British kitten care. How to care for a British kitten and an adult cat? Optional but desirable accessories

Any breed or outbred, you need boundless attention, affection, and love from the owner. But when keeping little Britons, there are particularities and rules.

Care for British kittens aged 1-3 months, recommendations

When the kitten is still very small, and he is only a month old, his sleep makes up the bulk of the day. Approximately 15 to 20 hours.

A small British cat or kitty should eat 4-5 times a day.

Reference!

At 1.5 months, the Briton will begin to change the pattern of his coat. In particular, a small undercoat begins to appear in him, and the color becomes more saturated.

Eyes and ears

A feature of the care of the British is a mandatory examination of the eyes and ears. And, if necessary, their cleaning. And you should definitely do it once a week. They should be free of dirt, odors and.

British ears need to be cleaned with liquids prescribed by a veterinarian. If the pet is lop-eared, check it often.

Up to 5 months, the British have watery eyes. 5 months fully developed respiratory system, and before that, you can clean your eyes with a cotton pad soaked in water.

Attention!

Pets should always have clean water. The owner should keep an eye on this moment as closely as possible.

Kittens of this breed often accumulate discharge in the corners of the eyes. If they accumulate, then they need to be removed. You can do this with water or a special solution that you can easily buy at a pet store.

Soaked in paraffin or Vaseline cotton swab you need to clean both the ears and the nose when they become dirty. But no deeper than 1 cm.

Nail clipping

The following tools are common on the pet supply market.

Like regular scissors.
Like a guillotine. Cuts the nail vertically.

According to reviews, it is more convenient to use the first tool. You need to cut your nails with any of them without reaching the blood vessel.

Bathing a British kitten. Peculiarities

You don't have to do a "foam party" very often. Except for washing the paws or a dirty tail, you need to do it once every 2 months.

How to bathe the British?

As for everyone hygiene procedures(for example, cleaning the ears and eyes), bathing a British kitten must be taught with early childhood.

Which place to choose for swimming? To make the baby comfortable, and so that the owner does not “squirm”, you should not do this in the bathroom.

It is better, if possible, to use a sink that is at waist level.

You will need:

Shampoo for cats (shampoo for people and even more so for dogs is not suitable). Preferably based on herbs or seaweed.
Balm conditioner for wool.
Sponge or small towel to wash the kitten's face.
Large towel to dry the baby.
If the kitten has fleas, flea shampoo.

The best temperature for bathing a British kitten is 38-40 degrees. It is important that the baby is as comfortable as possible. Be sure to put the means for washing where the frightened animal will not get.

You should not start bathing abruptly. Moreover, you can not throw a pet into the water. This will forever discourage him from any desire for water procedures.
In no case should you hold an already frightened animal by the scruff of the neck. The owner should be gentle, calm. Only such an attitude will help the pet to be as calm as possible throughout the entire period of the hygiene procedure.
Should not be applied detergent on the face of the animal. It will be better to dampen a small towel or sponge in soapy water.
It is highly undesirable for liquid to get into the eyes and ears of a kitten. Before he takes a bath, it is recommended to drip eyes eye drops. Cats, of course. Not human.
Be sure to rinse properly (at least 3 times) the wool from the shampoo so that the kitten, God forbid, does not get poisoned.
Do not use ordinary soap for washing.
It is necessary to carry out the washing procedure at least 4 hours after eating.
If vaccination was carried out, you need to postpone washing for at least 2 weeks.

Hair care

The coat of the "British" consists of two levels: undercoat (dense short and plush) and outer hair (longer). Such hair needs special care.

In order for the coat to be healthy and shiny in the sun, it must receive all the vitamins, calcium, and trace elements with daily nutrition.

Two or three times a week you need to comb out your cat's hair with a special massage brush (it is also a slicker brush). This is also a wonderful massage, from which the British seals simply "dragging" - the removal of dead hair.

First, the cat is combed in the direction of hair growth, then against the hair. The cheeks and neck are combed out towards the muzzle (i.e. against the coat).

Attention!

The British are one of the few cats that enjoy combing the wrong way.

What must be at home?

What do you need to buy before the arrival of the Briton?

The dining area should be equipped with clean bowls for food and water. Which is better to take? Ideally, ceramic or metal. Do not take plastic. Because this material scratches very quickly. And dirt gets into the cracks, which is not easy to wipe off / wash out. This is an excellent breeding ground for various microbes.
Be sure to equip a tray for the toilet. For the first time, when the kitten is still very small, ideally it is better to take a tray with low sides so that it is easier for the baby to climb there. If we talk about what the filler should be, then it is better not to take a fine fraction. Creature cats are very squeamish. And they won't like stuffing that sticks to their paws and prevents them from going to the toilet normally.
Carrying. A very important accessory. It is also useful if the pet needs to visit a veterinarian for some reason, and for transportation from the nursery to and from the exhibition.
Scratching post. Cats, especially at the age of kittens, need such a procedure as daily sharpening of their claws. This accessory should also be bought because otherwise the furniture will suffer.
Toys. The development of the baby is very important. Both physical and psychological. The only advice is not to buy toys with a sharp, obviously chemical smell, with bright paint that easily peels off. Do not use as toys things that can harm the baby. For example, a Christmas "rain", foil, small things that a kitten can swallow.
Sleeping place. A small member of the family should clearly understand that there are places in the apartment where no one will disturb him. Where you can retire and relax. Maybe sleep or just lie down.

Fundamentals of proper education

The sequence of correct education of representatives of the breed:

First of all, a positive goal of education should be formed. That is, the baby must understand that he is loved and appreciated.
There is nothing more effective than petting in raising kittens. Even if the pet did something wrong, you should not scream and yell. Moreover, to show physical violence.
The British are famous for their intelligence and ingenuity. It is enough for them to show the tray once and tell them what to do there, as they immediately grab it.

Reference!

Of course, parenting can collide with reality. For example, if the owner has a large apartment, he can simply get lost in it.

It should be remembered that the first days in a new pet home are extremely stressful. Therefore, you do not need to demand much from him.

Vaccination

An important point in the care of British cats is timely vaccination.

