Vet-approved British Shorthair Feeding Guide & Nutrition Tips

With their broad frames, stocky muscle, and laid-back personality, British Shorthairs thrive on quality nutrition that supports their slow-and-steady style.

Because they’re prone to weight gain and aren’t the most active of felines, every calorie needs to count. A balanced diet rich in animal protein, controlled in fat, and mindful of portion size helps preserve muscle, support joint health, and keep them feeling their best—without tipping into ‘overfed’ territory.

Think of their food as fuel for longevity, not just appetite.

Quality ingredients

Animal protein should always be the first ingredient in your British Shorthair’s food. Think chicken, turkey or fish — not generic “meat meal.” These high-quality proteins are essential for maintaining lean muscle mass in a breed known for its solid build. Look for formulas with healthy fats like fish oil to support their dense coat and skin.

Skip foods loaded with fillers like corn, wheat or soy. While not always harmful, they offer little nutritional value and can lead to unwanted weight gain — something British Shorthairs are already prone to.

Size, Energy & Age Considerations

British Shorthairs are calm and gentle by nature. They’re not big climbers or marathon runners, so their food needs to reflect that. Choose nutrient-dense diets with controlled calories and moderate fat — especially if your cat is kept indoors or isn’t particularly active.

• Kittens need higher energy and DHA for brain development. 
• Adults do best with balanced maintenance diets that help support muscle tone without overloading them on fat. 
• Seniors benefit from easily digestible proteins, joint support, and formulas that help manage healthy weight as metabolism slows.

Dry Cat Food (Kibble)

Dry Cat Food is often the go-to for British Shorthair owners thanks to its convenience and dental health benefits. The crunchy texture can help reduce plaque buildup, and it’s easy to measure out for portion control. Just make sure the kibble is high in quality protein and not overloaded with carbs or filler ingredients.

Wet Cat Food (cans or pouches)

Wet Cat Food offers added moisture, which can be especially beneficial for urinary tract health — a common concern in less-active cats. It’s also easier to chew and often more palatable, which is helpful for picky eaters or older cats with dental issues.

Mixed feeding

Combining wet and dry cat food can give your British Shorthair the best of both worlds — hydration and taste from wet food, plus the convenience and dental support of dry. Just be sure to keep an eye on total calories to avoid overfeeding.

Whatever you choose, always select a diet that’s AAFCO-approved and suited to your cat’s life stage. The goal is balanced, functional nutrition — not just variety.

British Shorthairs are generally robust, but their calm temperament and stocky build mean they’re more prone to certain health concerns — and diet plays a big role in prevention and management.

1. Weight Gain and Obesity
With their low activity levels and hearty appetites, British Shorthairs are at high risk of becoming overweight. Diets with controlled kilojoules, higher protein, and moderate fat levels help maintain healthy muscle mass without unnecessary weight gain.

2. Joint Stress
Extra weight can put pressure on joints, especially as they age. Foods with added glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s (like fish oil) can help support joint comfort and mobility.

3. Urinary Tract Health
Like many cats, British Shorthairs can be prone to urinary issues. Wet food or high-moisture diets help increase water intake, while balanced mineral content supports urinary health.

4. Skin and Coat Condition
Their plush, dense coat requires support from within. Diets rich in essential fatty acids — especially omega-6 and omega-3 — help reduce dryness, irritation, and dullness, keeping their coat soft and healthy.

5. Digestive Comfort
Some British Shorthairs may have sensitive stomachs. Easily digestible ingredients, prebiotics and fibre help promote consistent stools and overall gut health.

Each of the vet-recommended options below is chosen to match the unique needs of British Shorthairs — helping maintain a healthy weight, strong muscles, a plush coat, and optimal urinary health.

Royal Canin Kitten Dry Food

A complete dry kitten diet formulated to support healthy growth with balanced protein, vitamins, and minerals. Ideal for developing immunity, muscle growth, and digestive health. The kibble size and texture suit young cats learning to chew and eat independently.

Purina Pro Plan Development Chicken & Liver Entrée Kitten Wet Food

Made with real chicken and liver, this nutrient-rich pâté supports healthy muscle growth, brain development, and immune strength. Fortified with DHA for vision and cognitive health, it’s an ideal, easily digestible choice for British Shorthair kittens during their vital growth stage.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Indoor Cat Dry Food

Ideal for less-active indoor cats like British Shorthairs, this food offers controlled calories, high-quality protein and natural fibre for weight and digestive balance. Omega-6s and vitamin E support a healthy coat.

