13.07.2022

British Shorthair weight—what’s chubby, and what’s obese?

How do you not give in when a pair of adorable eyes stare at you in anticipation of food? For the sixth time since your chubby British Shorthair woke you up because you were late for breakfast, and the food bowl had been empty all night! 

It can't be easy, but it has to be done. British Shorthairs are as irresistible as they are prone to weight gain, so you have to put your foot down and set some ground rules. Feeding times have to be set and portions carefully measured. There is no other way to keep your kitty healthy, fit (as much as this stocky Brit can be), and active.

To help you keep your feline friend's poundage in check, Untamed presents the ideal British Shorthair weight at every stage of their life. You will also learn about the best diet for these plump kitties and how to protect them from weight problems even in their senior years.

When do British Shorthair cats stop growing?

When they reach year one, British Shorthairs will have gained much of their full-grown weight, but they won't be completely grown until they are three. Don't be alarmed if your kitty still seems small at this age. Some felines are late bloomers and can take longer to reach full size, so they may continue growing until they are five.

This prolonged maturity process comes with some perks—these cuddly felines remain kittenlike for most of their lives, which makes them lovely companions.

British Shorthair growth stages

Fuzzy kittens practically grow before your eyes.

Source: Omar Ramadan

Kittens are usually born weighing about 2–3% of the mother’s weight and gain approximately 10% of their birth weight daily. By the end of the first week, baby cats should double their weight and begin to gain between 10 and 30 grams per day.

You can expect your British Shorthair kitten to gain between 500 and 750 grams per month during the first few months. You will also notice that boys grow a little faster than girls.

The perfect time to spay or neuter your kitten is around the third month. It is also the time they will start scent marking by clawing.

The difference between males and females is the most significant around the sixth month. At this age, if you haven't had your kitten fixed, they will begin expressing sexual behaviour and scent marking.

Around the seventh month, your kitty will look more like a grown cat but lankier because their bones will have lengthened, but their musculature will still be in the development phase. At this point, their growth will seem to slow down. They will gain weight steadily, but it won't be as noticeable.

Boys will still be awkwardly gangly at nine months, with disproportionately long legs and slim bodies. That’s fine as long as they still gain weight and you can feel but not see their ribs. Girls will also go through this lanky phase, but it will be less noticeable.

They will attain their full length and height around their tenth month, but they still won't have the features of a typical British Shorthair. Most cats will begin to bulk up as their musculature catches up with their skeletal development.

British Shorthair average weight

British Shorthairs are relatively large cats. A healthy, fully-grown specimen can weigh between 4 and 7.7 kg. Since every cat is different, the precise weight depends on their:

1. Gender
2. Genetics
3. Age

Male vs female British Shorthair

British Shorthair males are generally larger than females and tend to be heavier. Males also often grow faster and gain more weight in kittenhood.

The maximum acceptable British Shorthair male weight is around 7.7 kg. The reasonable upper weight for females should be approximately 5.4 kg. 

Genetics and weight correlation

Genetics also plays a significant role in how much a British Shorthair grows and weighs. Kittens whose parents are larger will likely be bigger and heavier, although that is not a rule.

British Shorthair weight chart by age

You should weigh your British Shorthair often to ensure they are progressing correctly.

Source: Anna Bondarenko

British Shorthairs reach maturity pretty late, but they still have significant growth spurts at specific times, especially as tiny kittens.

Refer to the table below to see the average British Shorthair weight as they grow:

Is your British Shorthair overweight?

You don't have to worry much about your British Shorthairs' weight problems during the first year. These kittens are active and playful, so it's hard for them to pack extra pounds. It's much more important to ensure your growing kitten gets adequate nutrition.

The problems begin as your kitty reaches maturity and calms down. Although most cat parents can't wait for the hyperactive kittens to slow down a little, British Shorthairs take this growing up thing too seriously. They tend to become passive and lazy, and since they enjoy munching, they are prone to obesity and all accompanying health problems, such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Joint degeneration
• Lethargy

It's essential to pay attention to the quality and quantity of food you feed your British Shorthair. While these felines are stocky and muscular, with rounded physiques, it's imperative to make a difference between chunky and overweight. Always keep in mind the upper weight limit for males and females. If your kitty surpasses that mark, adjust their diet. Your kitty may look cute with a few extra pounds, but their health and well-being might be in jeopardy. 

How to help your British Shorthair maintain healthy weight

Two factors are crucial for maintaining a healthy weight in felines:

1. Exercise
2. Diet

Encourage your cat to exercise

Play with your kitty every day to ensure they stay active. 

