Golden British Shorthair: Pictures, Facts & History
| Height: | 12 – 14 inches |
| Weight: | 7 – 18 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 17 years |
| Colors: | Shaded Golden, Chinchilla Golden |
| Suitable for: | Apartment living, homes with children and other pets, and those with little time on their hands |
| Temperament: | Calm, Affectionate, Independent |
Golden British Shorthairs are known for their calm and affectionate personalities. They are generally good-natured and get along well with children and other pets, making them an excellent choice for families. They are also low-maintenance cats that require minimal grooming and do well in an apartment or small living space.
Read on below to find out more about these gorgeous golden felines.
The Earliest Records of the Golden British Shorthair in History
The British Shorthair, which is a very old breed, originated in Rome, where cats were utilized for hunting and rodent control. These felines were utilized in the field to prevent rodents from eating crops and in grain stores. When the Romans invaded England, they brought their cats with them (at that time, armies had to take all their food with them, so cats often followed).
Cats probably already existed on the island to some extent. These native cats interbred with the Roman cats to make a new breed of domestic feline suited to the British Isles’ environment.
In the Middle Ages, these cats continued to be valued for their hunting abilities. They still lived in barns and around fields, where they kept the local mouse population under control. Eventually, breeders began producing this breed specifically.
How the Golden British Shorthair Gained Popularity
The Golden British Shorthair isn’t hugely popular. They’re a rare color variation that isn’t always 100% British Shorthair. Sometimes, they’re a mixed breed—and a rare breed at that. Today, they’re often only owned by breed enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the British Shorthair breed itself is quite popular, both in the UK and around the world. In fact, the British Shorthair is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, known for its calm and friendly temperament.
The British Shorthair was always pretty popular in the UK. However, they started to really get popular in the 19th and 20th centuries. Before this time, the British Shorthair was mostly bred to hunt mice but was developed as a companion starting in the 19th century.
Top 3 Unique Facts About the Golden British Shorthair
1. The Golden British Shorthair comes in two varieties.
You may find some breeders referring to a “Golden British Shorthair.” However, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) breed standard for the British Shorthair, there are only “Shaded Golden” and “Chinchilla Golden” varieties recognized.
2. They can be a mixed breed.
Some breeders may mix British Shorthairs with other breeds to produce this rare coloration. Therefore, these cats can be a mixed breed, despite what they’re called. For this reason, you have to be very careful with adopting a Golden British Shorthair kitten. It’s often hard to know exactly what you’re getting.
3. The British Shorthair is a popular breed, but the Golden variation is rare.
This color variation is extremely hard to find, so you often have to wait years for a kitten.
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Does the Golden British Shorthair Make a Good Pet?
The Golden British Shorthair can vary a lot, as they’re sometimes a mixed breed. When two different breeds are combined, you never know what trait each cat will inherit. Therefore, you end up with a random mixture.
However, these cats can make very good companions. They’re often affectionate, but they aren’t dependent. They’re independent like most breeds and very easygoing. Therefore, they’re a great option for families that want a cat that can mostly fend for itself.
They’re friendly, but they don’t tend to suffer from separation anxiety. They are active and playful cats that enjoy toys and games and appreciate spending time with their owners. They are also low-maintenance in terms of grooming, as their short, plush coat requires minimal upkeep.
Final Thoughts
The Golden British Shorthair is very rare, and finding a breeder with this particular coloration can be difficult. That said, these cats can make great pets, especially if you’re looking for a more independent feline. They don’t need much grooming, as their coat is low-maintenance.
Because they’re rare, these felines can be expensive. However, they’re pretty low-maintenance and require few expenses after the initial adoption.
Featured Image Courtesy: OksanaSusoeva, Shutterstock
