What you need to know about British kittens. British shorthair cat. Grooming

These special kittens, similar in appearance to bear cubs, value their independence and do not like excessive affection. A hungry kitten will simply go to its bowl and will never beg for food.

There are other interesting facts about kittens that you can familiarize yourself with in this article in order to get an idea of ​​what they are like and whether or not it is worth getting a British cat in your house or apartment.

British kittens features of the breed, about the breed, standard, characteristics

According to the standard, kittens are of medium size with a powerful chest, a round head on a short neck. Boys have delicious cheeks, girls have more delicate faces. The eyes are round and expressive. The paws are short and thick. Thick, short and shiny coat, with a dense undercoat. Color black, white, blue, marbled, gold and silver.

British kittens character and care for them, food and feeding, education,
content

Flexible in nature, British kittens are friendly and affectionate. Get along well with all family members. They are friendly even with dogs. These independent and low-maintenance kittens are suitable for people who spend most of their time outside the home.

You need to remove dead hair daily using a special mitten, and combing it once a week is enough. British kittens are bathed no more than once every three months.

When raising kittens of this breed, you should be attentive and restrained, since the kitten itself is very restrained in its emotions. Although these smart kittens do not require special education. Even a very small kitten will not go to the toilet in the wrong place and will not damage the furniture with its claws.

Kittens of this breed have an excellent appetite and need to be fed often in small portions.

The dishes should be clean and the food should be at room temperature. Add vitamins to your kittens' diet. Kittens prefer natural food: raw beef, chicken, boiled fish, milk. When purchasing dry food, you should carefully read what is written on the packaging. You should not give kittens food intended for adult cats. British kittens should not be given chocolate, it is very harmful and can even cause poisoning in the animal.

British kittens eye care, what vaccinations to give kittens, how to choose, colors

Caring for the eyes of British breed kittens is important, as they can become sour. And such discharge should be removed with a cotton swab dipped in tea leaves. The animal should be taken to the vet if there is pus coming out of the eyes. Even if a kitten lives in an apartment, it needs vaccinations.

The first vaccination is given at the age of 2-3 months. First vaccination without rabies. The re-vaccination is done with rabies. After vaccination, the cat should not be allowed out of the house for 14 days. During these days, immunity is developed. Vaccinations are done every year.

Solid colors: black, white, blue, marbled, gold, silver, chocolate, cream. Moreover, each hair should be painted the same color from root to tip. There should be no stains or other shades.
Cats come in tortoiseshell color. There are also colors with silver.

British fold kittens description and signs

Very popular among cats, the main feature of which is the ears hanging down. Kittens of this breed are balanced, love a quiet lifestyle, and adore children. Attached to the owner and to the house. With an excellent appetite, kittens are in good health and are easy to care for. Fold-eared Britons are known to have excellent intuition.

How to distinguish a British kitten from an ordinary one

Those inexperienced in cat matters may confuse Britons with other kittens. Although they have features that are unique only to British kittens: a surprisingly calm character, a certain sedateness, and importance. Their round face with chubby cheeks cannot be confused with other breeds. These kittens will never meow for no reason or damage furniture.

British kittens of precious colors, eye color cost (price)

The owners are especially proud of their British kittens of precious silver and gold colors. Kittens of these unmatched colors have expressive emerald or bright sapphire eyes. The price for such a kitten is from 15 thousand rubles.

Have you decided to get a pet? A soft, affectionate, playful kitten with unusually beautiful, lively, curious eyes of a captivating copper color will very quickly find its place in the heart of every household member. Both kids and adults of the British breed get along well with other animals and people, including children, which allows them to fit harmoniously into any family, becoming an integral part of it. Soon after their appearance in your home, British kittens will become children's best friends, accompanying them everywhere, taking an active part in children's fun and pranks, repeatedly causing you to have a happy smile of affection and bursts of warm tenderness that will bring you to tears. A cat-human kindergarten will open under the roof of your home. In general, kittens of this breed are simply ideal for families in which heirs are growing up. Firstly, such a kitten is quite unpretentious in matters of care, leaving most of your worries to your own baby. Secondly, a kitten from British parents will never offend the owner’s child: it will not scratch, bite, or cause any harm. Thirdly, a cat baby reacts completely adequately to the games of human children, without being frightened by the noise, screams, and uproar that accompany them. And, what is most remarkable, from a very early age a child learns to love, care, make friends, i.e. acquires qualities important for a full, happy life. The appearance of a kitten in the house will only have a beneficial effect on the physical condition and health of your children and adult household members.

A kitten is not a toy that can be thrown into a far corner or re-gifted after you have lost interest in it. Before deciding on such an acquisition, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons. Carefully collect information about the requirements for caring for British breed cats. Find out what related purchases you will have to make for a comfortable life for your new pet. Make inquiries about nurseries that specialize in British kittens. Find out how to determine the health of a cat at the time of purchase and how to maintain it in the future.

When all the doubts and discussions are over and the decision has been made finally, it is time to prepare a worthy welcome for the new family member. Make sure that from the first minutes of being under your roof the kitten is comfortable and calm. It's a hassle, but a pleasant one. To make your life easier and not rush around in confusion from store to store, from one corner of the apartment to another, you can draw up in advance an action plan and a shopping list before a kitten appears in the apartment.

