Where to Buy a British Shorthair Cat in the UK: Breeders, Rescues, and Tips
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Ah, the British Shorthair – a cat so quintessentially British that it practically deserves its own spot on the Union Jack. With their chubby cheeks, plush coats, and calm demeanour, these cats are the feline equivalent of a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. But if you’re wondering where to buy a British Shorthair cat or where to adopt one in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re after a pedigree kitten or looking to adopt an adult rescue cat, we’ve got all the details you need.
Why Choose a British Shorthair?
Before diving into where to find one, let’s quickly talk about why this breed is so popular. British Shorthairs are known for their easygoing nature and adaptability. They’re affectionate but not overly clingy – think of them as the perfect mix of independent and cuddly (in their own way). Plus, their adorable round faces and dense coats make them look like living teddy bears. What’s not to love? Good read: Full in depth article covering everything you need to know about British Shorthairs.
Where to Buy a British Shorthair Cat in the UK
When it comes to finding your purrfect British Shorthair companion, you have two main options: buying from a breeder or adopting from a rescue centre. Let’s explore both routes in detail.
Top Reputable Breeders for British Shorthair Kittens in the UK
If you’re set on bringing home a pedigree British Shorthair kitten, working with a reputable breeder is essential. Not only will this ensure your kitten is healthy and well-socialised, but it also supports ethical breeding practices. Here are some of the top breeders in the UK:
- Limatz British Shorthairs
- Location: Cheshire
- Specialty: Black silver tabbies and spotted varieties
- Why Choose Them: Limatz is known for producing kittens with excellent temperaments and stunning markings. Their kittens are GCCF-registered and raised in a loving home environment.
- Mewsos British Shorthairs
- Location: Kent
- Specialty: Blue, lilac, and chocolate British Shorthairs
- Why Choose Them: With over 20 years of experience, Mewsos focuses on breeding healthy kittens with sweet personalities. They also provide detailed care guides for new owners.
- Pennydown British and Exotic Cats
- Location: Hampshire
- Specialty: Tipped British Shorthairs (cats with striking silver-tipped fur)
- Why Choose Them: Pennydown has a reputation for producing show-quality cats that are just as happy lounging on your sofa as they are winning ribbons at cat shows.
How Much Does a British Shorthair Kitten Cost?
From reputable breeders, expect to pay anywhere between £350 and £2,000, depending on factors like coat colour, lineage, and breeder reputation. For example:
- Standard blue kittens often cost around £1,000–£1,500.
- Rare colours like cinnamon, fawn or golden may fetch prices closer to £2,000.
Adopting Adult British Shorthairs from UK Rescues
If you’re open to adopting an older cat (or even a mix that looks suspiciously like a British Shorthair), rescue centres are an excellent option. Not only is adoption more affordable, but it also gives a cat in need a second chance at happiness.
Here are some great places to start your search:
- Strawberry Persian & Pedigree Cat Rescue
- What They Offer: While they specialise in Persians, they often have pedigree cats like British Shorthairs available for adoption.
- Adoption Fees: Typically between £50–£200 (includes vaccinations and neutering).
- Cat Chat’s Rehoming Page
- A fantastic resource for finding rescue centres across the UK that may have British Shorthairs available.
- Local Shelters and Cat Charities
- Don’t forget smaller local shelters! While they may not always have purebred cats, you might find an adorable mix that steals your heart.
Online Marketplaces: The Internet’s Cat Catalogue
- Petify: This site is like the Amazon of the pet world. You can find both kittens for sale and cats for adoption here. As of March 2025, they’ve got some adorable British Shorthair kittens listed for around £1,100. That’s about the price of a decent smartphone, but infinitely cuddlier.
- Petsloo: Another great option for finding British Shorthair kittens. They’ve got blues, browns, greys, and tabbies. It’s like a cat colour wheel.
- British Shorthair Owners website: As mentioned earlier, this is a goldmine for British Shorthair enthusiasts. You might find anything from kittens to adult cats looking for their forever homes.
Costs of Owning a British Shorthair in 2025
Owning a British Shorthair is an investment – both financially and emotionally! Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Costs:
- Breeder Price: £350–£2,000
- Adoption Fees: £50–£200
- Essential Supplies (litter box, scratching post, toys): £100–£300
Monthly Expenses:
- Food (high-quality brands): £20–£50
- Litter: £10–£20
- Pet Insurance: £10–£30
- Routine Vet Visits: £50–£100 annually
Health Considerations When Buying or Adopting
British Shorthairs are generally healthy cats but can be prone to certain conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or polycystic kidney disease (PKD). When buying from a breeder, ask for proof of health screenings for these genetic conditions.
For rescues, ensure the cat has been checked by a vet before adoption.
In depth: British Shorthair health issues
Preparing Your Home for Your New Feline Friend
Before bringing your new cat home, make sure your space is ready:
- Set up a quiet area with essentials like cat food bowls and a litter tray.
- Remove hazards like toxic plants or dangling cords.
- Invest in scratching posts and climbing trees to keep your cat entertained.
FAQs
Where can I get a British Shorthair in London?
For London-based breeders, check out GCCF’s Breeder Directory. Alternatively, local rescues like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home often have pedigree cats available for adoption.
How much does it cost to adopt an adult British Shorthair?
Adoption fees typically range from £50–£200 and often include vaccinations and neutering.
Are British Shorthairs good with kids?
Yes! Their calm temperament makes them great companions for children who know how to interact gently with pets.
Can I find rare-coloured kittens like cinnamon or fawn?
Yes – but be prepared to pay premium prices (£1,500–£2,000) as these colours are less common.
External Links for Further Reading
- Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) – Find reputable breeders in the UK.
- International Cat Care – Expert advice on feline health and care.
- British Shorthair Cat Club – A community for enthusiasts of this charming breed.
The British Shorthair Owner’s Starter Pack
So, you’ve found your perfect British Shorthair. Congratulations! Here’s what you need to welcome your new overlord… I mean, pet:
- A sturdy scratching post (because your sofa looks far too pristine)
- High-quality cat food (only the best for your little prince/princess)
- A comfortable cat bed (which they’ll ignore in favour of the cardboard box it came in)
- Toys (to be batted under the sofa and forgotten about)
- A lint roller (trust us, you’ll need it)
Conclusion: Finding Your Purrfect Match
Whether you choose to buy from a breeder or adopt from a rescue centre, finding your perfect British Shorthair takes time and research – but it’s worth every moment! These lovable companions bring joy, warmth (and maybe some fur) into your life.
So what are you waiting for? Start your search today – your future feline overlord is out there waiting!
