Here’s a sample meal plan for a British Shorthair kitten:
| Status | What to feed | How to feed |
| Infant (Under 3 weeks) | Formula milk (if mother’s milk is not av ... | Feed 10–14 millilitres every 3–5 hours |
| During weaning (3–9 weeks) | Gruel (mixture of formula and wet food) ... | Feed 14–20 grams every 4–6 hours |
| On solids (10 weeks and up) | Wet food | Feed 40–80 grams every 6–8 hours |
What is the best cat food for a British Shorthair?
Instinct’s Original Real Chicken Cat Food is probably the most well-suited choice of cat food for a British shorthair. This recipe is over 81% natural animal ingredients and oils, including real chicken meat in both raw and processed form. The remaining 19% contains wholesome fruits and vegetables, which are a source of vitamins and minerals.
What does a British Shorthair kitten need to grow?
For its first full year, your British Shorthair kitten needs a greater amount of high-quality protein for growth than it will require in adulthood. At least 40 percent of a kitten's diet should be protein. Select a kitten or feline growth formula designed to meet this extra need.
Can British Shorthairs eat Tiki cat’s food?
We think that British Shorthairs can benefit from eating this food. This food contains very natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals. It’s high in moisture, protein, and fat, like food that your British Shorthair would catch as prey. Tiki Cat’s foods mimic live prey to a great extent and are biologically appropriate for cats.
Can British Shorthair cats eat duck and chicken?
Although duck and chicken aren’t quite the same as the small birds that cats would eat in the wild, and rabbit is not precisely the same as vole, they are similar enough to make a reasonable substitute. With pet foods, especially foods for your British Shorthair cat, it’s important to read the small print.
What should British Shorthair cats eat?
Since the British Shorthair are muscular, so their food must be high in protein and very moderate when it comes to fat. Therefore, they should eat meat – either cooked or raw, in order to grow strong and healthy. Moreover, their food should be low in carbohydrates so it is recommended to avoid potato-based meals.
How often should I feed my British Shorthair kitten?
How much should a British Shorthair kitten eat? In short, as much as she wants whenever she wants. You should be feeding her between three and five small meals per day (around half a pouch of wet food per meal).
Can British Shorthair drink milk?
What is this? British Shorthair cats, in particular, tend to lack the necessary enzyme altogether and absolutely should not drink milk. They are highly prone to lactose intolerance and will almost certainly suffer digestive issues if they consume dairy in any form.
What do you need for a British Shorthair kitten?
2:264:42British Shorthair Cat - CHARACTERISTICS and CAREYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't forget that your british short hair will need some basic elements in the home to keep themMoreDon't forget that your british short hair will need some basic elements in the home to keep them happy such as a comfortable sleeping bed toys accessories places in the home to hide.
What kind of food is best for kittens?
8 Foods to Feed Your Kitten in Her First YearHer Primary Kitten Food. Your kitten should be eating a good quality kitten food or a food labeled for all feline life stages. ... Canned Cat Foods. ... Scrambled Eggs. ... Fresh and Salt Water Fish. ... Cooked Meats. ... Salad Greens. ... Squash and Pumpkin. ... Cat Grass.More items...•
Do you bathe British Shorthair?
When your British Shorthair needs to be bathed, use a pet-safe shampoo as directed on the bottle. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any trace of soap from her fur. What is this? Do not use detergent or soaps and shampoos made for humans — they may contain ingredients that can harm your pet.
What can kittens drink?
Despite all the cute pictures of kittens drinking milk out of a saucer, kittens should only drink their mother's milk. "Some kittens (and adult cats) are lactose-intolerant and get sick when fed cow's milk and other dairy products," says Drew Weigner, DVM, board-certified feline specialist.
What kind of milk do you give kittens?
The short answer: The only milk that is healthy for kittens to drink is either their mother's, or they will need a kitten milk replacer, which can also be called KMR or kitten milk formula.
What can cats drink?
Cats should only really drink one thing to stay hydrated - water. Despite popular belief, milk is not good for cats and it's best to steer clear of dairy.
Do British Shorthairs meow a lot?
Some cats are very quiet, while others are what we call “talkers” — they meow a lot and are generally very vocal and communicative. Do British Shorthair cats meow a lot? Yes, in general. You do find the odd quiet British Shorthair but this breed is rather notorious for being talkative.
Do British Shorthair cats sleep at night?
Usually, our British Shorthair will find a place that they love to sleep, which will become their main nighttime bed down spot. However, sometimes they like to explore and find out what other options are out there for them to sleep. Sometimes they like to sleep in a spot because it is safe.