First vaccination for representatives british breed do from 8 to 12 weeks of life. This vaccine against calicivirus infection, viral rhinotracheitis, and panleukopenia.
Again do the same vaccinations 3-4 weeks after the first. After that, you need to repeat the vaccination every year.
Rabies vaccination is given at the age of six months.
If several animals live in the house, then the British kittens are vaccinated immediately. simultaneously.

Feeding

Feeding is an important part of caring for any cat. What to choose, dry food or natural food?

Feeding dry food

Attention!

Cats, in principle, of any breed, are forbidden to starve for more than 2-3 days. It is important to consider this fact when the owners leave and leave the animals alone.

If dry food was chosen for feeding, then it is absolutely impossible to mix food from different manufacturers.
If you want to diversify your diet with wet food, then this is undesirable, in extreme cases you can mix it, but do this very rarely and take “wet” and dry food from the same manufacturer.
Daily rate- 10% of body weight. This is for kittens. And for adult cats - 5% of body weight.
You can not give dry food as a treat if you feed the kitten "natural" and vice versa.

Features of feeding with natural food

Certain rules should be followed if you plan to feed the “British” with natural food.

Both kittens and adult British cats should not be given the following foods: pork meat, fatty lamb, salty food, smoked, sweet, spiced, onions, eggplant are completely poisonous for cats.
Different kinds of bones, chicken necks, heads, legs can be given to cats, but only under the personal supervision of the owner.
Often these cats should not be given fish. If given, then adult cats, not kittens, and not more than 1 time in 2 weeks.
If you feed a cat natural or a kitten natural food, be sure to give him vitamins. It is better to consult with a veterinarian about which vitamins.
Raw or boiled liver can be given, but very carefully. The liver has a laxative effect.
Do not confuse the words "natural food" and "the food that people eat." People eat a lot of things that are harmful, especially harmful to cats.
Natural food should only be stored in the freezer, ideally divided into single servings. Of course, it is impossible to give a cat of any breed unfrozen natural food.
1 serving of natural food should be in the following ratios: about 70% - meat, about 25% vegetables, 5% - cereals.

Useful video

The video below tells about the features of the breed, about hair care and what you need to know when choosing a British kitten.

Conclusion

British kittens are some of the most beautiful in the world. This is the opinion of many "cat owners". And taking care of them is not as difficult as it seems.

British cat - perhaps the most common and popular in our country. Luxurious, independent and full of self-esteem, these animals do not leave indifferent and fall in love at first sight. But in addition to external characteristics, when choosing pet you need to take into account his temperament, requirements for care and nutrition, as well as many other factors, because, like any other breed, the British cat is not suitable for everyone.

Appearance and character of the breed

Usually, when we mention the British, we imagine a medium-sized blue cat with a round muzzle and short plush hair. At the household level, this is true, but not all blue cats are British, just as not all British cats are blue. To distinguish a yard murka from a purebred Englishman, let's turn to the breed standard, especially since the main felinological systems of the world (FIFe, WCF, CFA, TICA) are the same in its description.

Description and photo

The British, according to the standard, are short-haired, stocky, compact, medium to large sizes (cats are usually much larger), well-built, massive, with pronounced muscles and wide bones.

The coat is uniform in length, dense, "plush" (not adjacent to the body), very pleasant to the touch, with a thick undercoat, often different in color from the main one.

Important! The division of the British into short-haired and long-haired is not recognized by most felinological organizations, although fans of long-haired cats do not lay down their arms. So, according to the dominant position, it was the “plush” short hair that for many years was the feature that breeders tried to preserve in the British, using long-haired Persian cats and exotics to give the breed massiveness. For this reason, by the way, a long-haired kitten can still “accidentally” be born from two purebred British. No matter how the breeder praises such a baby, formally the animal is subject to disqualification and, in order to maintain the purity of the breed, is not allowed for further breeding.

The limbs are short and strong, the tail is also short, thick, with a rounded tip.
British cats have a characteristic round-fronted large head with wide cheekbones, sitting tightly on a massive short neck. The eyes are huge, round, wide open, rich gold, blue or green (depending on coat color) color. The nose is straight, not flattened. The ears are short, giving the muzzle even more roundness.

Did you know? According to the generally accepted opinion, it was the British cat with its round and, as it were, muzzle stretched to the sides, that inspired Lewis Carroll to create the image of the famous Cheshire cat, capable of appearing and disappearing, leaving only a wide smile in its place.

The bite is scissor or pincer. Overshot or undershot within two millimeters is not considered a defect.

Now about the colors. Contrary to popular belief, British cats do not have to be blue (however, it should be recognized that this color is the most popular, and therefore sometimes even a subspecies is distinguished - “British Blue”).
The breed standard allows for at least three dozen different colors of the British, and “monochrome” is not at all necessary. Moreover, even in monophonic animals, deviations from the uniformity of staining of the hairs are allowed - various tides, shading, smokyness.

In addition to blue, one-color British cats are black, white, chocolate, cream, red (red), as well as pink-blue (lilac), and each of these colors has its own variations, for example, lilac has three of them - light, medium and dark (coffee with milk).

The first of these variations is tortoiseshell. In such animals, spots of two colors are evenly distributed throughout the body, for example, black and red or blue and cream.

Did you know? It has been noticed that the tortoiseshell color appears in the British only along the female line, cats almost never are tortoiseshell.

In addition, there are colors with the presence of silver - smoky, shaded and chinchilla. In each of the types, a variety of variations are possible.

Another variety of colors is patterned (tabby), inside which, in turn, they distinguish marble, brindle, or mackerel (this is the color that the British kitten depicted on all Whiskas products has) and spotted.

In addition, there are colorpoint (like a Siamese cat) and bicolor (two-color) colors of British cats.

Important! Each color and its shade, as well as the color of the eyes, according to the encoding generally accepted by felinologists, corresponds to a certain symbol(for this, numbers, letters of the Latin alphabet or their combinations are used). Thus, any cat can be described by a certain formula, looking at which the expert clearly imagines appearance down to every spot (for example, BRI ns12 62 is a British chinchilla-colored cat with orange eyes).

The British are exceptionally harmonious animals. Any, even a slight deviation from the standard immediately spoils the overall impression. Of course, not all shortcomings are a reason for culling an animal and preventing it from breeding, but every breeder needs to know about them.

