An early example of the "English type" Blue Shorthair, from Frances Simpson's Book of the Cat, 1903 Based on artists' representations, the modern British Shorthair is unchanged from this initial type. Over the centuries, their naturally isolated descendants developed into distinctively large, robust cats with a short but very thick coat, to better withstand conditions on their native islands. These cats then interbred with the local European wildcat population. These cats were imported by the Romans who kept them to keep the camps clear of snakes, mice and insects. The origins of the British Shorthair most likely date back to the first century AD, making it one of the most ancient identifiable cat breeds in the world. The Cat Fanciers' Association profile reads: "When gracelessness is observed, the British Shorthair is duly embarrassed, quickly recovering with a 'Cheshire cat smile'." History The breed's good-natured appearance and relatively calm temperament make it a frequent media star, notably as the inspiration for John Tenniel's famous illustration of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. A quarter of all kittens registered with the GCCF each year are British Shorthairs, making the British the most popular pedigree cat in the UK. In modern times, it remains the most popular pedigreed breed in its native country, as registered by the UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). It is one of the most ancient cat breeds known. The breed has also been developed in a wide range of other colours and patterns, including tabby and colourpoint. The most familiar colour variant is the "British Blue", with a solid grey-blue coat, pineapple eyes, and a medium-sized tail. The British Shorthair is the pedigreed version of the traditional British domestic cat, with a distinctively stocky body, thick coat, and broad face. British Shorthair in the classic colour ’blue’.
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