In addition to the breed, the cost of a British kitten is also influenced by its origin and color.
Of course, how much a Briton will cost will be determined by the popularity of the breed, because the more famous it is, the cheaper the plush ball will cost. The most popular breed is the British Shorthair cat. Many cat lovers want to buy just such a pet. Such popularity is no secret, because, apart from its beautiful blue color, this cat does not need constant attention, and can easily remain alone for a long time. She has a calm, gentle character and excellent immunity.
Description of the breed
The strong and muscular body has rounded shapes and graceful curves. They are born large immediately and reach sexual maturity by 2-3 years. Then they weigh from 5 to 8 kg. Males are always larger than females. They are characterized by the following features:
- developed chest and shoulders,
- slender limbs,
- smooth transition from head to neck,
- wide nose,
- slightly curved ears
- huge round eyes - copper, multi-colored, green, yellow, bluish,
- thick and short fur with dense undercoat,
- medium tail, slightly rounded.
When you meet your eyes, you will come across a pretty face that seems surprised by something.
Sterilization and castration
In order not to deteriorate the breed, experts recommend spaying/castrating cats with minor or critical defects. Not everyone knows that sterilization and castration of animals are two different procedures, and cats are also castrated.
- Sterilization does not involve the removal of organs, but only limits their reproductive functions. It is considered more gentle and humane towards animals. However, after sterilization, the behavior of cats does not change. They still have a natural desire to mate, but are physically unable to produce offspring.
- Castration is carried out on both male and female cats. As a result of surgery, the testes (for males) and ovaries (for females) are removed. The production of sex hormones stops, reproductive function is absent.
Hidden dangers of surgical procedures exist, but such operations are always planned and have already become familiar to veterinarians.
Color variations
Many lovers believe that domestic teddy bears are characterized only by the classic gray-blue tint. In fact, different types of colors are available:
- Single color - white, cream, black, red.
- Smoky - each hair is colored by a third in the main tone, the rest of its length is silver or white.
- Tortoiseshell – a combination of charcoal and fire spots, beige with chocolate.
- Siamese - with a light body.
- Double - a combination of white with any even surface.
- Patterned or brindle – dark stripes on a lightened background, with a mark on the forehead resembling the letter “M”.
So when buying a kitten you have plenty to choose from.
Such different, but monochromatic cats!
Someone is afraid of black cats and crosses to the other side of the street. And some are passionately in love with cats the color of the night, because it is difficult to resist the charm of the affectionate creature.
The coat of such cats is characterized by uniform coloring. In other words, the color of the pile is deep black to the very roots without a gradient of red or white.
Black color
Black British cats are considered the most difficult to breed, so it is very difficult to find an animal with a deep black color. But if we talk about the purity of the breed, then the presence of single whitish hairs is still unacceptable. Moreover, the tone of the undercoat should match the color of the outer coat.
These cats do not need jewelry, because large golden or copper eyes look like two bright stars in velvety space. It’s no wonder that such handsome men are endowed with mystical properties, considered to be guards against evil spirits.
Chocolate cats seem to be the warmest compared to cats of other colors. Their color is deep and rich. The breed standard assumes a wide variation in coat shade: from milk chocolate to bitter.
It seems that the cat was really created by cocoa. But when getting such a kitten, you will have to wait 12-16 months until its color develops. During the period of color formation, brown overcoloring may occur at times, which eventually fades.
The chocolate cat's eye color is copper or dark orange. A dark eye shade is more preferable, because it makes the cat’s appearance more impressive.
Chocolate color
The British cat breed boasts that there are cats of a rare lilac shade. The delicate color also affects the baby’s character, because these are very calm and affectionate kittens, aggression is not typical for them.
Lilac color
The lilac British cat is a carrier of a complex color scheme, because blue and pink shades are closely intertwined, forming an absolutely magical color. Each lilac cat is unique due to variations in the appearance of its coat. It can be very light, almost lilac, medium purple, or it can be dark, like the color of coffee with cream. The beauty of such British cats cannot be described in words or conveyed in a photograph; they need to be seen with your own eyes.