In this case, the correct selection of a pair can neutralize the existing defects and, as a result, give offspring with excellent characteristics. But there are shortcomings that clearly mean disqualification (for example, the long-haired coat mentioned above, a broken tail and some others).

Features of the British character

The breed in question is British not only in name, but also in temperament. These are true gentlemen (or ladies), self-respecting, intelligent, independent and reserved. With the right attitude towards itself, such an animal will not destroy the whole house, left to itself, but this does not mean at all that it does not need your attention.

Important! If the Abyssinian cat does not tolerate loneliness at all, and the Persian cat, in fact, does not care whether there is someone in the house or not, then the Briton is a harmonious “golden mean”. You can safely leave such a cat for the whole day by yourself, but when you return from work, take the time to communicate with your pet, and he will answer you with gratitude and love!

Many owners of plush aristocrats note their intelligence, upbringing and readiness not only to perceive the owner’s desires (and sometimes even satisfy them by executing one or another command), but also to adapt to the conditions offered by him and the temperament of family members. Of course, such a trait does honor to a noble animal and demonstrates its wisdom and ability for social adaptation.

At the same time, such a cat will not tolerate obsessive caresses and any manifestations of disrespect. The animal must have personal space and will actively defend it. The desire to play or cuddle must be mutual, otherwise you will face a tough rebuff. This feature of the British must be taken into account, especially if there is a small child in the family who does not understand that domestic cat- this is not only fluffy wool, but also sharp teeth.
However, the true British never show aggression, in any case, you can be sure of their adequacy. Such cats are not impulsive, but stubborn and vindictive. Given a choice, they prefer not to defend themselves, but to retire proudly and with dignity. And only if the unlucky two-legged creature does not understand that its attention is undesirable, the cat is forced to explain its position more intelligibly.

The British rarely choose one owner among the household, as dogs do. Their attitude is equally friendly and even to all - two-legged and four-legged - family members, and yet you will always feel a certain distance that this beast builds between itself and those around it. But if someone falls ill or is in trouble, the British woman instantly feels this and shows her support and sympathy in every possible way.

English cats are born leaders. They will easily become the leader of the pack if there are other animals in the house, and they will also try to “pull the blanket over themselves” in communication with a person. Here the owner needs to show patience and perseverance: any animal must unconditionally recognize the authority of a person, otherwise both will suffer (the owner - from dissatisfaction with the animal, and the animal - from the fact that the owner is dissatisfied with him).
So, a British cat is not suitable for you if:

there are small children in the family who dream of cuddling a woolen animal;
you want to have a devoted friend and companion who will come to your call at any moment and will adapt to your mood swings (a dog is generally better suited for these purposes);
you need a cat as a purring addition to your home environment (Persians do a great job with this role);
you think that, giving an animal shelter and food, you have the right to treat it as your own property (with such thoughts, you should not start pets at all).

A bit of history

The British are a native English breed. For at least several centuries, the ancestors of today's representatives of the breed inhabited the territory of Foggy Albion, adopting gravity, dignity and equanimity from Her Majesty's subjects.

Did you know? There is a version that these strong and hardy cats came to England from ancient rome, brought on ships by the legionnaires of the militant emperor Claudius, who decided to "war" Britain a little and impose tribute on it. As you know, although Britain submitted to the great Rome, it was not immediately, not resignedly, and, on a historical scale, not for long. But Roman cats, without a single shot, won the hearts of proud Englishmen once and for all.

Methodical work on breeding the breed, of course, did not begin immediately, however, felinology as a science in general appeared relatively recently. The ancestor of the idea is considered to be the animal painter Harrison Weir, the organizer and inspirer of the first cat show in the world.
It took place, by the way, in England, in the Crystal Palace, on July 13, 1871. Even then, Sir Ware noted the beauty of local yard cats, however, no one had yet spoken about the breed standard. It appeared for the first time in 1889, and the first official representative of the British was a white cat.

The peak of selection work on the formation of the modern appearance of the breed fell on the 30s of the last century. The main task was to preserve the "plush" coat and strengthen the massive body with a characteristic round-faced muzzle and full cheeks.

Unfortunately the second World War not only prevented the continuation of breeding work, but almost led to the complete disappearance of the breed (including the physical one - a huge number of animals died from bombing, bullets and under the rubble).
To rebuild the British, breeders (no longer just English) began to actively use a number of similar breeds, including Persians, Exotics, Russian Blues, European and American Shorthairs, and especially the Chartreuse. So today's British cat is very different from the one that was so admired by Harrison Weir.

However, at this stage the breeding work is generally considered complete and mixing of British bloodlines with others is generally not allowed.

Choosing a kitten

So, you have decided to purchase a purebred Englishman. Where to begin?

Important! The first rule: in the market, in random places and from random people, kittens are bought by those who simply decided to have a “kitty” at home. Pedigree animals are purchased in a nursery, through a club or from professional breeders.

Fortunately, the British cat is not uncommon today, and a purebred baby can usually be found nearby - in your city and even district. But even if you didn’t succeed, don’t agree to receive the animal on “neutral territory” and, moreover, don’t go for transfer through an intermediary, train conductor, passing car, etc. It’s not even that you can be deceived , it is simply important to see with your own eyes in what atmosphere the baby grows, what attitude he sees towards himself, what kind of care he is provided with.
Of course, a purebred animal is expensive, but pricing in this case should be due to the high cost of raising a kitten, and not the pursuit of profit. It is very easy to distinguish a true enthusiast from a grabber and grabber, but for this you need to cross the threshold of his house, where cats are kept.

Important! According to the rules of the most recognized in Europe international feline organization World Cat Federation (WCF), which includes most of the clubs in our country, the breeder does not have the right to wean a kitten from its mother before the baby reaches 12 weeks of age.

A three-month-old is already a small cat. She has formed basic habits and attitudes towards the world around her, including people. If the animal was kept in isolation or in constant fear, underfed and disliked, you will definitely experience the consequences of such “upbringing”.

And the second conclusion from the same rule: if the breeder agrees to sell you a one and a half month old kitten without any problems, think about whether you are buying an animal in the right place.
Make sure the kitten is healthy. He should be moderately well-fed, his eyes should not be watery, there should be no dirt and especially pus in the ears, the anus should be clean and not inflamed. The belly of a healthy animal is always soft (even after a heavy meal).

