🐱 Cat · short coat

Coat care: British Shorthair

Short, very dense, thick coat, firm and resilient to the touch, with an exceptionally high number of hairs per unit of area.

The British Shorthair has a short, very dense, thick coat that is firm and resilient to the touch – if you run your hand against the lie of the coat, it springs back. The coat is among the densest of any cat, so it does shed, especially during the shedding seasons. Thanks to its short length, however, maintenance is easy: a quick comb once a week is usually enough, and more often during shedding. Regular bathing is not necessary unless the cat is shown.

🛁 Bathing

Regular bathing is usually not needed – a bath when necessary is enough, for example if the cat gets dirty. If you do bathe, use a cat shampoo diluted according to the label, rinse well and dry the dense coat completely.

🪮 Brushing

A quick comb once a week with a metal comb or a rubber brush/glove; during shedding – several times a week. Brush in the direction of the hair, reaching down to the base of the dense coat.

🍂 Shedding and coat change

Sheds more during the shedding seasons, when the seasons change. Brush more often then to remove loose hair from the dense coat.

Tips for home

  • Trim the nails regularly.
  • Clean the visible part of the ears from time to time if you notice dirt.
  • As cats get older they find it harder to groom themselves – the coat then needs more attention to keep it from matting.
  • Get your kitten used to brushing early, so that it accepts grooming calmly.

Shampoos and conditioners for British Shorthair

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush a British Shorthair?

The British Shorthair usually only needs a quick comb once a week with a metal comb or a rubber brush. During the shedding seasons, brush several times a week, because the dense coat sheds more. As cats get older they find it harder to groom themselves and may need more frequent help to keep mats from forming.

Does the British Shorthair need bathing?

Usually not. If the cat is not shown, the coat does not need regular shampooing – brushing is enough. A bath may be needed if the cat gets dirty. In that case, use a cat shampoo diluted according to the label, rinse thoroughly and dry completely, because the very dense coat holds moisture for a long time.

Does the British Shorthair shed?

Yes. The British Shorthair's coat is exceptionally dense, so some shedding is inevitable, and it is heavier during the shedding seasons. The short, resilient coat is easy to maintain, though: brushing once a week, and more often during shedding, collects loose hair before it ends up on the furniture. If you notice patchy thinning of the coat, consult a vet.

Care for other breeds

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This advice is general. For skin or ear problems, consult a vet.