Can British Shorthairs be indoor cats?
British Shorthairs are easy-going and placid. They'll form strong bonds with their pet parents. If kept outside, they aren't likely to roam far. They're suited to being kept as an indoor cat but make sure they have plenty of toys to keep them occupied.
How much food should my British Shorthair eat?
Typically, BSHs have a daily need of 44–53 calories per kilogramme of their body weight. On average, this breed does well on a 180–230 calorie diet per day, distributed over two to five small meals.
How much wet food should I feed my kitten?
Feed your kitten three pouches of kitten wet food per day or in a mixed diet, only two pouches and twenty to twenty-five grams of kitten dry food.
How much should a 4 month old British Shorthair weight?
British Shorthair Weight ChartAgeMaleFemale3 Months1.8 kg – 3.9 lbs1.4 kg – 3 lbs4 Months2.1 kg – 4.6 lbs1.9 kg – 4.1 lbs5 Months2.5 kg – 5.5 lbs2.3 kg – 5.0 lbs6 Months2.7 kg – 5.9 lbs2.5 kg – 5.5 lbs7 more rows
How much should I feed my cat chart?
Cat Dry Food Feeding Chart0-5 lbs15-20 lbsKittensless than 1 oz per dayup to 3 oz per dayCat (Adult, Lean)up to 1 oz per dayup to 4 oz per dayCat (Adult, Heavy)up to 1 oz per dayup to 4 oz per dayMay 11, 2021
What is the best food for a kitten?
For kittens, the most optimal food is high in protein, very low in carbohydrates and containing a moderate amount of fat. A good-quality grain-free food without “stuffed” carbohydrates. Your kitten needs to eat a lot at this age but only has a small stomach; food needs to be provided in small, frequent portions.
How many cans of British Shorthair Kitten?
Ideal for your British Shorthair kitten. A wide range of flavours and packed with nutrition – it’s also a great choice for adult cats. You can get packs of 24 or 30 cans, so 2 boxes will do for a month (2 cans a day). Check Price on Amazon.
What is the best meat for cats?
Again, there’s a lot of debate over the best meat to give cats and kittens. Most cat fanciers I know favour rabbit and poultry as the main staples for their cats and kittens. These are the closest meats to a cat’s natural prey that you’re likely to find in pet foods: 1 Rabbits aren’t the same as rats or mice but they are close enough in terms of physiology 2 Chicken and duck are a reasonable facsimile of the smaller birds they might hunt in the wild. 3 Lamb is okay (it is fatty and high in calories but that’s not really a problem when your kitten is still growing). 4 Beef should be given in moderation as it can sometimes provoke stomach problems if your kitten eats too much of it. 5 You should also keep fish to a minimum. Fish might seem like a great choice for cats, especially since they generally enjoy it. Unfortunately, it isn’t as healthy as you might think. These days, fish is often high in mercury. 6 Raw fish, in particular, is a bad choice, since it can break down thiamine in a cat’s system. It’s okay for your kitten to have fish occasionally and in small amounts but don’t make it the mainstay of her diet.
Why is premium cat food important?
In premium cat foods, the amount of digestible protein is usually higher. Your kitten needs plenty of high-quality protein to build a strong, healthy body. This is a crucial period in your kitten’s development with long-term consequences for her future health and well-being.
What to look for in a British shorthair?
The most important things to look out for are quality (don’t just feed your British Shorthair any old trash) and the amount of transparency in the labelling. If it contains any grain, potato, starch etc., reject it. Reject any food containing artificial ingredients.
Do British shorthairs live long?
British Shorthairs live long, healthy lives so you’re guaranteed many years of happy companionship, and are very easy to care for. Whether you’re considering a new British Shorthair kitten or have recently acquired one, you’ll be keen to give your new friend the very best start in life that you can. What Is The Best Food For British Shorthair ...
Can kittens eat dog food?
Avoid letting your kitten eat food for other animals – dog food is less expensive than cat food precisely because it leans heavily on vegetable material, including the grains and starches that your kitten should not be eating. You must also try to avoid letting her eat food meant for people.
How much protein should I feed my British Shorthair kitten?
For its first full year, your British Shorthair kitten needs a greater amount of high-quality protein for growth than it will require in adulthood. At least 40 percent of a kitten's diet should be protein. Select a kitten or feline growth formula designed to meet this extra need. Follow the feeding guidelines on the package, adjusting the portions as needed. Or, make sure to ask your breeder for feeding instructions. In general, you should let growing kittens eat as much as they seem to want.
