British Shorthair Cat Diet: Daily Portions & Homemade Food Tips
Key Takeaways
- British Shorthair cats require carefully controlled portions of 200–300 calories (kcal) daily, typically split into two to three meals to prevent obesity.
- High-quality animal proteins should make up the foundation of their diet, with homemade meals consisting of up to 90% lean, cooked meats like chicken, turkey, or fish, supplemented with essential nutrients like taurine.
- Adult British Shorthairs thrive on about 1.4–1.6 ounces (40–45 grams) of quality dry food or 5.3–7 ounces (150–200 grams) of wet food per 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of body weight daily, with portion adjustments needed for kittens and senior cats.
- Gradual food transitions over 7–10 days help prevent digestive upset in this sensitive breed, starting with 25% new food and increasing incrementally.
- Bailey's CBD offers veterinarian-formulated CBD products, including calming chews and CBD oil that support homeostasis and help British Shorthairs maintain calmness during routine changes or grooming sessions.
British Shorthair's Nutritional Needs
British Shorthair cats are renowned for their plush, dense coats, stocky build, and characteristically calm demeanor. These beloved felines often prefer indoor lifestyles and tend to be less active than other breeds, which creates specific dietary considerations that responsible pet owners should be aware of.
Their slower metabolism and tendency toward sedentary behavior makes portion control necessary. Without careful attention to their caloric intake, British Shorthairs can quickly develop weight issues that compound into serious health problems. Their sturdy frame might make excess weight less obvious initially, but maintaining an ideal body condition is essential for their long-term health and mobility.
They require a diet rich in easily digestible, high-quality proteins while keeping carbohydrates minimal. As obligate carnivores, British Shorthairs need animal-based nutrition to thrive, with their digestive systems specifically adapted to process meat efficiently rather than plant-based ingredients.
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SHOP BAILEY'S CBD COLLECTION →Daily Portion Guidelines by Life Stage
Kittens (Under 12 Months)
Growing British Shorthair kittens have substantially higher energy needs than their adult counterparts. During their rapid development phase, kittens should receive four to five small meals throughout the day, totaling approximately 250–350 calories daily. This frequent feeding schedule supports their fast metabolism and prevents hypoglycemia while ensuring steady growth.
Choose kitten-specific formulas with higher protein and fat content, typically around 35–40% protein and 15–20% fat. Wet food can be particularly beneficial during this stage, providing essential hydration while being easier for small mouths to manage.
Adult Cats (1–7 Years)
Adult British Shorthairs typically require 200–300 calories daily, which translates to approximately 1.4–1.6 ounces (40–45 grams) of quality dry food or 5.3–7 ounces (150–200 grams) of wet food per 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of body weight.
For an average 10-pound (4.5 kg) adult cat, this means roughly 6.3–7 ounces (180–200 grams) of dry food or 24–32 ounces (675–900 grams) of wet food daily.
Divide this total into two to three meals to promote healthy digestion and prevent overeating. Morning and evening feedings work well for most households, with an optional small midday portion if preferred.
Senior Cats (8+ Years)
As British Shorthairs age, their metabolism slows further, and they may become even less active. Senior cats typically need about 220 calories daily, with portions adjusted to maintain ideal body weight while supporting their changing nutritional needs.
Senior-specific formulas often include joint-loving ingredients and are formulated for easier digestion, which can benefit aging British Shorthairs who may develop dental sensitivities.
Daily feeding guidelines for British Shorthairs vary by life stage.
Homemade Food Preparation Tips
Creating nutritious homemade meals for your British Shorthair can be rewarding, but it requires careful planning to ensure nutritional completeness. The foundation of any homemade cat diet should be high-quality animal proteins that have been thoroughly cooked to eliminate potential bacterial contamination.
Protein Selection & Preparation
Choose lean meats like chicken breast, turkey, or fish, ensuring all bones are completely removed to prevent choking hazards. Cook proteins thoroughly using methods like boiling, baking, or steaming without added seasonings, oils, or spices that could upset your cat's digestive system.
Fish can be an excellent protein source, but limit it to no more than twice weekly to prevent mercury accumulation. Salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that support coat health and reduce inflammation.
Nutritional Supplementation
Homemade diets must be properly supplemented to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Taurine supplementation is needed, as this amino acid cannot be synthesized by cats, and a deficiency leads to serious heart and eye problems. Commercial taurine supplements designed for cats should be added according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Essential vitamins and minerals also require attention. Vitamin A, D, E, and various B vitamins must be included, along with appropriate mineral balancing. Working with a veterinary nutritionist to formulate recipes ensures your homemade meals meet all nutritional requirements.