Cat accessories:

    Sleeping place

British kittens can feel the safety and comfort of their own corner in one of the industrial houses or loungers, which are presented in modern pet stores in a wide range. Or you can be creative and equip a sleeping place yourself.

    Food bowls

Each animal should have its own bowl for water and food. Moreover, it is desirable that there are separate bowls for dry food and canned food. The water needs to be changed every day, and it would be better to use bottled water rather than tap water.

When choosing a toy, think about its safety. Avoid sharp edges and parts that the kitten could swallow

    Toilet place

As a rule, if a kitten was raised in a good nursery, he will already be potty trained. It’s worth finding out what kind of filler he’s used to and purchasing the same one. During the first few days, patiently show him the location of the litter box in his new home. Soon the kitten will remember the lesson, and the embarrassment will not be repeated. The most important thing is to keep the pot clean, changing the filler on time

    Carrying container

When transporting a kitten to a new home one-time, you can do without additional equipment. But if you plan to become the owner of this plush miracle, then you should choose an option for carrying the animal. Modern points of sale of pet products will present to your attention a huge number of different models. The choice will depend on your taste and financial capabilities

    Brush and combs

An oval rubber brush with small soft teeth will be enough for British kittens to delight household members with the healthy appearance of their short, plush fur.

    scratching post

Special structures equipped with posts with platforms and houses are used as scratching posts. This is a whole playground for your kitten, which carries educational and entertainment functions, while simultaneously sharpening the animal’s sharp claws

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Today’s material will allow you to plunge into the nearby cat world, understand its features, structure and laws. A description of a British breed cat will help you with this. Of course, having become acquainted with only one breed, it is impossible to learn to find a common language with all cats.

This article will be useful both to experienced “cat people” who have decided to acquire representatives of this breed, and to those who are just starting or planning to start caring for cats of the British breed.

Where did the British come from?

The British cat breed is one of those lucky few whose biography is rooted in events that took place before our era. In the distant forty-third year BC, the uncle of Emperor Caligula took the throne. He decided to strengthen his power by opening a war with Britain, and therefore sent troops. Upon their return, cats returned along with the Romans who fought in Britain.

The confrontation between the Romans and Celts did not end for forty years. But the British shorthair cat did not take any part in this war between people. They conquered more and more people with their beauty and affection.. Therefore, when at the end of the nineteenth century we started talking about the nation’s favorite animals, the descendants of the very cats that somehow managed to reconcile two violent peoples in the past were used as a basis.

Another legend

Old scriptures and documents say that an ordinary cat suddenly turned out to be very strong and resilient, able to survive in a variety of conditions, and at the same time did not lose its charm and charm. We learn about this from G. Weir, the founder of cat exhibitions. This is the history of the British breed.

Quite often, scientists argue about which cat breeds are closest to the British. They definitely have something in common with Persian cats - a slightly flat, round muzzle, but nothing more.

Description of the breed

First of all, let's remember that the British are quite capricious, and even somewhat touchy - something, but these little animals have no less pride than their owners. The main thing is not to confuse a Scotsman and a Briton - their owners will definitely consider this an insult. Just remember that British cats are purebred animals who came to their appearance through adaptability, experience and mutation. But the Scotsman is a genetically bred breed, like many other cats that appeared relatively recently.

Distinctive Features

Nose

Since cats almost always breathe through their nose, this is the basis of their instincts (unlike people who can independently switch to mouth breathing), it is important to pay attention to the nose and the correctness of its structure. A purebred British breed will have a short but wide nose with no bending or variation. There is a small, barely noticeable, but unnoticeable depression on the bridge of the nose. If the nose is crooked, the cat may wheeze when breathing or make other strange sounds.

Ears

The British Shorthair is an exception to the cat rule. If cats usually always “keep their eyes open,” the British breed does not have this feature. Their ears are low and at a great distance from each other. At the same time, the ears are small and slightly rounded. They have a fair amount of fur on the outside. This does not apply to the British Fold - their ears are often lowered and placed quite close, and also closer to the back of the head.

Eyes

The British breed has rather large eyes, which are open and, of course, round in shape. Like the ears, they are located quite widely. The British eye color is predominantly golden. Less common are blue, bright green and lavender. Cats with both unusual and pronounced typical eye colors are valued. But dull eyes or an iris with spots, rims, and so on, are not only not appreciated, but are even considered a disadvantage.

Body

The origins of the appearance of standards for the body and physiology of British cats go back to those distant times of their appearance. Since the British felt themselves masters of their own lands, they grew into muscular cats that have considerable strength. Moreover, they can be large or medium in size according to the international classification.

They have a wide chest, and at the same time, a massive and muscular back, which allows them to perform all kinds of pirouettes even in everyday life. Paws are short but strong, which allows the cat to periodically land on only three of the four, and use the “spare” paw as an attacking weapon in case of jumping on prey.

As for the tail, it is also quite short. Thin only in kittens, while in British cats of all ages it should taper towards the base.

Weight and size

The British breed cat is much larger than a cat, but this is expressed only in appearance, and not in their characteristics. In scientific terms, this breed is characterized by demorphism of the sexes. Kittens, regardless of gender, quickly gain weight. From small, skinny Britons, they quickly turn into miniature copies of their parents, but only in appearance. It takes them a long time to gain weight, and the process of growing up also lasts for several years.

