Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions that we are asked. If you have another question that is not on this list then please e-mail us at info@royalbritishshorthair.com
Questions that are starred (*) are our most common questions!
Questions About Royal British Shorthair
What makes Royal British Shorthair different from every other British Shorthair breeder?*
Quality of Our Ragdolls
At Royal British Shorthair, we take immense pride in dedicating ourselves to the preservation and betterment of the quintessential British Shorthair. Our mission is to breed healthy, phenomenally tempered kittens that embody the true standard of this cherished breed—combining robust health, classic beauty, and that famously calm, loyal disposition.
Our foundation cats are selected from exceptional, proven bloodlines, emphasizing genetic diversity and outstanding type. This careful selection ensures we are building a legacy of health, stability, and the classic “teddy bear” physique that defines the British Shorthair.
Our Pillars of Excellence:
Uncompromising Health: Every cat in our care undergoes comprehensive health screening. We prioritize genetic testing for known breed-specific concerns, such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and blood type, alongside screenings for PKD, FeLV, and FIV. We adhere to the strict breeding standards of leading registries like TICA and CFA.
A Guarantee of Confidence: Your peace of mind is paramount. Each Royal British Shorthair kitten comes with our robust health guarantee, offering protection for up to 3 years against hereditary genetic conditions.
Temperament is Key: Beyond pedigree and health, we select for the quintessential British Shorthair character: gentle, steadfast, and comfortably affectionate. Our cats are family members first, reared in our home to ensure they are well-socialized, confident, and ready to become the dignified, loving companion you desire. If a cat does not meet our stringent standards for health, temperament, or breed type, they are not included in our Royal British Shorthair breeding program.
Choosing a kitten from Royal British Shorthair means welcoming a companion bred for a lifetime of quiet companionship and regal charm.
Quality of Our Program
There are many types of breeders — from large commercial catteries to small backyard setups. At Royal British Shorthair, we proudly define ourselves as professional hobby breeders — small enough to give every kitten personal attention, yet professional enough to maintain world-class standards of breeding, care, and transparency.
Large catteries often produce beautiful cats but raise them in kennel-like settings with limited socialization. Backyard breeders, on the other hand, may raise kittens in a home but lack the proper health testing, pedigrees, or experience.
At Royal British Shorthair, we bridge that gap. Our kittens are raised right inside our family home, surrounded by love, attention, and daily socialization. From day one, they are gently handled, introduced to household sounds, and nurtured to develop confidence and affection.
We are passionate about creating not just beautiful kittens, but loving companions — kittens who are healthy, well-adjusted, and ready to bring warmth and happiness to their forever families.
What is your address and other contact information?
At the top of every page is our email. Prior to visiting our property we do ask that you read through our entire FAQ page and if everything looks good fill out our online Kitten Application. We will be happy to meet with you and give you directions to our home.
Are you on Facebook?
Yes! Facebook is a great way for us to keep everyone posted quickly as well as post many extra pictures. Also, being friends will also give you the opportunity to post pictures, comments and questions. That way, we can truly be a “life-time of support.”
General British Shorthair Kitten Questions
What does it mean to "socialize" a kitten?
Kittens go through a critical socialization period between five and twelve weeks of age, during which they grow, learn, and adapt rapidly. This stage shapes their personality and determines how confident, affectionate, and friendly they’ll become as adult cats.
If a kitten is raised in isolation — for example, in a garage, spare room, or cattery with little human interaction — it may grow up fearful of people, noises, or new environments. Meeting their new family, hearing loud sounds, or visiting the vet for the first time can be stressful and overwhelming.
At Royal British Shorthair, we make sure our kittens receive the best possible start in life. Each kitten is raised right in our home, surrounded by love, gentle handling, and the daily rhythm of family life. From a young age, they’re exposed to everyday sounds and experiences — from vacuum cleaners and doorbells to laughter, children, and visitors.
Our kittens also spend time socializing with our other adult British Shorthair cats, learning calm behavior, confidence, and proper feline manners. This careful socialization helps them grow into relaxed, people-loving companions who adjust easily to their new families.
By the time your kitten leaves Royal British Shorthair, they are well-socialized, affectionate, and ready to bond deeply with their forever family.
For families who want to give their kitten an even stronger foundation, we also offer the Royal Kitten Academy, which provides additional socialization, litter training, and gentle behavioral guidance — ensuring a smooth and joyful transition into your home.
