British cat. British kittens - feeding, care and education British cats care

The British cat is a plush miracle that will leave few people indifferent. It’s no wonder that British kittens have won the hearts of our compatriots - they are cute, calm and leisurely pets that get along well with children and dogs. They are affectionate, but in moderation; they cannot be called intrusive.

This breed of cat has its own characteristics, behavior, and care, which you must know before purchasing a pet.

Breed Features

British Shorthair cat - description of the breed is found in ancient sources. It has a rich pedigree, officially dating back to 43 AD. It was at that time that Claudius, the uncle of the murdered Emperor Caligula, having inherited an empty throne, decided to secure it by taking military action with Britain. He sent 4 Roman legions towards the islands. It so happened that the fierce legionnaires set foot on the shores of Britain not alone, but together with cats.

What does a British cat look like? The British are distinguished by their large size, with the male being much larger than the female. An adult British cat can weigh up to 5–8 kg. Representatives of this breed generally look very harmonious. British cats have a dense build and strong bones.

The British must have a compact body, a large head on a strong neck, and not too large strong paws. The breed of British cats is distinguished by the presence of a flexible, not very long, thick tail at the base, which has the shape of a cone with a rounded tip. The British straight-eared cat has a rounded muzzle profile, an elongated body, and a long tail that is slightly tapered towards the tip. British cats can have different colors: black, silver, lilac, spotted, tabby, tortoiseshell.

British Shorthair standard:

1. The head is round and regular in shape. The skull is wide. The British breed means that the animal's face should be as close to a circle as possible.
2. The nose is straight, short and wide. There is a small depression in the area of ​​the bridge of the nose.
3. Low set small ears.
4. The eyes are round and large. Most often - gold color.
5. The body is strong, muscular and broad-boned.
6. The coat can be long or short.
7. Each Briton has its own color, which must fully comply with all the standards of a particular breed type.

Character of British breed cats

The British cat has an easy-going character. She is approachable and sociable, friendly and affectionate. Another positive character trait is that they get along well with all family members and other animals (except birds).

The character of British cats is ideal for people who spend a lot of time outside the home and do not have enough time to care for the animal’s fur. The cat is unobtrusive and is able to take care of its coat itself. A plush pet will never show its weakness under any circumstances. The reason for this is innate aristocracy.

The character of British cats is very proud. If you forgot to feed your pet, then he will definitely not ask for anything and will remain hungry. After that, he will only look at you as if you are guilty of all mortal sins.

British cat colors

The first officially recognized British woman was pure white. The desire to breed a large, strong, hardy cat with a calm character has led to the fact that the colors of British cats include 25 species. Some species are so rare that few people can afford them.

The types of British cats are varied. The first representatives had a thick undercoat and short hair. Relationship with the Persian breed gave rise to the British semi-longhair.

Types of colors can be divided into groups depending on the type of pattern, the predominance of a particular color and the type of pigmentation. British Blue is the standard color of the breed. Its coat is monochromatic, without light hairs; the undercoat is sometimes a little lighter. The lighter the coat, the more expensive the British Blue cat is valued. In kittens, it is acceptable to have a residual pattern in the first months of life, which completely disappears by the age of 1 year. The myth that British Blues must have bright orange eyes is a misconception. All kittens are born with blue or gray dull eyes.

Very rare British dogs of cinnamon and fawn colors, more often found - black, blue, white, red, chocolate, lilac.

The lilac British cat has a solid color, combining blue and pink. It should be remembered that black and brown British Shorthair cats should not have light tan. Cinnamon is a very attractive but rare color of the British cinnamon cat breed. The British White cat may have blue or multi-colored eyes. The Golden Brittany has large eyes of a bright emerald color, which are set quite wide. Small ears with rounded tips are slightly tilted forward. The British golden cat has limbs like all British cats - quite strong, with rounded paws. You can find out more about British cats of the selected species from the breeder. There you will receive complete information about the pedigree.

Cat care

Caring for a British cat is a unique skill, and to some extent even a talent. It’s good that manufacturers of various cat accessories think about the owners, and from year to year modernized models of houses, combs, leashes, shampoos, etc. appear on the cat accessories market, which are used to care for a pet. Your task is to understand the tools for caring for cats and use them skillfully.

So, the owner of a domestic British cat who lives exclusively in an apartment will be interested in the question of the tray and its filler. In practice, there are many cases when owners are forced to give up a pet just because of the unpleasant odor emanating from the toilet room. In this case, you can find a solution in caring for a British shorthair cat by choosing the right tray and filler for it. Do not under any circumstances skimp or cut out a cat's toilet space from cardboard or wood - these materials become damp and rot. The cat itself will soon not want to use such a toilet. For cat litter, it is better to buy a plastic tray, preferably with a grid.

The next factor is the filler. Some British cats do not need it, but others have a natural instinct to dig and dig. In this case, you also shouldn’t save money and collect dirty sand on the street. Firstly, sand does not neutralize the smell, and secondly, it can soon spread throughout the entire apartment thanks to the paws of a furry pet. It is better to buy granules that tend to clump when exposed to moisture, that is, you do not have to change the entire tray when the cat relieves itself; it will be enough to replace a lump of wet granules.

An important point in caring for British cats is hygiene.

The next deterrent is the wool. If there is severe shedding, contact your veterinarian; this may be a consequence of vitamin deficiency. Next, start combing. First, get your cat used to the brush, don’t hurt it, don’t pin it in corners, don’t frighten it. If these conditions are met, the combing process will bring pleasure to both you and your pet.

Sometimes it’s nice to pamper your favorite miracle. Store shelves are now bursting with various toys, vitamins, and scratching posts. These little things, which at first glance may seem like excess, will significantly affect the cat’s life. She herself will be able to sharpen her teeth on toys and claws - on a special board, and not your sofa. British kittens - their character and caring for them requires a special approach. Take care of cats correctly and get real pleasure from your work.

Cat food

If you still think that the British cat breed can eat what falls from its owners’ table, then you are deeply mistaken. Table scraps, bones, raw meat, and sweets can have a detrimental effect on the health of your furry friend. The diet of a pet, like the diet of a person, should consist of the required daily intake of nutrients. On average, the diet of mature Britons should include 150 g of protein, 50 g of carbohydrates and substances necessary for digestion, water and vitamins every day. It is not advisable to leave a British cat without food for 2-3 days; it is important to monitor the presence of water in its bowl. Please note that the British Shorthair cat breed is very clean.

If her bowl is dirty, she may refuse to eat.

Based on this, you have several feeding options. Firstly, this is natural food, that is, one that you made for the sake of your beloved pet. Be prepared to sacrifice your time and energy for the sake of your pet's health. But it’s not so difficult to find a way out of this situation - cook in your free time for the whole week, distributing portions into bags and freezing them in the refrigerator.

What can you cook? In general, each dish should correspond to the proportion - 60–70% meat or fish, 15–20% vegetables, the rest cereals. Meat is the main product in a pet’s diet because it contains the substance taurine, a deficiency of which leads to poor vision and disruption of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Cat treats are, of course, fermented milk products. However, it should be remembered that British cats should not consume foods with a high percentage of fat content; it is better to give light kefir and fermented baked milk.

