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British Shorthair cat insurance
Discover why British Shorthair cats make great pets and why pet insurance is a smart way to protect their health.
British Shorthair cat breed overview
British Shorthair cats are one of the most beloved and easygoing breeds in the UK. With their plush coats, round faces, and calm nature, British Shorthairs make ideal companions for families. They’re independent yet affectionate, and their laid-back personality makes them great to live with.
British Shorthair key facts
Lifespan
14 to 20 years.
Size
30 to 35 cm.
Weight
3.5 to 8 kg.
Coat
Brush weekly.
Grooming
Groom weekly.
Temperament
Easygoing, loyal and independent.
Learn more about British Shorthairs
They have dense coats
Their dense fur gives them a teddy bear-like appearance. It's good to brush them often to keep their coat healthy during shedding season.
They are easy going
British Shorthairs are calm and quiet, making them great for relaxed homes. They’re loving but not clingy. They often enjoy lounging close by without needing attention.
They are slow to mature
British Shorthairs take time to grow and usually reach full size by around 3 years old. They stay playful and kitten-like for much longer than other breeds.
Common health conditions in British Shorthair cats
British Shorthair cats can live long and happy lives, but they are prone to several health conditions. Here are six to be aware of:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
A heart condition where the walls of the heart thicken, making it harder to pump blood. It can lead to fatigue, breathing issues, or sudden collapse. Regular vet checkups are key to early detection.
Polycystic kidney disease
An inherited condition where cysts develop in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney failure. Symptoms include increased thirst and weight loss. While there’s no cure, early diagnosis and diet changes can slow the progression of the disease.
Feline aortic thromboembolism
A serious condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the back legs, causing pain or paralysis. It’s often linked to heart disease and needs emergency care.
Obesity
Obesity in cats is often caused by overeating and lack of exercise. Excess body fat can lead to diabetes, joint pain, and liver problems. Regular play and portion control can help keep cats at a healthy weight.
Respiratory issues
Some cats may develop breathing problems due to body shape or weight. Signs include noisy breathing or snoring. Keeping them fit helps reduce strain.
Cataracts
Cataracts in cats cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, which can blur vision and lead to difficulty seeing. This condition is more common in older cats and may be linked to injury, illness, or genetics.
Care tips for owners
Watch their weight
British Shorthairs are naturally stocky, but extra weight can lead to health issues. Feed measured portions and avoid too many treats.
Encourage gentle play
They’re not the most energetic cats, but they still need daily activity. Wand toys and short play sessions help keep them fit.
Brush their coat
Brush their coat once a week to remove loose fur and reduce shedding.
Check their eyes and ears
Their round faces can sometimes lead to tear staining. Wipe eyes gently and check ears for wax or dirt.
Trim nails regularly
Their nails grow quickly. Regular trims help prevent snags and scratches.
Visit the vet regularly
British Shorthairs are prone to a number of conditions. Routine checkups at the vet are important.
Why do you need cat insurance?
Cat insurance is there to cover your cat if they have an accident or illness and will cover the costs of the treatment needed, minus any excesses.
Some of the key reasons to buy cat insurance are:
Cost of vet fees
Vet fees can cost thousands of pounds depending on the type of treatment and the size and breed of your pet.
Peace of mind
Knowing that you are covered for what can be a large unexpected bill.
Lifetime cover
If you choose a lifetime policy, any illnesses or accidents insured will continue to be covered for the whole of your pet's life.
Why choose us?
Co-op Cat Insurance has great features to help your cat when they need it most.
Pay monthly at no extra cost
Your policy will cost the same overall whether you pay upfront or monthly.
Choose the cover for your pet
We offer lifetime and time limited policy types, each with a choice of cover levels.
Adoption discount
Get a 2.5% discount if your pet is adopted from a recognised animal charity or rescue centre. This introductory discount applies for the first year only and is subject to a minimum total price.
24/7 access to vets online
You can book a vet video consultation anytime through FirstVet without paying an excess, it affecting the cost of your insurance or counting as a claim.
Compare our cover types
Compare the difference between the two types of Co-op Cat Insurance.
|
Cover |
Lifetime |
Time limited |
|---|---|---|
Vet fee cover | up to £16,000 | up to £5,000 |
Lifetime cover for recurring illness
| Lifetime cover for recurring illness included | Lifetime cover for recurring illness excluded |
Dental treatment | Dental treatment included | Dental treatment included |
Third-party liability cover
| Third-party liability cover included | Third-party liability cover included |
Pay monthly at no extra cost | Pay monthly at no extra cost included | Pay monthly at no extra cost included |
Advertising and reward
| up to £2,500 | up to £1,000 |
Loss of pet
| up to £3,000 | up to £1,000 |
Lifetime
Vet fee cover
up to £16,000
Lifetime cover for recurring illness
for example if your pet is insured and you keep renewing, cancer treatment is covered for life
Dental treatment
Third-party liability cover
dogs only
Pay monthly at no extra cost
Advertising and reward
if your pet goes missing
up to £2,500
Loss of pet
due to theft or if they are lost
up to £3,000
Time limited
Vet fee cover
up to £5,000
Dental treatment
Third-party liability cover
dogs only
Pay monthly at no extra cost
Advertising and reward
if your pet goes missing
up to £1,000
Loss of pet
due to theft or if they are lost
up to £1,000
For more details on what is and isn't covered, read our policy documents.