Source: Marko Blazevic

Getting your British Shorthair to be more active is easier said than done. They like nothing more than napping on your sofa, so you need to find something super fun to motivate them to get up and move. 

Here are a few ideas:

• Create a fun environment—Install perches so that your kitty can watch your every move (they adore it), get a cat tree they can climb and jump on, add several scratching posts, and provide plenty of interactive toys and food puzzles
• Take advantage of their prey drive—Cats are natural-born hunters, and they love to run around chasing prey. Stimulate these instincts with laser pointers, electric mice, balls, floppy fish, and teaser toys
• Take your cat outside—Don't let your cat roam freely, but create a safe environment in your garden where they can play under your supervision. Ensure other animals can't reach them, protect them from parasites, and remove sharp and dangerous objects from your garden. If you can create an enclosed space, you can even leave your kitty to play alone

Adjust your British Shorthair's diet

Once your British Shorthair reaches the third year, you must pay more attention to food quantity. Suitable portions of high-quality, high-protein, and low-carb food are the best and easiest way to keep your kitty fit.

The table below shows the appropriate amount of calories you should feed your British Shorthair based on their weight.

Choosing the right food for your British Shorthair

No to veggies, yes to meat!

Image (c) Untamed

There are various types of cat food you can serve—wet, dry, semi-moist, raw, B.A.R.F., and homemade. You can also combine different products.

Wet food should be the basis of your British Shorthair's diet because it usually has high protein content and is more hydrating. Moisture in food is critical because felines don't usually have a strong drinking drive. Wet food is also less processed than dry food, and if you pick a high-quality product, you will notice it doesn't contain:

• Vegetable proteins from peas, carrots, broccoli, beans, potatoes, and sweet potatoes
• Grains, including rice, wheat, corn, sweetcorn, soya
• Dairy, such as cheese, milk, lactose-free milk
• Additives, including artificial colourants, taste enhancers, preservatives, and sugar
• Eggs

None of these ingredients is a part of the feline natural diet. They can cause gastrointestinal problems and food allergies and increase caloric intake, leading to obesity.

Whichever food you go for, it should have adequate amounts of:

1. Animal protein—Meat and fish are crucial ingredients. They are the only source of essential amino acids (such as taurine and arginine) that cats need to grow, maintain normal energy levels, and stay healthy. The minimum amount of animal protein should be 50%, and it should come from high-quality whole meat, such as chicken (cooked, not raw), turkey, duck, salmon, tuna, and similar
2. Animal fat—Fat is necessary because it provides healthy fatty acids, which are vital for efficient nutrient absorption and a healthy coat. Fat content should be up to 20% to ensure your British Shorthair doesn't gain weight
3. Vitamins and minerals—These micronutrients support bone growth, healthy metabolism, cell regeneration, good eyesight, and all bodily functions. Cats get all the necessary vitamins and minerals from lean meat and fish

Can Untamed keep your British Shorthair's weight in check?

A healthy diet equals a healthy and slim cat. 

Image (c) Untamed

If you need high-quality food to keep your British Shorthair healthy, try Untamed!

All our recipes are:

• High in protein—Our meals have double the amount of animal protein than most commercial products. We use only ethically sourced, human-grade meat and fish and steer clear of plant proteins, grains, and other iffy ingredients
• Vet-formulated—Our dishes are complete and balanced. They are suitable for kittens, adults (regardless of their sterilisation status), pregnant females, elderly cats, and kitties with health issues, such as diabetes, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, cystitis, hyperthyroidism, etc.
• Allergen-free—We don't use known allergens, and we have created single-source-protein meals for super sensitive cats
• Fussy cat-approved—All ingredients keep their nutritional value, exceptional taste, and natural texture thanks to the gentle steaming process

If your British Shorthair turns their nose up at wet food, offer them Untamed—they will be coming back for more!

What can you expect from Untamed?

Numerous satisfied cat parents noticed incredible results soon after their kitties switched to Untamed. Here's what to expect:

1. Week 1—regular bowel movement, easy digestion, and neater litter tray
2. Week 8—improved mood, no gum problems, and less shedding
3. Month 4—beautiful coat, fewer hairballs, and pronounced muscle tone
4. Life-long—strong immune system and natural weight control

How to sign up

Becoming a member of the Untamed clowder is as simple as 1-2-3.

Here's what you should do to order Untamed cat food online:

1. Complete our Try Now quiz
2. Choose the products your British Shorthair will like
3. Place your order

Your personalised starter pack will arrive in a day, and once your kitty decides whether they prefer jelly or gravy (or both), we can send you monthly deliveries with no shipping fees.