Secondly, you can use industrial feed. The bright packaging depicts healthy and joyful animals, which attracts owners. Let's discover a simple truth - no matter how expensive food is, it will never replace natural products. The food still has its advantages: manufacturers have scientifically calculated the cats’ required diet and, based on this, prepared a treat for them. If you still decide to buy food for your pet, then alternate it with natural products. Remember - you are responsible for those you have tamed.

Cat health

The key to a pet's health is the result of the attention and care of its owner. After all, how nice it is to watch a healthy and active cat that has no problems with appetite, breathing and coordination of movements. Therefore, in addition to regular independent supervision, which is important, it is necessary to periodically show your pet to a veterinarian, because many diseases may not be visible to the human eye. For example, it is very difficult to recognize cancer, which often manifests itself in adult cats; in some cases, it may not interfere with their life processes.

British cats can be sick with AIDS, cystitis and a number of other diseases that can only be identified by a specialist.

So what can you do to prevent your meowing friend from feeling unwell? A proven method is to feel the cat's nose. In a healthy pet it will be damp and cool, but if it is dry and hot, this is the first cause for concern.

Try to prevent cat poisoning by hiding all toxic substances in the house in advance. Make sure that your cat does not come into contact with foreign animals that could spread the infection. This doesn't just apply to dogs or cats; Often cats get sick due to bites from ticks, fleas and other insects. In this case, before a walk, it is advisable to treat the animal’s fur with special protective equipment.

Poor nutrition is a direct path to stomach or liver disease. When feeding a British breed cat only dry food, you are putting the animal in real danger. In addition, unsuitable food can cause caries in your pet. Therefore, if your cat suddenly starts eating grass while on a walk, do not interfere under any circumstances. The pet is guided by the instinct of self-preservation; this is how its ability to self-medicate is manifested. Hence the well-known phrase “lick the wounds”: the fact is that cat saliva contains the substance lysozyme, under the influence of which the wound is neutralized and heals faster. Therefore, there is no need to worry about minor scratches and wounds.

Try to remove all objects from your home that could injure your cat.

Small kittens need feeding 2 times more often than an adult cat. Up to 2 months, a small kitten should eat 5-6 times a day in small portions, that is, it should be fed little by little, but often.

It is wise to provide your kitten with constant access to food.

This ensures on-demand feeding. Cats very rarely transmit. If overeating does happen, then it is better to return to feeding by the hour.

Harmful products:

• butter and other fats;
• pork;
• bird bones:
• sausage;
• raw fish.

In conclusion, one more tip on how to feed a one-month-old kitten - if the kitten refuses to eat from the bowl, offer him new food from your hands and the problem in most cases will be resolved immediately. Feed your little pet correctly, and every time he will gift you with his irrepressible cheerfulness and soothing purr.

Basic information regarding cat health will help you sense danger early and take action. Remember, the life and health of a living creature depends on your attention.

Raising a pet

On advertising posters, in glossy magazines, and television screensavers, you can often see the main character - a small kitten, so funny, helpless, on weak legs, who takes his first hesitant steps. And an unconscious desire arises to give your child the same fluffy living toy. The search begins for a newborn kitten in order to quickly take it from the cat and bring it into your home. But is this right? At what age should I adopt a kitten?

Raising cats is not only a necessary process, but also an exciting one for you and your cat. By taking home an animal, you agree to be responsible for it. The way you raise your cat will affect its future attitude towards you and family members, its character and habits.

The first thing you need to start the process of raising a cat is to give it a name. Choose a nickname that the kitten will respond to instantly—short and sonorous. Try to call the animal to you with all the names you have chosen for it, and you will understand which one you should choose by its reaction.

Tray training is an obligatory part of training from the first days of your pet's arrival in your home.

Pet stores offer many different products that will help you set up your cat's litter box. Choose the option that is most convenient for you and your pet. If he is still just a kitten, buy a small tray that is the right size. Bring the cat to its private litter box; let her remember the way to him. If the animal has done its “dirty deed” in the wrong place, explain to it that this is not possible and bring it back to the tray. Do not scold her under any circumstances, otherwise the animal will be afraid and will not become your friend. With this method of calmly explaining the situation, you will sooner or later instill in the cat “what is good and what is bad.”

Raising cats, like raising children, requires a lot of patience. In order for the animal to quickly understand what is required of it, reward it as often as possible. The British cat sharpened his claws on a special board, and not on the back of the sofa - praise him, stroke him. Show encouragement not only with affection, but also with feeding (as circus animals are fed when they perform a trick).

The British cat does not understand human speech, but is able to understand a person by intonation, behavior towards him and the pronunciation of words often used towards him (the name of the pet, the commands “eat”, “come here” and others).

Play with your cat, give her attention and then she, in turn, will be affectionate and become your friend.

Pet mating

Having sheltered a female kitten in your home, you must understand that at some point in her life there will be a period of puberty, which will be associated with the solution of many issues.

In British cats, puberty begins at 7–8 months of age.

The behavior of your pet will tell you about the beginning of this period. Usually cats become more affectionate and begin to roll on the floor, rubbing themselves against their owners’ legs and furniture for a long time. If you notice this behavior, you know that your cat has grown up and will soon be ready to become a mother. In addition, breeding British Shorthair cats can bring good income.

If you have decided to breed, take your time. Let the cat reach the age of 1 year, or better yet, wait until she is 1.5 years old. Mating cats at an early age may be unsuccessful (which will affect the health of the cat and her kittens).

When you and your kitty are ready and in the mood for mating, start looking for a suitable gentleman. It is better to look for applicants at exhibitions, but you can also use the search for advertisements about mating in the press. Look carefully at the color of the cat and the characteristics of the breed. After all, the breed and coat color will mainly influence the appearance of future kittens.

Having chosen a worthy groom for your kitty, carefully negotiate the mating conditions with his owners. This refers not only to monetary issues, but also to the premises in which the preparation and the process itself will take place. The place should be warm, clean and spacious. Bring everything you need with you: your usual cat eater, its bowls, tray, rug. You can take her favorite toys. The cat will be nervous when in a strange room. To avoid this, take her things that will create a familiar home environment.

Mating cats must be safe for both participants. Owners should take their pets to a veterinarian to be checked for invasive, fungal, infectious and viral diseases.

2 weeks before the process, it is necessary to carry out preventive deworming of animals.

When everything is ready, you can take your cat to visit the cat. You need to be prepared for the fact that animals may react to each other differently. At the beginning of the process, British cats hiss at cats and allow them to approach them after 3–5 attempts. It all depends on the stage of puberty.

Mating of cats will be successful if all its points are observed correctly. This mainly depends on the cat's readiness, because the cat can do this at any time. The process itself lasts about 7 minutes, after which ejaculation occurs. After the first time, fertilization may not occur, so animals are usually left alone for up to 3 days. After this, you can take your kitty home. Kittens are born after 58–68 days.

A small kitten, like any child, requires constant care. When purchasing a purebred baby, be prepared for the fact that at first you will have to pay a lot of attention to him. Caring for British kittens is not very difficult, but in order to raise a healthy long-lived cat, there are rules that must be followed, especially during the first months of his life.

In a new place

Before bringing a kitten into your home, prepare everything you need for it.

It is better to adopt a kitten between 2 and 3 months old. Be prepared for the baby to be scared of a new place (this is natural) and hide in a corner somewhere. Before bringing him into the house, thoroughly wash such corners, cover the places from which it would be difficult for him to get out or would be difficult to reach.

