Health Tested

Health is our primary concern. Our ChubbyBuddies are meticulously genetically tested and their day to day health is religiously monitored. We also blood group all of our ChubbyBuddies to avoid feline neonatal isoerythrolysis (FNI) resulting from incompatible blood groups. Don’t just take our word for it, we have the results to prove it!

We have a deep understanding of the ideal type for a British Shorthair cat and the workings of feline genetics. In order to achieve the best temperament and type that we can, we carefully consider the lineage of each of our ChubbyBuddies.

immaculately clean conditions

Our ChubbyBuddies are kept in immaculately clean conditions. All of our ChubbyBuddies have their own litter trays and food and water bowls. Bowls are replaced twice daily at the minimum, and trays are cleaned out and disinfected with a veterinary grade anti-viral every day.

Very young ChubbyBuddies only have contact with us and their own mother, and their litter trays and bowls are cleaned and disinfected twice a day. 

raising well-adjusted kittens

Kittens may be impossibly adorable, but they’re also energetic and rambunctious, dangerously curious, and can be rather destructive if you’re not paying attention — yes, even pedigree kittens! It’s in a kitten’s nature to explore their new world through stalking, pouncing, and gnawing. Left to their own devices, a kitten will grow up to be unruly — remember that a behaviour at 16 weeks that is cute will not necessarily be cute at 6 months old!

We strive to raise ChubbyBuddies that are prepared for the real world, and put in a lot of hard work to achieve this. ChubbyBuddies are handled daily to ensure they are well socialised, and exposed to a variety of appropriate scratching surfaces (such as carpeting and sisal rope) so that they grow to be more amenable to the new scratching toys in their new homes. Spotify is constantly playing in the background — mostly quiet music, as they seem to prefer it, but also some rock and roll to get them used to background noise. ChubbyBuddies are also exposed to regular grooming once they are old enough to do so, and most of our ChubbyBuddies don’t have an issue with bathing and regular hairdrying. We challenge the notion that felines simply didn’t inherit behaviours associated with water and our goal is to raise confident ChubbyBuddies that accept all manners of handling.

fully and formally registered

Our cattery is officially registered with the Cat Fanciers Association as well as The International Cat Association. All our kittens come with papers eligible for pedigree registration. We only have pedigree kittens available and we will explain why this matters.

These associations function as genetic registries for pedigree cats. They lay down certain rules and standards about how kittens should be bred, and offer additional protection to anyone buying a registered kitten. For example:

• They monitor and regulate how in-bred each kitten can be, and will not permit matings from cats that are too closely related, as this can produce very unhealthy kittens. They also ensure that certain cats that do not meet the requirements for health or type cannot be bred from by preventing them from being properly registered.

• They provide certified pedigrees, so that we know the genetic lineage of every cat and can make sure we avoid dangerous matings.

• They have the power to penalise breeders whose conduct falls below a certain standard, which includes selling sick or neglected kittens. They are able to impose hefty fines on errant breeders. They can also suspend and ban breeders, meaning that the breeder will never be able to sell registered kittens again.

We are registered with these associations because we want to do things right. We want to own beautiful British Shorthair cats, without cutting corners and putting their health at risk. We are happy to answer questions about what we do because we love what we do and we take great pride in it. If you find a cattery who doesn't want to answer your questions, or can't, then something is not right.

ABOUT THE BREED

The British Shorthair is the pedigreed version of the traditional British domestic cat, with a distinctively chunky body, dense coat and broad face. They are known to have “teddy bear” looks with their large, round expressive eyes and compact, well-balanced, powerful bodies.

The British Shorthair is known for their placid, kind and affectionate nature. Our ChubbyBuddies are mellow and easygoing, making them excellent family pets. They enjoy affection but are at the same time full of British reserve, making them undemanding companions. They are well-suited to life with families with children, and are proven to be dog-friendly cats. They love attention from children who treat them politely and with respect.

living with a british shorthair

Living with a British Shorthair is great fun as they are gentle, intelligent, docile and extremely endearing! They bond closely to their owners and quickly become a part of the family, sharing their affection equally amongst all family members (furry ones included). They are not especially active as adults, preferring to spend much of their time taking it easy. Their independent natures thrive when left alone as they are content with their own company, quietly amusing themselves in your absence and waiting patiently for your return, making the breed suitable for those who work long hours or spend a significant amount of time away from home. You can expect your ChubbyBuddy to be good tempered, with a stable personality and predictable patterns of behaviour.

PET CARE AND MAINTENANCE

British Shorthairs are cats with moderate activity levels. Their even-tempered personalities and immaculate manners are those of a proper governess, not a soccer hooligan, and their equilibriums are rarely disturbed by other pets. When properly socialised, they welcome guests confidently, and is a great breed of cat for people who have the time to spend with one.

As pets go, cats are relatively low maintenance compared to dogs which need companionship, walking, etc. However, like any pet, they do need care and attention, and some cats need more care than others. Do you want to spend a lot of time with your pet, do you want it to be demanding, or do you have limited time? Cats can fit into busy, modern lifestyles more easily than dogs, as they are pretty independent, can be left alone much more easily and are more suitable for smaller flats or houses. Cats are also often chosen by people who have busy and stressful lifestyles and who want some companionship when they go home to relax.

• Be patient. While males are noticeably larger, broader and rounder than the females, both males and females are an imposing cat presence. Growing very slowly, a British Shorthair does not reach full maturity until four to five years of age.

• Be realistic. If you’re not likely to have the time or inclination to groom a cat on a daily basis, don’t even think of getting a cat with a long coat. In addition, if you are extremely house-proud, you may not want lots of hair everywhere. A shorthaired cat is a much easier option, as most cats are fanatical about their coats and keep them in immaculate condition.

• Be observant. Because they are prone to put on weight very easily, keeping a close eye on a British Shorthair’s waistline is all important. They are very intelligent cats and need enough stimulation to prevent them from becoming couch potatoes.

• Grooming is really easy. The fur of British Shorthairs is short, close-lying, and lustrous, and it is dense enough to protect against the elements. A weekly combing is usually all that is necessary to keep the fur clean and healthy.

• Be committed. Due to the large gene pool of the breed and few overall health problems, the average life expectancy of a British Shorthair may well exceed 15 when properly cared for and fed an appropriate, good quality diet.