British Shorthair health guide
Also known as: BSH, British Blue
About this breed
The British Shorthair is a placid, plush-coated cat and one of Macau's most popular pedigrees. Its easy-going nature hides the breed's two silent issues: heart muscle disease and weight gain, both best caught by routine screening.
Living in Macau's climate
The dense plush coat thickens noticeably in winter and sheds heavily as Macau warms up, so increase brushing in spring to limit hairballs. Provide cool resting spots in summer; heavy-bodied cats overheat while sleeping in sunlit windows.
Common health conditions
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Signs: Often none until late; sometimes fast breathing at rest or sudden hind-leg paralysis.
Prevention: Cannot be prevented, but a heart check at every visit and an ultrasound when a murmur is found allow early treatment; count sleeping breaths monthly at home.
Obesity
Signs: Sagging belly pouch, ribs hard to feel and less play.
Prevention: Measured meals, food puzzles and twice-yearly weigh-ins; this breed gains easily after neutering.
Dental disease
Signs: Bad breath, drooling, red gums and reluctance to eat dry food.
Prevention: Daily brushing where tolerated and dental checks at each annual visit.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Signs: Silent for years, then increased thirst and weight loss.
Prevention: A DNA test or ultrasound identifies it early; yearly kidney blood values from age 7.
Daily care tips
- Count your cat's sleeping breaths monthly; over 30 per minute deserves a call.
- Feed measured meals with puzzle feeders to slow this stocky breed's weight gain.
- Brush weekly, daily in the spring moult.
- Keep annual vet visits even for indoor cats; both HCM and kidney disease are silent early on.
Screening schedule
8 to 16 weeks
Vaccination course with heart auscultation and PKD history review.
1 to 6 years
Annual exam with weight, dental and heart check.
7 years and up
Twice-yearly senior checks with blood pressure, kidney and thyroid blood work.
Book a breed-savvy check-up
Our vets see British Shorthair patients every week and know exactly what to screen for. Call +853 6677 6611 or book online.
Book a check-upRelated breeds
This guide is general information for the breed as a whole and does not replace an examination of your individual pet. When in doubt, always call the clinic.
Reviewed by the Royal Veterinary Center veterinary team.