Blue color
British blue cats are considered a classic of the breed, its most famous incarnation. It is acceptable that one cat will be lighter and the other darker (medium gray).
Chinchilla color
The chinchilla cat exists, and its appearance is amazing, as if this animal is a fairy-tale character. The color of British chinchillas is truly unusual, because you rarely see silver animals. The white coat has blackened tips of the pile, and a light dark veil subtly decorates the pet’s head, back, sides, paws and tail.
Surprisingly, nature itself applied makeup to the fluffy face: the eyes, nose and mouth have a subtle dark outline, reminiscent of how women tint their eyes with a pencil.
If British cats amaze with golden-copper eyes, like two moons, then chinchillas have eyes of a deep emerald color, beautifully contrasting with their light fur.
Care and feeding
From early childhood, accustom your baby to daily procedures, otherwise he will not get used to systematic examination of the eyes, ears and mouth. If you are planning walks, be sure to use anti-parasite medications.
Choose a place to perform your natural needs that is secluded, but within reach. Place the tray in the toilet or bathroom. The kitchen or living room are not suitable for this. Take a large pot with high sides. Wash it with baby soap. More aggressive detergents will repel the catfly. Don't forget to praise him after his first attempts to go where he should go.
Hygiene procedures
Clean the ear canal once every 14-15 days, then there will be no unpleasant odor or plaque. At the tips there are sometimes tassels in the form of long hairs. They are carefully trimmed. Wipe your eyes with a cotton swab dipped in herbal infusion if small discharge accumulates in the corners.
Reading: German Pinscher: characteristics of the breed and reviews from owners
Shorten the claws by a couple of mm every month, being careful not to touch the blood vessels. Use special tools.
Brush first according to the growth of the coat , and then against it at intervals of every 2-3 days. Buy metal and massage brushes for this. Remove excess with a rubber mitt or wet palms.
Proper nutrition
Due to their tendency to gluttony, they need constant supervision. Do not exceed the norm, which is 5-7% of the animal’s weight. Excess grams of health do not add.
They often hide food in reserve, and then take it out of secluded corners to finish it. Eating stale food provokes indigestion and intoxication, so prevent your ward from trying to steal a tasty morsel.
In general, these are unpretentious creatures. They eat ready-made food and natural food with equal pleasure. If you are a supporter of a natural menu, do not forget about vitamin supplements. Never indulge in table scraps. Human dishes contain an abundance of salt and spices, which can disrupt a cat’s metabolism and lead to illness. You cannot throw cereal porridge with milk, baked goods or sweets onto their plate.
What a pet needs: maintenance features
Having purchased an ordinary or fold-eared Briton, you should think: what does a pet need for a calm and comfortable life in the house? If you decide to buy a cat, it is important to ensure a decent existence for your pet:
- Prepare two bowls. One should be used for water and the other for food. By the way, it is best if the bowls for dry food and canned food were different.
- If the animal is from a specialized nursery, it is mainly trained to go to the tray. The breeder must tell you what kind of litter the kitten is used to using. At first, you need to show your baby where the tray is located. It is very important to keep the Briton clean, remembering to periodically replace the filler.
- To care for the fur of a handsome lop-eared cat, you should get a rubber oval brush with small, soft teeth.
- Take care of your scratching post. Mostly it looks like a column with a platform and a small house. This design can be compared to a playground that entertains and develops your pet, and at the same time helps sharpen its sharp claws.
- A place to sleep. Domestic cats need a safe and cozy place, especially since British kittens love to sleep. It’s time to buy a special house or sun lounger.
What is the price?
Most often, there is a chance to purchase a kitten for a symbolic amount. If you find a baby without documents, its price will be $30-70. Usually these can be found in the underground passage, at the bird market. Some owners give them away for free to good hands.
