cats include:

Fetch: This game is a classic for a reason – it’s fun for both cats and humans! Start by throwing a toy or object a short distance away, and then encourage your cat to fetch it. Repeating this game regularly can help improve your cat’s coordination and hunting skills.

Racing: Place two obstacles (a chair and a box, for example) several feet apart and have your cat race from one to the other. This game is great for improving your cat’s speed, agility, and coordination.

Treasure hunt: Hide small treats or toys around your house and let your cat search for them. This game is a great way to stimulate your cat’s natural scavenging instincts while also giving them a chance to explore their environment.

String games: Games like “cat’s cradle” or “string of pearls” are great for mental stimulation – they require concentration and problem-solving skills. These games can also be a fun bonding activity for you and your cat.

Benefits of playing games with your cat include:

Improved physical health: Games that involve running, jumping, and stalking are great for keeping cats physically active.

This can help reduce the risk of obesity, joint problems, and other health issues.

Improved mental health: Games that require problem-solving skills can help keep your cat’s mind sharp as they age.

This can help prevent cognitive decline and other age-related mental health issues.

Bonding: Spending time playing games with your cat is a great way to bond with them and create a strong emotional connection.

This can help make them feel more secure and comfortable in their environment, and less likely to exhibit problem behaviors.

9. Take Them For Walks

It’s good to take a British Shorthair cat for a walk, this breed can get lazy if they are left to their own ways too often. Here are some reasons why walking them can be beneficial.

Walking helps keep cats healthy and fit. Just like us, cats need regular exercise to stay in shape and maintain their health.

It also provides mental stimulation for cats, helping to keep them happy and engaged.

Finally, walking can help strengthen the bond between you and your cat.

Spending time together outdoors can be a great way to create lasting memories and build a strong relationship.

10. Regular Vet Checkups

Regular vet checkups are important for all cats but especially important for British Shorthairs.

This is because they are prone to certain health conditions like heart disease and kidney problems.

Additionally, there are a number of reasons why it’s essential to send your British Shorthair for regular checkups.

First, it helps to ensure that your cat stays healthy and free from disease. Regular checkups can also help catch any problems early before they become serious.

Another reason why regular checkups are important is that they provide an opportunity for you to bond with your cat.

During a checkup, your vet will take the time to get to know you and your cat, and will be able to answer any questions you have about your cat.

This bonding time is key for both you and your cat and can help make your relationship even stronger.

11. Regular Flea Regulation

Like all cats, British Shorthairs are susceptible to fleas. Fleas can cause a number of health problems in cats, including skin irritation, and anemia, and in very bad cases, can be fatal.

That’s why it’s essential to send your British Shorthair for regular flea jabs. These jabs will help to protect your cat from the harmful effects of fleas.

So if you have a British Shorthair, make sure you stay up to date on their flea medication. They’ll be grateful you did.

Additionally, you don’t need to send your cat to a vet for this, flea medication can be given in many forms including injection, liquid, or tablet form.

Get in contact with our vet to find out about the right program for your cat.

12. Grooming

One of the most essential things you can do for your pet cat is to groom them regularly.

Not only does it keep their coat looking shiny and healthy, but it also helps keep them clean and free of parasites.

Grooming your cat also helps you get to know their body so that you can identify any potential health problems early on.

If you’re not sure how to groom your cat, here are some general tips on how to do it.

Start by brushing their coat in the direction of the fur growth, and be sure to pay attention to any areas that seem particularly matted or dirty.

You can also use a flea comb to remove any fleas or ticks, and trim their nails if necessary.

Check out our other article for a more detailed guide on British Shorthair grooming.

13. Brush Their Coat

British Shorthairs should have their coats brushed at least once per week. Grooming is beneficial for cats in a number of ways.

For one, it helps to keep their fur clean and healthy. Grooming also prevents matting and tangles, which can be uncomfortable and even painful for cats.

Additionally, grooming can help you to spot any potential problems early on and get them treated before they become serious.

14. Brush Their Teeth

Brushing your cat’s teeth is a key part of their overall health. It’s recommended that you brush their teeth at least once or twice per week.

The benefits of brushing your cat’s teeth are many. For one, it helps to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Brushing also helps to prevent bad breath and tooth decay.

British Shorthairs are prone to developing Gingivitis so it’s best to keep a close eye on their dental health.

15. Claw Clipping

Claw clipping is another part of cat care. It’s recommended that you clip your British Shorthairs claws at least once or twice per month.

The benefits of claw clipping are many. For one, it helps to keep your cat’s claws less sharp which prevents them from doing damage to furniture or even you.

There are a few ways to clip a cat’s claws:

• Nail Clippers. This is the most common way to clip a cat’s nails.
• Guillotine-style nail clippers. This type of clipper is designed to cut the nail in one quick motion, making it less likely to cause pain or discomfort to your cat.
• Scissors-style nail clipper. This type of clipper is less likely to cause pain or discomfort than the guillotine-style clipper, but it’s also less precise.
• Dremel tool. A Dremel tool is a handheld rotary tool that can be used to trim your cat’s nails. Remember to use caution when using a Dremel tool to clip your cat’s nails, as it can be easy to cut them too short.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to take your time and go slowly. You don’t want to cause your cat any pain or discomfort.

16. Make Sure They Have Right Size Litter Tray

British Shorthairs grow quickly and they can get big, especially the tomcats. So in order to keep your cat happy its best to make sure their litter tray is suitable for them.

A litter tray is an important piece of equipment for a cat owner. It’s important to have the right size litter tray so that your cat can comfortably use it.

A litter tray that is too small can be cramped and uncomfortable for your cat, while a litter tray that is too large can be difficult to clean.

Conclusion

So, whether you have a British Shorthair or not, it’s principal to provide your cat with the right type of food, exercise, and grooming. Not only will this keep them healthy and happy but it will also help to prevent problems down the road.

Be sure to clip their claws regularly and brush their coat at least once per week. And don’t forget to brush their teeth – this is one of the most best things you can do for your cat’s chompers.

Keep their litter tray clean and make sure it’s the right size for them. By following these tips, you can ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy for years to come!