British Shorthair cats do not require any particularly complicated grooming routine. Even an inexperienced owner should be able to take care of their cat without difficulty.
Coat care
Cats are naturally very clean animals and normally do not require bathing, except in unusual situations.
Even short-haired cats, however, benefit from regular brushing. Most cats enjoy being groomed and often treat it as a form of affection. A kitten that is introduced to brushing from an early age will usually accept it willingly.
British Shorthairs should normally be brushed once or twice a week. This helps remove loose hair and excess undercoat.
During periods of heavier shedding, brushing may be increased to two or three times a week.
For regular grooming we use a slicker brush designed for cats. During heavier shedding, a wide-toothed undercoat rake such as a Coat King can also be useful.
Ear care
A healthy, well-cared-for cat should normally have clean ears that require very little attention.
A small amount of earwax may sometimes collect in the outer folds of the ear. This can be gently removed with a cotton pad.
Do not use ear-cleaning liquids, cotton buds or other products inside the ear unless advised to do so by a veterinarian.
If the ear looks irritated, produces an unusual discharge, smells unpleasant or otherwise causes concern, the cat should be examined by a veterinarian.
Claw trimming
Claws should be trimmed regularly, usually about every two to three weeks.
If there are young children in the household, some owners may prefer to trim them slightly more often.
If you have never trimmed a cat’s claws before, your breeder or veterinarian can show you how to do it safely.
Only the transparent tip of the claw should be removed. Care must be taken not to cut into the pink inner part, known as the quick, as this contains blood vessels and nerves.
In most cats the claws are sufficiently transparent for the quick to be clearly visible.
Regular claw trimming also reduces the risk of accidental scratching and can help limit damage to carpets, upholstery and furniture.
Eye care
The eyes of a healthy cat should normally be clean and relatively dry.
However, watery eyes do not always mean that a cat is ill. Cats with shorter noses may have narrower tear ducts, particularly when they are young, and this can sometimes cause mild tearing.
If necessary, the area around the eyes can be gently dried with a clean cotton pad.
Persistent tearing, redness, discharge, squinting or other eye problems should always be checked by a veterinarian to rule out disease or irritation.
Dental care
Dental care is often overlooked, but it is one of the most important parts of a cat’s long-term health.
Plaque can gradually build up on the teeth and, if it is not removed, may harden into tartar and contribute to inflammation of the gums.
If your cat accepts it, the teeth can be cleaned regularly using a piece of clean gauze wrapped around a finger together with a toothpaste designed specifically for cats.
Finger toothbrushes made of silicone are also available, although some owners may find that gauze gives better control and makes it easier to reach different areas of the mouth.
Regular dental care can help slow the build-up of plaque and tartar.
Diet may also influence dental health. Chewing appropriate pieces of meat can provide some mechanical cleaning of the teeth, although diet alone should not be considered a substitute for regular dental checks.
It is worth looking inside your cat’s mouth from time to time. If you notice visible tartar, red or inflamed gums, bad breath, difficulty eating or signs of oral pain, arrange a veterinary examination.
Untreated dental disease can lead to severe gingivitis, periodontal disease and, in advanced cases, the loss of teeth.
Text: © Ewa Kochalska