British black cat: description, characteristics, features and reviews

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Cats are popular pets. They are found all over the world, and the number of breeds has long exceeded 500. The British Fold cat is widely known on the American continent and in Europe. These are beautiful graceful animals with ashen, chocolate and black coat colors.

History of the breed

The British Fold is one of the oldest breeds. In the form in which we currently know, it was bred back in the 19th century, when a Persian was crossed with an English domestic cat. The roots of this breed go deep into antiquity, to the period of the reign of Emperor Claudius.

Together with the legionnaires, cats went to Britain on ships, which successfully went ashore and began to explore new places. It was these representatives, the descendants of the Roman breed, who became the progenitors of the British Fold cat.

For a long time this breed was widely known in Europe, and was brought to Russia relatively recently. The black color of British cats appeareddue to the fact that the British believe that it is this color of a pet that brings happiness and good luck to the house.

Description

The head of a British cat or cat should be wide and rounded, the correct shape. The ears are set wide apart, of medium size, slightly lowered. The tips are rounded, and the outer part is densely covered with wool. The nose of these animals is small, short and wide. British cats of black color have large round eyes of a golden hue. On the muzzle, they are placed quite far from the nose, which gives the head an even more impressive look.

The body of British cats and cats is strong, muscular, with well-developed wide bones. The legs are short and strong, the tail is thick, has an average length and tapers towards the end. Full maturation and the final formation of the body falls on the 4th-5th year of life, despite the fact that the kittens grow and get stronger very quickly. Their weight at this age reaches 6-8 kg in males, 1.5-2 kg less in females.

Wool

British black cat must have an even coat color. No inclusions, transitions or shades are allowed. The undercoat should also match the color and not differ from the main color. There are about 30 color varieties in the breed.

Wool can be long, in which case it is thick and requires much more attention and care from the owners. Special shampoos and brushes are used for combing. A black British Shorthair cat or an animal of any other color also refers to representatives of the purebreed.

Character

For those who like to play, stroke and cuddle their pet, the British breed is hardly suitable. These cats and cats are famous for their love to show off, but do not like to be touched. They adapt quickly to a new environment and will be affectionate and playful with those who love and care for them. At the same time, if possible, they will hide from guests and new people and avoid contact in every possible way.

British black cat or cat will never be bored alone. They are self-sufficient and have a great time with themselves. Therefore, this particular breed is well suited for busy people and businessmen who spend a minimum of time at home.

Care

The British black cat is one of the most unpretentious breeds among this species. First of all, what you need to pay attention to is wool. To comb out the undercoat, special brushes and trimmers are purchased. The process is carried out weekly, if necessary, 2-3 times in 7-10 days. Especially during the molting season.

Also, during the annual renewal of wool, cats actively lick themselves, and clumps of hairs gather in their stomach. In order to prevent intestinal obstruction, it is necessary to give special pastes, tablets or food that naturally dissolve the hair in the pet's body.

The sharp and long claws of the British cat can cause the most damage to furniture. To protect household utensils, it is necessary to install several"scratch". These can be special posts with a thick rope wrapped around them, which can be purchased at a pet store, or beautiful logs from cut down trees. It is also necessary to regularly trim the claws and treat them with preventive products, as this breed is prone to fungal diseases.

He alth

The British Fold cat (black or any other color) has inherited good he alth and immunity from its ancestors. But there are several diseases that can occur in this breed. First of all, professional breeders and experts recommend monitoring the condition of the pet's heart.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy manifests itself in adult representatives and is not subject to treatment, therefore, in order to prevent such an ailment, it is necessary to conduct ultrasound of the heart regularly, at least once a year. Start this procedure from an early age of a cat or cat.

Also, the British black cat is prone to dental diseases. Therefore, the oral cavity must be monitored constantly. If periodontal disease is not noticed in time, then subsequently a pet can lose up to 30-35% of teeth. Regular cleanings, stone removal and veterinary checks will help prevent this.

In order for the British to always feel good, it is necessary to properly care for them, select a special diet and regularly visit specialized clinics for examination. It is preferable that a cat or a cat throughout his life was observed by one doctor who will be aware of allailments and characteristics of your pet.

Feeding

In nutrition, British cats and cats are not picky and will eat almost everything that is offered to them. Therefore, it is necessary to make the right diet and feed your pet with natural and high-quality food in order for him to be he althy, beautiful and active. Many mistakenly believe that there is nothing better for cats than fish. Such a diet will not bring the necessary nutrients and vitamins to the animal's body.

There are a large number of types of food available in pet stores, both dry and wet. Some companies develop a special balanced diet designed only for this breed. Preference should be given to more expensive products, they contain more natural meat, fresh vegetables and nutrients.

If you are a supporter of natural products, you need to prepare your daily portions yourself. A cat or a cat should receive with food the necessary proteins from meat, natural fiber from vegetables and herbs, you can also sometimes add eggs and dairy products. From time to time, a pet needs to buy vitamins, which, after examination, can be recommended by a veterinarian. Also, fresh water should always be freely available in the house.

How to choose the right kitten

Ash, black, black and white British cats or any other color stand out for their attractive appearance. To get a he althy kitten, you must first make sure of the good qualitiesparents. This is verified with the help of a passport and a pedigree. Experts recommend taking babies only in proven nurseries.

First of all, except for the passport and pedigree, the kitten must have all the signs of the breed. Next, you need to pay attention to the activity and playfulness of the baby. If lethargy appears, then there is a possibility of infection or illness. The condition of the ears and eyes should also be normal.