Grayson
True to its English heritage, the British Shorthair exhibits a reserved mannerism at first interaction. However, upon acquaintance, it reveals itself as an affectionate and amiable companion. Let’s look at some interesting facts about this furry creature with a lovely gray coat and captivating orange eyeballs.
They Come From Ancient Rome
Experts believe our furry friends can trace their roots back to Ancient Rome. They arrived in England during the Roman invasion around the first century AD, making them among the oldest breeds globally. Their ancestry extends back to the streets of ancient Rome.
Appeared at the First Cat Show in 1871
The breed gained fame thanks to Harrison Weir, who started breeding the ordinary street and barn tabby, turning them into the distinct British Shorthair variant. In 1871, he displayed them at London’s Crystal Palace during a national competition, the world’s inaugural cat show.
Prone To Obesity
Adult kitties typically weigh between 9 to 17 pounds, with females usually around 7 to 12 pounds. However, this sturdy species tends to have a knack for gaining weight. To keep them healthy, owners should ensure their feline companions stay active.
It’s Possible They Inspired Lewis Carroll’s Story
Historians suggest that Lewis Carroll might have taken inspiration from a tabby British Shorthair for his illustrations of the Cheshire Cat in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Look at those wide eyes, chubby cheeks, and big grins—no wonder Carroll found his ins-purr-a-tion there!
We Nearly Lost Them
During the early 20th century, longhaired felines became more popular, overshadowing these creatures. To make matters worse, the breeding of British Shorthairs halted during World Wars I and II, putting them at risk of extinction. To save them, enthusiasts crossed them with Persians and others, and their efforts paid off.
Reason Behind The ‘I Can Has Cheezburger?’ Empire
The original ‘I Can Has Cheezburger?’ meme became an internet sensation in 2007 when Eric Nakagawa, a blogger from Hawaii, stumbled upon a picture of a cheerful British Shorthair on a message board. The line prompted Nakagawa to create a website with the same name, which was later bought for $2 million.
Not All Are Gray
Some folks believe all of them are silvery gray with copper eyes, but those are British Blues, a common species variant. Interestingly, these four-legged companions come in many colors: white, black, red, gold, and silver. Their orbs can be gold, copper, or even blue-green.
Became A Subject Of An Unusual News
In late 2014, debt collectors in Novosibirsk, Russia, attempted to collect unpaid taxes from a man. Since he didn’t have valuable possessions, they threatened to take his pet and its babies. The court marshal’s service decided to ‘arrest’ the cuddly pals because they were pedigree and valuable. Eventually, the man paid his taxes to keep his pets.
Global Record Holder Of Loudest Purr
12-year-old Smokey earned the title of having the loudest purr. His purrs reached 67.7 decibels, as loud as a lawn mower. Unfortunately, Smokey passed away from kidney failure in 2014. He held the Guinness World Record until 2015, when Merlin broke his record with a purr measuring 67.8 decibels.
Used To Be Hunters
It might take a lot of work to picture them as hunters nowadays! But in the 19th century, they were regular street mousers in barns. If your domesticated pal has ever brought you a ‘gift’ after a nightly patrol around the neighborhood, their hunting past might not seem surprising.
Adapt Easily With Families
They are loving and easygoing, making them a great addition to the family. And if you’re wondering if they’re playful, the answer is yes. However, their energy levels are lower, so they’re less active than their peers.
Face Minimum Health Issues
Forget about nine lives. Thanks to their few health issues, they have an impressive life expectancy of nearly 20 years. Cola from Kent lived an incredible 28 years, possibly making him the oldest in this species. However, their relaxed lifestyle can lead to overeating, so watching their diet is essential.
Fewer Meows
While some of their peers are famous for their meows, the British Shorthair isn’t among them. Being more reserved, they only shriek on rare occasions. Thanks to their confident and relaxed demeanor, they don’t need to be vocal to get noticed.
Have Dense Coat
Their appearance tells it all: solid and sturdy, they have dense coats that need regular brushing since they shed more than other shorthair breeds. This dense coat acts as a shield, especially in chilly weather when it gets even thicker. Note that they are known for shedding all year round.
Do Not Enjoy Sitting On Your Lap
Although affectionate, it’s not a lap cat. Please don’t count on it snuggling up for movie nights. It might sit next to you on the couch during your favorite shows, but it’s not keen on being held for long cuddles. However, it’ll allow petting when it’s in the mood for love.
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