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The British Shorthair cat is well known for its sweet personality, large appearance, and lengthy lifespan of 9–20 years. If you take care of your British Shorthair cat and give it plenty of attention, there’s no reason why this normally healthy cat can’t live to its full life expectancy and possibly beyond.
If you’ve often wondered what the average lifespan of your British Shorthair cat might be, how to keep him healthy and happy for many years to come, and what the stages of your cat’s life might be, we’ve got you covered. We’ll discuss the average British Shorthair lifespan and more, so join us.
What’s the Average British Shorthair Lifespan?
The average lifespan of a well-cared-for, healthy British Shorthair cat is between 9 and 20 years, with the average median being between 12 and 14 years, depending on the cat’s health.
The 8 Reasons Why Some British Shorthair Cats Live Longer Than Others
There are a few reasons that one British Shorthair cat might live longer than the other.
1. Nutrition
Nutrition plays a massive role in how long your British Shorthair cat will live. If you want your cat to live well into their teens, you’ll want to ensure it has a well-balanced, high-protein diet. It’s best to serve high-quality kibble or wet food and feed it on a schedule.
Free feeding isn’t good for a British Shorthair cat because they are prone to obesity, as it is already a large cat, to begin with. A cat that isn’t fed the proper amount of food or is fed low-quality kibble will not live a healthy life. Following the feeding requirements on the food label, using a measuring cup for portion control, and talking to your veterinarian will ensure your British Shorthair gets enough nutritious food.
Every pet is unique in their nutritional needs, so we recommend reaching out to your vet for advice.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
2. Environment and Conditions
Of course, as with any cat, the environment and conditions in which the British Shorthair is raised will have a lot to do with how long it lives. If a cat lives outside, it’s apt to live a shorter life than a cat kept inside. Outdoor cats risk getting hit by cars, overheating or freezing from the weather, being stolen, and being attacked by predators.
3. Enclosure Size/Living Quarters/Housing
The size of the living quarters of a cat matters as well. If your British Shorthair lives in horrible conditions, the cat will not live as long as one in a healthy environment. Although British Shorthairs can live in small homes and apartments, if the conditions are too cramped, the cat can develop anxiety that can negatively impact its health. British Shorthairs are overly energetic, but they require enough room to run around and play and a quiet area where they can relax and sleep.
4. Size
British Shorthairs are prone to obesity, and it’s vital to limit how many high-calorie treats the cat consumes. They can weigh up to 18 pounds (on average) as adults, and if your cat tips the scales in the low to mid-20s, it’s time to talk to your vet about a weight management plan.
5. Sex
The sex of the British Shorthair doesn’t play as much into the lifespan if you have your cat spayed or neutered. A few diseases, such as mastitis and eclampsia, can come from your cat getting pregnant, and male cats tend to wander if they aren’t fixed. Having your cat fixed early can prevent diseases and accidents from prematurely ending your cat’s life.
6. Genes
Genetics plays a huge role in the life expectancy of a cat. British Shorthair cats can have hereditary issues such as kidney disease, arthritis, and even dental issues that affect their quality of life and how long they live. It’s best to watch your feline closely and visit your veterinarian at least twice a year. If you see any signs of health issues, get the cat to the vet for diagnosis and treatment immediately.
7. Breeding History
The breeding of your cat can play a huge part as well. Breeders that get their cats DNA tested, provide vaccinations and treatments, keep detailed records of their cats’ history, and maintain sanitary dwellings are more successful with breeding healthy litters. Avoiding inhumane breeders and kitten mills will raise your chances of enjoying your cat for several years.
8. Healthcare
Healthcare is also a factor that causes some British Shorthair cats to live longer than others. If a cat doesn’t get the healthcare it needs, such as regular checkups with the local vet, it is more likely to suffer from a condition that could have been prevented. Kittens require several visits to the vet before adulthood, but when your cat is an adult, you only have to go to the vet every 6 months unless an accident or illness requires an additional trip.
The 4 Life Stages of a British Shorthair Cat
Understanding the life stage in which your British Shorthair is in can help you provide the best care for your cat at every point in their life.
1. Kitten (Birth – 1 Year)
The kitten stage is a period of rapid growth, learning, and socialization. British Shorthairs tend to mature more slowly than some other breeds, but this is still a crucial time for development. Proper nutrition is essential, as kittens require a high-protein diet to support healthy growth. Socialization is also key during this stage, which is why introducing your cat to new environments, pets, and people will help ensure your cat grows into a well-socialized adult cat.
Veterinary care is particularly important, because kittens need multiple visits for vaccinations, deworming, and spaying or neutering. This is also the most playful stage of life, with bursts of energy, climbing, and exploring. Providing interactive toys and enrichment will help with both mental and physical development.
2. Young Adult (1 – 6 Years)
After a British Shorthair’s first year, they transition into young adulthood. Although they are technically adults, their physical maturity continues to develop until around three years old.
During this period, a well-balanced adult diet replaces kitten food to maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone. While British Shorthairs are not as hyperactive as some other breeds, they still require play and engagement to prevent boredom and encourage activity. Regular veterinary checkups remain important to monitor for early signs of health issues.
3. Mature Adult (7 – 10 Years)
As British Shorthairs enter their mature years, their metabolism continues to slow, and they may become less active. While they are still in good health, they might sleep more and play less than before.
Veterinary visits should occur yearly to detect early signs of any health condition. Although their energy levels may decrease, regular interaction and mental stimulation are still necessary to keep them engaged and happy.
4. Senior (10+ Years)
Once a British Shorthair reaches ten years of age, they are considered a senior cat. At this stage, their dietary needs may change, and they may require food formulated for senior cats. Regular vet checkups become even more essential, as older cats are more prone to health conditions. Changes in appetite, litter box habits, or unusual behavior can indicate health issues that require attention.
Adjustments to their environment, such as soft bedding and easy-to-access litter boxes, can help ensure their comfort. While they may not be as playful as they once were, gentle interaction and affection remain important for their well-being.
How to Tell Your British Shorthair Cat’s Age
It’s hard to tell how old your British Shorthair cat might be if you weren’t there when they were born. You can take your cat to your vet, and they’ll be able to determine approximately how old the cat is. You can also look at a cat’s teeth to see if any are broken, missing, or decayed and check its eyes for cloudiness. Since the British Shorthair takes longer to physically mature than other felines and it is difficult to determine its age, it’s best to get your vet’s opinion.
Conclusion
British Shorthair cats are known for living long lives. You can expect your cat to live up to 20 years. This is, of course, determined by the factors we discussed above, but if you take care of your cat properly, treat it with love, and keep it inside, there’s no reason your cat can’t live to the 20-year mark and maybe beyond; who knows? The best way to ensure your British Shorthair lives a good, long life is to feed it the right way, provide love and attention, keep it inside, and take it to the vet for regular checkups.
Featured Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