Try to make sure that the animal meets the standard (described above). Looking at a child, this is not always easy to do, so carefully consider the parents or at least the mother if the cat lives separately from the cat.

Talk to the seller of the kittens, ask him in detail about the breed, about the features of caring for the animal, its character, and so on. If what you hear is fundamentally different from the preliminary information you have collected about British cats (for example, “my people eat everything, even borscht”), refuse to buy!
Ideally, of course, when buying a purebred animal, you get a properly executed pedigree, confirming the purebredness of your pet. But if, in order to save money, you take a kitten "without documents", this in no way relieves the breeder of the obligation to issue you a veterinary passport with vaccinations and information about deworming marked in it.

Important! By the age of three months, the kitten should be given two vaccinations - primary and revaccination. Simultaneously with the second standard vaccination, the animal is usually vaccinated against rabies, but some breeders do not do this intentionally. In any case, a rabies vaccination is mandatory if the kitten is to cross the borders of the state in which he was born.

And the last. When choosing a baby, listen to the voice of your heart. Often one mutual glance is enough to understand: a man and a cat are made for each other.

The best conditions for the British

Any cat is a born hunter. She can sit for hours on the windowsill, at first with keen interest, and then with longing, watching the birds flying by. Therefore, if you are a happy owner of a country house, your pet is incredibly lucky. Give him the opportunity to take a walk in the garden, and the animal will fully realize its natural instincts of a predator.
To tame the Briton to walks on the street in the city is not as simple as it seems, but if you have free time and desire, it is quite doable.

However, the content of cats is attractive because these animals do not require mandatory daily walking. They can feel quite comfortable in a city apartment, so for a lifetime and not cross its threshold. And yet, since we are talking about a fairly massive and quite active breed, the more spacious its range, the better it will feel.

As for the optimal climate, here the range is quite wide. If you believe the legend that British cats once lived in sunny Italy and then perfectly adapted to the foggy and damp English weather, there is no doubt: this breed will endure both heat and cold equally well.

Important! In preparation for the settlement of the baby, equip all windows with protective nets, remove objects that a curious animal can swallow, knock over or spoil. Make sure that furniture and other bulky items are pushed tightly against the walls or, conversely, have sufficient passages so that the animal does not hide in the gap and suffocate while you are at work.

And until your pet grows up and settles down, in order to avoid grief and injury, keep all cabinets and drawers closed, make sure that the kitten does not jump out when you open the door, and in general - look at your feet: up to six months it may seem to you that you have not one cat, but several, how active these little fidgets are.

Home care

Caring for a British cat is not difficult, but how strictly you follow the most important procedures will determine the health, appearance and well-being of your pet. Of course, special attention and a kitten requires care, but even in adulthood, the animal cannot be completely left to itself.

Necessary "trinkets"

The main thing that you need to purchase even before a small fluffy lump has settled in your house is and. The first is so that the animal immediately learns to cope with its natural needs in the same place (take a large tray right away so that you don’t retrain the unfortunate animal later), the second is so that your furniture and wallpaper do not turn into miserable rags after meeting with sharp cat claws.

Important! British cats are actively digging litter in the tray, so it is better to stop at a container with high sides.

Everything else is optional and optional. To trim the claws, you will need special tweezers, but not all owners carry out this procedure on their own (before mating and before the exhibition, it is necessary to cut the claws, but if you turn to a specialist for help, he will use his own tool). To care for the coat, you will need a brush - rubber or bristle, in no case hard, so as not to damage the undercoat and skin.

On sale today is a huge selection of different houses, multi-tiered structures and various toys for domestic cats. Of course, your pet will appreciate such a gift, but he needs your love much more than trinkets. You can't buy a cat's affection!
Rubber toys and balls will quickly get bored with a kitten left to its own devices. Instead of expensive colored devices designed to satisfy your vanity rather than the needs of a cat, you can make your own "mouse" from a rope and rustling paper tied to it (but not from foil - it will ruin your pet's teeth): while the thread is in your hands, the animal will be happy to hunt the elusive "prey".

Features of care

The main hygienic procedure for the British is grooming (thick undercoat dictates its own rules).

Important! One of the shortcomings of the breed is a tendency to molt. The British molt at least twice a year, during the off-season, and during this period they create certain inconveniences for the household.

In normal times, you can comb out a cat once a week, in winter a little more carefully, since the shaves during this period are very overgrown, but during the molting, it is better to do the procedures daily. Domestic cats do not like to bathe, but for the health of the skin and coat, you need to organize a wash a couple of times a year. During this time, you should protect the head and ears of the animal from water, use special shampoos for cats with soft hair and in no case dry the pet with a hairdryer.
So that wool, which in large quantities enters the stomach of a brit during self-bathing, does not lead to frustration digestive system, special wool-removing pastes are used, most cats gobble them up with pleasure.

Ears and eyes should be monitored by removing plaque and dirt with cotton pads, clean wipes or hygienic sticks. In addition, it is important to regularly inspect your pet's paws for the initial manifestations of fungal diseases on the claws. For the British, this is a real problem.

Preventive vaccinations are given annually, and deworming every three months, one of them ten days before vaccination. Both procedures are done only on perfectly healthy animals!

pet diet

Contrary to popular belief, "human" food in the vast majority of cats is contraindicated. Of course, if a street animal dying of hunger greedily destroys sour soup - this is what is called the lesser evil, then feeding a fatty pork cutlet to a purebred pet is a real crime.

There are two options for cat food - natural or dry food. Both of them have the right to exist, but on one condition: when acquiring a British kitten, decide right away what you will feed him, because, having got used to one type of food, a grown animal is extremely reluctant to change his addictions. We won’t talk much about dry food, it contains in a balanced form all the substances necessary for an animal of a certain age, and the recommended daily allowance, age and other characteristics are indicated on the package. For those who have chosen such a diet, one should only keep in mind that a cat eating dry food needs much more water than an animal eating natural food, so you need to pay special attention to the fullness of the drinker.