Appearance

After four years, the physical part of the British body is fully formed, and by the age of five he has a stable personality. At this age, cats weigh about five to eight kilograms, and females from four to six.

Wool

This is where the striking differences begin between breeds that are British, but at the same time fundamentally different.

There are two directions of development of this breed: long-haired and short-haired. Apart from fur, there are no differences at the physical level.

The British Longhair cat is a kind of elegant and representative aristocrat. You cannot crossbreed with other breeds, only with the British, otherwise you risk getting a wild Briton with an incomprehensible color. But it doesn’t matter whether such an animal’s partner will have short or long hair.

Despite the fact that the breed is called long-haired, the length of the coat reaches only a medium level. Without waves or curls, straight, with a rich undercoat, which provides the cat with warmth. At the same time the tail is always very fluffy. There are a variety of colors, the only exception that is not recognized is the combination of white with Siamese or partial color on the paws, face and tail.

As for individuals with short hair, they always have surprisingly delicate colors. The coat is dense and evenly distributed over the body. The average length of wool is up to three millimeters.

Color

The predominantly monochromatic color should be uniform and monotonous so that the coat does not stand out in some places. At the same time, the British breed may have something like a haze on the coat or a shimmer of some color - this is not prohibited by the breed standard.

According to official data, there are three dozen color variations of the British.

The most popular solid types of this breed are:

  • Red breed
  • Cream breed
  • Black breed
  • White breed
  • Gray breed
  • The Lilo breed is a combination of gray, gray and pink.

The most popular two-color breeds are:

  • Gray-blue breed
  • Marble
  • Ticked breed
  • Tabby breed (“freckles” on the coat)

Recently, cats of the British breed with Whiskey-style coloring have been gaining momentum. The name comes from an advertisement for a famous food. But this is just a common or colloquial name, and if you turn to specialists, they will explain to you that this is a “mackerel” type. The main color of these British people is silver.. There should be only three dark stripes on the back, and an unlimited number of dark stripes along the body. It is important that the stripes are darker, not lighter.

Cat development

Disadvantages of body parts, head

Deformation of the nose, consisting of an excessively hump of the nose. Flat forehead, large eyebrows, long nose. The nose is too narrow, the bite cannot be corrected, and the shape of the muzzle is also distorted.

Lack of the required level of “plushness”. This trait depends on the undercoat, which ideally should be smooth and very dense. Then the fur is fluffy and looks like plush. The absence of necessary signs most often occurs in large cats, cinnamon-colored cats, and tabbies.

If a pet has at least one of the above deficiencies, it will not be considered an ideal purebred.

Therefore, if you expect to take part in exhibitions or competitions, you should choose an animal of this breed with special care. And if you buy a friend for your home, then these external features do not matter - they do not affect health, breed or character in any way.

Character

What features of the British cat distinguish it from representatives of other “cat races”? First of all, these are manners. Her pretentiousness, and the impossibility of getting to her, is still touchable, especially if the pet doesn’t like the person. At the same time, it is a rather capricious animal, despite its cute appearance. Of the constant character traits that are inherent in this breed at any age, one can note independence and stubbornness.

The British are very friendly and affectionate creatures, they make contact very easily.

They love a friendly and gentle tone, do not tolerate orders or demands on themselves - especially if it comes not from the owner, but from someone else.

Communication

The British breed easily gets along with dogs and loves to play with children. He doesn’t like to be bothered, but in the case of a small child, he will endure until the last moment so as not to hit his paw. What's special about the British? This breed easily tolerates loneliness. If you are rarely at home, but really love cats, then a British cat is a great solution for you. They calmly remain alone with themselves, play, sleep, explore the outside world. And although they miss the owner, they will not create a mess in all the rooms when they meet or in his absence.

Be healthy and beautiful!

The unique qualities of British cats is the ability not to get sick even in very harsh conditions. They do not have hereditary diseases, as such, and at the same time, cats tolerate cold weather with steadfastness. However, this does not mean that the British do not get sick in principle - they are characterized by diseases typical of cats.

  • Gingivitis. This is inflammation and subsequent decay of the teeth. It is important to show the animal to the veterinarian in time, because in the first two stages the disease can be cured. But it’s much easier to simply prevent it - brush your pet’s teeth and don’t let him eat any nonsense.
  • Cardiomyopathy, which occurs due to too much load or, conversely, due to its absence. The main symptoms are catastrophic weight loss, loss of interest in the outside world, the owner, toys, slowing of the pulse and breathing, and wheezing.
  • Also possible partial paralysis. Usually these are the hind limbs. In addition to the above, pay attention to your pet's pads. If they change color to blue, consult a doctor immediately.
  • British people are sometimes diagnosed with hemophilia. There is nothing you can do here either; the best option would be to simply monitor your pet so that he does not get injured.
  • And the last typical disease is a fungus that appears on the claws. You can recognize it by deformation or spots on the claws, so pay attention to your pet’s paws.

To prevent heart problems, doctors recommend an examination - an ultrasound of the heart, at least once a year, ideally every six months.

Vaccinations

Care

The difference between the British breed and many other breeds is the lack of need for meticulous and thorough care. This breed is unpretentious in its living, although it has a number of its own characteristics, but caring for them will not require much time from you.

