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British Shorthair
The round-faced, plush-coated "teddy bear" cat — calm, sturdy and famously easy-going.
How to spot it
A stocky, muscular cat 4–8 kg with a broad round face, full cheeks, big round eyes (usually copper) and a dense, crisp "plush" coat that stands off the body. The best-known colour is British Blue (solid grey-blue), but many colours and patterns exist.
Personality
Calm, easy-going and dignified — affectionate but not clingy, happy to sit near you rather than on you. It tolerates being alone better than many breeds, which suits busy households.
Grooming & coat care
The dense coat needs a weekly brush, stepping up during heavy seasonal moults; it is otherwise low-maintenance.
Health & lifespan
Often 12–16 years. The breed can be prone to HCM and, in some lines, polycystic kidney disease; it also gains weight easily, so watch the diet. Buy from breeders who screen.
Living with one in India
The thick plush coat holds heat, so give a British Shorthair a cool, well-ventilated indoor spot in summer and brush it more during the moult. Its laid-back, undemanding nature otherwise fits a flat well.
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