Would a 12+ week British Shorthair kitten have a hard time bonding with their new family?
At Royal British Shorthair, you can be confident in your kitten’s social foundation, for two key reasons.
First, the British Shorthair is renowned for its calm, dependable, and loyal nature. They form deep, steadfast bonds with their families and possess an easygoing adaptability. While not overly demanding, they are affectionate companions who enjoy being near their people, offering quiet loyalty that seamlessly integrates into a home.
Secondly, early and deliberate socialization is a cornerstone of our program. Our kittens are raised underfoot in our family home, gently introduced to household routines, various sounds, and respectful handling from day one. This nurturing environment ensures they develop into well-adjusted, confident kittens.
By the time your Royal British Shorthair kitten comes home, they are already accustomed to a loving, lively environment. The result is a companion ready to become the gentle, heartwarming centerpiece of your family with ease.
British Shorthair Kitten Health Questions
Is your kitten registered and if yes, to what registry?
Yes. All of our British Shorthair cats are TICA (The International Cat Association) and CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) registered — two of the most respected feline registries in the world.
Our breeding cats come from champion bloodlines and are also registered with their country of origin’s feline association when applicable. These registrations ensure that each kitten from Royal British Shorthair meets the highest breed standards for health, temperament, and conformation.
What health clearances do your kittens have?*
Each of our breeding cats at Royal British Shorthair undergoes thorough health testing before joining our program. All of our cats are screened by certified veterinarians for genetic, cardiac, and ophthalmic health to ensure the highest breeding standards.
Our cats are tested for:
HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) through DNA and echocardiogram screening
PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease)
FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
We also perform annual eye and heart evaluations with licensed specialists to guarantee that every kitten from Royal British Shorthair comes from strong, healthy bloodlines.
What kind of kitten food do you feed your kittens?
At Royal British Shorthair, we believe that what we feed our cats is just as important as what we feed ourselves. Proper nutrition is the foundation of a healthy, happy kitten.
We don’t feed our kittens low-quality, grocery-store brands. Instead, our kittens enjoy one of the highest-rated feline foods, formulated with premium natural ingredients to support strong bones, a shiny coat, and overall vitality.
Every meal is carefully chosen to give your kitten the best start in life—because healthy beginnings lead to lifelong wellbeing.
When should I go to my veterinarian after picking up my kitten?
Each of our kittens comes with a health warranty that requires you to have your kitten examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of pickup or delivery. During this visit, your vet will check for any communicable illnesses and ensure your kitten is in perfect health.
Your veterinarian will also recommend a schedule for follow-up vaccinations and wellness checks. Most kittens receive their booster shots every 2–4 weeks until around 16 weeks of age.
At Royal British Shorthair, your kitten’s health and happiness always come first — from our home to yours.
The Royal British Shorthair Process
How does the kitten selection process work?*
At Royal British Shorthair, kitten reservations are secured in the order deposits are received. We believe in allowing kittens the time to reveal their true nature, so families make their final selection when the kittens are around 6-7 weeks old. From birth, each kitten is gently identified with a coloured collar, allowing us to meticulously observe their developing personalities.
By this age, each kitten’s unique character is clearly apparent. We then provide detailed personality evaluations to help you find your perfect match, based on three key traits:
Companionship Style: This reflects how a kitten seeks interaction. Some are quintessential “lap cats,” seeking constant gentle affection, while others show their devotion through quiet proximity, following you from room to room. Both styles embody the breed’s loyalty.
Confidence & Curiosity: This measures a kitten’s reaction to new experiences. A confident kitten may boldly investigate, while a more reserved one prefers to observe from a secure spot. Both are normal for this thoughtful breed; we guide you on which may suit a bustling or serene home.
Adaptability: This indicates how quickly a kitten adjusts to changes in routine or environment. Some settle with remarkable ease, while others appreciate a more gradual, predictable introduction to new things.
We also note their activity level, from the classic laid-back “couch potato” to the moderately playful explorer—though even our most energetic kittens embody the breed’s characteristic gentleness.
Once evaluations are complete, detailed profiles are sent to families in deposit order. Our goal at Royal British Shorthair is to ensure a harmonious, lifelong bond by matching each family with the kitten whose personality is the ideal fit for their home.