Allow the kitten to get comfortable in the new place, do not lure him out of his hiding place, but rather place a bowl of water and food nearby. He can sit in a secluded place for about a day, refuse to eat and not go to the toilet. Don't be alarmed, this is normal.

Choose a time so that you can be at home for a while and don’t leave the kitten alone until he gets a little more comfortable.

There is no need to buy him a house in advance. See which place in the apartment the kitten chooses for itself, and arrange a homemade bed for it there. When he gets used to it, you can think about purchasing a house.

If there are children in the house, especially small ones, try to protect the kitten from them. It is not always possible to explain to a small child how to treat animals, and the kitten may get hurt. He is very small and fragile.

Show older children how to properly play with a small pet and involve them in simple care procedures.

Hygiene

It is better to teach hygiene procedures at a young age

Hygiene procedures are very important for the British, so they need to be taught to them from early childhood. Special lotions and liquids are sold to clean the eyes and ears, but you can also use home remedies.

Kittens do not like these executions and strongly resist. At first, you can wrap the kitten in a diaper to prevent scratching. Or do the cleaning while he is dozing and in a relaxed state. It will take no more than a few minutes.

Ear cleaning

Healthy ears should not have rashes, plaque or unpleasant odor. The sulfur coating should be light. It needs to be removed. This will not have to be done often, as it appears. Inspect the ears every week and, if necessary, clean them with a cotton swab lightly coated with Vaseline.

Eye care

The eyes need to be wiped every day, because British kittens often leak. Use a cotton pad moistened with warm boiled water or chamomile infusion. You need to wipe your eyes from the outer corner to the inner.

Claws

Trim nails with special pliers

The kitten's claws are sharp, and he will certainly sharpen them - such is the cat's instinct. . On some of them, a limiter is set to the required length for trimming the claw. Pruning is done carefully so as not to damage the blood vessel. If you hold a cat's claw up to the light, you can see a border between yellowish and pink. Pink is living tissue that should never be touched.

Coat care

The fur of a British kitten will not cause any particular trouble. These are short-haired animals with a soft undercoat. There is no need to brush them daily. It is enough to do this once a week with a brush specially selected for the length of his coat. There are special brushes with rubber teeth for kittens.

You need to comb first with the growth of the coat, then against the coat and finish again with the growth. This will be a wonderful massage, which, by the way, the British tolerate well.

Bathing

Cats do not need frequent bathing. But they need to be taught this from childhood. The main thing is not to force the kitten to stand under water when it breaks out. Train it gradually by wetting the fur with water. The water temperature for swimming should be no higher than 37 degrees. Your shampoo won't suit him, buy a special one at a pet store. Bathe so that water does not get into the kitten's eyes and ears.

The little fidget will definitely climb into all corners of the apartment or house. And no matter how carefully you clean everything, he will still find a place to get dirty. Use dry shampoo to clean your kitten's fur once every 20 days. It needs to be rubbed into the skin with your hands, and then carefully combed, first along the fur, and then against it. The shampoo will remove grease and dust embedded in the fur.

Hygiene after using the toilet

The first time, examine the kitten after visiting the tray. He can't lick himself thoroughly yet; perhaps his butt and tail need to be washed. This type of toilet is usually carried out by the mother cat. But you won’t have to do this for long; by the age of three months, kittens fully master personal hygiene.

Raising British kittens

Choose a tray for your kitten according to its height

You should start raising a kitten as soon as it gets a little comfortable in its new place. Early education will help to avoid later troubles and problems that an adult cat can cause in the house.

Tray training

This is the first place to start the educational process. The tray should have a low edge so that it is convenient for the kitten to climb into it. It must stand in one place so that the kitten remembers it. Start getting acquainted with the tray by simply placing him there. There is no need to forcefully hold it.

First, the kitten will find a secluded corner and choose it as a toilet. If you catch him in place, pick him up and take him to the tray. There is a little trick that can help. Having chosen a place for himself to do these things, he can then go there again, following the smell. Take a piece of toilet paper, wipe up the puddle that the kitten made with it, rub the bottom of the tray with this paper and put the kitten in it. Tray training can take at least a week.

Do not scold or spank him when he makes a puddle in the wrong place, much less poke his nose into it. The kitten still won’t understand why he is being punished, but he may begin to be afraid of your hand.

To punish or not a kitten

Pet stores offer a huge selection of toys for cats and kittens.

British kittens are active and playful. Don't yell at the kitten or hit him for mischief, he won't understand, but will only get scared. It’s better to clap your palms loudly and say “ugh.” He will perfectly understand the intonation of your voice and will gradually get used to the fact that this is done only when he has done something illegal.

He will need toys, especially at first, to chew on them and sharpen his claws on them. Therefore, do not play with the kitten with your hand. He must know that it is forbidden to bite or scratch his owner’s hand.

Toys

In modern homes there will definitely be places where the kitten should not have access, for example, where there are a lot of wires or cables. In order not to look for him in the wrong places, you can organize a play area for him.

One of the toys that will distract a small pet for a long time can be a play tunnel with holes at the top and sides. Let him explore it and master hunting skills.

Pet stores have a large selection of balls and small soft toys. You can make toys with your own hands. The mouse can be a wine or champagne cork (not plastic). You can take apart an old rattle with balls. Cover each of them with soft fabric, and the kitten will happily chase them around the room.

Equipment for kittens

You can either buy a house for kittens or make it yourself

Many devices that make it easier to care for kittens can be purchased at pet stores.

• cat house, offers are varied to suit every taste and budget ();
• tray with a low side;
• bowls for feeding and drinking especially for kittens (shallow);
• scratching post, it will save your upholstered furniture. Its height must be at least 40 cm ();
• carrying, it will make it easier to transport the kitten to the veterinary hospital and to the country;

The latter deserves special mention. Choosing a quality filler means saving yourself a lot of hassle. It should not constantly crumble around the tray, it should be hygroscopic and retain odor well.

The safest for a kitten would be wooden filler in the form of sawdust or granules. Its only drawback is the presence of sharp small splinters, but you can pick them out of the tray. It's inexpensive.

A very cheap option is a filler made from paper and grain waste, but that’s where its advantages end. The paper practically does not retain the smell.

Mineral litters that form clumps are convenient for cleaning cat litter and are easy to separate and throw away. But this filler contains a component that, while absorbing moisture well, does not retain odor well.

The best option for a kitten may be a zeolite-based filler.

It is better not to use silica gel litter for kittens; they are more suitable for adult animals.

Food for British kittens

The main thing in the nutrition of British kittens is to have enough protein

Proper nutrition is the key to animal health and longevity. The British eat both ready-made food and home-cooked food with equal pleasure. When purchasing a British breed kitten, ask the breeder what kind of diet he had. If the kitten ate ready-made food, and you plan to feed it homemade food, gradually switch to a different food.

Their diet should contain enough protein to help them gain breed-specific muscle mass. The daily amount of food is calculated empirically; all kittens eat differently.

What can you include in a kitten's diet?

• dairy products: cottage cheese (not fatty), sour cream or kefir (fresh only);
• boiled egg yolk 1-2 times a week;
• boiled chicken white meat or beef in the form of minced meat;
• boiled fish without bones (rarely, to pamper);
• boiled offal: beef heart or kidneys, chicken navels - 2-3 times a week;
• porridge - oatmeal, wheat or rice.
• You can add vegetables to the meat - cauliflower or carrots. Give carrots carefully and in small quantities - they can affect the color of the animal.