And, of course, food for purebred animals should only be super-premium or premium, you can immediately notice the deplorable results of savings in the quality of your pet's coat, his mood, stool and general well-being. If you don’t have the money for expensive feed, it’s better to use natural food.

kitten

Until the age of six months, he should receive food often (at least four times a day), but little by little.
In the diet we include:

meat: lean beef, chicken, offal (beef or chicken). The meat can be boiled or given raw (minced meat or finely chopped pieces), however, in order to avoid infection with helminths, pre-raw meat is either frozen or poured with boiling water. Offal, especially chicken, must be cooked;
fish: only sea, lean and boneless, exclusively boiled. Babies should not be given fish more than once a week;
raw quail eggs or boiled egg yolk (not more than once a week);
fermented milk products (milk as such is contraindicated for cats!): low-fat sour cream or cream, cottage cheese, kefir, etc .;
vegetables (carrots, cabbage, zucchini) - boiled or grated;
cereals (porridge): rice, oatmeal, buckwheat.

Important! If you want to make your baby eat porridge, use the recipe: mix raw ground beef with oatmeal flakes steamed in boiling water (at a ratio of two parts meat to one part oatmeal), roll up small meatballs and freeze. Remove from the freezer some time before serving. Your pet will be just happy!

Don't forget about clean water and vitamins. The latter are necessary for natural feeding, in order to choose the right composition, consult a veterinarian.

adult cat

For an adult cat, the optimal feeding schedule is twice a day (from six to eight months we feed the animal three times a day so that its body gets used to more rare meals, and then we remove one feeding). A single serving is 150–300 g, depending on how much your pet weighs.

Did you know? The owners of the Britons often complain that their aristocratic pets refuse to drink purified water from a drinking bowl and greedily sip liquid from the most “indecent” places - from an open tap, a bucket in which they just rinsed a floor cloth, and even from a toilet bowl. The fact is that cats are hunters. Not being able to get food (getting it "on a silver platter"), they try to hunt at least for water. To protect the animal from serious poisoning, it is recommended to use a trick: place containers with purified water in hard-to-reach containers (for example, in a watering can for watering flowers, where it is not so easy to stick a spout) and in unexpected places. Sometimes it works!

The formula is as follows: meat (once or twice a week - fish) - the basis of the diet, as a supplement - vegetables and cereals (preferably rice). Meat, in addition to the above types, can be varied with veal and turkey. Dairy products are also exceptionally useful if they are not greasy or salty.

The British love greens, but not all houseplants are safe for their stomach. Pamper your pet with lettuce, mint, dill, parsley and other aromatic herbs, or even better - plant your own "lawn" for your pet. Specialty grass seed mixes for cats are available at pet stores, but regular oats can be used - cats love them!

Possible diseases

In general, shaved cats are not very pampered cats and do not get sick often.

In addition to these disease conditions, which, in general, any cat is susceptible to, Britons have a “own” disease that has a genetic basis. It is called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM for short.
With early diagnosis, this is curable, but for humane reasons, cats with such a pathology are unambiguously and decisively excluded from breeding, only in this way can the likelihood of kittens being born with this defect be reduced and, ideally, the breed be completely cleared of it.

In general, it can be said that most diseases in British cats can be prevented or promptly suppressed if the animal is given proper care and nutrition. Love your pets, educate them while they are still tiny kittens, respect their independence - and these smart animals with the manners of aristocrats will become a real decoration of your life!

Was this article helpful?

A small kitten, like any child, requires vigilant care. When purchasing a thoroughbred baby, be prepared for the fact that at first you will have to pay a lot of attention to him. Taking care of British kittens is not very difficult, but in order to raise a healthy long-lived cat, there are rules that must be followed, especially during the first months of his life.

In a new place

Before you bring a kitten into the house, prepare everything you need for him

Take home better than a kitten aged 2 to 3 months. Be prepared for the fact that the baby is frightened of a new place (this is natural) and hides somewhere in a corner. Before bringing him into the house, thoroughly wash such corners, cover places from where it will be difficult for him to get out or it will be difficult to reach him.

Let the kitten get used to the new place, do not lure him out of the shelter, but rather put a bowl of water and food nearby. He can sit in a secluded place for about a day, refuse food and not go to the toilet. Don't be scared, it's normal.

Set the time so that you can be at home for a while and not leave the kitten alone until he gets a little comfortable.

Don't buy a house for him. See what place in the apartment the kitten will choose for himself, and arrange a homemade bed for him there. When he gets used to it, you can think about buying a house.

If there are children in the house, especially small ones, try to protect the kitten from them. Can't always be explained little child how to treat animals, and the kitten may suffer. He is very small and fragile.

Show older children how to properly play with a small pet, involve them in simple care procedures.

Hygiene

It is better to teach hygiene procedures at a young age.

Hygiene procedures are very important for the British, so they must be taught from early childhood. Special lotions and liquids are sold for cleaning the eyes and ears, but you can also use home remedies.

Kittens do not like these executions and strongly resist. At first, you can wrap the kitten in a diaper so that it does not scratch. Or do a cleaning when he is napping and in a relaxed state. It will take no more than a few minutes.

Ear cleaning

Healthy auricles should not have a rash, plaque and an unpleasant odor. Sulfur coating should be light. It needs to be removed. This will not have to be done often, as it appears. Inspect the ears every week and, if necessary, clean them with a cotton swab lightly smeared with petroleum jelly.

Eye care

Eyes need to be wiped every day, because British kittens often leak. Use a cotton pad moistened with warm boiled water or chamomile extract. You need to wipe your eyes from the outer corner to the inner.

claws

Trim nails with special tongs

The kitten's claws are sharp, and he will certainly sharpen them - such is the cat's instinct. . On some of them, a limiter is set to the required length for trimming the claw. Trimming is done carefully so as not to damage the blood vessel. If you look at the cat's claw in the light, you can see the border of yellowish and pink. Pink is a living tissue that should never be touched.

Coat care

The coat of a British kitten will not cause much trouble. These are short-haired animals with a soft undercoat. There is no need to brush them daily. It is enough to do this once a week with a brush specially selected for the length of his coat. For kittens there are special combs with rubber cloves.

You need to scratch first in the growth of wool, then against the wool and finish again in growth. It will be a wonderful massage, which, by the way, the British tolerate well.

Bathing

Cats do not need frequent bathing. But it is necessary to accustom them to this from childhood. The main thing is not to force the kitten to stand underwater when it breaks out. Teach gradually, wetting the coat with water. Bathing water temperature should not exceed 37 degrees. Your shampoo will not suit him, buy a special one at the pet store. Bathe in such a way that the water does not get into the eyes and ears of the kitten.