How do I lose weight as a cat?
If your cats are overweight, they will most likely start to lose weight on a raw diet. Cats will overeat when fed an improper diet, trying to make up for the nutritional deficiencies in the food. Usually they won't overeat when fed a species-appropriate raw diet, as the diet is satisfying to them. They don't feel hungry all the time. Cats that used to wake you up in the middle of the night for food, acting as if they are starving, start sleeping right through the night. The increase in energy they have will also help them burn off more calories.
What happens when cats switch to raw food?
Couch potatoes start running around and playing! Through a species-appropriate raw diet, cats are getting more readily available energy from their food.
What does it mean when a cat's coat is softer?
After a few weeks on a raw diet, people notice that their cat's coat has gotten softer and silkier. Cats require unsaturated fatty acids,omega-6 and omega-3, in their diets. These need to be from animal sources, as cats have a limited ability to make these acids from plant derived precursors. These essential fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coats, reducing shedding and thus the incidence of hairballs.
Do cats eat meat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, they must eat meat. Their digestive systems are adapted specifically for a meat based diet. A cat's digestive tract is short and acidic, and processes a species-appropriate raw diet highly efficiently in about 12 hours. This gives very little time for bacteria to proliferate, so cats are naturally resistant to food poisoning.
What is the best food for a shorthaired cat?
Poultry and rabbit are generally agreed to be superior choices for the British Shorthair. Find a brand that includes taurine ( Royal Canin Pro), since cats need these in their diets – taurine deficiency can damage a cat’s eyesight.
How many meals should a British Shorthair cat eat?
Once she’s safely past the one-year mark, two meals should be sufficient. Bear in mind that this is just a rough guideline, some cats will want more, some cats less. You should also remember that the British Shorthair is a slow-growing cats need plenty of attention from their humans to be happy.
How old should a British shorthair kitten be?
By the time a British Shorthair kitten comes to you, she should be at least 12 weeks old and fully able to enjoy the same kinds of foods as an adult cat.
What to do if your shorthair goes without eating?
If your young British Shorthair goes for more than a day without eating you should seek medical advice, especially if she’s not drinking either. If your kitten is only eating a small amount of her food, it could just be that’s all she’s got the room for.
Can you give a British shorthair kitten milk?
There are several foods that you should avoid giving your British Shorthair, both now and when she grows up. Milk is the biggest no-no. Giving a kitten a saucer of milk might seem the most natural thing in the world but it’s very bad for this breed. A reputable breeder won’t part with a kitten until 12 weeks or older.
Can you feed a British shorthair cat from the plate?
In general, avoid giving “people food” to your British Shorthair as many common foods are very bad for cats; if you feed her from your plate you’ll also get her into the habit of begging for scraps, which can be a problem if she runs to fat later in life.
Can you feed a kitten grain?
As previously mentioned, don’t give her cat foods containing grain or potato. You should also avoid feeding her too much beef or fish; beef can provoke allergies in cats while fish can be high in mercury. Raw fish may destroy thiamine in the kitten’s system.
How Much To Feed British Shorthair?
British Shorthair does love to eat that depends on its size, level of activity, and type of food. Research suggests that for an average adult British Shorthair, roughly 250-300 calories per day, are ideal.
British Shorthair Diet: What Should You Feed?
British Shorthairs are not picky eaters. Therefore, you can give both wet or a dry cat food diet, and they will be satisfied with any.
Best Cat Foods You can Buy For Your British Shorthair
It is also better to buy and feed professional packaged or canned food for your British Shorthair because it offers guaranteed nutrition, digestibility, safety, and convenience. I have made a table below and tried our best to mention the best cost-effective cat foods you can feed your shorthairs with highlighted features of each.
Additional Things You Need To Know About British Shorthair
Your British Shorthairs’ good health does depend on the quantity and quality of food you feed. Moreover, it also depends on its eating habits and preferences. So, proper management is necessary as well instead of just serving whatever to your shorthair.
Your British Shorthair Diet Plan
It is better to establish an appropriate diet plan for your shorthair to be healthier and stick with it until the need for change. British Shorthairs are meat eaters, and their stomachs can only digest small amounts of carbohydrates. So, it is necessary to feed your shorthair a diet that is high in animal-based protein.
Meal, Free, and Combination Feeding: Which is The Best Method?