Read more about how and what to feed a British breed kitten.

What foods should you avoid?

• milk or cream may cause loose stools;
• pork is too heavy food for a kitten;
• chicken skin is not digested at all by a cat’s stomach;
• raw fish, as well as frequent consumption of boiled fish, causes urolithiasis.
• dishes prepared for yourself - they contain sugar, salt, spices, which are contraindicated for kittens;
• fatty, smoked or fried foods;
• potato.

Dishes for kittens

Don't buy double bowls for food and water. Pieces of food will constantly fall into the water, making it stale.

Immediately after feeding, wash the cups, discarding any uneaten food. Do not give kittens stale foods or foods that are not fresh.

Feed small 2-3 month old kittens 4 times a day, transfer teenagers to three meals a day. Change drinking water once a day.

Ready-made feed

Feed British breed kittens with premium food

Ready-made kittens are suitable for British kittens. It is better to feed babies with canned food; teenagers can already alternate between dry and wet food. Pay attention to what age the food is intended for.

Vitamins and feed additives

Homemade food does not always contain all the necessary vitamins for healthy growth of a kitten. For good hair, you can add brewer's yeast to your food. Excellent vitamin complexes would be Hartz, 8 in 1 Excel Brewer's Yeast or 8 in 1 Calcidee. They contain the calcium and B vitamins cats need.

Use vitamins containing seaweed with caution. For chocolate and red kittens, they will add richness to the color of the fur and eyes, but for lilac-colored cats they can give a pinkish tint.

Give the number of tablets in accordance with the age and weight of the kitten, which is indicated in the instructions.

Vaccinations for kittens

When the kitten is 2.5 months old, it needs to be vaccinated

One of the important conditions for caring for and raising healthy animals is vaccinations. The first of them are done when the kitten is 2.5 months old. Before vaccination, the kitten must be wormed, because helminths weaken the effect of the vaccine. Medicine for worms must be given 10 days after the intended vaccination.

From panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis. The complex vaccine “Nobivac Tricat” is used. To create lasting immunity, kittens are vaccinated twice with a 2-week break. For several hours after vaccination, the kitten may appear lethargic and indifferent to toys and food. This is a normal reaction to the vaccine and will go away within 6-8 hours after vaccination.

An older kitten is vaccinated against rabies when it is six months old. Subsequently, all these vaccinations are given once a year.

If you plan to take your kitten to the country, also get vaccinated against lichen.

Even if your animal does not go outside and does not come into contact with other cats, it is necessary to do. People come into the house, dirt gets in from the street, so it’s better not to take risks. The drug “Prazicite for kittens” is recommended once every 3 months.

A healthy kitten that will grow into a beautiful and friendly cat is the result of attention, care and love. Don't skimp on them!

The British cat attracts with its softness, grace and endurance. Care and care from the owner is what cats need. Proper nutrition and adherence to the vaccination schedule will help you maintain good natural health. When buying a British kitten as a pet, you can count on a loving and devoted friend. The owner should not allow a familiar attitude towards the animal and must understand that this is not a soft toy.

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British cat

Despite the fact that the British cat appeared relatively recently, it has rapidly gained popularity. Unlike many other breeds, it is mobile, active, and has a calm character.

The British are attached to their owners, and especially to children. Cats are unpretentious in care and quickly adapt to any living conditions. There are sixty-two types of colors in the breed.

The peculiarities of this breed include its self-sufficiency. She communicates with the owner only if she considers it necessary. British cats get used to the order prescribed by the owner. When everyone leaves the house, the cats sleep, and when their owners arrive, they begin to lead an active lifestyle. Cats of this breed are clean.



Chocolate Briton - photo, description and character

History of the breed

The breed was first bred in England at the end of the nineteenth century. The Briton was obtained by crossing a Persian and an English cat. Since then, the British cat has gained the greatest popularity and has become the most beloved pet in the UK.

Recently, British cats have gained popularity in Russia. The plush animal has extraordinary fur and a straight and rounded tail tip. Round ears and wide-open eyes give the British a look of absolute calm. There is a fold around the round head, which gives the rock massiveness.



Description

The British cat has different colors. There are solid shades and with a pattern. A cat's eyes depend on its color. If the pet has a white coat, the eyes will be blue. It is worth noting that the color of cats of this breed is not always what they call it:

1. 1. Blue color - gray.
2. 2. Red - red:
3. 3. Lilac - blue:
4. 4. Golden chinchilla - red.

It is quite common to see cats that are silver or gold in color. This color is usually called “whiskas”. The name appeared thanks to a popular advertisement for Whiskas cat food.

The British cat comes in two varieties: shorthair and longhair.

The following characteristics should be included in the breed standard:

• The animal's body is compact and powerful.
• The shape of the head is round and thick.
• The British have a rounded muzzle and cheeks.
• Eyes wide open.
• The chin is firm and the nose is short.
• The limbs are small and the paws are round.
• Thick at the base and rounded end of the tail.
• The coat is short, thick, does not lie close to the body, and has a fine structure.
• Any color can be used.



Character

The owner of a British cat is a lucky person. Cats of this breed have excellent sociable qualities. These are smart and undemanding animals. When meeting people, they behave with restraint. But after getting to know each other and undergoing a period of adaptation, they will become devoted and loving pets. But you can only get a best friend in exchange for the love and devotion of the owner.

The British should spend more time. The more attention they receive, the better the relationship will be. Many British people have a calm character. They are characterized by unobtrusiveness and playfulness. The distinctive features of the breed include love for all family members, and not just the owner.

The British cat is never tame; it walks on its own. But most of the time she likes to sleep in a lounger or be close to her owner. The British do not like to be held, but will not refuse to be stroked. Unlike other breeds, these dogs do not accept excessive affection, such as kissing. Excessive attention will only anger the cat, and he will go to a secluded place to rest.

Cats of this breed are friendly and willingly accept other pets into their family. They are confident and not shy. They can live near other animals. The main thing is that both pets are suitable for each other in character.

Care and maintenance

Despite its plush appearance, the British cat is not much different from an ordinary cat. Therefore, it is easy to care for her, just like a mongrel animal. Kittens are no exception. The only thing they need is increased attention, education and feeding.



Before you get a British kitten, you need to make sure that he has everything he needs. These things include:

1. 1. Food bowl. The owner of a kitten will need three bowls: for dry food, natural food and water.
2. 2. Litter tray. He can be anything. The main requirements are ease of washing and durability. It is not recommended to give preference to plastic trays. They are lightweight, leave scratches, and are difficult to clean. The Briton is a clean cat, so the main thing is to stay clean.
3. 3. Scratching post. From a young age, you need to accustom the animal to grinding its claws. Otherwise, the kitten will find a place for this - walls, a sofa or something else. If you cannot purchase this accessory, you can make it yourself. To do this, you will need a small cardboard cylinder, which needs to be wrapped with woolen threads.
4. 4. House or bed. Previously, bedding was placed under the sleeping area. Today, instead of ordinary rags, you can buy a soft lounger, which you can make yourself from an unnecessary sweater. You can buy a house or you can buy a basket or box. The main thing is that the kitten likes its place to rest and sleep.

