As a seasoned breeder with a deep affection for felines, the journey into the world of British Shorthair cats began as a complementary pursuit to my established Ragdoll program. While Ragdolls captured my heart with their “bunny” coats, gentle dispositions, and striking blue eyes, the British Shorthair offered a unique charm that resonated with my desire for a breed with a similar temperament but a distinct aesthetic. This exploration led to a profound appreciation for their stunning golden hues and easygoing nature, making them a cherished addition to my breeding endeavors.
My initial introduction to Ragdolls occurred during my teenage years, despite a childhood spent exclusively with dogs. My mother, a passionate animal lover, fostered my burgeoning interest in raising and caring for kittens. At sixteen, I welcomed my first purebred cat, a Himalayan seal point, and began a journey of learning and hobby breeding her with a Scottish Fold. This early experience laid the foundation for my future in cat breeding.
Later, after marrying my husband Josh, we committed to investing in high-quality, show-line Ragdolls. This decision deepened my understanding of the breed’s most desirable traits: a luxuriously soft coat, a placid temperament, and those captivating deep blue eyes. Our focus shifted towards selecting cats with excellent health, temperament, and physical structure. A significant part of this learning curve involved understanding feline nutrition, particularly the benefits of a raw food diet, which has demonstrably improved the well-being of our cats.
As my Ragdoll program flourished, I began seeking a breed that would complement Ragdolls, not necessarily for breeding purposes, but as an alternative for adopters seeking a similar temperament with a different appearance. This quest led me to the British Shorthair. My first encounter with the breed was through a prominent Instagram account, and I was immediately captivated by their coloration, especially the rich, warm golden tones. While I’ve been asked about exploring silver or other variations, my heart remains with the golden British Shorthairs; they are, by far, my favorite.
Initially, my breeding efforts were exclusively focused on long-haired breeds. I admire their majestic appearance, reminiscent of small lions. However, over time, a close breeder friend entrusted me with a few shorthair British Shorthairs, and I discovered a surprising fondness for them as well. Beyond their lower grooming requirements, I’ve observed that shorthair British Shorthairs tend to be exceptionally easygoing, well-mannered, and a genuine pleasure to live with. That said, longhairs remain an integral part of my program, and like many who adopt from me, I still find myself undecided about which coat length I prefer.
A primary objective in my British Shorthair breeding program has been to steer away from the breed’s sometimes-perceived “aloof showpiece” temperament. I have diligently focused on producing British Shorthair kittens that are not only visually stunning but also affectionate, cuddly, and amenable to living in a family environment. My priority has always been stable personalities and robust health, carefully selecting breeding lines that are consistent and require minimal emotional and physical maintenance.
At home, Josh and I manage all aspects of our cattery together, from daily feeding and care to litter box maintenance and providing enriching environments for our cats. We limit our travel to ensure we are consistently present for our cats, and we are committed to not cutting corners in their care. We make deliberate decisions about where to allocate our resources to provide our cats with the healthiest and happiest start in life possible. This dedication extends to ensuring our kittens are well-socialized and ready to transition into loving homes, offering a delightful experience for any cat enthusiast.