Meal feeding means you are only providing both canned or dry foods to your British Shorthair at only specific times during the day. This way, you can closely monitor your shorthair food intake, and it will be easy to change their diet nutrition as their preference.
What Not To Feed British Shorthair?
Though British Shorthairs love to eat different food, many foods are toxic to them. That causes some serious health problems and even shortening their lives. Here is a list of foods which British Shorthair should not eat:
How much protein should I feed my cat?
Many good quality cat foods will have a much higher percentage of protein. In the wild or living as a feral, a cat would eat 50-60 percent protein in their diet and around 25 percent fat, from catching live food. We have suggested some foods for adult British Shorthairs that approach these figures. We think these foods are suitable for active young adult British Shorthairs.
Why does my British Shorthair cat scratch?
British Shorthairs, like other cats, can also develop skin irritations due to food allergies. The allergy can make them itch, which leads to scratching, which makes the skin raw. Next thing you know, you have irritated skin which can get infected. If your cat does have this kind of skin allergy, it’s a good idea to see your veterinarian. You may need to work through food trials and an elimination diet to identify the ingredients that your cat is allergic to.
What breed of cat was introduced in the 1970s?
By the 1970s the British Shorthair was finally in good shape once again and had been accepted by most cat registries around the world.
What supplements can I give my cat for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Cats with this condition can also benefit from the addition of some supplements, such as taurine and carnitine, among others.
Why do cats eat so much?
Cats simply eat more food than they can use up with their energy requirements. This can be caused by overfeeding, by leaving down food for free feeding at all times, by feeding high-calorie foods, and by giving high-calorie treats, along with lack of exercise.
How do I lose weight as a cat?
If your cat needs to watch his weight, look for a good quality food that is high in protein with slightly less fat than usual. Don’t try to make your cat lose a lot of weight quickly. Instead, feed a nutritious food and control his portions . He should lose weight slowly, at a healthy rate. There are few things worse than a cat that thinks he’s starving! He will make your life miserable. If your cat needs to lose a lot of weight, talk to your veterinarian and make a plan for healthy weight loss.
When did Persian cats become popular?
The breed had a surge in popularity but by the 1890s Persians and other longhaired cats, newly brought from the East, had replaced them in the public’s affections. British Shorthairs experienced hard times as breeders experimented with crossing them with longhaired cats and the natural appearance of the breed changed.
What is the best cat food for a British shorthair cat?
Instinct’s Original Real Chicken Cat Food is probably the most well-suited choice of cat food for a British shorthair. This recipe is over 81% natural animal ingredients and oils, including real chicken meat in both raw and processed form.
How much should a British shorthair kitten eat?
A British shorthair kitten should be fed around 3 to 5 small meals a day, while an adult or senior British shorthair requires 2 to 3 meals a day. You should discuss your cat’s caloric requirements with your vet for the most accurate estimate.
How does a British shorthair cat become a senior?
Once they become an adult, their overall caloric requirement increases, but the total number of times they eat in a day decrease. And when the shorthair becomes a senior cat, their caloric requirement decreases while the number of meals remains the same . However, older cats need more protein, fewer carbs, and preferably zero grains as their digestive system and activity slow.
What is the diet of shorthair?
A shorthair may need a limited ingredient diet or one with no grains, wheat, soy, and corn, depending on how sensitive they are . Moreover, their diet should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
How long does it take for a British shorthair cat to mature?
However, these cats do become sexually mature around 6 to 12 months after birth.
What is the best fat for a shorthair cat?
A British Shorthair needs a minimum of 15-20% fat content comprising various omega fatty acid s for optimum health.
What happens if you let a British shorthair loose?
If you let a British Shorthair loose, they’ll probably eat everything in sight and reach. However, there are certain food items and ingredients that you should avoid when feeding these cats. Here is a list of those ingredients and food items:
Our Top Picks For The Best Cat Food For British Shorthairs
The following foods tick all the basic boxes of excellent cat food. They’re rich in animal-sourced protein, have plenty of moisture, keep carbohydrates to a minimum, and are free of artificial ingredients and other additives that might harm your cat over time. And rest assured—none of them contain soy protein or other soy-based ingredients.
Dry Matter Basis
Compared to dry food or a more calorie-dense wet food, this brothy product allows your cat to eat a lot without taking in a lot of calories.
Mallory Crusta
Mallory Crusta is a blogger and adventurecat enthusiast who brings you the facts about cat products, wellness, and care. She's the co-founder of Wildernesscat, a resource for savvy cat guardians who want to give their felines richer, healthier lives.
