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british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

British Shorthair

Your British Shorthair

Caring for Your Feline Companion

British Shorthairs: What a Unique Breed!

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Your cat is special! She senses your moods, is curious about your day, and has purred her way into your heart.

Chances are that you chose her because you like British Shorthairs (sometimes called “Brits”) and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle, like:

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Has a quiet or soft voice
Excellent companion and independent
Has a short, easy-to-care-for coat
Even-tempered – adapts to a wide variety of environments

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

However, no cat is perfect! You may have also noticed these characteristics:

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly
May resist being picked up and carried

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Is it all worth it? Of course! She’s full of personality, and you love her for it! She is quiet, social, and adaptable, making her an excellent family companion.

The National cat of the British Isles, British Shorthairs come from the domestic shorthaired cats introduced to the islands by Roman invaders.

Nearly lost during World War II, the Brit was rejuvenated through careful crossbreeding and was offically recognized as a distinct breed in 1980.

Affectionate and sociable, Shorthairs enjoy human companionship and get along well with children and other pets.

They are quiet, calm, and adaptable.

Do not expect an acrobat, however, for British Shorthairs can be clumsy and shy away jumping and climbing.

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Your British Shorthair’s Health

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

We know that because you care so much about your cat, you want to take great care of her.

That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shorthair.

By knowing about the health concerns common among British Shorthairs, we can help you tailor an individual preventive health plan and hopefully prevent some predictable risks in your pet.

Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet’s breed.

The conditions we will describe here have a significant rate of incidence or a strong impact upon this breed particularly, according to a general consensus among feline genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners.

This does not mean your cat will have these problems, only that she may be more at risk than other cats.

We will describe the most common issues seen in British Shorthairs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future.

Of course, we can’t cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms.

This guide contains general health information important to all felines as well as information on genetic predispositions for British Shorthairs.

The information here can help you and your pet’s healthcare team plan for your pet’s unique medical needs together.

At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Brit looking and feeling her best.

We hope this information will help you know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your friend.

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Weight Management

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Obesity is a major disease that contributes to a surprisingly large number of illnesses and deaths in cats.

This revelation is more well-known and well-understood today than in the last few decades, but too many owners are still ignoring the dangers of extra weight on their pets.

Excess weight is one of the most influential factors in the development of arthritis, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases.

Everyone knows—many firsthand from personal experience—how even shedding just a few pounds can result in improved mobility and increased overall motivation to be active.

And the same is true for your pet.

Research suggests that carrying excess weight may shorten a pet’s life by as much as two years, and can cause the onset of arthritis two years sooner.

Diabetes, an inherited disease, has a much higher chance of developing in overweight pets, and may never become a problem for a healthy-weight cat.

The more obese a cat becomes, the more likely it will become diabetic.

Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, is another potentially fatal disease in overweight pets; hepatic lipidosis can develop in as few as 48 hours when an overweight cat stops eating for any reason.

So how can we help our pets stay trim? Understanding your cat’s dietary habits is key.

The average cat prefers to eat about 10-15 times a day, just a few nibbles at a time.

This method, free-feeding, works well for most cats, but boredom may increase the number of trips your cat makes to the food bowl.

By keeping your cat playfully active and engaged, you’ll help your pet stay healthy and have some fun at the same time!

A string tied to a stick with something crinkly or fuzzy on the other end of the string, and a little imagination—you and your cat will both be entertained.

Food puzzles, like kibbles put in a paper bag or under an overturned basket or box, may help to motivate cats with more food-based interests to romp and tumble.

For really tough cases of overeating, you will have to take a firm stance, and regulate your cat’s food intake.

Instead of filling your cat’s bowl to the top, follow the feeding guide on the food package and be sure to feed a high-quality adult cat diet as recommended by your vet.

Replace your cat’s habits of eating when bored with extra playtime and affection.

Cats typically adjust their desires for personal interaction by the amount of affection offered to them, so in other words, ignoring your cat means your cat will ignore you.

By the same token, loving on and playing with your cat a lot will cause your cat to desire that time with you.

A more active cat means a healthier, happier pet—and owner!

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Dental Disease

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Dental disease is one of the most common chronic problems in pets who don’t have their teeth brushed regularly.

