British Shorthair health: screening, DNA tests and what to ask

The British Shorthair is generally considered a robust breed that, with good care, can enjoy a long and active life. But like many breeds, it has a few well-documented predispositions. The point of knowing about them isn't to worry, but to choose your kitten wisely and spot early if something goes wrong. One important note up front: diagnosis and treatment are always a job for a vet, and this article is only here to help you find your bearings.

Heart: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats: the heart walls thicken and the heart works less efficiently. A predisposition has been described in several breeds, including the British Shorthair. In a Danish study published in 2011, 329 British Shorthairs had an echocardiogram; about 8.5% showed signs of HCM and another 4.3% had equivocal results.

Unlike Maine Coons and Ragdolls, British Shorthairs have no DNA test for HCM. So the main tool is an ultrasound scan of the heart (echocardiography) by a veterinary cardiologist. Responsible breeders screen their breeding cats regularly.

Many cats with HCM show no signs for a long time. But if you notice fast or laboured breathing, open-mouth breathing, lethargy or sudden weakness in the hind legs, contact a vet immediately.

Kidneys: polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited condition in which cysts gradually form in the kidneys. It's most common in Persians and breeds with Persian ancestry. Because of their Persian ancestors, British Shorthairs are on the list of breeds for which the PKD1 DNA test is recommended.

The gene is dominant, so one affected parent is enough for a kitten to be at risk. The good news is that the DNA test is simple, and if both parents test negative, the kitten is not at risk of this form of the disease. Questions about a particular cat's kidneys are for a vet to answer, based on an examination and ultrasound.

Blood type

Cats have blood types A, B and the rare AB. Type B is noticeably more common among British Shorthairs than in most breeds. This matters for breeders: if a type B queen has type A kittens, her colostrum can be dangerous for them, so matings are planned with blood types in mind.

It's useful for owners to know their cat's blood type too. Type A and type B cats can only receive blood of their own type; otherwise the reaction can be life-threatening. So if a transfusion is ever needed, having this information saves time.

Weight and teeth

A calm temperament and a love of food are a combination that easily leads to extra weight. According to International Cat Care, a cat's metabolic rate drops by about 20% after neutering, so the usual portions may turn out to be too big. Excess weight increases the risk of diabetes, joint problems and other diseases. Weigh your cat monthly, measure its food and don't forget daily play.

Keep an eye on the teeth as well: tartar, bad breath or red gums are all reasons for a vet visit.

What to ask the breeder

Before you take a kitten home, don't be shy about asking questions. A responsible breeder will be glad to answer them:

• have the parents been screened for HCM by echocardiography, when, and by whom;
• what are both parents' PKD1 DNA test results;
• what are the parents' blood types, and how was this taken into account when planning the mating;
• have there been heart, kidney or other chronic problems in the line;
• which vaccinations and parasite treatments has the kitten already had;
• is there a contract, and can you come back with questions after the move.

Ask to see the paperwork, not just hear about it. It's a good sign when a breeder offers test results without being asked and doesn't rush your decision.

The vet's role

Book a vet check in the first days after your kitten moves in, even if it looks perfectly healthy. After that, go for yearly wellness checks, where the vet will, among other things, listen to the heart. If they hear a murmur or an irregular rhythm, they may suggest an echocardiogram. We don't give medical advice or recommend treatments on this site: make every decision about your cat's health together with a vet who has seen the cat.

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