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(3 of 10) Feeding Your British Shorthair: Nutrition Basics

The Feline Advisor

The Feline Advisor

— 3 min read
(3 of 10) Feeding Your British Shorthair: Nutrition Basics

You’ve brought your British Shorthair home, and now it’s time to figure out what’s on the menu for your new feline friend. British Shorthairs may look like plush teddy bears, but their dietary needs are anything but soft and cuddly. A good diet is the foundation of their health, so let’s talk kibble, cans, and calories—and no, sharing your pizza is not an option.

Understanding British Shorthair Dietary Needs

British Shorthairs are stocky and muscular cats, not fat ones. (At least, that’s the goal!) Their dense build means they need a high-quality, protein-rich diet to maintain their figure and energy levels.

Key Nutritional Requirements:

  • Protein: Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need protein from animal sources. Look for foods where meat or fish is the first ingredient.
  • Fats: Essential for a shiny coat and healthy skin. The right amount of fat will keep their coat looking Instagram-worthy.
  • Taurine: A must-have for heart and eye health. Thankfully, most commercial cat foods include this essential amino acid.
  • Controlled Carbs: Unlike us, cats don’t need carbs to fuel their day. Keep carbs minimal to avoid unnecessary weight gain.

Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Pros and Cons

Every cat owner has faced the great debate: wet food or dry food? Here’s the lowdown to help you decide:

Wet Food:

  • Pros: High moisture content helps with hydration, which is great for kidney health. It’s also super tasty, which your cat will appreciate.
  • Cons: More expensive and doesn’t stay fresh long once opened.

Dry Food:

  • Pros: Convenient, cost-effective, and easier to store. It also helps with dental health to a degree.
  • Cons: Lower moisture content, so it’s not ideal for cats that don’t drink much water.

The Compromise:

Many cat owners find that a mix of wet and dry food works best. You get the benefits of both, and your British Shorthair gets some variety—because even they don’t want the same meal every day.

Consistency is key when it comes to feeding your British Shorthair. Here’s a general guideline:

  • Kittens (up to 12 months): 3-4 small meals per day. They’re growing fast and need the extra energy.
  • Adults (1-7 years): 2 meals a day, morning and evening. Stick to set times to keep their digestion happy.
  • Seniors (7+ years): 2 meals a day, but consider switching to a senior formula that’s easier to digest and lower in calories.

Obesity:

British Shorthairs are prone to packing on the pounds if overfed. They’re not the most athletic cats, so portion control is crucial. Use a measuring cup to avoid “accidental” overfeeding (we’re looking at you, sneaky snackers).

Picky Eating:

Some British Shorthairs develop diva-like preferences. Stick to a high-quality diet and avoid offering too many treats. Trust me, you don’t want to create a furry food critic.

Hydration:

Since British Shorthairs aren’t big on drinking water, wet food can help supplement their hydration. A water fountain might also encourage them to drink more—plus, it’s fun to watch them figure it out.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your British Shorthair isn’t rocket science, but it does require a little planning. By providing a balanced, high-quality diet, you’ll be setting your cat up for a long, healthy, and happy life. Just remember, they’re not fluffy garbage disposals—stick to cat-appropriate foods, and you’ll do just fine.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive into the unique personality traits of British Shorthairs and how to bond with your new furry overlord. Spoiler: head-butts and lap time may be involved!

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