There are other accessories that a Briton may use. You don't have to buy them, but they may come in handy:

• Carrying. You should not leave a Briton at home alone during a vacation or a trip out of town. In this case, a carrier will definitely come in handy. You will need it for a trip with your cat to the veterinarian. The main thing is that it is sized and comfortable for the pet.
• Toys. A cat needs them, especially at a younger age. Kittens are so playful that their day does not come without an exciting activity. To prevent the cat from having fun with the owner's things, you need to purchase several toys.
• Comb or brush. Regardless of whether a Briton's coat is long or short, it needs grooming. The comb should have infrequent and non-sharp teeth. The brush can have a massage effect, but the main thing is that it is made of natural bristles. It is not necessary to brush your cat every day; several times a week is sufficient.



Feeding the British

Until six months of age, British kittens are fed at least six times a day. Every month the number of feedings decreases and new types of food are added. During the first month, the kittens are fed by their mother.

British cats have a delicate sense of smell, so feeding and caring for them involves not only choosing the right diet, but also keeping the feeding area and its utensils clean. There should be no foreign odors.

Upbringing

Kittens are easy-going and easy to care for. The main task of the owner is to explain to the baby where he will sleep, sharpen his claws and where to go to the toilet. Purebred animals quickly get used to the tray. It will be enough to show the place and the kitten will quickly get used to it.

You can stop your cat from walking in the wrong place. To do this, you need to coat this area with formaldehyde, mustard, garlic or horseradish. Cats cannot stand these smells, so they will not want to go to the toilet there anymore.

It is quite difficult to accustom a kitten to a scratching post. This will take more than one day. To begin with, it is advised to take the Briton to the scratching post and play with him there. The game should involve stimulating the cat to tear its claws on the proposed accessory. It won’t work the first time, but if you play daily, then after a while he will remember the place and will scratch his claws on the scratching post.

Any pet is not only soft, flexible and fluffy. In relationships with the owner, there are times when he does not listen. In this case, the British need to be punished. It is important to understand that for a purebred animal, the dissatisfied, sad tone of the owner is a punishment. Yelling at a cat is not recommended, as the British will not associate this with punishment. Such a tone will only leave resentment in the kitten’s soul. Hitting a pet is unacceptable, as it has an excellent memory. He will remember this moment and will definitely harbor a grudge against the owner in his soul.

Raising a British kitten requires patience from the owner. With proper care and maintenance, a British cat will grow up not only to be a beautiful animal, but also to be the best and most devoted friend.

British health

The British have excellent health. But, like many other animals, they can get sick. Common symptoms to watch out for include:

• lack of appetite;
• redness of the eyes;
• hair loss;
• rapid breathing;
• cough;
• vomit;
• diarrhea or constipation;
• low temperature.



If you notice one of the symptoms, you should definitely contact your veterinarian, as this could be the beginning of a serious illness.

The first sign that a Brit is feeling unwell is a lack of appetite. With serious illnesses, symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are not uncommon. If any of the signs are detected, you need to measure the animal’s temperature. This can be done using a special thermometer. The normal temperature for a Briton is 38–39 degrees. An increase in temperature indicates pneumonia or problems with the central nervous system.

You shouldn’t judge your pet’s health problems by a hot nose. For the British it can be wet and cold, but the temperatures are still high. Moreover, even the eyes of cats will not show any signs of disease. An experienced owner should always have a thermometer on hand to measure temperature.

Genetic diseases

British cats are healthy and hardy cats. But they are prone to certain diseases that can be transmitted genetically:

1. 1. Two types of blood in the population. This problem is common in the UK and cannot be cured. When a cat with blood type "B" is mated with a cat with blood type "A", this results in the birth of kittens with two types of blood. Such offspring live for two days and then die. In our country there are no methods that determine this pathology in the womb.
2. 2. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy develops in adult cats. If kittens are found to have little weight gain, they should regularly perform heart ultrasounds and monitor this problem.
3. 3. Obesity is a common problem in British cats. Develops with poor diet and insufficient physical activity. At the first symptoms of obesity, the animal should be forced to move as much as possible.



Other problems

In addition to genetic diseases, Britons can suffer from specific ones. These include the following:

• viral;
• endocrine;
• neurological;
• rectum;
• gastrointestinal;
• brain diseases.

Britons are most likely to suffer from panleukopenia and leukemia. Distemper is a disease of cats that affects the stomach and reduces the level of leukocytes in the blood. A decrease in leukocytes leads to the inability to fully perform the function of fighting various infections. It is possible to become infected with distemper from a sick animal. Little Britons may not be able to cope with this serious illness as their immune system is unable to fight off. When the body temperature increases, the animal dies from exhaustion.

The second disease is cancer or leukemia. When it affects the circulatory system, a malignant formation occurs. You can get leukemia by becoming infected from a sick animal, due to poor quality nutrition and lack of disinfection during a visit to the veterinarian. The danger of this disease is its asymptomatic course for several months. After this, the cat experiences a decrease in appetite. Cats cannot bear offspring. The British become immobile, and the cardiovascular muscles gradually stop working. Leukemia has no cure. The owner must make a decision - to euthanize the animal or maintain its condition until death with medications.

The British often have problems with the endocrine system. This is evidenced by obesity or exhaustion. Symptoms such as thirst and a specific smell from the mouth may indicate the development of stage 1 diabetes. In this case, the cat will need to be supported with insulin throughout its life.

Another disease associated with the nervous system is epilepsy. In this case, the owner is asked to euthanize the animal, since the treatment does not bring results. The British are quite often prone to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Cats of this breed should not be fed poorly or overfed. A common disease is urolithiasis. Symptoms of the disease are:

• blood in urine;
• pain;
• change in color of stool.

In this case, you need to urgently contact a veterinary clinic. The appearance of sand and stones in the genitourinary system leads to death in 80% of cases.

Like any other living creature, the Briton suffers from respiratory diseases due to hypothermia. He may develop worms due to untimely deworming. Many Britons have problems with their eyes, teeth and nails. With proper care this can be avoided. To ensure that your plush pet does not have problems with its eyes, they must be constantly washed with chamomile infusion or boiled water. The oral cavity must be kept clean. There are various methods of prevention - this is cleaning your teeth with a special brush and toothpaste.

Diagnostic measures

If symptoms of illness are detected, the cat should be taken to a veterinarian. The examination helps determine the clinical picture:

1. 1. Examination by a veterinarian. By examining and palpating the cat, the condition of its internal organs is determined. Depending on the symptoms of the disease, a vaginal or rectal examination is performed.
2. 2. The doctor measures the animal’s body temperature. Correct measurement can only be done rectally.
3. 3. Examining the cat with a stethoscope. This device allows you to determine pathologies of the heartbeat, digestion, sounds in the intestines or air movement during breathing. A healthy cat's heartbeat is between 110 and 140 beats. A healthy animal can take 24 to 42 breaths.
4. 4. The animal can be examined with an otoscope. This tool allows you to identify ear diseases. An otoscope is a cone-shaped instrument with a built-in light at the end. It is inserted into the cat's ear.
5. 5. Ophthalmoscopic examination is necessary for eye diseases.
6. 6. Endoscopic examination is carried out for pathologies of internal organs in cats. An endoscope can be used to examine the respiratory organs and stomach. The instrument is a bendable tube that is inserted inside under general anesthesia. The examination result is displayed on the screen.
7. 7. X-rays are prescribed for various pathologies and injuries.
8. 8. Ultrasound examination is the process of examining the insides of an animal.
9. 9. An electrocardiographic study is carried out to diagnose the work of the British heart.
10. 10. A blood test determines the chemical composition of the blood.
11. 11. A urine test is carried out to determine the functioning of the kidneys in cats. This examination may show the presence of diabetes mellitus or diseases of the genitourinary system.
12. 12. A biopsy is a study that determines the presence of neoplasms in cats.

