British Shorthairs are strong cats with few health problems. The large gene pool available in establishing this breed and careful, informed breeding practices have helped insure this. In the late 1970s, hemophilia was found in a litter of British Shorthair kittens. Responsible breeders contacted Dr. Jean Dodds, an expert on feline blood disorders, and by testing all suspected cats and altering all cats involved and carriers, they were able to eliminate it from any further generations. By testing, being informed and planning breedings accordingly, breeders experience very few problems with the blood types.
British kittens are large and vigorous at birth.
Litters average 4-5 kittens with the queens giving birth easily. Mothers are loving and attentive but still willing to spend time with their humans while the kittens are young. Eyes usually open in less than a week and kittens show interest in solid foods as early as 3 weeks. The kittens are very attached to mom and will continue to seek her out for love and food as long as allowed. Other British in the household eagerly help with the kittens.