The British Shorthair is a bit of a contradiction. With their cuddly appearance, round faces and thick plush fur, cats of this breed look as if they were made to be picked up and hugged. They’re also fairly sociable and amiable, readily becoming attached to their special humans and happy to spend time with them. Yet this breed rarely produces an out-and-out lap cat. The British Shorthair is cordial but reserved, offering affection in an independent way. For me, their independence has always been part of their charm but some owners may find it frustrating. If you want a clingy animal who fawns on you and constantly craves hugs and affection, the British Shorthair is not for you. Later in this article, we’ll mention some other breeds who can complement her reserved personality with their more demonstrative ones.
Do British Shorthairs like to be picked up? As a general rule, no. They like to be close to you but prefer not to be dragged around like a stuffed animal. They’ll often trot at your heels as you walk around and sit nearby when you’re doing something but they usually won’t jump into your lap. Picking up and holding your British Shorthair may take her outside of her comfort zone, leaving you feeling rejected and her feeling unsettled. Keep pick-ups and hugs brief, and get used to the ways this breed prefers to show affection.
As a caring cat owner, you probably have a number of questions. This page is here to help you find the answers you’re looking for. How can you persuade your British Shorthair to let you pick her up? If you can’t pick her up and snuggle her, how do you and she show each other affection? When you need to lift your cat, how can you do it safely and without injury to either of you? For the answers to these and other questions, please keep reading. We’ve got the inside scoop on your British Shorthair.
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The ups and downs of lifting your British Shorthair
Do British Shorthair cats like to be picked up? There are certainly exceptions who do, I’ve known one or two who were quite happy to be scooped up and cradled like a giant furry baby for as long as their owners’ arms could take the strain. They definitely were exceptions, however. The typical British Shorthair is decidedly reluctant to be lifted up and doesn’t enjoy long spells of being held in your arms like some cats. If you pick her up and place her on your lap, the average British Shorthair won’t curl up and purr – she’ll simply jump down and walk off. On the whole, they’re not a touchy-feely breed, preferring a hands-off approach to showing affection. They do like petting, in moderation, and will even permit that greatest liberty of all: the fabled tummy-rub. Snatching your British Shorthair off the ground for an extended round of snuggling is probably going to end up with her wriggling out of your arms and making a bolt for the nearest inaccessible spot, where she will sit and groom herself while shooting you filthy looks. If you persist and make a regular habit of transgressing her firm feline boundaries, you may succeed in thoroughly alienating her. Your British Shorthair cat is an intelligent beast and learns from experience. If the sight of a particular human has previously heralded an extended round of undignified forced cuddles, she will remember this and start avoiding that nuisance of a human in future. This breed is renowned for being loyal and patient but everyone has their limits. Once you’ve convinced a British Shorthair that you’re a wrong’un, it can be surprisingly difficult to get back into her good graces. Just because they look like teddy bears, you shouldn’t mistake your British Shorthair for a plushy. If she decides to climb into your lap under her own steam then you might try helping her up there again in future; you should always let your cat set the pace of an encounter, however. She has her boundaries just like you, and if you positively insist on transgressing them you will create friction between yourself and your cat. This breed is actually very loving and devoted, they simply prefer more subtle demonstrations of their deep affection. Learning to treat your British Shorthair with respect is an important part of being a loving and responsible cat owner. Your cat doesn’t want a difficult, fractious relationship any more than you do; give her the space she needs and let her come to you. [sc name=”CAT SHOP SELEDIN”]Do British Shorthair Cats Meow a lot when they are picked up?
British shorthair cats’ meowing behavior analyzed: While British Shorthair cats are known for their calm and reserved nature, their meowing habits vary. When picked up, some may meow frequently, expressing discomfort or unease, while others may remain silent. Factors like individual personality, comfort level, and previous experiences play a role in their vocalizations. Understanding and respecting their communication cues is crucial in ensuring their well-being.