The first thing you need to do is remove the undercoat once a week. To do this, you should purchase a soft round brush made of rubber or a special material that will remove static from the fur. When a cat begins to shed, it is necessary to brush it daily., otherwise this process will affect your furniture.

Hygiene

The British are a very neat breed, and even cats, even cats, are very concerned about their hygiene, so they constantly lick their fur. Because of this, their stomachs often become clogged with fur. You do not need to wait until the kitten becomes ill and he himself gets rid of the hairballs in the internal organs, since it is not a fact that until then they will not cause harm. To prevent this, give your cat special medications, which are sold in the form of tablets and food, and dissolve lumps in the gastrointestinal tract.

And returning to the paws, be sure to regularly inspect the claws to ensure there is no fungus, cracks or chips.

Trim the nails regularly or take your Briton to a special salon if you cannot perform this procedure yourself. Don't forget to buy a scratching post.

Finally, remember that the characteristics of the British cat do not mean that standard procedures do not apply to it. Eye washing, specialized cleaning of ears and pads - this is necessary for every purebred cat, not just the British.

How to feed, what to feed, when and where?

We immediately hasten to disappoint fishing lovers - cats don’t need fish. At all. None – be it food or regular fish. Don't believe advertisements that advertise fish food - it's just a marketing ploy. Yes, your cat will happily eat fish, but this does not mean that he will like it. What to feed British cats? – you ask. Let's take a closer look at the diet for such a cat.

  • Meat. Most of your pet's diet is meat products. Three quarters, sometimes a little less, of the diet should be a meat component.
  • The best option for a cat would be beef or poultry, as well as offal. Giving a cat a piece of meat is not a wise decision. Freeze the meat, then mince or slice it. In general, prepare the cat for food.
  • Garnish. One quarter of the diet consists of various cereals, potatoes and vegetables. This can be a side dish from your table, but you can cook it separately for your cat.
  • Be sure to give your Brit an egg every five to seven days.
  • Occasionally you can give dairy products - this can be cottage cheese or kefir, cheese, ryazhanka. You can use premium dry food - it contains all the necessary substances for a cat, but its taste leaves much to be desired, alas.

What should you not give to cats?

  • Milk. Allergy to lactose is especially pronounced in purebred cats.
  • Sweet. Even occasionally. And on holidays it’s also not allowed. Consider that your cat needs to watch his figure!
  • Marinated and salted. The marinade contains acid, which has a bad effect on the cat’s body, and salt delays the release of water from the body.
  • Alcohol and coffee. It not only harms the body, but leads to heart problems.

Remember that the British breed of cats is prone to obesity, so you need to monitor their diet.

Where to buy, what for and why?

The main characteristic of a British breed cat is photogenicity. These cats love to play at any age, they can be taught to pose, and most importantly, they know how to smile! The resulting photos are simply amazing: a smiling cat in a flower pot, wearing a bath cap, hanging in the air at the moment of a jump. And what funny videos they make with their participation! These cats are sometimes too smart, but they are amenable to training. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the obedience of such a cat.

Market

When it comes to where to buy, you have several options. The most common is the cat market. A popular but unreliable option. Prices there are twice as low, but this is where danger awaits you. It is not a fact that an animal purchased at such a market will be healthy and with all vaccinations. Of course, you can get vaccinated, treated, and so on, but is it really worth it? And a healthy kitten is better than a sick one.

From hand

You can purchase the British breed secondhand from people who breed British dogs. Reliability, like the price, will be higher, but there are pitfalls here too. You cannot always check the documents and purebredness of the breed, and you will not receive any guarantees.

When purchasing a kitten, you need to understand that the animal is not a toy: the baby needs care and attention. British shorthair kittens have a plush, dense coat (due to the thick undercoat). Longhaired British kittens also have a thick coat, but the hairs are longer, so they need more grooming and frequent brushing. British kittens: care, education and feeding - how to do it all correctly? Read about this in our article.

British kittens: care, education and feeding

It is better to purchase a British kitten from nurseries; it is advisable to find reviews (they must be positive about this breeder). When the kitten turns 3 months old in the nursery, it will be ready to move to a new family, and the breeder will be able to prepare the necessary documents and give the baby vaccinations. This age is also favorable for the baby himself; his immunity will be more or less formed, which means the kitten will get sick less.

Before taking the baby to a new home, you need to examine him so that there is nothing suspicious in appearance and the kitten looks healthy and active. Ask the breeder about the maintenance of the kitten, its nutrition, and read the pedigree of the parents.

British kittens are distinguished from others by their plush dense coat, round eyes, compact, muscular body with a wide chest. These kittens also have a thick tail and full, short legs. The head should be round, with a wide muzzle, dense nose pads and cheeks.

When purchasing a kitten from a specialized nursery, you can be sure that:

  • kitten from purebred parents;
  • the veterinary passport reflects all vaccinations performed, including treatment against helminths;
  • the kitten will have the metric to participate in exhibition events.

You can read more about the standard, characteristics, and care of it on our website.

When to adopt a kitten?

The ideal age for moving to a new family is 3 months (12 weeks). During this time, the kitten receives the necessary nutrition from the mother, breast milk actively builds immunity, and also allows the baby to develop properly. It is at this age that kittens already weigh about 2 kg. Also at this age, kittens learn from their mother the rules of behavior and caring for their appearance. A responsible breeder provides the necessary vaccinations up to 3 months and carries out preventive work, treating babies against helminths.

