The History of British Shorthairs: From Ancient Rome to Modern Homes

Short answer: the British Shorthair is often called England's oldest breed. Purina says it likely descends from cats brought to Britain by the Romans, and Your Cat adds that Harrison Weir, the "Father of the Cat Fancy", wrote the first show standards and turned these street and farm cats into a distinct type. The breed was shown at the first UK cat show in 1871, nearly disappeared after both World Wars and was rebuilt with outcrosses. Today, according to Your Cat, GCCF registrations of British Shorthairs outnumber any other breed.

Did the Romans really bring them?

Purina describes the British Shorthair as England's oldest breed, likely descended from cats brought over from Egypt with the Romans in 43 AD. Your Cat also says the breed descends from non-pedigree short-haired cats that probably arrived in Britain with the Romans in the first century. These are theories about the ancestors of the ordinary short-haired cats of Britain; there is no record that links a particular Roman cat to a modern pedigree, so the word "likely" is doing real work. What is certain is that short-haired working cats lived on British farms and in homes long before there were cat shows.

Victorian times: from working cat to show cat

The breed as we know it was shaped in the Victorian era. Your Cat names Harrison Weir as the person who wrote the first show standards and selectively bred the cats into a distinct type. The first UK cat show was held at Crystal Palace in 1871, and Weir founded the National Cat Club in 1887. Purina notes that stricter breeding standards arrived in this period and that the cats became popular. The round face, thick neck, broad chest and dense coat that define the breed today come from this selective breeding. If you want a profile of the modern cat, see our British Shorthair guide.

Persian crosses and the longhair gene

Purina says British Shorthairs were crossed with Persians in the early 1900s, which introduced a longhair gene. That is why longhaired kittens sometimes appear in British Shorthair litters, and why a related breed exists: Your Cat notes that the British Longhair was recognised by the GCCF in 2017.

Two World Wars and a near disappearance

Both sources say the World Wars hit the breed hard. Purina says it nearly went extinct after both wars and was revived through cross-breeding, and Your Cat lists the outcrosses breeders used, including Russian Blue, Burmese, Chartreux and Persian. Those crosses explain some of the variety in colour and type seen in the breed today, and why some lines carry traits from other breeds, such as the Persian-linked kidney condition described below.

Recognition around the world

According to Purina, the breed was recognised by the American Cat Association in 1967, TICA in 1979 and the CFA in 1980, and it is now recognised by all major cat associations. Your Cat says that about a quarter of the kittens registered with the GCCF each year are British Shorthairs.

The cat today

• Look. Purina describes a medium to large, "round all over" cat with a broad chest, strong legs and a short, thick, plush coat. Blue is the most popular colour, and Purina says British Blues usually have gold eyes.
• Personality. Your Cat describes a calm, intelligent and quiet cat, friendly, affectionate and loyal, that often dislikes being picked up. Purina agrees that it is easygoing and affectionate but not needy.
• Health. Your Cat mentions polycystic kidney disease (linked to Persian outcrosses, with a DNA test available) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (no DNA test). Purina adds gingivitis and haemophilia B. Both sources warn about weight gain.
• Lifespan. Purina says 12 to 17 years and Your Cat says 15 to 20, so figures differ; our lifespan article explains how to help your cat live a long life.

Why the history matters when you choose a kitten

1. A breed rebuilt from a small group of survivors and several outcrosses can carry inherited conditions, so ask about DNA tests for PKD and about heart screening in the parents.
2. A pedigree and registration papers show a kitten's ancestry; check them with a recognised registry.
3. Ask to meet the mother, and see the kittens in their home.

Our British Shorthair diet article and hygiene guide cover everyday care.

Quick checklist

• Often called England's oldest breed; Roman ancestry is a likely theory, not a proven pedigree.
• Shaped by Harrison Weir and the 1871 Crystal Palace show.
• Rebuilt after the World Wars with outcrosses.
• Ask breeders about PKD and heart screening.
• This is general information, not veterinary advice.

Keep reading

• British Shorthair cat guide
• Hygiene essentials for your British Shorthair
• The best diet for British Shorthairs
• How long do British Shorthairs live?
• Maine Coon cat guide
• How to keep your Russian Blue cat happy

Sources

• Purina: British Shorthair cat breed profile
• Your Cat: British Shorthair cat breed information