Prevention methods

In order for the cat to suffer from a general or viral disease as little as possible, the owner of the British cat must follow the vaccination schedule. The best means of prevention are vaccinations. They need to be done from the age of two months. At this point, kittens are not receiving milk and are not able to produce antibodies that strengthen the immune system.

When purchasing a kitten, you need to understand that the animal is not a toy: the baby needs care and attention. British shorthair kittens have a plush, dense coat (due to the thick undercoat). Longhaired British kittens also have a thick coat, but the hairs are longer, so they need more grooming and frequent brushing. British kittens: care, education and feeding - how to do it all correctly? Read about this in our article.

British kittens: care, education and feeding

It is better to purchase a British kitten from nurseries; it is advisable to find reviews (they must be positive about this breeder). When the kitten turns 3 months old in the nursery, it will be ready to move to a new family, and the breeder will be able to prepare the necessary documents and give the baby vaccinations. This age is also favorable for the baby himself; his immunity will be more or less formed, which means the kitten will get sick less.

Before taking the baby to a new home, you need to examine him so that there is nothing suspicious in appearance and the kitten looks healthy and active. Ask the breeder about the maintenance of the kitten, its nutrition, and read the pedigree of the parents.

British kittens are distinguished from others by their plush dense coat, round eyes, compact, muscular body with a wide chest. These kittens also have a thick tail and full, short legs. The head should be round, with a wide muzzle, dense nose pads and cheeks.

When purchasing a kitten from a specialized nursery, you can be sure that:

• kitten from purebred parents;
• the veterinary passport reflects all vaccinations performed, including treatment against helminths;
• the kitten will have the metric to participate in exhibition events.

You can read more about the standard, characteristics, and care of it on our website.

When to adopt a kitten?

The ideal age for moving to a new family is 3 months (12 weeks). During this time, the kitten receives the necessary nutrition from the mother, breast milk actively builds immunity, and also allows the baby to develop properly. It is at this age that kittens already weigh about 2 kg. Also at this age, kittens learn from their mother the rules of behavior and caring for their appearance. A responsible breeder provides the necessary vaccinations up to 3 months and carries out preventive work, treating babies against helminths.

What should you buy for a British kitten?

Before purchasing a baby, you should take care and buy a few necessary things that play an important role in the life of the future pet.

For a British kitten you need to purchase:

Table 1. Annual kitten care calendar

Video - British Shorthair cat

British kittens weight

This breed is large and massive, so British kittens are heavy. The weight of a newborn British kitten is about 130 g, and within 7 days their weight reaches 150 g. During this period of time, kittens actively feed on their mother's milk. The nutrition of a nursing cat plays an important role in the nutritional value of milk: its diet must be additionally fortified, so the mother of the kittens is fed specialized food or natural food with added vitamins.

Table 2. Kitten weight at different age periods

British kittens have quite a large body weight

The first days of a kitten in the house

The new resident first needs to adapt: ​​find out where the toilet and food are. In addition, he will look for his mother and call her loudly. New smells and new family members frighten the pet, so it will be natural for the baby to hide in a dark place.

How a kitten gets used to a new home goes like this:

Toilet training a kitten

As soon as the kitten appears in the house, you need to immediately accustom it to the new tray. At first, the baby may be disoriented in a new room and needs help. You also need to consider the location and access to the toilet, because British cats, although clean, have their own opinions. Therefore, if a kitten refuses to go to the new litter box, then you should not think that he is stupid and does not understand anything. In fact, British cats are very smart, and therefore, most likely, the new tenant simply does not like something. Perhaps the tray needs to be moved a little, moved to another corner, or the filler changed.

Instincts tell the kitten that all waste needs to be buried, so choose the appropriate substance for the toilet, because the “British” are clean. If you do not pay attention to this, the kitten may begin to mischief and look for another place to relieve itself.

If you suddenly find a puddle on the floor, you should not scold the kitten, much less beat it; with this method of education you can provoke the baby to do things secretly in the wrong place. It is better to show your pet in a dissatisfied tone that you are not happy with this situation, and, having collected the puddle with toilet paper, take it to the tray. This way the smell will attract the kitten to go to the right place. It is also worth watching the animal; usually after the baby has eaten, he runs to the toilet. Monitor the kitten's path to the toilet, and then the baby will remember that things need to be done in the litter box.

Don't lose your temper if the kitten doesn't go to the toilet the first time. Remove puddles with special odor-eliminating products that can be purchased at a pet store. Be persistent with your pet and show him where to go, but do not hit him or scream if he suddenly misses. The kitten will sooner or later understand what is required of him, the main thing is to be patient.

First moult and grooming

A kitten's first shedding occurs at seven or eight months of age. During the week, the kitten should be carefully combed every day with a special comb, running through the fur with massage movements. After this procedure, you can walk over the fur with your hand in a wet rubber glove, thus collecting the remaining fur. Subsequent molting occurs on an individual basis, depending on many factors - vitamin deficiency, allergic reactions, existing diseases, age-related and hormonal changes, and the use of inappropriate bathing products.

Regular grooming of the British dog's coat with special combs will preserve the beauty of the coat.

You need to groom your pet regularly:

• weekly brushing will bring many benefits to your pet. Firstly, this procedure will rid the cat of dead skin particles and fur hairs, which means that when licking, less of them will end up in the stomach. Secondly, regular brushing gives the animal a healthy and well-groomed appearance;
• if you accustom your kitten to water procedures from an early age, then bathing can become one of your pet’s favorite activities, which can be used both when soiled and for preventive measures;
• Careful trimming of the claws will rid the pet of the rough, keratinized part, which flakes off over time, causing the claws to begin to cling and cause discomfort to the cat. The procedure is short, only a couple of times a month. The haircut is carried out with special scissors, carefully so as not to damage the blood vessel;
• regular preventive examination of the auricle and organs of vision, when the cat’s ears are cleaned of wax accumulation, and the eyes are wiped with black tea infusion or eye drops.

From an early age, a kitten needs to be accustomed to the necessary procedures, then he will calmly endure them and even enjoy them

How to brush British cats?

Before purchasing a British kitten, you should buy special combs at a pet store. To care for your pet you will need:

• a comb with metal teeth with rounded ends so as not to injure the animal’s skin. Needed for primary combing of wool of any length in the direction from head to tail according to hair growth;
• comb with massage effect. Stimulates blood circulation, provides beautiful fur for your pet by combing out dead skin particles and dead hairs. You need to comb your pet with such a comb carefully so as not to damage the delicate undercoat;
• rubber brush or glove. Helps complete your pet's grooming routine. With the help of such a brush you can remove remaining hairs from the surface of the coat after active combing.

Bathing

The first bath of a kitten should be careful and not earlier than one month of age, so as not to scare the baby and not instill a negative impression of the procedure. It is better to teach the kitten to bathe in a playful way, touching the kitten with wet hands, and then gently moistening the baby’s fur with a few drops of warm water. This way, the kitten won’t get scared and won’t start to struggle, and the water, rolling off the fur, will attract attention and interest.

