Have you ever wondered if you were grooming your furry friend correctly?

British Shorthair cats are known for their dense, plush coats and charming round faces. While their short fur requires less maintenance than long-haired breeds, regular grooming is essential to keep your British Shorthair looking and feeling its best. In this blog, we'll share five essential tips for grooming your British Shorthair, ensuring a healthy and happy feline companion.

1. Regular Brushing: Maintain That Plush Coat

British Shorthairs have a dense double coat that can benefit from regular brushing. Even though their fur is short, the thick undercoat can shed and lead to matting if not properly cared for.

• Frequency: Aim to brush your British Shorthair at least once a week. During shedding seasons in the spring and fall, increase the frequency to two or three times a week to help manage loose fur.

• Tools: Use a soft-bristle brush or a grooming mitt designed for short-haired cats. These tools are gentle on the skin and effective at removing loose fur and reducing shedding. Brushes like Chris Christensen 20mm do a fantastic job. It’s like a human brush but really removes the loose fur.

Regular brushing helps keep your cat’s coat in good condition, reduces shedding around your home, and is an excellent bonding activity for you and your pet.

2. Bathing: Keep It Minimal but Effective

British Shorthairs generally do not require frequent baths. Their coats have natural oils that keep their fur in good condition, and over-bathing can strip these oils, leading to dry skin.

• When to Bathe: Only bathe your British Shorthair when necessary, such as if they get into something particularly dirty or have a skin condition requiring it. We find it most effective to bathe once a month during the summer and a little longer than the winter.

• How to Bathe: Use a cat-specific shampoo that is gentle on the skin and fur. Make sure the water is lukewarm, and avoid getting water in their ears and eyes. After bathing, towel-dry your cat thoroughly and keep them in a warm, draft-free area until completely dry.

Remember, bathing should be a maximum of once per month occurrence; most British Shorthairs do an excellent job of keeping themselves clean.

3. Nail Trimming: Keep Those Claws in Check

Regular nail trimming is essential for your British Shorthair’s comfort and health. Overgrown nails can lead to discomfort, difficulty walking, and even infections if they start to grow into the paw pads.

• Frequency: Trim your cat’s nails every 2-4 weeks, depending on how fast they grow. If you hear clicking on the floor when your cat walks, it’s time for a trim. If you have multiple cats like us, we recommend keeping a schedule in place so that every kitty gets a trim.

• How to Trim: Use a sharp, cat-specific nail trimmer. Gently press on your cat’s paw to extend the claws, and trim just the tip of each nail, avoiding the quick, which is the pink area that contains blood vessels and nerves. With kittens we typically like to use human grade nail trimmers. Here is an example of trimming.

If your cat is not used to nail trimming, start slowly and reward them with treats to create a positive association. Please note when adopting from reputable breeder, most breeders will start the trend with trimming kitten’s nails and that it’s up to the adoptive parents to continue the process. Most transitions are fairly easily.

4. Ear Cleaning: Keep Their Ears Clean and Healthy

British Shorthair cats generally have clean ears, but regular checks can help prevent issues like ear infections or mite infestations.

• How to Clean: Use a cotton ball or soft cloth dampened with a vet-recommended ear cleaner. Gently wipe the outer part of the ear, avoiding going too deep into the ear canal. Never use cotton swabs, as they can push debris further into the ear or damage the ear canal.

• Signs of Trouble: If you notice excessive wax, a foul odor, redness, or your cat frequently scratching their ears, it’s time to consult your vet.

Regular ear checks are a simple way to ensure your British Shorthair’s ears remain healthy.

5. Dental Care: Don’t Forget Those Pearly Whites

Dental hygiene is often overlooked in cats, but it’s crucial for their overall health. British Shorthairs are no exception and require regular dental care to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay.

• Brushing: Aim to brush your cat’s teeth at least a couple of times a week. Use a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste, as it can be harmful to cats. We find that products like Virbac C.E.T work like a charm. If the kitty doesn’t like the brush, you can also use the finger brush.

• Dental Treats: In addition to brushing, you can offer dental treats that help reduce plaque and tartar buildup. These treats are a great way to support your cat’s oral health between brushings.

Regular dental care can help prevent more serious health issues down the line and keep your British Shorthair’s breath fresh. If you have a British Shorthair Kitten, we recommend starting at a young age.

Grooming your British Shorthair doesn’t have to be a chore. By incorporating these five tips into your routine, you’ll keep your cat’s coat, nails, ears, and teeth in top condition. Not only will your British Shorthair look great, but regular grooming also strengthens the bond between you and your feline friend. With a little care and attention, your British Shorthair will continue to be the picture of health and happiness.

My name is Jenny and I live in Queens, NY. My husband and I breed and care for all the kittens at Queens Scottish Fold and British Shorthair. At Queens Scottish Fold, our mission is to enrich the lives of families by providing healthy, well-socialized, and loving British Shorthair and Scottish Fold kittens. We are dedicated to preserving the unique qualities of these remarkable breeds through responsible breeding practices, meticulous care, and a commitment to the health and well-being of our cats. We strive to create lasting bonds between our kittens and their new families, fostering a community of passionate cat lovers who share our dedication to the happiness and vitality of these special companions.