1. Veterinary care
Register with a local vet early. Keep vaccines, worming, and check-ups on schedule. When something feels wrong, call the vet first - not the internet.
Elyssian British Shorthair
Health & Care
Simple, practical guidance for keeping your British Shorthair well — from our cattery standards to your kitten’s first weeks at home. This is general advice, not a substitute for your vet.
At a glance
Three things that matter most
2. Calm routines
British Shorthairs settle best with quiet spaces, regular meals, clean litter, and short, gentle play. Consistency builds confidence.
3. Everyday care
Brush often enough to keep the dense coat tidy, offer fresh water, watch weight, and use scratching posts so claws stay healthy.
Our standards
How we care for cats here
We plan litters carefully, work with veterinary advice, and share real paperwork with serious enquirers. We do not make unverified "disease-free" claims.
- Intentional litter planning - never overburdening queens
- Routine veterinary care for adults and kittens
- Honest screening records available on request
- Gentle handling, clean spaces, and calm socialisation
At handover
What every kitten typically leaves with
Exact inclusions can vary by litter and age. In simple terms, families usually receive everything needed for a smooth first few days:
- Health paperwork - vaccination record and any parasite prevention already given
- Starter food - a supply of the food the kitten already knows
- Care notes - feeding amounts, litter type, and settling tips in writing
- Contact support - how to reach us with non-emergency settling questions
At home
Simple care for every day
Follow these basics and your kitten will usually settle well. Small, steady habits matter more than complicated routines.
Feeding
Keep the same food for several days after arrival. Change diets slowly if needed. Always leave fresh water out. British Shorthairs can gain weight easily - measure portions.
Litter & sleep
Most kittens arrive litter-trained. Use a quiet tray location, scoop daily, and avoid sudden litter changes. Offer a soft bed and a safe hiding place.
Coat & play
Brush a few times a week (more when shedding). Use wand toys instead of hands. Short play sessions keep muscles active without overstimulating a new kitten.
First week
Settling in, step by step
New homes can feel big. Keep the first days calm and predictable.
- Day 1–2: One quiet room, litter, food, water, and rest. Let the kitten explore at its own pace.
- Day 3–5: Short handling sessions, gentle play, and meeting household members one at a time.
- Day 6–7: Slowly open more rooms if the kitten is eating, using the litter tray, and resting well.
- Anytime: Book a settling check with your vet if you have not already.
When to call the vet
Contact your veterinary practice promptly if you notice any of the following. Do not wait for a "perfect" answer online - early advice is kinder.
- Not eating or drinking for more than a short period
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, or straining in the litter tray
- Breathing that looks hard or noisy
- Sudden limp, swelling, or obvious pain
- Very low energy, hiding constantly, or unusual behaviour
- Eye, ear, or skin discharge that looks infected
For settling questions (food brands, litter type, shy behaviour), you are welcome to contact us. For medical concerns, your vet always comes first.
Lifelong support
We stay available for breed guidance and practical settling help after placement. Healthy cats need ongoing care - annual checks, parasite prevention as advised, a balanced diet, and a safe indoor environment.
Quick answers
Health & care FAQs
Not usually. They need regular brushing, measured meals, clean litter, and daily play - but they are not a high-energy breed. Consistency matters more than complicated routines.
A few times a week is typical. Increase brushing when the coat sheds more. Keep sessions short and positive so grooming stays pleasant.
No responsible breeder can promise that. We focus on careful breeding, veterinary partnership, and honest records. Ask for documentation that actually exists, and register with your own vet after collection.
A quiet settling room, litter tray, food and water bowls, a carrier, bedding, a scratching post, and toys. Secure windows and remove toxic plants. See the full checklist on the kitten care page.
Grooming
Brushing a British Shorthair coat
A practical look at deshedding tools on a British Shorthair's dense coat. Choose gentle tools and keep sessions short and positive.
Care guide
British Shorthair kitten care tips
Grooming, litter, nails, and everyday hygiene tips for British Shorthair kittens. Always follow your own vet's advice.