What should you buy for a British kitten?

Before purchasing a baby, you should take care and buy a few necessary things that play an important role in the life of the future pet.

For a British kitten you need to purchase:


Table 1. Annual kitten care calendar

TermProcedure
1 time per yearPreventive vaccinations (rhinotracheitis, calicivirosis, panleukopenia, rabies), urine test for urolithiasis (urolithiasis)
Once every 6 monthsPrevention of helminthiasis
2 times a monthNail trimming, ear and eye cleaning
4 times a monthPreventative examinations of ears and eyes, combing
DailyPreventative examination of external condition

Video - British Shorthair cat

British kittens weight

This breed is large and massive, so British kittens are heavy. The weight of a newborn British kitten is about 130 g, and within 7 days their weight reaches 150 g. During this period of time, kittens actively feed on their mother's milk. The nutrition of a nursing cat plays an important role in the nutritional value of milk: its diet must be additionally fortified, so the mother of the kittens is fed specialized food or natural food with added vitamins.

Table 2. Kitten weight at different age periods

AgeCat weightKitty weight
Newborn70-140 g60-140 g
1 week240-260 g110-250 g
2 weeks340-400 g150-360 g
3 weeks400-630 g210-420 g
4 weeks (month)550-740 g250-600 g
2 months1-1.7 kg450-900 g
3 months1.5-2.5 kg1.5 kg
4 months2.1-3.9 kg1.7-2.4 kg
5 months2.6-4.3 kg2.2-2.9 kg
6 months3-5.4 kg2.3-3.6 kg
7 months3.3-5.6 kg2.4-3.9 kg
8 months3.5-6 kg2.5-4.1 kg
9 months3.8-6.4 kg2.5-4.3 kg
10 months4.1-6.7 kg2.5-4.4 kg
11 months4.3-6.8 kg2.5-4.5 kg
12 months (year)4.5-7 kg2.5-4.6 kg

British kittens have quite a large body weight

The first days of a kitten in the house

The new resident first needs to adapt: ​​find out where the toilet and food are. In addition, he will look for his mother and call her loudly. New smells and new family members frighten the pet, so it will be natural for the baby to hide in a dark place.

The kitten’s adaptation to a new home goes like this:


Toilet training a kitten

As soon as the kitten appears in the house, you need to immediately accustom it to the new tray. At first, the baby may be disoriented in a new room and needs help. You also need to consider the location and access to the toilet, because British cats, although clean, have their own opinions. Therefore, if a kitten refuses to go to the new litter box, then you should not think that he is stupid and does not understand anything. In fact, British cats are very smart, and therefore, most likely, the new tenant simply does not like something. Perhaps the tray needs to be moved a little, moved to another corner, or the filler changed.

Instincts tell the kitten that all waste needs to be buried, so choose the appropriate substance for the toilet, because the “British” are clean. If you do not pay attention to this, the kitten may begin to mischief and look for another place to relieve itself.

If you suddenly find a puddle on the floor, you should not scold the kitten, much less beat it; with this method of education you can provoke the baby to do things secretly in the wrong place. It is better to show your pet in a dissatisfied tone that you are not happy with this situation, and, having collected the puddle with toilet paper, take it to the tray. This way the smell will attract the kitten to go to the right place. It is also worth watching the animal; usually after the baby has eaten, he runs to the toilet. Monitor the kitten's path to the toilet, and then the baby will remember that things need to be done in the litter box.

Don't lose your temper if the kitten doesn't go to the toilet the first time. Remove puddles with special odor-eliminating products that can be purchased at a pet store. Be persistent with your pet and show him where to go, but do not hit him or scream if he suddenly misses. The kitten will sooner or later understand what is required of him, the main thing is to be patient.

First moult and grooming

A kitten's first shedding occurs at seven or eight months of age. During the week, the kitten should be carefully combed every day with a special comb, running through the fur with massage movements. After this procedure, you can walk over the fur with your hand in a wet rubber glove, thus collecting the remaining fur. Subsequent molting occurs on an individual basis, depending on many factors - vitamin deficiency, allergic reactions, existing diseases, age-related and hormonal changes, and the use of inappropriate bathing products.

Regular grooming of the British dog's coat with special combs will preserve the beauty of the coat.

You need to groom your pet regularly:

  • weekly brushing will bring many benefits to your pet. Firstly, this procedure will rid the cat of dead skin particles and fur hairs, which means that when licking, less of them will end up in the stomach. Secondly, regular brushing gives the animal a healthy and well-groomed appearance;
  • if you accustom your kitten to water procedures from an early age, then bathing can become one of your pet’s favorite activities, which can be used both when soiled and for preventive measures;
  • Careful trimming of the claws will rid the pet of the rough, keratinized part, which flakes off over time, causing the claws to begin to cling and cause discomfort to the cat. The procedure is short, only a couple of times a month. The haircut is carried out with special scissors, carefully so as not to damage the blood vessel;
  • regular preventive examination of the auricle and organs of vision, when the cat’s ears are cleaned of wax accumulation, and the eyes are wiped with black tea infusion or eye drops.

