Brazilian Shorthair Cat—Full Profile, History, and Care

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Brazilian shorthair cat


In This Article

  • Characteristics

  • History

  • Care

  • Health Problems

  • Diet and Nutrition

  • Where to Adopt or Buy

  • Further Research

Today, the Brazilian Shorthair cat is prized for its beautiful coat and playful personality. However, it may surprise you to learn that these purebreds were originally street cats, and their social, friendly, smart nature still shines through. 

A larger cat breed, the Brazilian Shorthair can weigh anywhere up to 20 pounds. They are muscular and agile while still maintaining their elegant, cat-like grace. These felines boast very expressive, wide-set eyes and almost any coat color under the sun. Full of energy and a love for exploration, these cats are characterized by their playful antics and make fun, friendly pets.

10 Popular Cat Breeds for Many Types of Households

Breed Overview

Weight: 10 to 20 pounds

Length: 12 to 14 inches

Coat: Short 

Coat Color: Wide range of colors and patterns including white, tan, brown, black, gray, and orange. 

Eye Color: Green, gold, yellow. Oftentimes, the cat’s eye color mirrors its coat color. 

Life Expectancy: 14 to 20 years

Characteristics of the Brazilian Shorthair

Affection Level High Friendliness High Kid-Friendly High Pet-Friendly High Exercise Needs Medium Playfulness High Energy Level Medium Intelligence High Tendency to Vocalize Medium Amount of Shedding Low

History of the Brazilian Shorthair

The Brazilian Shorthair originated from the common street cats of Brazil. It is thought that these felines first entered Brazil around the year 1500 CE aboard the ships of European sailors. Over time, these feral cats were developed into purebred felines with set breeding standards. The breed’s development is credited to Paulo Samuel Ruschi. 

In 1998, the World Cat Federation approved the Brazilian Shorthair as a recognized purebred cat breed. However, the breed has not yet received recognition from TICA or CFA. 

Brazilian Shorthair Care

The Brazilian Shorthair is a friendly cat breed with an outgoing personality. The social street-cat mentality remains in these purebred felines, making meeting new people and exploring new places right up their alley. These cats thrive with plenty of attention, play, and snuggle time. Their social, playful, energetic nature also makes them perfect feline companions for children.

These cats love to run around and explore, so be sure to give them enough space for adventuring and expending energy. Playtime is a perfect way to both exercise and spend time with your Brazilian Shorthair. Cat trees, playgrounds, and scratching posts are well-loved by this breed and will ensure that your cat is happy, enriched, and entertained. However, when it is time to wind down, your Brazilian Shorthair will be just as happy snuggling on the couch with you. 

As suggested by its name, the Brazilian Shorthair has a very short coat that does not shed much or produce much dander. This makes grooming very simple. Brushing once a week should be plenty to keep your Brazilian shorthair's coat clean and in good condition. Remember to regularly brush their teeth and check their nails and ears as well. 

Brazilian Shorthairs have retained the street-smarts from their ancestors, making them sharp, intelligent felines. They learn new things quickly and love to be challenged. This makes them an excellent breed to teach tricks.

Common Health Problems

The Brazilian Shorthair is a relatively healthy breed with no common, breed-specific health problems known. However, cat owners should be on the lookout for common issues that may arise in any breed, such as obesity and ear infections.     

Diet and Nutrition

Feeding your Brazilian Shorthair high-quality cat food will help ensure that they live a long and healthy life. Every cat will have their own likes, dislikes, and dietary needs. Consult your veterinarian for more information on your cat’s unique dietary needs.

Pros

  • Very adaptable

  • Loving and affectionate

  • Does well with children and other pets 

Cons

  • Inquisitive nature means they like to get into things

  • Requires lots of mental and physical stimulation

Where to Adopt or Buy a Brazilian Shorthair

Because the Brazilian Shorthair is an uncommon breed outside of its native country, it may be a bit tricky to find a rescue or breeder in the United States. However, always be sure to check your local shelters and rescue groups since a wide variety of circumstances can result in this rare breed being surrendered. The links below will help you find shelters, rescues, and breeders in your area.

  • ASPCA 
  • GoKitty

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

Every cat breed has its own typical personality traits. Careful research will help ensure that you find the perfect breed to suit your home and lifestyle.

If you’re interested in other cat breeds similar to the Brazilian Shorthair, check out:

  • British Shorthair
  • Burmese
  • Bengal

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