A little fidget will definitely climb into all corners of an apartment or house. And no matter how carefully you clean everything, he will still find where to get dirty. Once every 20 days, use dry shampoo to clean the kitten's fur. It must be rubbed with your hands into the skin, and then carefully combed out first over the wool, and then against it. Shampoo will remove grease and dust that has eaten into the fur.

Hygiene after toilet

Inspect the kitten for the first time after visiting the tray. He still can not lick thoroughly, perhaps you need to wash his ass and tail. Such a toilet is usually carried out by a mother cat. But you will not have to do this for long, already at three months the kittens fully master personal hygiene.

Raising British kittens

Choose a litter box for a kitten according to its height

You need to start raising a kitten as soon as he gets a little comfortable in a new place. Early education will help to avoid further troubles and problems that an adult cat can cause in the house.

litter box training

This is the first step in the educational process. The tray should have a low edge so that it is convenient for the kitten to climb into it. He must stand in one place so that the kitten remembers him. Start your acquaintance with the tray by simply placing it there. You don't need to force it.

First, the kitten will find a secluded corner for itself and will choose it as a toilet. If you find him in place, take it and take it to the tray. There is a little trick that might help. Having chosen a place for himself for these affairs, he can then go there again, already by the smell. Take a piece of toilet paper, wipe the puddle that the kitten made with it, rub the bottom of the tray with this paper and put the kitten in it. It can take at least a week to get used to the tray.

Don't scold or spank him when he makes a puddle in wrong place, and even more so poke your nose into it. The kitten will still not understand why he is being punished, but he can start to be afraid of your hand.

Punish or not a kitten

Pet stores offer a huge selection of toys for cats and kittens.

British kittens are mobile and playful. Do not yell at the kitten and do not beat him for his mischief, he will not understand, but only get scared. It’s better to clap your hands loudly and say “fu”. He will perfectly understand the intonation of your voice and will gradually get used to the fact that this is done only when he has done something illegal.

Toys, especially at first, he will need to gnaw them and sharpen his claws about them. Therefore, do not play with the kitten with your hand. He must know that biting and scratching the owner's hand is not allowed.

Toys

In modern homes, there are sure to be places where the kitten should not be allowed access, for example, where there are a lot of wires or cables. In order not to look for him in the wrong places, you can organize a play area for him.

One of the toys that will distract a small pet for a long time can be a play tunnel with holes at the top and sides. Let him explore it and master hunting skills.

Pet stores have a large selection of balls and small soft toys. You can make toys with your own hands. The mouse can be a wine or champagne cork (not plastic). You can disassemble an old rattle with balls. Stitch each one soft cloth, and the kitten will be happy to chase them around the room.

Equipment for kittens

You can either buy a house for kittens or make it yourself

Many kitty-friendly kits are available at pet stores.

cat house, offers are varied for every taste and budget ();
tray with a low side;
bowls for feeding and drinking especially for kittens (shallow);
scratching post, it will save your upholstered furniture. Its height must be at least 40 cm ();
carrying, it will facilitate the transportation of the kitten to the veterinary clinic and to the country house;

The latter deserves special mention. Choosing a quality filler means saving yourself a lot of trouble. It should not constantly crumble around the tray, should be hygroscopic and retain odor well.

The safest for a kitten will be wooden filler in the form of sawdust or granules. Its only drawback is the presence of sharp small chips, but they can be selected from the tray. It is inexpensive.

A very cheap option is a filler made from paper and grain waste, but this is where its advantages end. Paper practically does not hold a smell.

Lump-forming mineral litters are easy to clean the litter box and are easy to separate and discard. But the composition of such a filler includes a component that, with good absorption of moisture, does not retain odor well.

The best option for a kitten can be a zeolite-based filler.

It is better not to use silica gel litters for kittens, they are more suitable for adult animals.

Nutrition for British kittens

The main thing in the nutrition of British kittens is that there is enough protein

Proper nutrition is the key to the health and longevity of the animal. The British are equally happy to eat both prepared food and homemade food. When purchasing a British breed kitten, ask the breeder what kind of diet he had. If the kitten was fed ready-made food, and you plan to feed him homemade food, transfer to another food gradually.

They should have enough protein in their diet for them to gain the muscle mass characteristic of their breed. The daily amount of food is calculated empirically, all kittens eat differently.

What can be included in the diet of a kitten

dairy products: cottage cheese (not fatty), sour cream or kefir (only fresh);
boiled egg yolk 1-2 times a week;
boiled chicken white meat or minced beef;
boiled fish without bones (rarely to pamper);
boiled offal: beef heart or kidneys, chicken navels - 2-3 times a week;
porridge-smear - oatmeal, wheat or rice.
vegetables can be added to meat - cauliflower or carrots. Give carrots carefully and in small quantities - it can affect the color of the animal.

Read more about how and what to feed a British breed kitten.

What foods should be avoided

milk or cream can cause loose stools;
pork is too heavy food for a kitten;
chicken skin is generally not digested by the cat's stomach;
raw fish, as well as the frequent use of boiled fish, causes urolithiasis.
dishes prepared for yourself - they contain sugar, salt, spices, which are contraindicated for kittens;
fatty, smoked or fried foods;
potato.

Dishes for kittens

Do not buy double bowls for food and water. Pieces of food will constantly fall into the water, from which it becomes stale.

Wash the cups immediately after feeding, throwing out the remnants of uneaten food. Do not give kittens fried foods or foods that are not the first freshness.

Feed small 2-3-month-old kittens 4 times a day, transfer teenagers to three meals a day. Change drinking water once a day.

Ready feed

Feed British kittens with premium food

British kittens are ready-made. Babies are best fed with canned food, teenagers can already alternate dry and wet food. Pay attention to what age the food is intended for.

Vitamins and feed additives

Homemade food doesn't always contain everything essential vitamins for the healthy growth of the kitten. For a good coat, you can add brewer's yeast to food. Great vitamin complexes would be Hartz, 8 in 1 Excel Brewer's Yeast, or 8 in 1 Calcidee. They contain calcium and B vitamins necessary for cats.

