The British Shorthair is overall a rustic and healthy breed that can live for almost two decades if fed and cared for correctly.
Food
The female can weigh between 3.5 to 5 kg. The British male can weigh between 4 to 8 kg. Poor quality food contains a high amount of grain (carbohydrates) and is the one that can cause serious health problems for cats, including obesity, urinary problems, gingivitis, diabetes, etc.
The cat is 100% carnivorous and its "ideal" food should be a balanced diet composed mainly of animal protein. Felines do not need to eat carbohydrates (rice, soy, corn, etc). Commercial dry foods contain a high amount of carbohydrates (flours), low moisture, and chemical preservatives.
Physical Environment
Cats should not be declawed. Cats that are declawed often show unwanted side effects, including complications after the surgery, aggression, pain, problems with litter box use, inability to catch themselves when they slip, excessive biting, and the reduced ability to defend when in danger.
The cat should live inside the house. There are many risks and dangers if your cat goes free, such as risk of fights with other cats or dogs, being hit by a car, loss or theft, etc.
Vaccines
Core vaccines protect against diseases that are common, easily transmissible, have significant public health risks, and/or have high rates of mortality. Kattawa Lane cats are adopted with their complete 4 month-old vaccination plan. However, continued vaccination will need to be administered by a licensed vet after adoption.
Vaccines Administered at Adoption:
8 weeks - FVRCP*
12 weeks - FVRCP* + Leukemia
16 weeks - FVRCP* + Leukemia + RABIES
*FVRCP - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus/FHV-1), Calicivirus (FCV), Panleukopenia (FPV)
The FVRCP and rabies vaccines should be repeated every 12 months.
These are common diseases many other feline breeds. My adult cats are tested for:
PKD
HCM
FIV
VILEF
hip dysplasia
Signs of Feline Stress
The cat is a territorial animal and likes routine. If their territory or routine is disrupted, your cat could be susceptible to stress. Stress depresses the immune system and predisposes the cat to many diseases. These can be signs of stress in your cat:
Pee outside the litter box
Excessive grooming
Decreased appetite
Isolation
Aggressiveness