British Blue Shorthair: A Comprehensive Guide to This Charming Feline Breed

People usually start searching for the British Blue Shorthair when they’re weighing up a kitten, trying to understand the breed’s personality, or checking whether a calm-looking “blue” cat will actually fit their household. The details matter: this breed matures slowly, can put on weight easily, and responsible breeding makes a real difference to long-term health.

Below is a clear, practical guide to what a British Blue Shorthair is (and isn’t), how the “blue” colour fits into the wider British Shorthair breed, what to expect day to day, and which health checks are worth asking about before you commit.¹

British Blue vs British Shorthair: what the name really means

“British Blue” usually refers to the blue (solid grey) colour variety of the British Shorthair. It’s the best-known look, but British Shorthairs also come in many other colours and patterns, and eye colour can vary with coat type (for example, colourpointed cats have blue eyes).¹

Quick profile

• Build: Compact, powerful, broad-chested; short to medium strong legs; rounded paws.^{1, 2}
• Coat: Short, very dense and plush; a defining feature of the breed.^{1, 2}
• Eyes: Large, round; copper/gold is common in many British Shorthairs, including many blues (but not universal across all colours/patterns).^{1, 2}
• Adult size: Males commonly around 4.1–7.7 kg; females around 3.2–5.4 kg (varies by line and individual).¹
• Maturity: Slow to mature; may take up to about five years to reach full physical maturity.^{1, 2}
• Typical lifespan: Often quoted around 14–20 years (individual care and genetics matter).¹

Temperament: what living with one is like

British Shorthairs tend to be steady, quiet companions: not usually a highly vocal breed, often patient and tolerant, and sometimes (especially as adults) a little inclined to loafing. They often form strong bonds with their people, without necessarily demanding constant attention.¹

They usually cope well with routine. In a busy home they often choose a calm vantage point—watching rather than charging in—then drift over when the room settles.

Children, visitors and other pets

Many British Shorthairs do well with respectful children and can live alongside other animals, provided introductions are slow and managed. Temperament varies by individual, and early, gentle social exposure helps.⁷

Appearance and unique traits

A British Blue Shorthair is the classic “blue” version: a solid, even blue-grey coat paired with a rounded head and full cheeks (more pronounced in mature males). The overall look is balanced and sturdy rather than fine-boned or racy.^{1, 2}

The coat is dense and plush. It can feel almost springy under the hand—more like thick velvet than sleek satin.^{1, 2}

History and origin (a careful version)

The British Shorthair is one of the long-established pedigree breeds in Britain, developed from sturdy British domestic cats and refined through organised cat breeding in the late 19th century. Modern breed standards emphasise a compact, powerful body and a short, very dense coat.^{1, 2}

You’ll sometimes see claims linking the breed directly to Roman-era cats in Britain. It’s a plausible piece of background history for British domestic cats in general, but the recognisable British Shorthair as a pedigree breed is a more recent, documented development tied to cat shows and breed standards.^{1, 2}

Training and activity needs

This is not usually an all-day acrobat, but it does need movement. Short, regular play—little bursts that mimic a hunt—helps keep joints supple and weight under control, especially as the breed can be prone to a slower metabolism and easy weight gain.¹

Food puzzles, wand toys and simple “find the treats” games tend to suit their style: steady curiosity, then a neat pounce, then back to stillness.

Health: what to watch and what to ask a breeder

British Shorthairs are often described as robust and long-lived, but there are known issues in the breed. Two themes come up repeatedly: heart disease risk (particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and weight management.¹

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM can occur in British Shorthairs. There is no single, universally accepted DNA test for HCM in this breed, so responsible breeders typically rely on screening and careful breeding decisions rather than a simple genetic result.¹

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

PKD has historically been present in British Shorthairs, but it’s now considered far better controlled in well-run breeding programs because DNA testing is available and widely used by responsible breeders.^{1, 3}

Weight gain (and why it matters)

British Shorthairs can gain weight easily, particularly as adults. Keeping meals measured, treats modest, and activity routine isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about comfort, mobility, and long-term health.^{1, 5}

For feeding guidance, stick to complete, balanced foods suitable for your cat’s life stage, and ask your vet to assess body condition rather than guessing by the numbers on the scales.⁴

Grooming and routine care

The coat is low-fuss but not no-fuss. A weekly brush usually keeps loose hair under control; during moulting periods, you may brush more often. Use grooming time as a quiet check-in: eyes, ears, skin, and nails.¹

Basic care still matters: regular parasite prevention, vaccination as advised by your vet, and dental care habits started early so they’re tolerated later.⁷

Price and choosing a kitten responsibly

Prices vary widely by country, breeder, pedigree lines, desexing status, and what health testing and early care are included—so it’s safer to treat any single dollar figure online as a rough guide rather than a promise.

Instead of chasing the cheapest kitten, look for evidence of good practice:

• Clear identification and registration paperwork appropriate to your region
• Health testing where relevant (for example, PKD DNA testing in breeding lines)^{1, 3}
• Transparent veterinary history (vaccinations, microchipping, desexing where applicable)
• Kittens raised in a home environment with calm handling and gradual social exposure⁷

Interesting tidbits (with the myths trimmed back)

A British Shorthair (Smokey) held the record for the loudest purr at 67.8 dB, and the record was later equalled by another cat (Merlin). It’s a neat footnote in cat trivia, but it’s not a breed trait you can rely on—most British Blues are quietly spoken in everyday life.⁸

Final thoughts

A British Blue Shorthair suits people who like a calm, solid companion: a cat that’s present, observant, and affectionate on its own terms. Keep an eye on weight, ask sensible questions about heart screening and PKD testing, and you’ll usually end up with a cat that settles into the household like a familiar piece of furniture—soft, steady, and quietly there.^{1, 4}

References

1. Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) – British (British Shorthair/Longhair) breed information
2. Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) – British Shorthair breed standard and overview
3. UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory – Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) in cats (DNA testing)
4. RSPCA Knowledgebase – What should I feed my cat? (updated 20 Nov 2025)
5. RSPCA Pet Insurance – How to spot signs of pet obesity and tips
6. Cats Protection – Cat obesity guidance (weight loss and exercise)
7. RSPCA NSW – Caring for cats and kittens (general care and socialisation)
8. Guinness World Records – Loudest purr by a domestic cat