British Shorthair cats are calm, collected and composed felines that will suit quiet homes

British Shorthair cat.

British Shorthair cat overview

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Other names: British Blue or British

Life expectancy: 12–20 years

Size: 12–14in (height), 22–25in (length) and around 7–17 lb

Coat: Blue, black, cream or chocolate, including solid, tabby, or tortoiseshell

Eye colour: copper and orange

Temperament: affectionate, intelligent, calm, easygoing and undemanding

Origin/native country: England

Legend has it that British Shorthair cats date back to the first century AD when the Romans relied on them for pest control in their camps. If this is to be believed, the British Shorthair cat is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world.