Food & Care
Food
My cats have unlimited access to their food 24/7.
My cats are fed Royal Canin dryfood.
Kittens grow up with Royal Canin kitten dryfood.
I advise people to give their cat some wet food every now and then. No unhealthy wet food from the supermarket!
Cans of Cosma Nature or Almo Nature are tasty and great for your cat. The moisture in it contributes to a better digestion and healthier kidneys!
Coat care
The coat of the British Shorthair is short, dense and upright. Due to its density, the coat does not lie tightly on the body, but it's nicely placed away from the body. This thick undercoat requires some care. Make some time for it, every other week.
There are many types of combs and brushes on the market. Pay good attention to what you buy and use, because not all combs or brushes are good for your cat's coat.
The comb most commonly used by groomers is a simple metal comb.
A Dutch explanation on which comb/brush to use for your cat:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaTPyQ0Htu
I use a stainless steel comb for my cats, one likes this:
https://www.amazon.com/SUMCOO-Stainless-Shedding-Grooming-Different/dp/B01H8LHNBW/ref=zg_bs_2975272011_17?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RM0KHX2CHFY11GAB9P3J
Disclaimer: never use a furminator!! This kind of brushes really ruin the coat and skin of your British Shorthair!
Water bowl or drinking fountain?
Cats are bad drinkers.
As an owner we often put a bowl with dry food and a bowl with water next to each other. However, if you pay attention to the behavior of a cat, you will notice that the cat does not like his water close to his food at all. You'll notice that the cat drinks more if there are multiple water bowls in different places in the house, and especially in places along their walking routes. What most cats prefer over a water bowl, is drinking from the tab!
And that is why special drinking fountains for cats (/ and dogs) have come onto the market
Make sure you use ceramic bowls / fountains for your cat (not plastic ones!).
Plastic items contain more bacteria, which increases the risk of feline acne (black dots on the cats' chin).
Playing
Kittens play a lot and also by themselves. They are busy little ones. But as your cat gets a little older, you will notice that your cat is not so busy anymore. This doesn't mean that your cat requires less attention from you.
Even though you have a busy life, your cat also needs some one-on-one time with you every day. Playing is therefore an important part. It is not natural for a cat to chase a toy for 30 minutes non-stop.. It is better to spread those 30 minutes throughout the day.
Playing is not only fun, it also helps against obesity, aggression and distraction.
Popular cat toys are spring toys, cat danglers, crackling balls and of course the laser light!
Vitamins
As an extra supplement, you can give your cat some vitamin paste.
I give my cats some vitamine paste from GimCat, once or twice a week.
Another thing you can give so now and then is L-lysine, which supports the immune system.
Ofcourse a good health is not based on the supplements that you give your cat. It all starts with healthy food and a balanced diet. If you give wetfood for example, don't give just tuna. Try to switch everyday between chicken, tuna, meat, fish.. this way your cat gets enough nutrients. This will show in his health, coat and also teeth.