British Shorthair cat ready for breeding
Short-Haired Breed

British Shorthair Cat BreedingFind the Perfect Match

Connect with dedicated British Shorthair cat breeders committed to health, temperament, and the iconic charm that makes this breed extraordinary.

British Shorthair Cat Breed Characteristics

Understanding your British Shorthair's unique traits and health needs is essential for responsible breeding

Weight Range

Male: 12-18 lbs

Female: 9-14 lbs

Size

Male: Medium to Large

Female: Medium

Life Expectancy

12-20 years

With proper care

Temperament

Calm, Independent

Loyal companion

Unique British Shorthair Traits

Iconic "Cheshire Cat" Smile

Round face with prominent cheeks and distinctive smile. Large, round eyes typically copper or gold. Compact, powerful body with broad chest.

Dense Plush Coat

Distinctive dense, plush coat that stands away from body. "Crisp" texture unique among shorthaired breeds. Blue is most popular but over 30 colors available.

Independent Yet Loyal

Not demanding of attention but forms strong bonds. Happy to entertain themselves while owners work. Follows family members from room to room quietly.

Slow to Mature

Takes 3-5 years to reach full physical maturity. Males can reach 18 pounds when fully grown. Extended kittenhood means playful personality lasts longer.

British Shorthair Cat Breeding Guidelines

Follow these essential guidelines for responsible British Shorthair cat breeding

Optimal Breeding Age

Male British Shorthair Cats (Studs)

12 months to 8 years

Female British Shorthair Cats (Queens)

12 months to 6 years

British Shorthairs are slow to mature, reaching full size at 3-5 years. Wait until full maturity for best results.

Health Testing Requirements

  • HCM screening (echocardiogram) - MANDATORY annually
  • PKD genetic test - MANDATORY (both parents must be negative)
  • Hemophilia B genetic test - MANDATORY
  • Blood type testing - MANDATORY (prevent neonatal isoerythrolysis)
  • FIV/FeLV testing - MANDATORY
  • Eye examination by veterinary ophthalmologist - Recommended
  • Hip evaluation - Recommended for large males
  • Dental examination - Recommended

Comprehensive health testing ensures you're producing healthy, long-lived British Shorthair kittens.

Breeding Frequency

Queens: Maximum 2 litters per year, 3-4 litters lifetime

Minimum 6 months between litters

British Shorthairs benefit from unhurried breeding schedules. Quality over quantity produces the best kittens.

Excellence in British Shorthair Cat Breeding

  • Type Excellence: Select for round, massive head with full cheeks, round eyes, and small ears. Maintain the iconic "teddy bear" appearance that defines the breed.
  • Color Genetics: Understanding color inheritance crucial for blue breeding. Cinnamon and chocolate genes can affect coat color. Genetic testing helps predict kitten colors.
  • Weight Management: Select for strong bone structure without obesity tendency. Educate owners on proper feeding to maintain ideal weight throughout life.
  • Temperament Selection: Breed for calm, confident temperament. Avoid overly shy or aggressive cats. British Shorthairs should be unflappable and adaptable.

How British Shorthair Cat Breeding
Works

From profile to puppies - your british shorthair cat journey in 4 simple steps

Create Your Pet's Profile

Set up a detailed profile with photos, health records, and pedigree information

1

Discover Perfect Matches

Browse verified breeding partners based on breed, location, and compatibility

2

Connect & Communicate

Message owners directly to discuss breeding plans and health certifications

3

Successful Breeding

Meet safely, complete breeding agreements, and welcome healthy puppies

Why Choose Petmeetly
for British Shorthair Cat Breeding?

Join thousands of responsible british shorthair cat owners who trust us for quality breeding connections

Verified Profiles Only

Every breeder is verified, ensuring you connect with genuine, responsible pet owners.

Identity Verified

Location-Based Matching

Find breeding partners near you to make meetings convenient and stress-free.

Local & Global

Smart Filtering

Customize your search with detailed filters for breed, age, health status, and more.

Advanced Search

Direct Communication

Chat directly with pet owners to discuss all details before making any commitments.

Instant Messaging

Ready to Find Your British Shorthair Cat's Perfect Match?

Join thousands of responsible british shorthair cat owners who've found quality breeding partners on Petmeetly.

Get Started Now
BREEDING FOR HEALTH & LONGEVITY

Health Management for British Shorthair Cats

Modern genetic testing and careful selection are creating healthier British Shorthairs with exceptional longevity

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Manageable

Annual echocardiogram screening essential for all breeding cats. HCM gene testing available for some bloodlines. Select from HCM-clear lineages when possible. Early detection enables management.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Preventable

Genetic testing available and essential. Both parents must test negative for PKD gene. Ultrasound screening also recommended. This hereditary condition is completely preventable through testing.

Hemophilia B (Blood Clotting Disorder)

Preventable

Genetic testing available for this X-linked disorder. Essential for all breeding cats, especially males. Carriers should not be bred. Testing prevents affected kittens.

Blood Type Incompatibility

Preventable

Blood type testing mandatory before breeding. Type B queens with Type A studs can cause neonatal isoerythrolysis. Proper matching prevents kitten deaths.

Dental Disease

Manageable

Regular dental examinations and cleanings. Select for good jaw alignment and tooth placement. Teach owners proper dental care from kittenhood.

Obesity Tendency

Preventable

British Shorthairs have hearty appetites and tendency to gain weight. Select for active temperament. Educate owners on proper portion control and exercise needs.

Eye Conditions

Manageable

Annual ophthalmologist examinations recommended. Watch for entropion in some bloodlines. Select breeding cats with clear eye structure and no tearing issues.

Hip Dysplasia

Manageable

Though rare in cats, can occur in larger breeds. X-ray screening available for breeding stock. Select partners with good hip conformation.

Respiratory Issues

Preventable

While British Shorthairs have better facial structure than flat-faced breeds, select for open nostrils and proper breathing. Avoid extreme 'chubby' faces that compromise airways.

Coat Density Management

Manageable

Dense double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting. During seasonal shedding, daily brushing prevents hairballs. Educate owners on proper grooming techniques.

HEMOPHILIA B TESTING IS ESSENTIAL

British Shorthairs carry a genetic risk for Hemophilia B, an X-linked blood clotting disorder that can be life-threatening.

Critical facts:

  • Males are more commonly affected, females can be carriers
  • Affected cats can bleed excessively from minor injuries
  • Genetic testing is available and affordable
  • Testing both parents prevents affected kittens
  • Many responsible breeders have eliminated this from their lines

By testing all breeding cats for Hemophilia B, you protect kittens from this serious disorder and contribute to the breed's overall health improvement.

Begin Your British Shorthair Cat Breeding Journey

Join a community of dedicated breeders preserving the charm and health of British Shorthair cats for future generations