From an early age, a kitten needs to be accustomed to the necessary procedures, then he will calmly endure them and even enjoy them

How to brush British cats?

Before purchasing a British kitten, you should buy special combs at a pet store. To care for your pet you will need:

  • a comb with metal teeth with rounded ends so as not to injure the animal’s skin. Needed for primary combing of wool of any length in the direction from head to tail according to hair growth;
  • comb with massage effect. Stimulates blood circulation, provides beautiful fur for your pet by combing out dead skin particles and dead hairs. You need to comb your pet with this comb carefully so as not to damage the delicate undercoat;
  • rubber brush or glove. Helps complete your pet's grooming routine. With the help of such a brush you can remove remaining hairs from the surface of the coat after active combing.

Bathing

The first bath of a kitten should be careful and not earlier than one month of age, so as not to scare the baby and not instill a negative impression of the procedure. It is better to teach the kitten to bathe in a playful way, touching the kitten with wet hands, and then gently moistening the baby’s fur with a few drops of warm water. This way, the kitten won’t get scared and won’t start to struggle, and the water, rolling off the fur, will attract attention and interest.

What do you need to know? The shampoo should be selected based on the length of your pet’s coat and its color, as some products are designed to enhance the color of the animal’s coat.

Bathing stages:

  1. fill the container with water, adjusting its temperature (about 30 °C);
  2. pour a special shampoo into the water that suits your pet;
  3. place the cat in a container with soapy water and gently, massaging the fur, wet the cat’s body;
  4. rinse off the product with clean warm water, being careful not to get it into your ears, they are very sensitive;
  5. After bathing, wrap the cat in a dry towel to thoroughly dry the wet fur;
  6. Place your pet in a warm, draft-free room.

If you gradually accustom your kitten to water procedures, then over time he will enjoy the process and will not be capricious.

Upbringing

Before adopting a British breed kitten, it is worth considering that these are wayward animals. Therefore, upbringing should begin from the first days of the kitten’s appearance in its new home. One of the main lessons of education is litter box training. If the kitten does not know that all tasks must be done in a specially designated place, then you need to show him how it is done. If the baby is already trained (usually in nurseries, kittens at the age of 3 months are toilet trained), then you just need to make sure that the pet gets used to the new tray. It is better to immediately show the animal what and how to do, because neglected training will be difficult to correct.

During education, force should never be used. British cats are smart, and therefore only a dissatisfied raised tone or clap of the hands can be applied to them, otherwise, when force is used, they can harbor anger or begin to be mischievous. For training, it is better to use repellents with a pungent odor or the smell of citrus fruits, a spray bottle with water, to wean the animal from sharpening its claws on furniture or doing dirty tricks in an inappropriate place.

If the kitten begins to shit, then try to find the reason in the location of the toilet or the composition of the litter

It is also worthwhile to immediately accustom the kitten to the scratching post so that it does not damage the furniture by grinding off its sharp claws. To do this, you need to show the baby several times, running your fingers along the post of the scratching post. You can also use catnip by rubbing dry grass on a post; the smell will attract the kitten’s attention, and he will involuntarily begin to touch the scratching post with his paws.

During games, try to make do with teasers and other toys; do not teach the kitten to play with your hands.

In general, training is not difficult, since the “British” cats are very smart cats, but you should immediately show who is boss in the house by establishing eye contact with the pet, while forbidding him to do nasty things so that he understands the boundaries of what is permitted.

Little “Britons” love to play, so pay more attention to games with your furry fidget

Feeding a kitten with natural products

  • fatty meats (pork, lamb);
  • raw poultry meat and bones (chicken, turkey);
  • any raw fish;
  • sausages, sausages, smoked cheeses, chocolate, etc.;
  • food that a person eats (salty, spicy, sweet).

A diet based on natural products includes the following items:

  • lean meat (frozen beef, chicken, turkey, rabbit) - about 8-100 g/day. depending on the age of the kitten;
  • offal (liver, heart, kidneys) - 10-100 g/day;
  • boiled sea fish without bones no more than once a week gj 6-80 g/day;
  • dairy products (cottage cheese - 3.5-20 g/day, kefir, low-fat sour cream no more than 10 g per day, cheese);
  • chicken and quail eggs in the amount of 50-55 g per week;
  • vegetables (cucumber, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini) - 10-40 g/day;
  • cereals (buckwheat, wheat, rice) - 10-80 g/day;
  • vitamin and mineral complex (according to instructions).

A balanced diet is the key to the correct and healthy development of the baby.

Table 3. Kitten consumption rate of natural food

What do you need to know? Choose wide, flat dishes for your pet to make it easier for him to eat.

Dry food for British kittens

If you decide to choose dry food for your pet, then it is important to consider that “Whiskas”, “Kiticat”, “Purina”, “Friskies”, “Felix” and similar low-quality foods are not suitable for a complete healthy diet. They contain a huge amount of flavors, dyes, flavor enhancers and other harmful chemicals, which cause many diseases associated with urolithiasis and gastrointestinal tract disorders. It is better to use high-quality industrial feed, which is completely ready for consumption.

Each manufacturer has its own calculation table for feeding a kitten by month, so you just need to follow the recommendations and make sure that the kitten always has access to fresh water. The main thing is to choose high-quality food for your kitten from a good holistic, superpremium or premium manufacturer. Then you can be sure that the baby will grow up healthy and strong.

