British Shorthair grooming: coat, eyes and shedding season

The British Shorthair is often described as an easy-care cat, and that's true. But easy doesn't mean no care at all: the dense plush coat, the big round eyes and a fondness for a quiet life all come with small quirks. A few habits started in the first weeks at home will keep both the coat and the cat in good shape, and turn grooming into a pleasant ritual you share.

What makes the coat special

A British Shorthair's coat is short but very dense. Under the guard hairs sits a thick undercoat, which makes the fur stand up and feel like plush. This kind of coat rarely tangles, but dead hairs get trapped in the undercoat instead of falling out. If they aren't brushed out, the coat looks dull and the cat swallows more hair while grooming.

The cat washes itself thoroughly, but it's hard to reach that dense undercoat on the back and sides with a tongue. That's where you come in. The coat is also a mirror of health: a dull, greasy or very dry coat, dandruff or bald patches are all reasons to see the vet.

How often and with what

Usually one thorough brushing a week is enough, rising to two or three during seasonal shedding. International Cat Care recommends this basic kit for short coats:

• a fine-toothed comb to check the coat and skin;
• a natural bristle brush;
• a rubber grooming mitt or rubber brush, which is great at collecting dead hair.

The routine is simple. Start with the comb, checking the skin as you go. Then gently massage the coat against the direction of growth, from tail to head, to loosen the undercoat. Next, brush it with the lie of the fur, and finish by running the rubber mitt from head to tail. Many British Shorthairs like the mitt best, since it feels almost like being stroked.

Use blade-type deshedding tools carefully and sparingly: overzealous brushing can irritate the skin and damage the guard hairs. And always end a session before the cat gets restless, with praise or a treat.

It's best to get a kitten used to the brush early. Let it sniff the tool first, start with one or two strokes along the back while it's relaxed, and gradually add new areas. Never hold the cat down: there's no need to do everything in one go. Back today, sides tomorrow.

Getting through shedding season

British Shorthairs shed most noticeably in spring and autumn, and indoor cats often shed on and off all year. During this time:

• brush more often, in short sessions;
• vacuum favourite beds and soft furnishings regularly;
• keep an eye out for hairballs.

If your cat brings up hairballs often, retches without producing anything, loses its appetite or becomes constipated, take it to the vet. Only give hairball remedies if your vet recommends them.

Bathing only when needed

A healthy cat doesn't need regular baths. British Shorthairs look after themselves well, and most cats dislike water. On top of that, the dense coat takes a long time to dry. If a bath really is necessary, because the cat has got very dirty or your vet has advised it, use a shampoo made for cats, a warm room without draughts, and dry the coat thoroughly with a towel.

Eyes, ears, claws and teeth

Weekly brushing is also a good time for a full check-over:

• eyes: a little dry discharge in the corners of those round eyes is common and can be gently wiped away with a damp cotton pad, a fresh one for each eye; constant tearing, redness or squinting means a trip to the vet;
• ears: should be clean, without dark debris or an unpleasant smell; clean only the visible part and never push cotton buds into the ear canal;
• claws: trim the tips every 2–3 weeks with proper clippers, avoiding the pink quick; a scratching post for a sturdy British Shorthair needs to be heavy and stable;
• teeth: get your kitten used to having its teeth brushed with cat toothpaste, and have the mouth checked at routine vet visits.

Weight is part of grooming too

The plush coat hides extra pounds remarkably well, so owners often notice them late. Once a month, weigh your cat and feel along its sides: the ribs should be easy to feel under a thin layer of fat, and you should see a waist when you look down from above. A calm British Shorthair can easily overeat, especially after neutering, so measure out portions, and consider serving some of the food in puzzle feeders. If the weight changes, talk to your vet about the diet.

You'll find more about the breed on the breed page and in our article “British Shorthair health”. You can check the site to see whether any kittens of this breed are available right now, and if not, join the waiting list.