Questions about the British short hair cat?

Question

i was thinking about getting a british short hair because i thin they are just soo adorable with their cute grey fur and coppery eyes but i have a few questions about them so if you have had a british short hair or know allot about the breed could you please just answer these few questions for me as it would be greatly appreciated :)

1.do they shed allot? if so how much.

2. how big do they grow (height,weight)?

3.do they get along with dogs?

4.do they like attention?

5.are they good lap cats?

6. if you handle them allot when they are young will they get used to it?

7. do they get angry easily?

8. if i was to buy one what should i look for like how would i find one with a good temperament?

9. are they more so lazy or energetic?

10. would you recommend them for a first cat?

Answer 1

HI there... (1 & 10) British short hairs (BSH) can be an excellent first cat.  They do shed like all other breeds of cats.  However to minimize the amount of shedding is through daily/frequent brushing. and diet.  Foods that contain any of the following products affects the cat's overall coat appearance as well as the cat's health.  These ingredients are corn, corn meal, wheat, soy, any by-products,  BHA/BHT, Ethoxyquin, Articifial color/flavors, Sugar/corn syrup, animal fat/lard.  Most of these ingredients are found in commonly sold cat food in grocery stores or large pet store chains.  Smaller pet food stores will carry premium pet food such as Innova EVO, Nature's Variety Prairie, Wellness, Felidae, Life's Abundance, Orijen...etc.  All of these do not contain of the aboveforementioned ingredients.  

Back to answering your questions.

(2) BSH can vary in size and weight, but average weight for males can weigh anywhere between 12-18 pounds and females 8-15 lbs.  

(3) The can get along with other pets so long as the introductions are done very gradually.  Here's a terrific guideline on how to achieve this: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...

(4 & 5) They are an affectionate cat and love to follow you everywhere to see what you are doing.  BSH don't particularly care to be lap cats, however there is always an exception  since it's as individual as the cat themselves.  

(6) Socializing any breed of cat while they are young is the most important aspect to help develop a cat's personality.  Be sure to watch for cues from the kitten if it has had enough handling and give him/her a break so they know it isn't forced upon them.  This ensures that they see you as trustworthy by allowing them some  sense of control.  

(7) BSH are fairly even tempered cats.  Aggression isn't typical to this breed, however, if cornered like any cat they can show aggression.

(8) Look for breeders who are TICA, CFA registered.  Ask them if their kittens are raised under foot or in a cattery/kennel like setting.  Kittens raised under foot tend to be better socialized and develop better temperaments.  Visit many catteries to see how the breeders manage their breeding responsibilities.  Do they breed less than twice a year or multiple times a year.  Ethical breeders will limit the amount of breedings to give their queens a break--average is twice a year per queen. Do each of the cats receive ample attention, does the breeder have any objections to multiple visitation while the kittens are growing up.  Is the breeder willing to take the time to answer any questions you may have.  A good breeder will want any prospective adopter to know everything to ensure you and the kitten(s) are going to be a good match.

(9) BSH as kittens are very energetic, but slow down as they grow older.  They can be very sedentary cats after 5-7 years of age.  

Here's a helpful FAQ about BSH you may also like to review: http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/briti...

I noticed you asked about hypo-allergenic cats so I thought you may be interested to learn more about the allergen that is responsible for allergies in people.  Cats are born with a glycoprotein known as the Fel D1.  No particular breed of cat are exempt from this since Fel D1 is found in ALL cats.  However, there are some cats that are born with out this glycoprotein, but there is no formal test to establish which cat does not have this.  You can read more about this in greater detail from the following answer I gave to another individual: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...