The Brazilian Shorthair is a purebred cat from, as you may have guessed, Brazil. These felines are known for being smart, affectionate, and energetic.
Vital Stats:
Life Span: 14 to 20 years
Length: Medium to large
Weight: 10 to 22 pounds
Origin: Brazil
About Brazilian Shorthairs
History of Brazilian Shorthairs
Fans of the Brazilian Shorthair like to speculate that their origin story goes all the way back to the 1500s, when European sailors first started to bring cats along on journeys to Brazil. The breed’s development is attributed to Paulo Samuel Ruschi, who also founded Brazil’s Cat Federation. The idea behind the Brazilian Shorthair was to channel the personality and traits of Brazilian street cats into a purebred feline. The World Cat Federation officially approved the Brazilian Shorthair as a purebred cat in 1998. These days, you can find Brazilian Shorthairs in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!
Brazilian Shorthair Size
The Brazilian Shorthair is a medium- to large-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary. Most male Brazilian Shorthairs weigh in at eleven to 22 pounds and most female Brazilian Shorthairs are between ten and 16 pounds.
Personality of Brazilian Shorthairs
As you’d expect from a breed with street cat roots, the Brazilian Shorthair is a cocky feline who’s confident and outgoing. This extends to their relationship with humans and kids. This is a cat who enjoys being around people and will do its best to become a big part of your day to day life. Always wanting to be the center of attention, the breed will happily attempt to persuade the kids to engage in play sessions as often as possible, but they’re also content to snuggle up on the couch when it’s time to rest and relax. The Brazilian Shorthair is an inherently curious and inquisitive cat, especially when it comes to exploring new environments. So make sure you have enough space to keep the cat on their toes. As a smarter-than-average feline, the Brazilian Shorthair also benefits from smart interactive toys, and in some cases, owners have managed to teach the breed to perform tricks!
Brazilian Shorthair Health Risks
Brazilian Shorthairs are generally considered to be healthy cats. To date, there aren’t any breed-specific health problems associated with the Brazilian Shorthair, but always keep an eye out for signs that your cat might be in distress or pain.
Caring for Brazilian Shorthairs
As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Brazilian Shorthair’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy. Along with scheduling yearly wellness vet visits, you’ll definitely want to add a scratching post to your living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition. The Brazilian Shorthair’s ears should also be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. It’s also advisable to talk with your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Brazilian Shorthair. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques. As with any breed with high energy levels, the Brazilian Shorthair will need to be provided with enough space to run around and explore, so you’ll want to add a cat tree to your living situation.
Brazilian Shorthair Coat Color And Grooming
The Brazilian Shorthair’s coat can be seen in a very wide range of colors that include black, brown, gray, orange, and white. The coat also comes in just about any type of pattern you can imagine! When it comes to grooming, the Brazilian Shorthair is a very low-maintenance kitty. You can brush their coat once a week, which will help lessen the chances of hairballs or mats forming. When it comes to climate, the Brazilian Shorthair is generally seen as an adaptable feline. Although, make sure to always provide adequate shade and sufficient fresh water during the hotter months.
Brazilian Shorthairs Around Children And Other Pets
The Brazilian Shorthair is a wonderful cat to adopt if you have children. Their playful and loving side will see them forming super strong bonds with the children in their life. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides. Supervise early interactions between kids and cats. When it comes to other household pets, the Brazilian Shorthair is also tolerant and gets along with most domestic animals. Although you’ll want to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets, as well. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Brazilian Shorthair for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!
