British Shorthair — cost & care
Calm, easygoing, loyal. Medium shorthair cat.
A British Shorthair costs roughly $22,800 over its lifetime (12–20 years), or about $1,290/year: ~$250 food, ~$360 insurance, ~$400 routine vet, ~$80 grooming. Purchase price runs $800–$2,000.
📍 Costs in USD (United States) — see this breed in another country.
1.0cups of food / day (~7.5 lb/mo)
1.2cups of water / day
16 yraverage lifespan (12–20)
Customize your estimate — tick only what you actually pay for
Your estimate: / year · lifetime
Compare pet insurance
Get British Shorthair insurance quotes — average plan ~$360/yr. See quotesRecommended food
A British Shorthair eats ~7.5 lb/month. Shop medium-breed foodFull cost breakdown
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Purchase (one-off) | $800–$2,000 |
| Food / year | $250 (1.0 cups/day) |
| Pet insurance / year | $360 (est.) |
| Routine vet / year | $400 |
| Grooming / year | $80 |
| Supplies & misc / year | $200 |
| Total annual | $1,290 |
| Lifetime total | $22,800 |
Breed stats
| Size | Medium |
| Avg weight | 12 lb |
| Height | 8–14 in |
| Lifespan | 12–20 yrs |
| Group | Shorthair |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Temperament & care
| Energy | 2/5 |
| Affection | 3/5 |
| Vocalness | 1/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 |
| Grooming need | 2/5 |
Common health conditions
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Obesity
How we calculate: food cost = breed weight → vet RER/MER calorie formula → cups/day → US food-price average. Insurance = NAPHIA US average adjusted by breed health-risk tier and size. Estimates — verify with your vet and insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a British Shorthair cost per year?
About $1,290 a year — roughly $250 food, $360 insurance, $400 vet and $80 grooming.
What is the lifetime cost of a British Shorthair?
Around $22,800 across its 12–20-year lifespan, including purchase and first-year setup.
How much does a British Shorthair eat?
About 1.0 cups of food a day (~7.5 lb per month).
How much water should a British Shorthair drink?
About 1.2 cups of water a day — verify with your vet for your animal.
Is the British Shorthair hypoallergenic?
No — the British Shorthair sheds and is not considered hypoallergenic.