The British cat, also called the British Shorthair, is a fairly large animal with an independent character. The breed has a number of characteristic features that are described in the standard.
Instructions
Step 1
The size of the British cat ranges from large to medium. This breed has a pronounced sexual dimorphism, i.e. females are much smaller than males and more gracefully built. In general, British cats are characterized by a squat, broad-boned body with well-developed muscles. This breed has a short, straight back, broad chest, massive shoulders and hips, short and thick legs. The feet are round and firm with well-developed nails. The tail is medium in length and muscular at the base.
Step 2
The head of British cats is round with large rounded cheeks. The neck is short and muscular. This breed is characterized by a round forehead, which is especially noticeable in profile. The forehead merges smoothly into a wide, straight and short nose. Small rounded ears set low and wide.
Step 3
The eyes of these cats are large, round, open. They are widely spaced. Eye color usually ranges from lemon yellow to golden brown. The most common British cats with bright orange eyes. Light-colored cats may have blue, emerald green or lavender eyes. This is not a defect.
Step 4
The coat of British cats is one of the striking external distinguishing features of this breed. In a healthy animal, the fur should be thick, dense and shiny. The coat is characterized by a fine structure and a thick undercoat. Outwardly, such fur looks like velvet. A coat that is too tight or too long is a disqualifying fault.
Step 5
There are many colors of British Shorthair cats. Of these, the most popular are solid: blue-gray, chocolate, black and purple. The typical British cat is a blue-gray animal with amber-orange eyes. Also, this breed has a common tabby color with a striped, marble or spotted pattern. On the forehead with a tabby color, there should be a characteristic spot in the form of the letter "M", and dark lines should go from the outer corners of the eyes. There are three parallel stripes on the back, separated by a primary color.
Step 6
Less common, but recognized as the breed standard, are tortoiseshell, bicolor and smoky British cats, as well as animals with Siamese-dyed hair. Bicolor cats, or bicolors, are characterized by a combination of a base color with white.
Step 7
British cats have an independent and proud disposition. They tolerate loneliness well and do not like excessive attention from the owners. Despite the seeming massiveness and sluggishness, these cats run and jump well. In rural areas, they can prove themselves as excellent hunters of mice and rats.