Unfortunately, most cats don’t take very good care of their own teeth, and this probably includes your Shorthair.

Without extra help and care from you, your cat is likely to develop potentially serious dental problems.

Dental disease starts with food residue, which hardens into tartar that builds up on the visible parts of the teeth, and eventually leads to infection of the gums and tooth roots.

Protecting your cat against dental disease from the start by removing food residue regularly may help prevent or delay the need for advanced treatment of dental disease.

This treatment can be stressful for your cat and expensive for you, so preventive care is beneficial all around.

In severe cases of chronic dental infection, your pet may even lose teeth or sustain damage to internal organs.

And, if nothing else, your cat will be a more pleasant companion not knocking everyone over with stinky cat breath!

We’ll show you how to keep your cat’s pearly whites clean at home, and help you schedule regular routine dental exams.

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Vaccine-Preventable Infections

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Like all cats, British Shorthairs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.

The risk of your cat contracting these diseases is high, so the corresponding vaccines are called “core” vaccines, which are highly recommended for all cats.

In addition, vaccines are available to offer protection from other dangerous diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

In making vaccination recommendations for your cat, we will consider the prevalence of these diseases in our area, your cat’s age, and any other risk factors specific to her lifestyle.

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Parasites

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Brit’s body, inside and out. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone.

For your feline friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so it’s important that we test for them on a regular basis.

Many types of parasites can be detected with a fecal exam, so it’s a good idea to bring a fresh stool sample (in a stink-proof container, please) with your pet for her twice-a-year wellness exams.

We’ll also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy.

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

Spay or Neuter

One of the best things you can do for your Shorthair is to have her spayed (neutered for males).

In females, this procedure includes surgically removing the ovaries and usually the uterus; in males, the testicles are surgically removed.

Spaying or neutering your pet decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted litters.

Both sexes usually become less territorial and less likely to roam, and neutering particularly decreases the occurrence of urine spraying and marking behaviors in males.

Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your cat is likely to develop.

For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays to check for dysplasia or a thorough dental exam to look for stomatitis, these procedures can be conveniently performed at the same time as the spay or neuter to minimize the stress on your cat.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

It sounds like a lot to keep in mind, but don’t worry – we’ll discuss all the specific problems we will look for with you when the time arrives.

Contact US

info@britishkitten.ca

To access WhatsApp, click the green icon on the lower right

we do have delivery option throughout Canada

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

british shorthair kittens for sale in Gatineau

British Shorthair

Your British Shorthair

Caring for Your Feline Companion

British Shorthairs: What a Unique Breed!

Your cat is special! She senses your moods, is curious about your day, and has purred her way into your heart.

Chances are that you chose her because you like British Shorthairs (sometimes called “Brits”) and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle, like:

Has a quiet or soft voice

Excellent companion and independent

Has a short, easy-to-care-for coat

Even-tempered – adapts to a wide variety of environments

However, no cat is perfect! You may have also noticed these characteristics:

Can become overweight easily if not exercised regularly

May resist being picked up and carried

Is it all worth it? Of course! She’s full of personality, and you love her for it! She is quiet, social, and adaptable, making her an excellent family companion.

The National cat of the British Isles, British Shorthairs come from the domestic shorthaired cats introduced to the islands by Roman invaders.

Nearly lost during World War II, the Brit was rejuvenated through careful crossbreeding and was offically recognized as a distinct breed in 1980.

Affectionate and sociable, Shorthairs enjoy human companionship and get along well with children and other pets.

They are quiet, calm, and adaptable.

Do not expect an acrobat, however, for British Shorthairs can be clumsy and shy away jumping and climbing.

Your British Shorthair’s Health

We know that because you care so much about your cat, you want to take great care of her.

That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shorthair.

By knowing about the health concerns common among British Shorthairs, we can help you tailor an individual preventive health plan and hopefully prevent some predictable risks in your pet.

Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet’s breed.

The conditions we will describe here have a significant rate of incidence or a strong impact upon this breed particularly, according to a general consensus among feline genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners.

This does not mean your cat will have these problems, only that she may be more at risk than other cats.