Gradual Introduction & Food Safety
Never switch your British Shorthair to homemade food abruptly. Begin by mixing 25% homemade food with 75% of their current diet, gradually increasing the homemade portion over 7–10 days. This slow transition prevents digestive upset and allows you to monitor your cat's acceptance of the new food.
To ease restlessness during dietary changes, our Calming CBD Cat Chews can provide extra calming support. Our calming ingredients (e.g., GABA, ashwagandha, magnesium) help make the transition smoother for sensitive cats.
Prepare fresh meals in small batches and store properly in the refrigerator for no more than 2–3 days. Freeze larger portions in meal-sized containers, thawing as needed. Always serve food at room temperature, as cold food can be unpalatable and harder to digest.
Monitoring Your Cat's Response & Health
Monitoring weight, coat quality, and appetite ensures your British Shorthair’s diet stays on track.
Regular monitoring of your British Shorthair's body condition, eating habits, and overall wellness helps ensure your feeding program remains appropriate. Weekly weight checks using a digital scale provide objective data about whether portion sizes need adjustment.
Watch for signs that indicate dietary changes may be needed such as excessive weight gain or loss, changes in appetite, digestive upset, or changes in coat quality. British Shorthairs should maintain a sleek, plush coat that feels dense but not greasy, with clear eyes and steady energy levels appropriate for their calm temperament.
If incorporating new supplements or wellness products into your cat's routine, start with the lowest recommended dosage and observe your cat's response.
How Bailey’s CBD Supports Your British Shorthair's Overall Wellness
Supporting a British Shorthair requires a balance of high-quality nutrition, regular grooming, and supplements that promote calmness, comfort, and overall balance.
At Bailey’s CBD, every product is carefully formulated with cats like the British Shorthair in mind. Using single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, Colorado, processed through subcritical CO₂ extraction, we preserve the beneficial compounds while avoiding harsh solvents.
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Our CBD Oil for Cats contains naturally occurring CBD to ensure your cat stays healthy and happy.
Our wellness options for British Shorthairs include:
- CBD Oil for Cats – Full-spectrum hemp extract blended with MCT oil for precise dosing, supporting daily calmness, mobility, and overall balance. Ideal for managing restlessness in everyday life or promoting comfort in aging cats.
- Calming CBD Cat Chews – Chicken-and-cheese flavored chews that combine CBD with calming nutrients like tyrosine, theanine, tryptophan, valerian root, passion flower, and more. These are perfect for British Shorthairs who may experience stress during grooming sessions, vet visits, travel, or sudden household changes.
- CBD Pet Shampoo – Formulated with 300mg CBD plus coat-loving ingredients like organic aloe, avocado oil, and colloidal oatmeal to soothe sensitive skin while keeping the dense British Shorthair coat soft, glossy, and healthy.
Our products add another layer of support for your cat—calming restlessness, promoting mobility, and maintaining overall wellness. Together, we help your British Shorthair thrive at every stage of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I prepare homemade food safely for my British Shorthair?
Yes, homemade food can be prepared safely with proper planning and supplementation. Focus on thoroughly cooked lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish, making up 90% of the meal, with minimal vegetables. Essential supplementation with taurine, vitamins, and minerals is critical. Always transition gradually over 7–10 days and consider working with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure nutritional completeness.
What signs indicate my British Shorthair needs portion adjustments?
Monitor your cat's body condition weekly using both visual assessment and weight checks. Signs that portions need adjustment include visible weight gain or loss, difficulty feeling ribs through their dense coat, changes in activity level, or changes in eating enthusiasm. British Shorthairs should maintain a sturdy but not overweight build with a visible waist when viewed from above.
How do I transition my British Shorthair to a new food without digestive upset?
British Shorthairs have sensitive digestive systems requiring gradual transitions over 7–10 days. Start with 75% current food mixed with 25% new food for 2–3 days, then progress to 50/50 for another 2–3 days, followed by 25% old food with 75% new food before completing the switch. Watch for signs of digestive upset and slow the process if needed.
How can Bailey's CBD products support my British Shorthair's wellness?
Bailey's CBD offers veterinarian-formulated CBD products designed for British Shorthairs. Our calming chews and CBD oil are made with single-source USDA organic hemp, lab-tested for purity, and backed by Dr. Robert J. Silver, DVM. These products are intended to complement your cat's wellness routine during routine changes, grooming sessions, or as they age.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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