Dry and wet food that can be fed to a British kitten:

  • Among the good holistic foods for kittens you can buy: Eukanuba, Brit, PronatureHolistic, Primordial. The advantage of this class of food is that it is hypoallergenic. The diets have an optimal ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and also contain dietary supplements;
  • super premium food: Hill’s Science Plan, Orijen, Now Fresh, 1st Choice, Schesir;
  • premium food: Pro Plan, Happy Cat, Leonardo, Brit Premium, Royal Canin.

What do you need to know? If the kitten ate industrial food in the nursery, then you should not immediately start feeding it natural food or other dry food, as this can disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and lead to complications. Therefore, find out what brand of dry food the kitten was eating, and feed it this particular food for the first time. The transition should be smooth: gradually mix in other food to avoid health problems for the baby.

Choose high-quality food from a well-known manufacturer for your pet

Estrus and mating features of British cats

British cats are fully mature at 7-9 months. Young animals should be bred no earlier than 10-12 months, having missed the cat’s first two heats. This is due to the fact that the body is not yet fully strengthened, and complications are possible during pregnancy and childbirth.

A two-year-old cat becomes hot-tempered and often shows aggression towards the cat. In general, during the period of estrus, cats exhibit specific behavior:

  • she often chooses to communicate with the owner rather than with the mistress;
  • becomes demanding of attention - caresses, rubs against legs, shoes;
  • shows excessive affection, becomes intrusive;
  • the back bends, the hind legs move, the tail moves to the side;
  • the animal meows obsessively and licks the genital area.

The acquaintance of a cat and a cat may not always be ideal, and if the cat has a character, then you will have to look for another “groom”

The duration of estrus in British cats varies around 7-10 days. If the cat has not been fertilized, then the repetition of estrus occurs on the 15-20th day. Sex Barrier drugs and other contraceptives negatively affect the health of the animal, creating hormonal imbalance and developing tumors.

Read more about whether it is worth using drugs that reduce sexual desire in a cat on our website.

Acquaintance between a cat and a cat can take place in different ways, depending on the characters of both animals. At first, the cat may categorically not accept the cat, but when the acquaintance goes well, it can occur from 15 matings per day, and the cat’s temperament is already taken into account. Two days will be enough for mating cats; during this period, the cat can safely impregnate the cat.

What do you need to know? Mating a cat should not occur more than 3 times a year; pregnancy greatly depletes the body, so sick kittens may be born.

If estrus does not occur within three weeks, we can assume that everything turned out well and the cat is pregnant. It is better to breed experienced animals or at least one of the pets should have mating experience, otherwise the fertilization process will take a lot of time, and without the help of the owners the process will not be successful.

British cats are smart animals with character

If you decide to get a British breed kitten, you don’t need to take it from strangers. Otherwise, the kittens may turn out to be unpedigreed, sick and unvaccinated. It is better to buy a baby from a nursery that provides full care for mother and kittens. Moreover, a medical card is issued for each animal with notes on vaccinations and treatment against helminths. When purchasing a baby, the card passes into the hands of the owner.

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    What is good about a kitten from a nursery?

    Only their mother can properly care for the British. Taking this into account, in the nursery the cat is not separated from the newborn kitten for 12 weeks. The advantage of such conditions is the ability for the kitten to gain the required weight of up to 1.5 kg or more by three months. The baby regularly receives breast milk and learns from his mother how to take care of himself. The first vaccination and anthelmintic treatment takes place here.

    It is better to adopt a British breed kitten from a nursery at the age of three months. Until this time, the baby’s skeletal system will become stronger, basic vaccinations will be done, and the baby will switch to two meals a day. If a kitten came into the family earlier, it should be fed 4 times a day. Give a variety of freshly prepared food, and only natural food, with a high content of vitamins, dietary supplements, minerals and acids. It is not recommended to offer dry food during this period due to possible digestive problems.

    Chocolate Briton - photo, description and character

    Appearance in the house

    So, the little kitten ended up in a new home. Finding himself in a new environment, the baby is frightened, does not understand where he is, there is no nurse or familiar aromas nearby. We need to try to create conditions for him to get used to it.

    1. 1. It is not recommended to play with him in the first days, pick him up, or cuddle him. He will begin to wriggle out, may scratch and even bite. It’s better to address him affectionately, call him by his nickname. As soon as he gets used to it, he will approach the owner himself.
    2. 2. At first, the pet needs to limit the territory by closing the doors to other rooms. Bowls with food and water should also be located here, as well as a litter tray a little further away. As soon as the British kitten gets used to it a little, you can gradually expand its domain.
    3. 3. The food that was given in the nursery should be given at home for the first time. And then gradually add other foods, mixing them with the usual diet.
    4. 4. The pupils are accustomed to using the toilet in the nursery. But the Brit needs to mark his new toilet by placing a cloth soaked in his urine in it.

    Before you take a Briton into your home, you should make sure that the necessary accessories are ready for his arrival. These are two bowls for eating and drinking. They need to be placed where they will always be. A litter tray is a must if the owner does not want the kitten to relieve itself around the apartment. The baby must have toys. Their absence is fraught with damage to things. The scratching post will protect furniture and wallpaper, since it is nature’s nature to sharpen a kitten’s claws. A house or a lounger will accustom the baby to a permanent resting place, otherwise he will sleep anywhere, even in the owner’s bed. And there must be a carrier. A visit to the doctor or a trip to nature without this device will be difficult.