What do you need to know? The shampoo should be selected based on the length of your pet’s coat and its color, as some products are designed to enhance the color of the animal’s coat.

Bathing stages:

1. fill the container with water, adjusting its temperature (about 30 °C);
2. pour a special shampoo into the water that suits your pet;
3. place the cat in a container with soapy water and gently, massaging the fur, wet the cat’s body;
4. rinse off the product with clean warm water, being careful not to get it into your ears, they are very sensitive;
5. After bathing, wrap the cat in a dry towel to thoroughly dry the wet fur;
6. Place your pet in a warm, draft-free room.

If you gradually accustom your kitten to water procedures, then over time he will enjoy the process and will not be capricious.

Upbringing

Before adopting a British breed kitten, it is worth considering that these are wayward animals. Therefore, education should begin from the first days of the kitten’s appearance in its new home. One of the main lessons of education is litter box training. If the kitten does not know that all tasks must be done in a specially designated place, then you need to show him how it is done. If the baby is already trained (usually in nurseries, kittens at the age of 3 months are toilet trained), then you just need to make sure that the pet gets used to the new tray. It is better to immediately show the animal what and how to do, because neglected training will be difficult to correct.

During education, force should never be used. British cats are smart, and therefore only a dissatisfied raised tone or clap of the hands can be applied to them, otherwise, when force is used, they can harbor anger or begin to be mischievous. For training, it is better to use repellents with a pungent odor or the smell of citrus fruits, a spray bottle with water, to wean the animal from sharpening its claws on furniture or doing dirty tricks in an inappropriate place.

If the kitten begins to shit, then try to find the reason in the location of the toilet or the composition of the litter

It is also worthwhile to immediately accustom the kitten to the scratching post so that it does not damage the furniture by grinding down its sharp claws. To do this, you need to show the baby several times, running your fingers along the post of the scratching post. You can also use catnip by rubbing dry grass on a post; the smell will attract the kitten’s attention, and he will involuntarily begin to touch the scratching post with his paws.

During games, try to make do with teasers and other toys; do not teach the kitten to play with your hands.

In general, training is not difficult, since the “British” cats are very smart cats, but you should immediately show who is boss in the house by establishing eye contact with the pet, while forbidding him to do nasty things so that he understands the boundaries of what is permitted.

Little “Britons” love to play, so pay more attention to games with your furry fidget

Feeding a kitten with natural products

• fatty meats (pork, lamb);
• raw poultry meat and bones (chicken, turkey);
• any raw fish;
• sausages, sausages, smoked cheeses, chocolate, etc.;
• food that a person eats (salty, spicy, sweet).

A diet based on natural products includes the following items:

• lean meat (frozen beef, chicken, turkey, rabbit) - about 8-100 g/day. depending on the age of the kitten;
• offal (liver, heart, kidneys) - 10-100 g/day;
• boiled sea fish without bones no more than once a week gj 6-80 g/day;
• dairy products (cottage cheese - 3.5-20 g/day, kefir, low-fat sour cream no more than 10 g per day, cheese);
• chicken and quail eggs in the amount of 50-55 g per week;
• vegetables (cucumber, carrots, cauliflower, zucchini) - 10-40 g/day;
• cereals (buckwheat, wheat, rice) - 10-80 g/day;
• vitamin and mineral complex (according to instructions).

A balanced diet is the key to the correct and healthy development of the baby.

Table 3. Kitten consumption rate of natural food

What do you need to know? Choose wide, flat dishes for your pet to make it easier for him to eat.

Dry food for British kittens

If you decide to choose dry food for your pet, then it is important to consider that “Whiskas”, “Kiticat”, “Purina”, “Friskies”, “Felix” and similar low-quality foods are not suitable for a complete healthy diet. They contain a huge amount of flavors, dyes, taste enhancers and other harmful chemicals, which cause many diseases associated with urolithiasis and gastrointestinal tract disorders. It is better to use high-quality industrial feed, which is completely ready for consumption.

Each manufacturer has its own calculation table for feeding a kitten by month, so you just need to follow the recommendations and make sure that the kitten always has access to fresh water. The main thing is to choose high-quality food for your kitten from a good holistic, superpremium or premium manufacturer. Then you can be sure that the baby will grow up healthy and strong.

Dry and wet food that can be fed to a British kitten:

• Among the good holistic foods for kittens you can buy: Eukanuba, Brit, PronatureHolistic, Primordial. The advantage of this class of food is that it is hypoallergenic. The diets have an optimal ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and also contain dietary supplements;
• super premium food: Hill’s Science Plan, Orijen, Now Fresh, 1st Choice, Schesir;
• premium food: Pro Plan, Happy Cat, Leonardo, Brit Premium, Royal Canin.

What do you need to know? If the kitten ate industrial food in the nursery, then you should not immediately start feeding it natural food or other dry food, as this can disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and lead to complications. Therefore, find out what brand of dry food the kitten was eating, and feed it this particular food for the first time. The transition should be smooth: gradually mix in other food to avoid health problems for the baby.

Choose high-quality food from a well-known manufacturer for your pet

Estrus and mating features of British cats

British cats are fully mature at 7-9 months. Young animals should be bred no earlier than 10-12 months, having missed the cat’s first two heats. This is due to the fact that the body is not yet fully strengthened, and complications are possible during pregnancy and childbirth.

A two-year-old cat becomes hot-tempered and often shows aggression towards the cat. In general, during the period of estrus, cats exhibit specific behavior:

• she often chooses to communicate with the owner rather than with the mistress;
• becomes demanding of attention - caresses, rubs against legs, shoes;
• shows excessive affection, becomes intrusive;
• the back bends, the hind legs move, the tail moves to the side;
• the animal meows obsessively and licks the genital area.

The acquaintance of a cat and a cat may not always be ideal, and if the cat has a character, then you will have to look for another “groom”

The duration of estrus in British cats varies around 7-10 days. If the cat has not been fertilized, then the repetition of estrus occurs on the 15-20th day. Sex Barrier drugs and other contraceptives negatively affect the health of the animal, creating hormonal imbalance and developing tumors.

Read more about whether it is worth using drugs that reduce sexual desire in a cat on our website.

Acquaintance between a cat and a cat can take place in different ways, depending on the characters of both animals. At first, the cat may categorically not accept the cat, but when the acquaintance goes well, it can occur from 15 matings per day, and the cat’s temperament is already taken into account. Two days will be enough for mating cats; during this period, the cat can safely impregnate the cat.

What do you need to know? Mating a cat should not occur more than 3 times a year; pregnancy greatly depletes the body, so sick kittens may be born.

If estrus does not occur within three weeks, we can assume that everything turned out well and the cat is pregnant. It is better to breed experienced animals or at least one of the pets should have mating experience, otherwise the fertilization process will take a lot of time, and without the help of the owners the process will not be successful.

British cats are smart animals with character

All kittens require affection, attention, care and, of course, love. When caring for and maintaining babies, there are some nuances and rules that you need to know about. We'll talk about this today.

Preparing the house for the arrival of a new tenant

Before you take a British kitten into your home, you need to carefully prepare and equip the space so that the pet is comfortable in it.

What will you need first?