Use vitamins containing seaweed with caution. For chocolate and red kittens, they will add richness to the color of the coat and eyes, but for lilac-colored cats, they can give a pinkish tint.

Give the number of tablets, in accordance with the age and weight of the kitten, which is indicated in the instructions.

Vaccinations for kittens

When the kitten is 2.5 months old, it must be vaccinated

One of the important conditions for the care and rearing of healthy animals are vaccinations. The first of them are made when the kitten is 2.5 months old. Before vaccination, the kitten must be anthelmintic, because helminths weaken the effect of the vaccine. You need to give a cure for worms 10 days from the intended vaccination.

From panleukopenia, and rhinotracheitis. The complex vaccine "Nobivac Tricat" is used. To create a stable immunity, kittens are vaccinated twice with a break of 2 weeks. For several hours after vaccination, the kitten may appear lethargic, indifferent to toys and food. This is a normal reaction to the vaccine and will go away 6-8 hours after the vaccination.

An already grown kitten is vaccinated against rabies when he is six months old. Subsequently, all these vaccinations are done once a year.

If you plan to take the kitten to the country, get vaccinated against lichen as well.

Even if your animal does not go out and does not come into contact with other cats, it is necessary to do. People come to the house, dirt gets in from the street, so it's better not to risk it. Recommended drug "Prazitsit for kittens" 1 time in 3 months.

A healthy kitten that grows into a beautiful and friendly cat is the result of attention, care and love. Don't skimp on them!

A kitten that was born has many innate behavioral stereotypes. Most of them are similar to the behavior of a wild cat. British kittens are no exception, the care and upbringing of which requires taking into account this specific special behavior.

Most owners of British cats believe that the behavior of their pets is quite normal, but there are those who prefer to work with their pet. This brings pleasure not only to the owner, but also to the animal itself.

A little about the breed

This breed cannot be compared with anything. They are popularly called teddy bears. And this is not surprising, because after communicating with them you get a lot. Once you take this beauty in your arms, you will never want to let it go.

It should be noted that the path of development is quite long. It was brought from Rome to Britain about two thousand years ago. However, at that time the breed was different from the one we now know.

In the 19th century, a selection of the breed was carried out, and it was called British. However, this is not the last crossing. The painstaking work of breeders led to the fact that such unpretentious, graceful and beautiful British kittens appeared. Their care and upbringing should be special, in addition, you will need special accessories for your pet.

Necessary accessories

If you want to create the best conditions for your pet, we advise you to stock up on the following:

British kittens: care and upbringing at the initial stage

The main points to which you should accustom your kitten:

patiently endure bathing, cutting nails and blow-drying;
go to the tray;
sharpen nails not on the carpet, but on a special device.

Raising and caring for a British kitten is not such a difficult task, however, at first you still have to make some efforts.

To teach the baby to go to the tray, in principle, the mother herself had to. In most cases, this resolves between 3 and 5 weeks of age. Therefore, the baby should be accustomed to this procedure before moving to your house. After moving, watch him, especially after feeding. When the kitten starts sniffing something on the floor, put him in the tray. Do this a few times and he will remember it. If the problems persist, then you should change the tray to a larger one.

The most unloved procedure for cats is bathing and cutting their claws. However, they can't get away from it. The sooner you start, the sooner the kitten will get used to it.

All pets are finicky and obstinate, including British kittens. Care and upbringing of them implies weaning a kitten from Oddly enough, but animals understand intonation. If the kitten starts to climb the curtain, then just strictly say “no”. At the same time, you need to look into his eyes, you can even shake your finger. Remember that the ban should not apply to everything the baby does.

Training

Many mistakenly believe that - fiction. Everyone knows that these animals are very proud and independent, but they can also be taught a few tricks.

The upbringing and training of British kittens includes some highlights:

You can not force a kitten to do something under duress. You can achieve what you want only through patience, praise and mandatory reward. It is best to start training from 6-8 months. Carefully observe your pet and determine what suits him best. This can be, for example, wearing your toys in your teeth.
The cat will only fulfill the requirements if he loves the person and trusts him. It is strictly forbidden to use force, only affection and goodies as a reward.
Say a command each time the cat performs a certain action.
Lure - too effective method training. The cat will do anything for a piece of meat, so take advantage of it! Start simple: jumping from one chair to another.
Teach your cat the "Come!" command. Speak it softly and cheerfully.

The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the kitten will refuse to follow any commands.

British kittens: care, feeding your favorite pet

Kitten ears require special care. As sulfur accumulates in them, they must be wiped with a cotton swab moistened with 3% peroxide. Be careful, if the kitten starts shaking his head and scratching his ears, consult a doctor immediately.

Wipe your eyes daily with some water or a weak solution of furacilin. If the baby has severe lacrimation, then drops of penicillin or chloramphenicol should be used.

By nature, all cats are predators, and British kittens are no exception. British care is not only about providing the kitten with everything you need, but also about proper feeding.

A small pet has an excellent appetite, so you need to feed it often. Do not be afraid that he will overeat, the likelihood of this is minimal. It is important to supplement the diet with minerals and vitamins. Food temperature should be at room temperature.

It is recommended to feed a small pet with ground beef, but it should first be doused with boiling water. Chicken can also be given, but only boiled and diluted with broth. If beef can be given daily, then chicken, only 3 times a week.

If you have one pet but decide to have another one, it's best to keep them separate at first. Repeat the “acquaintance” procedure until a friendship develops between them.
Respect their right to territory.
All animals should be loved equally and not single out one of them.
Bowls for water and food should be separate and always clean.

That's the whole secret of caring for a British kitten.

The character of British cats is appreciated not only by breeders, but also by those who want to have a cheerful, smart and independent cat at home.

The character of the British cat is determined by several criteria:

Low level and activity;
Playful mood;
Lack of need for constant attention;
Moderate attachment to the owner and home;
High level of intelligence and independence;
Relative unpretentiousness in care;
High level of compatibility with children;
Absence of pathological and characteristic diseases.

The character of British cats does not depend on what type it belongs to: shorthair or semi-longhair. The British cat was bred in England and positioned as a fairly peaceful independent animal that does not require special care and constant attention.

Such a cat will be an excellent pet for busy people who want to have a fluffy companion at home, while he will not suffer due to the constant absence of his owners.