Can we come and visit your kittens and see your facility?*
This is one of the most frequently asked questions by families looking for a British Shorthair kitten: “Can we visit before choosing our kitten?”
Unfortunately, many breeders delay visits until kittens are older — sometimes 6 weeks or more — by which time families are already emotionally and financially committed. At Royal British Shorthair, we understand that kitten health is paramount. Diseases like feline parvovirus (panleukopenia) and other illnesses can be a serious threat, but simple precautions can help keep our kittens safe while still allowing families to meet them.
If you visit Royal British Shorthair, we ask that you:
Do not visit other catteries beforehand
Avoid contact with unfamiliar cats to minimize exposure to potential illnesses
We believe in transparency and welcome families to see where and how our kittens are raised. A reputable breeder should have nothing to hide and should be eager for you to meet the kittens and their parents.
To arrange a visit:
Read our FAQ page carefully.
Complete our online Kitten Application if everything aligns with your expectations.
Once approved, we’ll schedule an appointment for you to meet your future kitten in a safe, controlled environment.
At Royal British Shorthair, your kitten’s health and your peace of mind always come first.
How much do your British Shorthair kittens cost?*
Buying a kitten should never be treated like buying a car. A British Shorthair will be part of your family for 12–18 years, and the decision should never be based on price alone. At Royal British Shorthair, we are proud to be unique in two key areas: the quality of our cats and the quality of our program.
We don’t settle for average. Every British Shorthair cat in our breeding program comes from top-tier pedigrees, carefully selected for health, temperament, and stunning looks. Our kittens are raised in a loving home environment, socialized from day one, and nurtured to be confident, affectionate, and well-adjusted companions.
Our program is intensive and comprehensive. From early socialization to gentle handling, play, and training, we ensure each kitten receives the guidance and enrichment they need to thrive.
All Royal British Shorthair kittens come with:
Complete Kitten Health Record
Microchipping
Multiple dewormings and vaccinations
Health examination by a licensed veterinarian
Starter Kit with food and supplies
Up to 3-year health guarantee
Lifetime guidance and support from our team
Do you ship kittens, is shipping kittens safe & how much does it cost?*
Because of Royal British Shorthair’s unique program and care standards, we place our kittens with families across the United Kingdom.
At this time, we do not ship kittens via cargo. For kittens that are 8 weeks or older and small enough to travel safely in the cabin, we can provide information on trusted pet couriers to help arrange a safe, comfortable trip to your home.
Our priority is always the health and safety of our kittens during transport.
What type of warranty do you provide?*
We provide up to a 3 Year Health Warranty. Don’t just focus on the length of a breeders warranty. Read through the details. We have a very fair and “friendly” warranty. Most warranties are almost no warranties. Our warranty really does protect your investment and it’s longer than most breeders. Details about what is covered, what is not covered, and how it is covered can be found on our Warranty Page.
What do I need when picking up my kitten?
We recommend that you bring a travel crate size depends on size of kitten at pickup, please contact us if unsure about size to bring), some large bath towels, a collar or body harness, a basic leash (NOT a retractable leash), paper towels, garbage bags, some chew toys, water, and a food and water dish.
How do I reserve a kitten?*
1. Read through this FAQ page- We have designed this page to be as informative as possible. Even if you choose not to go with us we believe reading through every question and every answer will help you in your search for the right breeder and British Shorthair Kitten.
2. Fill out our online Kitten Application (click HERE)- BEWARE of any buyer that won’t ask you questions except how to pay for your cat. They are obviously only breeding for money and not for the betterment of the breed.
3. If approved, place your deposit – After we receive your Kitten Application, we will review it carefully. Typically we will get back with you within 24-48 hours. If you are approved then we will give you the directions to place your deposit with credit card, debit card, PayPal, or cashier’s check/ money order. Please do NOT send money until you have filled out the Kitten Application and have been approved.
What do I do if I can no longer care for my Ragdoll?
At Royal British Shorthair, we care about the lifelong wellbeing of every kitten we raise. If, for any reason, you are unable to care for your Kitten—whether due to a move, financial difficulties, or any other circumstance—you are required to return your kitten to Royal British Shorthair.
We are committed to ensuring that all of our kittens go to safe, loving, and responsible homes for their entire lives. If necessary, we will either rehome your kitten or care for them ourselves.
Kittens from Royal British Shorthair should never be surrendered to an animal shelter, rescue, or given to another person without prior approval from our team.