The feeding area is equipped with bowls for food and water. It is best to purchase ceramic or metal cookware with a special coating. Plastic quickly scratches, dirt gets stuck in the cracks and is difficult to wash out, resulting in the formation of an excellent environment for the proliferation of microbes. In addition, low-quality polymer releases toxic substances into the feed, which will sooner or later lead to health problems.

Toilet tray. For the first time, a toilet with low sides is suitable - this will make it easier for the baby to climb into it. The tray is placed in a quiet, secluded corner, where no one will disturb the animal in dealing with its small and large affairs.

Filler. On this issue, consult with the breeder: he must tell you exactly what type the pet is accustomed to. If for some reason the filler is not suitable for the new owners, then you can gradually retrain the animal for any other. The contents of the pot should not be too fine and get wet quickly: cats are fastidious creatures and are unlikely to pick around in wet “sand,” which also sticks to their paws, preventing them from walking normally.

Carrying. Another important accessory. It will be useful for transporting the baby both from the nursery and for visiting the veterinarian or traveling to an exhibition.

Toys. Physical and psychological development is an important point in raising a pet. Items must have a quality certificate confirming their safety. You should not buy toys with a strong chemical smell or paint that peels off easily - all this indicates a low-quality product. You cannot use Christmas tree rain, small things, or foil as toys - if accidentally swallowed, they will cause digestive upset, blockage of the pharynx, esophagus or intestines, which is life-threatening.

Scratching post. Cats, even if they are very small, need their claws sharpened. If there is no room in the house for this process, then furniture and wallpaper will suffer. It is important not only to purchase a nail clipper, but also to accustom your pet to it. There are many methods for this that have already been covered. When choosing an accessory, they rely on the advice of the breeder, asking him which material is best suited for a particular kitten: wood, sesal, carpet.

Sleeping area. A small pet should know that there is a secluded corner in the house where he can hide from prying eyes, sleep or just relax. The bed is installed where the baby wants it. In the future, the sleeping bag can be rearranged where the owner needs it, moving it every day a few centimeters in the right direction.

Adaptation to a new home

It usually takes at least 3 days to acclimatize to an unfamiliar environment, sometimes more. At this time, the kitten behaves restlessly, constantly cries, and may refuse food.

In order for adaptation to be successful, the new resident is not disturbed and allowed to get comfortable. All that is needed from a person is to prepare the conditions for a full-fledged existence: put a bowl, a toilet, determine a place to sleep.

All hard-to-reach and potentially dangerous corners of the apartment are protected by any convenient method. If the baby is hiding, then there is no need to get him out by force, scaring him even more - sooner or later he will come out into the open world on his own.

Conduct a conversation with children, if there are any, that you cannot pester the kitten, squeeze it endlessly, and even more so drag it by the tail and torture it in every possible way.

After some time, the adapted tenant will begin a tour of the house, at which point it’s time to think about his safety.

Safety

Kids are young explorers who constantly stick their noses where they don’t belong. To minimize all kinds of injuries and force majeure circumstances, follow simple rules:

• All medications are hidden behind cabinet doors.
• The windows are covered with nets, the sashes are never left in the “window” position - there have been cases of suffocation.
• The entire population of the house is obliged to watch their step - at any moment you can step on a nimble baby.
• When closing the doors, monitor the location of the kitten so as not to get pinched.
• All storage rooms and especially cluttered rooms are kept closed.
• Trash cans are tightly closed with lids.
• Hide all small objects that could be accidentally swallowed out of sight.

Educational issues

Character and obedience depend on education. They approach the issue seriously and as responsibly as possible. The educational process is built depending on the individual characteristics of the kitten, but there are also general rules that must be followed.

• Under no circumstances should you play with your baby's hands. The animal will decide that biting and scratching is natural, and it will be problematic to prove otherwise in the future. There are toys for play.
• You can’t swing, much less hit, a new tenant. The pet will be afraid of the person and feel fear from an outstretched hand.
• Unwanted actions are stopped by clapping your hands or sternly shouting, but not in such a way that the animal pees in fear or hides in a corner for a long time.
• Any punishment must be timely, that is, carried out at the time of the crime, and not after a long period of time. In the latter case, the animal still will not understand why he received the kick and will harbor a grudge.

Feeding rules

• When choosing, firstly, they are based on the breeder’s recommendations and for the first time they feed according to the scheme to which the pet is accustomed. If there is a desire to switch to another type of feeding, then do this gradually and after consultation with specialists in this field.
• Secondly, they buy only high-quality, high-quality food labeled “for kittens.”
• Thirdly, the animal must eat at strictly defined hours. The regime should not be violated.
• Fourthly, you cannot buy food from a different manufacturer every time. In matters of feeding, stability is important - this is the basis of good digestion.
• Fifthly, don’t be lazy to read the etiquette. All ingredients must be natural and healthy, without unnecessary additives or unnecessary substances.

Always adhere to one type of feeding: with natural feeding, you should not introduce drying or pouching and vice versa. Adherents must maintain a gap of at least two hours between giving normal food and extruded food. Do not forget about constant access to fresh and clean water.

Two-month-old kittens are fed 4 times a day, not exceeding the norms indicated on the package. With a mixed diet, an approximate diet would be:

• in the morning, children's cottage cheese without sugar and additives;
• for second breakfast, boiled chicken or canned baby food;
• for lunch, dry food for kittens;
• for dinner minced meat or minced beef.

From four months of age, you can switch to three meals a day, and closer to 8-9 months, the number of meals is reduced to two times a day.

What not to do:

• Feed the kitten dog food.
• Use tubular bones in your diet.
• Give fish often. Too much phosphorus negatively affects kidney function, leading to the formation of stones.
• Drinking milk is a cause of intestinal upset.
• Feed the animal table scraps. Firstly, it is harmful, and secondly, you will develop a bad habit of begging for a tasty morsel and looking into the mouths of household members.

Kitten care

The first rule is the right food

British cats are large animals and require large amounts of protein to maintain a stable weight. In addition, biotin, B vitamins, vitamin A, and calcium must be included in the diet - they help maintain the rich color of the coat.

Seaweed supplements are ideal for improving tortoiseshell, red and chocolate coloration. But on lilac-colored pets it will lead to the appearance of a pinkish tint, and on blue and cream-colored pets, seafood will cause a noticeable darkening of the fur coat.

Rule two - grooming

They are accustomed to grooming procedures from childhood: cleaning ears, teeth, periodic combing. The developed habit of obeying and tolerating will eliminate the animal’s resistance at an appointment with a veterinarian.

The ears are examined once a week and cleaned if necessary. If there is a rash, redness, or unpleasant odor in the ear, seek qualified help.

As black plaque accumulates in the corners of the eyes, it is removed with a piece of cotton swab or a regular cloth napkin soaked in warm boiled water.

Nails are trimmed twice a month. Before the procedure, each claw is checked for damage.

Rule three - combing

Frequent brushing is not particularly necessary for the British, but most representatives of the breed love it, especially when you “sniff” them against the grain.

To care for your plush fur coat, purchase a comb with rubber teeth. Combing is carried out both in the direction of hair growth and against it. Such movements massage the skin, improve blood circulation, which means that the hairs receive additional nutrition and grow better.

British kittens should not be bathed often. It is better to dry clean it once a month using a special shampoo. The silicones included in the product clean the surface, making the coat soft, even more plush and voluminous.

Video from Animal Planet on how to care for kittens:

https://youtu.be/ytDPbT7JHTI

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