Royal Canin British Shorthair Adult Dry Cat Food

Tailored for this breed’s stocky build, this formula helps maintain muscle tone, joint health and heart function. It also supports urinary health with balanced minerals and a breed-specific kibble shape.

Hill’s Science Diet Senior Cat 11+ Dry Food

Formulated for 11+‑year‑old cats, this senior dry food includes antioxidants, balanced minerals, and vitamins that support brain, heart, and vital organs as your cat ages. Many vets recommend it for maintaining healthy ageing.

Royal Canin Expert Mature Consult Dry Cat Food

A vet‑formulated dry diet tailored for senior cats. It supports weight management, digestive comfort, and joint function — all important as British Shorthairs age and naturally slow down. The balanced nutrients help maintain overall vitality.

Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities

For British Shorthairs prone to digestive or skin issues, this hydrolysed protein diet helps minimise food reactions. It’s formulated to support skin health and improve stool quality.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Moderate Calorie

This vet-prescribed food supports urinary tract health while helping manage weight — ideal for less-active British Shorthairs with a history of urinary issues or prone to weight gain.

British Shorthairs tend to take things slow — and that includes how they burn energy. With their stocky build and low-to-moderate activity levels, keeping an eye on portions is essential to prevent unwanted weight gain.

Here’s a general daily feeding guide based on age and weight:

Based on dry food with ~370 kcal per 100g. Adjust for wet or mixed diets accordingly.

Feeding frequency:

• Kittens: 3–4 meals per day
• Adults: 2 meals per day
• Seniors: 2 smaller meals per day (to support digestion and appetite)

Overfeeding
British Shorthairs are built solid, but that doesn’t mean they need big portions. Even small extras — treats, table scraps or free-feeding — can lead to gradual weight gain. Use a measuring cup and stick to feeding guidelines based on their ideal weight, not their current one.

Too much fat or filler
Diets too high in fat or loaded with carbs (like corn or wheat) can cause weight issues and don’t offer the kind of protein-rich nutrition this breed thrives on. Choose premium diets with meat-based proteins and moderate kilojoule content.

Changing food too quickly
A sudden switch in diet can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting or food refusal. Always transition to a new food over 5–7 days, mixing in the new formula gradually.

Relying on dry food alone
British Shorthairs are prone to urinary issues, so hydration matters. If your cat doesn’t drink much water, adding wet food or a water fountain can help support urinary health.

Ignoring subtle signs
Coat looking dull? Frequent vomiting or messy stools? These could be signs your cat’s food isn’t suiting them. Speak to your vet about alternatives or consider sensitive skin or digestive formulas.

Is it okay to rotate my British Shorthair’s food?
Rotating between similar high-quality diets can give your British Shorthair some variety and may help reduce the risk of developing food sensitivities. Just make sure to transition slowly over 5–7 days to avoid digestive upset, and check with your vet if your cat has a history of stomach or skin issues.

How can I tell if my British Shorthair is overweight?
If your British Shorthair has lost their waistline or you can’t feel their ribs with gentle pressure, they may be carrying extra weight. This breed gains weight easily, so portion control and regular body checks are key to keeping them healthy.

Do British Shorthairs need breed-specific food?
While not essential, British Shorthair-specific formulas are designed with their unique needs in mind — such as muscle maintenance, joint support, and a kibble shape that suits their strong jaws. These diets can be a helpful option, especially if your cat struggles with weight or coat health.

Why is hydration important for British Shorthairs?
British Shorthairs can be prone to urinary issues, so keeping them hydrated is important. If they’re not big water drinkers, adding wet food or using a cat water fountain can encourage better fluid intake and support their urinary tract health.

How do I know if my British Shorthair’s food suits them?
If your cat has a shiny coat, consistent stool, healthy energy levels and is maintaining their weight, their food is likely working well. Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhoea, itchiness or a dull coat — these can indicate the need for a dietary adjustment.

Feeding your British Shorthair isn’t just about filling the bowl — it’s about fuelling long-term health. From managing weight and maintaining muscle to supporting coat condition and urinary health, the right diet can make a noticeable difference.

By choosing high-quality, breed-appropriate food and keeping portions in check, you’re giving your British Shorthair the best chance at a long, healthy, and comfortable life — full of purrs, personality, and plush snuggles.