Feeding & Portions
British Shorthairs love food and hate exercise, which makes them one of the breeds most likely to end up overweight. Getting portions right is probably the single most useful thing you can do for their long-term health.
What to feed
Cats are obligate carnivores, so they need meat. Choose a food that's labeled 'complete and balanced' (in the US, look for an AAFCO statement; in Europe, a 'complete' food meeting FEDIAF guidelines), with named meats near the top of the ingredient list. Grain-free isn't necessary. What matters is that it's complete, meat-based and portioned properly. See our food picks.
Wet, dry or both? Wet food adds water, which helps urinary health in cats that don't drink much, and it's more filling per calorie. Dry food is convenient. Many owners do both. Ordinary kibble doesn't clean teeth, despite the myth.
How much
A typical indoor, neutered adult British Shorthair at a healthy 4–5 kg (9–11 lb) needs only around 200–250 calories a day, including treats. That's less than most people expect:
- A level cup of many dry foods is 400+ calories, which is nearly two days' worth.
- A 3 oz (85 g) can or pouch of wet food is often 70–100 calories.
- The calorie count is on the label. Use it, not the bag's feeding chart, which tends to be generous.
Weigh dry food with a kitchen scale instead of scooping by eye, keep treats under 10% of the day's calories, and split food into a few measured meals. Leaving a full bowl out all day is the classic route to a round cat. A timed feeder helps if your cat wakes you at 5 a.m. demanding breakfast.
Kittens are different
Kittens need kitten food and plenty of it, usually 3–4 meals a day until around six months, then 2–3. Keep them on kitten food until about 12 months. Don't restrict a growing kitten, but do start the measuring habit.
Is my cat overweight?
- You should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer, like the back of your hand.
- From above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs.
- A loose, swinging flap of skin low on the belly (the 'primordial pouch') is normal. A round, firm belly is not.
If your cat needs to slim down, do it gradually with your vet's help. Rapid weight loss is dangerous for cats.