brazilian-shorthair
Outgoing, intelligent, playful, energetic
Overview
Origin
Brazil
Life Span
14-20 years
Height
8"-11"
Weight
10-22 pounds
Group
Medium-to-large shorthair
Price
$1,000-$1,300
History
Legend says that the Brazilian Shorthair cat originated sometime in the 1500s, when ships cats made their way to Brazil along with European sailors.
We have Paulo Samuel Ruschi to thank for developing this breed, encouraging the friendly personality of Brazil's street cats while standardizing the most desirable traits of cats found throughout the Iberian Peninsula. He is also the founder of Brazil's Cat Federation and Rio de Janeiro's Cat Club.
In 1998, the World Cat Federation gave the Brazilian Shorthair official recognition as a purebred cat.
Care
Nutrition
Brazilian Shorthair cats do not have any special nutritional needs, however we recommend feeding a high-quality diet that includes real meat as the first ingredient. These cats are known to have long life spans and a healthy diet can support longevity and well-being.
Grooming
Brazilian Shorthair cats are easy to care for. Even though they have short coats, brushing can be beneficial. If you groom your cat once or twice per week, you'll cut down on shedding and reduce the likelihood of hairballs.
Exercise
These cats have a playful streak a mile wide! They are extremely agile, and they’ll almost certainly keep you entertained with their antics. Provide plenty of toys to keep your kitty engaged and be sure that they have a tall cat tree to climb. Like most other breeds, the Brazilian shorthair enjoys watching life unfold from an elevated vantage point.
Health
These cats are generally robust. They have a reputation for good health, and there are no known breed specific health issues.
Breed Standard
Body
The Brazilian Shorthair is a fairly large cat, with males weighing in at up to 22 pounds and females coming in at up to 16 pounds. The body should be muscular yet elegant, with an emphasis on length rather than width.
Head
Brazilian Shorthair cats have small to medium-sized heads with a moderate wedge shape that is longer than it is wide. The profile should appear slightly curved. The next, chin, and lower jaw should be firm and well-developed.
Eyes
Brazilian Shorthair cats should have rounded eyes that are set approximately 1.5 eye widths apart from one another. Eyes may be of any color that complements the coat.
Ears
The ears should be large and erect, and should be adorned with tufts. Ear height should be higher than the base of the ears.
Color
Brazilian Shorthair cats come in every color and pattern imaginable, however those in pointed colors are considered of pet quality only and are disqualified for show. Nose leather and paw pads should complement the coat.
Coat
The coat is short and silky, with a glossy appearance and no undercoat.
Tail
Brazilian Shorthair cats should have medium length tails with wide bases and tapered tips.
Legs & Paws
The legs are long, slim, and muscular, with well-rounded paws.