The British Shorthair is a sturdy, calm cat with a plush coat and a big appetite. It’s also one of the breeds most prone to putting on weight, especially once it’s spayed or neutered and settles into a relaxed indoor life. Here’s how to feed a British Shorthair kitten and adult so it grows well and stays in good shape.
Does a British Shorthair Need Special Food?
No cat breed needs a special food to be healthy. Like any cat, a British Shorthair needs a complete and balanced food (labeled as meeting AAFCO nutrient profiles in the US, or as a “complete” food under FEDIAF guidelines in the UK) that suits its age, weight, activity and health. Some brands make breed-specific foods, and they can be a convenient choice, but a good-quality complete food for the right life stage works just as well. What matters most for this breed is portion control, because British Shorthairs love food and aren’t the most active cats.
Feeding a British Shorthair Kitten
British Shorthairs grow slowly and may not reach their full adult size until they’re about 3 years old. During the first year, a kitten needs a food that’s rich in protein, energy and calcium to support healthy growth.
- when you bring your kitten home, keep feeding the food it ate at the breeder or shelter for the first week or two, then switch gradually;
- feed a complete kitten food (or an “all life stages” food) until about 12 months old;
- kittens under 6 months usually need three to four meals a day; from 6 months, two to three meals a day is usually enough;
- always provide fresh water;
- don’t give cow’s milk, which can cause diarrhea.
Read more about feeding a kitten.
Feeding an Adult British Shorthair
Adult British Shorthairs are often laid-back and can easily become overweight, which puts strain on their joints and increases the risk of diabetes. Encourage activity with daily play sessions, cat trees and puzzle feeders.
- feed measured portions, using the feeding guide on the pack as a starting point, and adjust to keep your cat at a healthy weight (you should be able to feel the ribs easily);
- include some wet food every day to help with hydration and urinary health;
- keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories;
- weigh your cat regularly and see your vet for an annual checkup;
- if your cat has been spayed or neutered, its calorie needs will be lower. Read more about feeding a spayed cat and a neutered male cat.
Health Issues and Diet
- Obesity is the most common diet-related problem. Read more about obesity in cats.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart disease, can occur in the breed. Responsible breeders screen for it.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) can occur in British Shorthairs; reputable breeders DNA-test for it.
- Dental disease is common in cats in general, so brush your cat’s teeth and get regular dental checks.
If your cat has a health condition, your vet may recommend a specific or prescription diet. Don’t give supplements or change to a prescription diet without your vet’s advice, and see your vet if your cat’s appetite, weight, thirst, stools or coat change.
What About Homemade Food?
Homemade diets are very difficult to balance and are often missing essential nutrients, such as taurine and calcium. If you want to feed homemade food, use a recipe formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. Never feed your cat foods that are toxic to cats. Read more: foods cats should never eat.
Read more about the British Shorthair breed and what to feed a cat.
