This caused a shift in both coat and body style, since the European wildcat has a broad head, small wide-set ears, a sturdy, muscular body, and short, thick fur. After arriving in Europe, however, they mixed with the European wildcat, Felis silvestris silvestris, a local wildcat subspecies inhabiting most of Europe. They were probably members of, or closely related to, the African wildcat, Felis silvestris lybica, the progenitor of all domestic cats. Lithe with long, elegant bones, these cats were sandy brown or yellow-gray in color, with ticked coats like the Abyssinian and tabby markings on their face, legs, and tail. The cats left behind didn’t look like today’s British Shorthair. Eventually, the Romans were driven from the Isles, but the cats they had brought with them remained. Although the Phoenicians first introduced cats to England, the Romans were most likely responsible for their widespread establishment when Rome invaded the British Isles. Eventually, however, Phoenician caravans transported them along trade routes, and Roman armies smuggled them out of Egypt and carried them along to many lands. These cats had been obtained from the Egyptians, who were very tight-pawed with their treasured felines. As they conquered and colonized other lands, the Romans brought cats along with them to protect their homes from rodents. This breed, whose appearance is much different from the Brits you’ll see today, came to Great Britain some 2,000 years ago, courtesy of the Roman Empire. The British Shorthair originated from a common street cat once called the European Shorthair. Both began as working cats and weren’t appreciated as the special breeds they are for many years. In many ways, the British Shorthair’s struggle for recognition resembles the American Shorthair’s in North America. However, the progenitor of the Brit, as it’s affectionately called, is probably Great Britain’s oldest natural breed of cat, and was roaming around Great Britain for centuries before its cousin journeyed to the New World. The British Shorthair is native to Great Britain in the same way that the American Shorthair is native to America-long ago it was transported there from somewhere else. British Shorthairs are at their very best with children, and children love these plush smiling friends. They get along with other animals in the home, including dogs as long as the proper introductions are made. They detest being kissed, too, but head presses are acceptable, and they accept petting with great enthusiasm and mighty purrs of appreciation. ![]() They’d much rather sit beside you, or curl up at your feet, than cuddle on your lap. British Shorthairs dislike being picked up, and tolerate it with legs stiffly stretched out to push you away. One thing Brits are not, however, is lap cats. They make up for it by some of the loudest purring you’ve ever heard British Shorthairs are often known for their motor boat type purrs. They tend to be more independent than many breeds and usually adapt well to most situations. British Shorthairs tend not to be vocal cats they make tiny squeaking sounds rather than meows, which is quite humorous coming from those burly bodies. British Shorthairs tend to show their loyalty to the entire family rather than select one person with whom to bond. They are calm, quiet companions, appreciating quality time without demanding your total attention.īritish Shorthair can make great apartment cats, being alert and playful without being hyper or destructive. Once they get to know and trust you, British Shorthair are confident and devoted, and enjoy following you from room to room to keep an eye on your activities. ![]() British Shorthair need love and attention if they are to become the loyal, loving companions they can be the more attention and affection you give them, the more they will repay you in kind. When they get over their initial reserve, however, they become extremely faithful companions. They are quiet, even-tempered, and undemanding with a bit of typical British reticence, particularly when they’re first introduced. British Shorthairs like to keep a low profile they are affectionate but not clingy, playful but not overactive. Some say the British Shorthair is the perfect household companion if you like a breed that’s undemanding, not always underfoot or in your face. ![]() If you’re looking for a cat that will loot your refrigerator and swing dizzily from your chandeliers, then the British Shorthair is not for you. Search Articles: Submit Search Close Search Favorites
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