Golden British shorthair

Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to Golden British Shorthair? If yes, then you have come to the right place. This blog will discuss the origin, personality, unique facts, and formal acceptance of these cute cats. 

Golden British Shorthair is a popular cat among British Shorthairs. British Shorthair cats are one of the most famous cat breeds in the United States and they mostly exist in gray color but white, cream, and sometimes double-shaded British Shorthair cats have also been seen.  Golden British Shorthair is characterized by its unique color, large head, and cute face that can easily steal your heart. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), Golden British Shorthair was the 6^th number among the most popular cat breeds in the United States.

History of British Shorthair Golden Cats

Golden British Shorthair is the oldest cat breed introduced in Europe when the Romans took them from Egypt.   They became popular in no time and various colors of these cats were produced by selective breeding. 

In the 20^th century, breeders became curious to know more about British Shorthair, and at that time, Persian cats were at the top of popularity due to their flowy coats which drew the attention of the breeders. In the early 1900s, Persian cats were bred with the ancestors of British Shorthair to produce this yellow-golden shade of coat with some additional characteristics. 

So, the Golden British Shorthair got genes not only from its ancestors but also from Persian cats that’s why it has more desirable characteristics as compared to the other British Shorthair breeds.

Physical Appearance

The most adorable feature of the Golden British Shorthair is its fur which is a deep golden color with tabby markings on it, also called Golden Tabby British Shorthair. They have short legs on which they hold their broad chest and large heads which is their common and prominent feature. Their bodies are compact and muscular giving them a sturdy look. 

When they look at you, you can simply fall in love with them due to their rounded attractive eyes which can be copper or deep golden in color. Their ears are neither too large nor too small and their cheeks are large and prominent. In short, they have notable features.

Also Read: White Ragdoll Cat- History & Facts (With Pictures)

How British Shorthair Cats Gained Popularity?

Thanks to the cat-loving guy named Harrison Weir, who became the superhero of cat shows in 1871 and showed British Shorthair for the very first time, and even won a prize.  

But then, things got a little rough. Breeders started stealing the spotlight of British short hair golden cats. In the early 20th century, clever breeders decided to mix in some Persian cat genes and create long-haired versions of the British Shorthair. Breeders teamed them up with Persian, Russian Blue, and Domestic Shorthair kitties to make their gene pool even stronger.

Nowadays, Golden British Shorthair cats are everywhere. They are a total rock star in the UK, too, regularly stealing hearts as one of the most popular pedigree breeds. A purr-fect comeback story!

Personality And Temperament 

Golden British Shorthair cats are extremely affectionate, love spending time with their owners, and are too loyal. Although they love being pampered, they are also popular as laid-back pets because they can be happy independently by taking naps or roaming here and there at home. 

Golden British Shorthair cats are slightly different in personality as compared to their parent cats because they are reserved and don’t need constant attention so don’t like to play all day. They need some “me time” after playful activities as they will stay silent and lazy. 

Their vibe is soft and gentle so Golden British Shorthair can easily change your mood. Golden British Shorthair cats are the perfect example of cats that prove themselves affectionate without being clingy and demanding attention all day. 

Besides their gentle and reserved nature, Golden British Shorthair cats are highly intelligent and trainable. If you spare enough time to train them, they will do wonders. 

Grooming of Golden British Shorthair

One of the parents of Golden British Shorthair is a Persian cat so they have a dense shiny coat that needs to be regularly brushed otherwise your cat will face entanglement and matting. Regular brushing and bathing are necessary to keep them clean but remember that extra washings can reduce the essential natural oils of their fur resulting in dryness. 

Furthermore, trimming their nails is also an important part of their grooming. You can decide any day after 1-2 weeks to trim the nails. Golden British Shorthair cats are also prone to ear infections if their ears are not cleaned regularly so you have to keep an eye on their ears to see if they are getting any infection, debris, or wax.

Last but not least is their litter box which you need to scoop daily because reports have shown that Golden British Shorthair can have health issues due to germs present in their litter box. Regular vet checkups should also be planned to ensure their health.  

Diet & Nutrition

Golden British Shorthair needs a balanced diet with required portions of proteins, essential fatty acids, and carbohydrates in small amounts. Generally, animal proteins make them happy so fish and chicken are their happy meals. 

Proteins are necessary for their muscle building and coat health so try giving them as much protein as you can. Moreover, fibers and carbohydrates in a small amount are needed but take care of the portion of these two ingredients in their meals because extra fiber and carbohydrates can lead to digestive issues and bloating. 

Health Considerations 

Golden British Shorthair cats are generally healthy cats so they are not at a risk of genetic disorders mostly.  There are a few things you should consider if you own a Golden British Shorthair. 

• Dental Issues

Golden British Shorthair cats can develop some dental problems like gingivitis in which their gums bleed and they develop halitosis or bad breaths. This condition can be severe if left untreated so keep an eye on your cat’s mouth. 

Other dental issues include periodontal diseases in which the infections of the gums become severe and reach the deeper gum tissues. Symptoms are like severe gingivitis and excessive saliva is produced with blood. 

• Obesity

Although Golden British Shorthair cats have not been seen as diseased often, obesity is the most common problem in them. They are naturally reserved and seldom participate in activities which require constant running so chances of gaining weight are there. 

As we know obesity is the mother of diseases due to which your lovely cat can get diabetes and other heart diseases. What can you do in this regard? Give a portion control diet to your cat and see your veterinarian to plan a diet for your furry friend. 

Formal Recognition of Golden British Shorthair

Golden British Shorthair cats meet all the requirements to be the standard and accepted breed. In 1871, the ancestors of Golden British Shorthair cats appeared in a cat show held in the United Kingdom after that these cats didn’t get recognition and popularity but when the British Shorthair cats were bred with Persian ones, exciting colors and patterns were produced, Golden is one of them. In 1980, the Cats Fanciers’ Association (CFA) officially accepted them as a standard breed. 

Should I have a Golden British Shorthair as My Pet? 

The answer is definitely “yes” because there is no reason for you to not adopt a Golden British Shorthair kitten. There can be many reasons to have these cats as pets as they are not too costly, and they don’t need too much time to be happy if you’re a busy person. This cat can be a suitable pet for you and they are also popular so they can get your attention and fan following on social media platforms.  

Final Words

Golden British Shorthair cats are cute, gentle, calm, and excellent pets that gained popularity several centuries ago. If you want to have a loyal, affectionate, and laid-back pet, go for buying a Golden British Shorthair as you will not regret spending money on these furry partners.