Best Cat Food for British Shorthairs in 2018 (Cats & Kittens)

From the name of the breed itself, British Shorthairs sound real fancy - and they are if we really look into their profile and history. If you are a cat lover, you’ve probably already seen a British Shorthair either in real life or in media. Remember the smiling Cheshire cat in the story of Alice in Wonderland? He’s a British Shorthair cat! Needless to say, British Shorthairs are another popular breed of purebred cats.

The British Shorthair is a medium-sized breed, bigger than the average house cat, with characteristically stocky and roundish frames. People who own these cute and chubby cats need to know the best cat food for British Shorthairs to maintain their teddy bear physiques.

Quick Snapshot: Top 5 British Shorthair Foods​

About the British Shorthair

People, even those who aren’t cat lovers, are drawn to British Shorthairs because of their fluffy bodies, round face, and wide, affectionate eyes. Aside from that, they are generally very affectionate breeds and have placid personalities. Cute physical appearance plus a lovable personality? It’s no wonder why people love British Shorthairs so much.

This British Shorthair is native to jolly old England and is considered a pedigree breed. British Shorthairs are said to have originated from old English domestic cats that had been bred for fancier tastes. Today, they are favorite purebred pets who are not only found in the United Kingdom but in many other parts of the world as well.

The characteristic features of the British Shorthair are its big muscular body, dense coat which is often a solid color or patterned with dark and light colors, wide yellow/gold eyes, broad chest, and stubby legs. Male British Shorthairs can grow up to 12 to 20 pounds, while females can grow up to 8 to 14 pounds. Meanwhile, their life expectancy can be between seven to twelve years or more.

British Shorthairs are very lovable because of their personality, as well. These cats are affectionate towards their owners and are very loyal. They are mild-mannered and intelligent, making them great for families with children and other pets. Though not lazy, British Shorthairs are laidback and have moderate activity level throughout adulthood.

If you’re looking for a companion that is not high-maintenance and can get along well with you and your household, then the British Shorthair cat should be one of your top choices of breeds to adopt or buy.

British Shorthairs Diet & Nutritional Needs​

British Shorthairs are wide and stocky, maybe a little bit chubby-looking, but owners are still responsible wholly for their pet’s weight and health. Therefore, British Shorthairs should not exceed their normal or recommended weight to avoid feline obesity-related problems.

During kittenhood, a British Shorthair still has an immature digestive system and therefore needs cat food that can facilitate good bowel movement and easy digestion. A kitten would need ample fiber and prebiotics so that it can pass normal stool even with a young digestive system. Moreover, the proteins in the kitten’s food should be easily digestible and absorbable.

An adult British Shorthair cat will need about 400-500 calories per day just like other big breeds. However, the amount and frequency of feeding should still be adjusted according to the cat’s activity level and relative size. Take a look at this nutritional calculator for felines for a more accurate estimation of total energy requirement.

Similarly, senior British Shorthairs should be fed less if their movement starts becoming impaired with age. This is to avoid senior cats from becoming obese later in their life.

Macronutrients Split

Carbohydrates

British Shorthairs generally have moderate activity levels, so they wouldn’t need that many carbohydrates to maintain their weight. Bigger cats like the British Shorthair shouldn’t be fed with excessive carbohydrates. Otherwise, they would become susceptible to unwanted weight gain, which could lead to feline obesity and related problems.

Protein

A cat’s diet should be made up primarily of protein-- approximately 40% of their total intake per day. Protein helps these big cats to build muscle for their large frame as well as maintain muscle mass. Check your cat’s food for nutritional labels and select brands who use high-quality protein sources (e.g., real meat).

A homemade raw diet may be given to British Shorthairs. However, it should still consist of protein mainly and little of grains or wheat. Possible protein sources can be chicken, beef, rabbit, lamb, or fish.