If your pet has a veterinary passport and pedigree, the purchase will cost you more – up to $200. Then you will have the opportunity, if you wish, to engage in breeding and participate in exhibitions.
In fact, thoroughbred and its confirmation do not matter if you just need a faithful friend. First of all, he has a living soul that deserves decent treatment and love.
Education and physical activity
Despite their sociability, the British are independent and willful. Therefore, when training and raising a pet, certain rules should be followed:
- You need to show your cat your dissatisfaction immediately after committing an offense.
- It is important to maintain consistency in the training process - for example, you should not allow your pet to sharpen its claws on the back of a chair today, and scold your pet for it tomorrow.
- Praise is very important for the British Fold - do not forget to reward the cat for positive actions.
Physical activity is one of the main indicators of an animal’s quality of life. It is necessary to provide the animal with sufficient space for play, prepare toys and be sure to engage with it.
What is their character?
Each individual has its own individuality. Some are characterized by importunity and intelligence, others by love and playfulness, and others by slowness and calmness.
But they also have common qualities. They never beg for food - self-respect does not allow them to stoop to such baseness. It’s easier for them to sit quietly and solemnly near the bowl, unobtrusively indicating that it’s time to refresh themselves.
To read: How to name a Husky dog: tips for choosing a nickname
Representatives of the stronger sex
Boys behave with restraint and prefer independence. They do only what they themselves consider necessary, and do not follow the instructions of others. They easily experience loneliness and do not need constant contact with people due to their self-sufficiency. They don't like being held on your lap to be petted. In rare cases, they allow their owner to cuddle them.
Cat behavior
They are more affectionate and instantly become attached to the person with whom they live together. They adore all members of the household and get along well with them. Children are allowed to play with themselves as long as it does not humiliate their dignity. Without much difficulty they stand on their hind legs and stand like that for a long time, trying to get a better look at the object that interests them.
Degree of conflict
Mostly they do not show aggression. They are not easily pissed off, and if this happens, they will definitely show their claws.
They don’t like to be the first to quarrel, so they get along well with their brothers. If they get tired of someone, they will peacefully leave the room, finding a quieter place for themselves where they will not be disturbed.
Cleanliness
They always take care of their appearance and will not tolerate dirt on their luxurious fur coat. If they are kept in conditions that do not allow them to put themselves in order in a timely manner, this provokes irritability and temper. Thanks to extreme accuracy, they quickly become accustomed to the tray.
Catcher's instinct
For all their regularity, they will not miss the chance to show their true nature. They will not hesitate to climb a tree in pursuit of a bird. They have developed hunting traits. They are able to watch a potential victim for hours, waiting for the right opportunity. They have iron patience when it comes to prey.
Reviews of British cats
Kristino4ka
There is a universal favorite in our family - a blue British shorthair cat - Vikusya. We bought her at a Moscow nursery. We followed her by train. She has an excellent pedigree and excellent breed characteristics. She is only two years old.
The first advantage that pleasantly surprised me was extreme cleanliness. She always goes to the toilet in a specially designated place. There are no problems with this at all!
Vikusya is very smart and loves to talk to us. When you tell her something, she looks into your eyes and responds with intermittent meows. From the outside it looks very funny!
The cat is calm, affectionate, and loves to sleep. Therefore, it is ideal for those people who are at work from morning to evening. The cat will not be bored; it will definitely keep itself busy with something. In the summer he likes to sleep on his back, with his legs spread wide in different directions.
If Vikusya wants to eat, she will never scream and ask for a tasty morsel. He sits next to him and watches. Unpretentious in food. He eats dry food, about which I previously wrote a detailed review. Loves beef, veal and shrimp.
Loves to play with a toy mouse and skeins of yarn.
Sometimes it accelerates and jumps on the wall, pushing off from it with its hind legs. In some ways it reminds me of The Matrix.
