British shorthairs are known as the teddy bear cats or Cheshire cats.

They are rated the best with children for their laid back nature and will prefer to walk away from teasing then strike out. They are also drawn to children and seek out the bed end of any kids in the house. Small children need supervision and training on how to pat and cuddle a kitten and be gentle at all times. Young kittens can become quite afraid if they are picked up around the neck and dragged around so please keep this in mind. All my kittens are used to children in my house. However my kids all know not to drag them around, jump at them or be rough in any way. British are easy going with people and other animals if introduced gently.

​​

Due to their large size when full grown Brits prefer to come to you and sit on your lap rather than being picked up and carried around. They look like big teddy bears so you just want to pick them up and cuddle and kiss them BUT they really do not act like teddy bears and prefer short bursts of being held and cuddled and kissed. They will however, spend a great deal of time sleeping on your lap or beside you sprawled out for a tummy rub.

​

British prefer to climb than jump so keep this in mind when selecting a cat pole. They are big heavy cats and need a good strong cat gym with shelving placed appropriately for their large build.

​ 

They are known as the quiet cats of the feline world; however I find that there are several talkers in the breed. The boys in particular can develop a loud deep meow. I had a boy who called me when he caught his stuffed fish toy....He would literally meow "MUUU_UUUM" "MUU_UUM" to which I would run to the kids bedrooms wondering which of my young children was calling me, only to find him with a toy at his feet calling me loudly!!

​ 

Nearly all the British shorthairs I have had the pleasure of owning have thoroughly enjoyed tummy rubs. The most damage they will do is grab at your hand and lick it! However it isn’t a behaviour that can be forced.

​ 

British shorthairs are also very smart cats. They learn their routine and will let you know if it isn’t followed.   They learn to open doors to go into bedrooms and will quite happily follow you to the bathroom to see what you’re doing and what they may be missing out on!

​ 

All cats also have their own individual personality. Some go against the grain and others follow it to a tee.       You just have to love them for their "own" quirks.

​ 

​ 

​​