Fat

Essential fatty acids are important for a cat’s healthy coat and cardiac function. British Shorthairs, who have dense fur, need Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy hair growth and maintenance. Some cat foods also contain taurine and DHA to support proper cardiac function.

Since British Shorthairs have a dense coat, they need these essential fatty acids for their fur to remain smooth and silky. A good cat food with healthy fats would help in coat maintenance, which would work best if combined with daily brushing/grooming.

British Shorthairs are big cats and need to be fed each day adequately to maintain their ideal weight. It is recommended to switch between wet or dry food from time to time to incorporate variety into their diets. This breed also sports a bigger jaw and a short muzzle, so cat food cannot be too irregularly shaped for easier mastication.

Common Health Problems of British Shorthairs

British Shorthairs are observed to be very susceptible to obesity. It is important not to feed them too many grains, which can lead to them gaining weight. A regular feeding schedule should also be implemented; avoid feeding the cat too frequently or too much for one feeding.

Another common health problem seen in British Shorthairs is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or HCM. In this disease, the muscles of the heart thicken which causes a decrease in proper heart function. This can be addressed early on in the cat’s life through a check-up with the vet. Furthermore, other feline heart problems may be prevented through a diet consisting of healthy fats and essential fatty acids that promote good heart function.

It is also known that British Shorthairs can develop gingivitis, a type of gum disease. It can be prevented through teeth-brushing which can be started early on in the cat's life. Moreover, food allergies can develop during the cat’s lifespan, so it is advisable to watch out for allergic reactions to particular foods.

The 5 Best Cat Food for British Shorthairs

1. Royal Canin British Shorthair Wet Cat Food Pouch

The Royal Canin brand has formulated a cat food specifically for the breed of British Shorthairs. They have cat food in wet form especially designed for the breed; a recipe tailor-made to keep British Shorthairs healthy and with a soft coat. This particular cat food is rich in protein content and essential fatty acids, ensuring optimum health and physique.

2. Royal Canin Breed Nutrition British Shorthair Kitten Cat Food

Like the Royal Canin cat food made for adults, the brand also has a formulation especially made for British Shorthair kittens.

Bigger breeds like the British Shorthair need more nutrients for proper growth and development. This particular product by the Royal Canin can support an optimal growth curve as the kitten ages due to high protein and nutrient content. Moreover, it promotes good oral hygiene due to the kibble’s shape, which makes it easier for the kitten to chew.

3. Meow Mix Bistro Recipes Dry Cat Food

A fancy breed calls for a fancy meal! Meow Mix has a dry cat food for British Shorthairs that like the flavor of rotisserie chicken. It is made with real chicken, meaning it’s packed with high-value protein plus all the essential vitamins and minerals that every cat needs.

4. Blue Buffalo Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

It is known that British Shorthairs are prone to becoming overweight or obesity. If your cat gains unwanted weight, you can put it on a diet of Blue Buffalo dry cat food.

The Blue Buffalo brand is made of natural ingredients. This formulation, in particular, is made of deboned chicken and wholesome whole grains and vegetables, made to help your cat lose weight. Aside from that, it contains abundant vitamins and minerals to ensure a healthy coat.

5. Purina Beyond Grain Free Pate

This grain-free cat food would not only help with feline weight control, but it would also ensure that your British Shorthair’s thick coat will be well nourished.

The Purina Beyond Grain Free Salmon Recipe is made from real salmon, making it rich in essential fatty acids needed for the shine and sturdiness of hair follicles. Vitamins and minerals are also included to keep your cat as healthy as it can be.

Conclusion

The British Shorthair has had a long history-- from common street cat to one of the most sought for pedigree breeds in the world. Caring for one of these beautiful cats is relatively low maintenance, but like any other breed, they need proper nutrition that is fit for their characteristics (most especially their stocky nature).

In this article, we've highlighted the best cat food for British Shorthairs and how you can keep them healthy throughout their lifespan. With proper food, they can grow to their ideal weight and even live longer than expected