Anatomy

The anatomical features of the British cat are a fairly wide skeletal system, plush coat and a large number of colors. The most common color is called "British Blue". Given that there is no standard color, the presence of a non-standard color is not regarded as a deviation from the standard characteristics of the breed.

The main character traits of the British cat

If we consider the main character traits of the British cat, it is worth noting friendliness and calmness. Such a cat will not suffer at home alone without an owner and do dirty tricks in order to attract attention. The nature of the British cat is characterized by a calm disposition, but at the same time the cat emotionally meets its owners, and during the game you can notice a surge of energy and love.

With such a cat, it will never be boring, since it is quite unobtrusive, but at the same time it is quite strongly attached to its owners, not reacting very painfully to a change of scenery or their long absence from the rest of the household.

Owner

The house is the personal territory of the cat, where he will always feel comfortable. In addition, a distinctive feature of the character of the British cat is that he does not choose one owner for himself, but considers the family as a whole, treats all members equally.

Such a cat will delight you with its independence, since we definitely need personal space for it - these are the habits of a Briton that will have to be accepted. The interesting character of the British cat draws attention to this breed along with the unusual color and appearance. It is worth noting such features of British cats as the lack of love for long games, such a cat will not get a lot of pleasure from being carried in his arms, but at the same time they are quite contact, easily find a common language with other guests of the house even with a dog.

Main features

The character of the British shorthair cat can be described by several characteristics:

calm;
Independence;
High level of affection;
moderate activity;
Contact.

After evaluating all the features of British cats, you will understand that such a pet is perfect for families with a child, and a kitten will not bring you any special worries and easily adapts to the new environment and rules of your family. Such a pet will please you for many years with its play, love, affectionate mood and calm disposition.

Advantages of the character of the British cat

The owner of the British can fully appreciate the advantages of the appearance of this pet, which ideally complement its most pleasant character. The features of the appearance of this cat is a fairly friendly look, a large number of colors that can vary from pure black to tortoiseshell.

At the same time, the cat is quite large and looks solid, and confidence and nobility come from it, which, combined with a calm character, have ensured the popularity of this breed for many years.

Despite the fact that she is a rather independent cat, the description of the character of British cats cannot be called complete if you do not pay attention to the care that the cat shows to household guests. If you watch a pet, you will notice that the pleasant nature of British cats extends not only to family members, but also to guests, since the cat is practically not aggressive and rarely shows hostility even to strangers.

Attention

British cats love to get away from the whole world and hide in their secluded corner. However, this will happen exactly until the moment when they feel that the owner needs them. And in case if there is a child in the house, the cat will always calm him down and will take care of it like you would your own kitten.

At the same time, if the cat painfully perceives excessive love and affection from his adult owners, then he will endure all the games with the child patiently and heroically, realizing that the baby is not only his master, but also a kind of child. The character and habits of a British cat can be seen from childhood, because after you bring a kitten home, it will very rarely shit in the wrong place or scatter food and toys, this is determined by the high level of cleanliness of the kitten and its character traits of British cats.

Features of the character of the British cat

If you decide to buy a kitten of this breed, you should learn to accept and respect the characteristics of the character of British cats, they are inherent in all representatives of this breed, regardless of age and upbringing.

Firstly, such a cat is quite independent, so it is not suitable for those who want to constantly cuddle and play with their pet.

If you show too much tenderness and attention to the Briton, then he will run away and hide until the manifestation of aggression. But at the same time, the character of the British cat will never allow her to show her weakness and show how much she missed you in your absence.

Watching such a cat, it is worth noting that the character of British cats is characterized by a certain aristocracy and arrogance, and besides, you should also be prepared not only for positive emotions, in the sense that such a character of British cats will never allow them to sharpen their claws on furniture or wallpaper , but at the same time. if she doesn’t like something, you have to put up with all the preferences.

Peculiarities

In addition, a characteristic feature of the character of British cats is obstinacy. If you hurt the pride of the British, then the cat will definitely be offended, refuse to eat and may completely refuse contact with its owner, because obstinacy is one of the character traits of British cats. Also quite strong jealousy is characteristic of this breed and in the event of the appearance of a new pet, the cat can also change its habitual style of behavior and withdraw into itself, but if it is not limited and deprived of attention, then soon everything will return to normal.

Summing up what has been said, it is worth noting such negative traits that appear in the character of the British cat:

excessive stubbornness;
rancor;
predominantly depressed mood;
exactingness in food and proper care.

This breed is great for those who want to have a pet, but at the same time need an animal that has a high level of cleanliness. Such a cat, due to its innate nobility, will never allow a violation of the rules of hygiene - this is the nature of British cats.

Another distinguishing feature of the character of British cats is the need for a fairly long sleep without interruption.

Final characteristic

This characteristic of British cats can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. If you are constantly at work and want to be greeted at home by a calm and loving home pet, then the British is the best choice, and the character of British cats will meet all your needs. However, if there are children in the house and you can be sure that such a cat will never show aggression towards him, even with increased activity, she will simply leave and hide, thus adjusting contact with herself.

Character

The nature of the British cat is an ideal choice for a family and single owner. Very often, what breed is called a cat that is ideal for a businessman, given the character and habits of a British cat, unpretentiousness in care, independence, independence, and at the same time a large amount of affection and love that a cat gives to its owner - this is all the character of British cats.

Arriving home, you will always meet a peaceful animal that rested in splendid isolation while you were not at home and will gladly play with you for a short time.

The nature of the British cat does not allow her to be imposed, but at the same time she does not lead to apathy and always breaks contact on her own if you show her too much love and care.

Do no harm

The nature of the British cats will not allow dirtying, even if they harbor a grudge, this is expressed in the lack of contact with the owner. Despite its vindictiveness, such an animal will delight you because the nature and behavior of British cats is characterized by unpretentiousness in care, the main thing is not to change the environment, the cat's way of life and you will get a faithful and peaceful pet.

Fans of this breed also pay attention to the unusual appearance and how such a cat turns out in the photo. He always look well-groomed and noble, even a little arrogant, but at the same time friendly enough. When choosing a kitten of this breed, one should take into account the peculiarities of the character of British cats, namely, whether the kitten is sanguine or melancholic, or belongs to a different psychotype, because this will directly affect his behavior.