We will describe the most common issues seen in British Shorthairs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future.

Of course, we can’t cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms.

This guide contains general health information important to all felines as well as information on genetic predispositions for British Shorthairs.

The information here can help you and your pet’s healthcare team plan for your pet’s unique medical needs together.

At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Brit looking and feeling her best.

We hope this information will help you know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your friend.

Weight Management

Obesity is a major disease that contributes to a surprisingly large number of illnesses and deaths in cats.

This revelation is more well-known and well-understood today than in the last few decades, but too many owners are still ignoring the dangers of extra weight on their pets.

Excess weight is one of the most influential factors in the development of arthritis, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases.

Everyone knows—many firsthand from personal experience—how even shedding just a few pounds can result in improved mobility and increased overall motivation to be active.

And the same is true for your pet.

Research suggests that carrying excess weight may shorten a pet’s life by as much as two years, and can cause the onset of arthritis two years sooner.

Diabetes, an inherited disease, has a much higher chance of developing in overweight pets, and may never become a problem for a healthy-weight cat.

The more obese a cat becomes, the more likely it will become diabetic.

Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, is another potentially fatal disease in overweight pets; hepatic lipidosis can develop in as few as 48 hours when an overweight cat stops eating for any reason.

So how can we help our pets stay trim? Understanding your cat’s dietary habits is key.

The average cat prefers to eat about 10-15 times a day, just a few nibbles at a time.

This method, free-feeding, works well for most cats, but boredom may increase the number of trips your cat makes to the food bowl.

By keeping your cat playfully active and engaged, you’ll help your pet stay healthy and have some fun at the same time!

A string tied to a stick with something crinkly or fuzzy on the other end of the string, and a little imagination—you and your cat will both be entertained.

Food puzzles, like kibbles put in a paper bag or under an overturned basket or box, may help to motivate cats with more food-based interests to romp and tumble.

For really tough cases of overeating, you will have to take a firm stance, and regulate your cat’s food intake.

Instead of filling your cat’s bowl to the top, follow the feeding guide on the food package and be sure to feed a high-quality adult cat diet as recommended by your vet.

Replace your cat’s habits of eating when bored with extra playtime and affection.

Cats typically adjust their desires for personal interaction by the amount of affection offered to them, so in other words, ignoring your cat means your cat will ignore you.

By the same token, loving on and playing with your cat a lot will cause your cat to desire that time with you.

A more active cat means a healthier, happier pet—and owner!

Dental Disease

Dental disease is one of the most common chronic problems in pets who don’t have their teeth brushed regularly.

Unfortunately, most cats don’t take very good care of their own teeth, and this probably includes your Shorthair.

Without extra help and care from you, your cat is likely to develop potentially serious dental problems.

Dental disease starts with food residue, which hardens into tartar that builds up on the visible parts of the teeth, and eventually leads to infection of the gums and tooth roots.

Protecting your cat against dental disease from the start by removing food residue regularly may help prevent or delay the need for advanced treatment of dental disease.

This treatment can be stressful for your cat and expensive for you, so preventive care is beneficial all around.

In severe cases of chronic dental infection, your pet may even lose teeth or sustain damage to internal organs.

And, if nothing else, your cat will be a more pleasant companion not knocking everyone over with stinky cat breath!

We’ll show you how to keep your cat’s pearly whites clean at home, and help you schedule regular routine dental exams.

Vaccine-Preventable Infections

Like all cats, British Shorthairs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis, and rabies, which are preventable through vaccination.

The risk of your cat contracting these diseases is high, so the corresponding vaccines are called “core” vaccines, which are highly recommended for all cats.

In addition, vaccines are available to offer protection from other dangerous diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

In making vaccination recommendations for your cat, we will consider the prevalence of these diseases in our area, your cat’s age, and any other risk factors specific to her lifestyle.

Parasites

All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Brit’s body, inside and out. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone.

For your feline friend, these parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so it’s important that we test for them on a regular basis.

Many types of parasites can be detected with a fecal exam, so it’s a good idea to bring a fresh stool sample (in a stink-proof container, please) with your pet for her twice-a-year wellness exams.

We’ll also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy.

Spay or Neuter