    With the appearance of a kitten in the house, the owner must reconsider his habits. Namely:

    • entrance doors must always be closed to prevent the animal from leaving the premises;
    • windows should either be closed or protective nets installed;
    • tightly cover cabinets, toilet lids, and washing machines;
    • try not to pinch the baby in the door, sit on him, or step on his paw.

    A little about the breed

    The British Shorthair cat is an officially recognized breed. At the end of the 19th century, at the first cat salon held in London, the British breed was standardized.

    These animals have a dense build with developed chest muscles, a short and massive tail, strong hind limbs and a large head. Amazing amber and round eyes and thick cheeks. There are more than 60 shades of colors, but the wool is mostly purple or blue. Although you can often find white and black colors.

    It is worth mentioning the cat breed that appeared in Great Britain, which was obtained by crossing a Persian cat and a British one. For its amazingly beautiful thick fur, the breed was named the British golden chinchilla. The cat is gentle and meek, a loyal friend and an aristocratic nature. The breed is becoming increasingly popular among breeders and ordinary British lovers.

    When purchasing, many people are interested in the British Fold. The ears of this breed of kittens hang down. They are very calm, unpretentious in care and food, have a keen sense of smell, are attached to the home and adore children, who reciprocate their feelings.

    Pet care

    An adult British cat is an unpretentious animal. But babies need care, regular and good quality, they require attention and care. The nature of the kittens is soft and friendly. All family members are pleasant and desirable for them. They find a common language with dogs. Pets do not require special attention. They find fun for themselves. By leaving the kittens at home, you can be sure that everything will be fine with the babies.

    Raising a kitten

    Like any animal, a Briton needs to be educated. This is not difficult to do, the British are a highly trainable breed. Education will be considered successful if the kitten understands well what not to do.

    When training, you need to look your pet straight in the eyes. Then he will definitely remember simple truths:

    • You cannot beg for food from the table or eat from someone else’s plate;
    • you cannot attack the owner, bite or injure him;
    • you cannot “crap” all over the house, peel off the wallpaper, scratch the furniture, ride on the curtains;
    • You can’t sleep in someone else’s place and gnaw on house plants.

    Owners of British dogs should adhere to the following rule when raising them: never hit or yell at the animal. By harboring a grudge, the kitten can take revenge. If the baby is mischievous, you can spray him with water, clap your hands, or scold him.

    If, instead of using a potty, he used a secluded place behind the curtains, you need to clean up after him, but spray the problem area with a freshener with an unpleasant smell, for example, citrus peels. If the pet likes to bite the owner’s legs, then this effective method will help. Cover the favorite place with a plaster, and grease it with mustard on top. It is unlikely that after the next attempt to bite there will be another one.

    Only endurance and resourcefulness will help in raising an animal.

    What to feed a Briton

    In order for your pet to grow up healthy and live a long time, you need to properly organize its nutrition. Natural food and ready-made dry food are suitable for this. If the owner chooses natural food, it should be remembered that only a rational choice of products will allow the pet to develop normally.

    What can you give your baby depending on age:

    1. 1. One month. Feeding is carried out 6 times a day. It can be pureed beef or chicken. Fermented milk products such as cheese, sour cream and kefir are allowed.
    2. 2. One and a half months. You need to switch to five meals a day. Large porridges with meat or vegetables are added.
    3. 3. Three months. The baby should already eat 4 times a day. You can give the products listed above. If desired, it is allowed to add dry food at this age. The kitten may not be able to cope with granulated food, so you need to soak the lumps in water.
    4. 4. Six months. It is necessary to transfer the kitten to three meals a day. The British body is ready to accept any food except raw meat and fish, sausages, butter and tubular bones. You should not feed kittens chocolate. The result can be unpredictable, even poisoning.

    Feeding your baby dry food is quite simple. No need to select the necessary ingredients. The cat's bowl will always be clean. Feeding will also provide the baby with a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals. Babies should not be given food intended for adult cats.

    There is no need to skimp when choosing cat food. Cheap food is not suitable for British babies due to the quality of the ingredients, preservatives and colourings. You should not feed your animal with economy food. They contain little meat and food additives, and use flavor enhancers and dyes.

    Super premium food is a good choice for babies. There is a sufficient amount of meat. Vitamins and minerals needed for a young developing organism are in sufficient quantities. The best ones are holistic foods. They contain natural and high-quality vegetables, berries, fruits, a lot of meat and other healthy ingredients.

    Taking care of your baby's health

    In addition to the owner, the state of health must be monitored by a qualified veterinarian. In the first year of life, the kitten is required to undergo frequent examinations, vaccinations, and examinations. The owner should take care to choose a good clinic to which the baby will be assigned.

    A British child is not required to be vaccinated until three months of age. Strengthening the immune system occurs through mother's milk. And upon reaching the age of three months, the first general vaccination against certain diseases is prescribed. Revaccination is done after three weeks. When the baby reaches one year of age, he will undergo a third similar vaccination. The rabies vaccine is also added here. It is important to remember that vaccinations should not be given when the kitten’s teeth change (at 4-8 months).