How to brush a British: long and short coats

The British Shorthair has a short but very dense coat with a soft undercoat; the British Longhair has the same undercoat plus a long, silky top coat. Both are easy to care for if the habit starts early.

How often

Brush a British Shorthair once a week, twice during moulting (spring and autumn). A British Longhair needs two or three sessions a week and a quick check behind the ears, under the armpits and on the 'trousers', where the first tangles form.

The right tools

All you need is a metal comb with mixed teeth, a soft brush for kittens and, for short coats, a rubber grooming glove. Avoid tools that cut the undercoat: they spoil the coat texture.

Getting the kitten used to it

Start with short sessions of two or three minutes when the kitten is relaxed. Follow the direction of the coat, talk calmly and always finish with a treat. Within a few weeks brushing becomes cuddle time.

Bathing

A healthy British rarely needs a bath. Only bathe it if the coat is really dirty or before a show, with a cat shampoo and complete drying, never with very hot air.

Regular brushing means less hair around the house and fewer hairballs: it is the simplest way to keep your cat beautiful and healthy.