Introduction
Whilst one might harbor excitement at the prospect of adopting a feline companion, what if said companion possessed the most outrageously voluminous and luxuriant fur coat?
Such a scenario would doubtless be far more thrilling, would it not? Enter the British shorthair cat. This felicitous breed, hailed as one of the world’s oldest, has been attributed to the Romans who purportedly imported these majestic creatures to the British Isles. With their cuddly, plump physiques, and plush, velvety fur, these feline specimens bear a striking resemblance to none other than the iconic teddy bear. We frequently ponder the issue of how long British Shorthair cats live. Hence, let’s find out more about it and the things that affect its lifespan.
Average Life Expectancy of British Shorthair
When it comes to feline maturation, the British Shorthair is a breed that takes its sweet time. Whilst the average cat may hit its stride in a mere two years, a British Shorthair requires anywhere from three to five years to reach the zenith of its feline prowess. Fear not, however, for this means that your cat will remain a veritable feast for the eyes for that much longer!
But the longevity of the British Shorthair is not limited to its aesthetic appeal alone. In fact, the average lifetime of a British Shorthair cat far outstrips that of its feline peers. Whereas other breeds may be content with a decade or so of existence, a healthy British Shorthair can comfortably attain the grand old age of twenty years – and sometimes beyond! Such a remarkable feat is not surprising, given that this breed is known for its robust health and vitality.
And so, it is with some degree of awe that we consider the lifespan of the British Shorthair. For whilst it may be regarded as a healthy breed that tends to live a long, happy life, the fact remains that it is not uncommon for these felines to thrive well into their late teens, defying the odds and reminding us of the infinite mysteries of life.
Factors Affecting British Shorthair Cat Lifespan
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
There is a genetic propensity for cardiac disease in British Shorthairs. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent type, and it causes the heart’s muscular walls to thicken. Cats can conceal the signs of disease for extended periods of time, making it difficult for cat owners to detect problems early.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
A flawed gene is responsible for the development of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The disease was initially identified in Persians, but it has since been seen in other breeds, including British Shorthairs, on occasion. Impacted kitties are born with tiny lesions deep within their kidneys and often their livers. These cysts gradually get larger throughout their lives and finally, kill the organs that they are located in. On average, signs and symptoms don’t start to show up until a cat is seven years old. Loss of weight, vomiting, extreme thirst, and general deterioration in health are some of these signs.
Arterial Thromboembolism
Heart illness in cats can lead to a condition known as FATE, which is a blood clot formation in the arteries (feline aortic thromboembolisms). It is most typical for blood clots to remain blocked just beyond the aorta, which is the great blood channel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This disrupts the normal flow of blood to the legs behind the animal. When this occurs, either one or both of the animal’s hind legs may become uncomfortable, numb, or paralyzed. Because FATE is a life-threatening condition, prompt treatment, and ongoing medical attention are both required.
FIP Susceptibility
A particular strain of coronavirus is responsible for the illness known as Feline Infectious Peritonitis, or FIP for short. This virus may exist in a dormant state in all cats. Nevertheless, if the virus passes through a certain combination of mutations, it can work on the immune system of a cat that is vulnerable to FIP, causing the animal to develop the condition. It would appear that British Shorthairs are more susceptible to contracting FIP than other breeds of cats. The symptoms of FIP include inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) and the accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdomen.
Haemophilia
Hemophilia is the name given to a collection of clotting diseases that cause wounds in the body to bleed constantly and excessively. Cats are susceptible to a wide variety of these inherited blood disorders, the symptoms of which can range from moderate to life-threatening. Nonetheless, even in less severe forms, hemophilia, and related illnesses can pose a significant risk to one’s life.
A cat with hemophilia may appear entirely normal until it sustains an accident or has surgery; after these procedures, the cat may start bleeding dangerously and for an extended period of time. Before any kind of surgery or dental extraction, diagnostic testing to detect abnormal clotting times is recommended for at-risk breeds like your Shorthair. This testing can be performed on your pet.
Hemolytic Icterus
Neonatal isoerythrolysis, often known as NI, is a rare immune-mediated disease that can occur when a newborn kitten with blood type A suckles colostrum from a mother with blood type B or vice versa. This can lead the kitten to develop a condition known as neonatal isoerythrolysis. Because the immunity of the mother against type A blood is present in her colostrum, the antigen is ingested by the kitten when it nurses, and it is then absorbed into its bloodstream through the process of ingestion.
Because of the immune reaction that was triggered, the kitten developed antibodies that attacked and destroyed its red blood cells. As a direct consequence of this, affected kittens almost always pass away within a few days after their birth. Although NI can occur in any breed of cat, it is more frequently observed in breeds that have a greater propensity to have type B blood, such as your British Shorthair.
Parasites
Your Brit is susceptible to infestation by parasitic worms and pests both within and externally. Her skin and ears are vulnerable to parasites including fleas, ticks, and ear mites. Her body can be infected with hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms via a variety of sources, including ingesting contaminated water, stepping on infected soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito.
The fact that some of these parasites can be passed on to you or your loved ones is cause for grave alarm. These parasites can cause serious illness or even death in your feline pet, so regular testing is essential. It is recommended to bring a recent stool sample for examination, as many parasites can be identified through a fecal exam.
Final Thoughts On British Shorthair Cats Lifespan
British Shorthair cats often live between 14 and 20 years of age, as previously mentioned. For as long as possible, we must ensure its health. The majority of what you can do for your cat’s well-being at home is really obvious, the same as it is for humans. Keep an eye on what she eats, make sure she gets ample exercise, brush her teeth and coat frequently, and get in touch with us or a pet emergency hospital if anything seems off. In addition, it is important to vaccinate and take your pet to the vet for regular examinations as recommended.
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