As you run your hand over your British Shorthairs plush coat, you can imagine why this breed has been prized for centuries. Your kittens calm personality, loyal disposition and luxurious good looks are both captivating and timeless qualities.
Widely known as the oldest English breed of cat, the British Shorthair can trace its roots back to domestic cats of Rome. The cats found their way to the British Isles, where they populated farms and became beloved companions. In the late 1800s, cat lovers began breeding these cats to preserve their short, thick, water-repellent coats and maintain their calm, loyal demeanor.
At the turn of the century, British Shorthairs appeared regularly in British cat shows in a rainbow of colors. The beautiful cats started gaining popularity in the United States in the late 1960s, and were accepted for championship status in the Cat Fanciers Association in 1980.
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