British Shorthair

CatMediumWeight 4–8 kgLifespan 12–18 yrs

The round-faced, easygoing British Shorthair — the two things to watch are obesity and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); urinary problems in males are also common. Regular weigh-ins and heart screening are standard care.

Temperament: Quiet and easygoing, independent — suits working owners

🩺 Common diseases & risks

High

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Clear breed predisposition — screen with echocardiography

High

Obesity

Metabolism slows after neutering — portion control

Common

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

Hereditary — DNA test or ultrasound

Common

Diabetes

Doubled risk when obese

Common

Urinary tract disease

Male obstruction risk — more water is key

📋 Recommended screening & frequency

#1Heart echo (once, repeat mid-life)
#2PKD DNA test/ultrasound (early)
#3Weight & BCS (monthly)
#4CBC + chemistry (senior, twice yearly)

🍚 Nutrition

Portion meals; wet food for water; lose weight slowly under guidance.

🛁 Daily care

Brush the plush coat 1-2× weekly; multiple water stations; 15 minutes of daily play.

🔗 Related symptom pages

Constant litter-box visits Blood in urine / pink urine Drinking noticeably more Larger clumps / more urine Rapid breathing (over 40/min at rest)Lethargy / sleeping all day

Tags link to the symptom pages most characteristic of each disease

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