The Pet Atlas

Breed Cats Classic Body Type

British Shorthair

Cobby build with a dense, plush double coat

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Low
Vocality
Low
Health sensitivity
Medium
Grooming
Medium
Shedding
High
Temperature sensitivity
Low

Context & compatibility

Size
Large
Lifespan
12–18 years
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Short

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want a cobby/rounded build and a dense plush double coat

Not ideal

  • Want minimal shedding

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Commonly calm-leaning and steady—more “low-key presence” than constant motion.

Handling & social style

Often prefers low-pressure affection; many are nearby cats more than lap cats.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

The practical differences are a dense plush undercoat and an “easy keeper” body type—shedding seasons and weight drift are the real levers.

Environment & space

Typical indoor setups work; prioritize low-impact movement options (step routes, wide perches) over extreme climbing.

Daily routine

Brush more during heavy sheds to manage undercoat; keep portions and daily movement steady to avoid slow weight gain.

Health sensitivities

Choose lines with clear screening practices and family-history clarity, especially around heart/joint patterns in mature cats.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

United Kingdom

Background

Standardized from Britain’s traditional domestic cats into a classic cat-fancy type. The defining target became a rounded (cobby) build paired with a very dense, plush coat.