British Shorthair Insurance in the Netherlands

The British Shorthair is known as the ultimate cuddle cat among pedigree breeds. It has a round, teddy-bear face, large expressive eyes, a sturdy build and an extremely thick, plush coat that practically begs to be stroked. For decades the British Shorthair has been one of the most popular pedigree cats in the Netherlands and Belgium. This cat adapts effortlessly to all kinds of lifestyles. It is just as at home in a quiet household as in a busy family with children or other pets. The British Shorthair has a calm, even-tempered, sociable and patient character. It loves attention and cuddles, but always on its own relaxed terms. In short: an ideal companion cat that brings calm and comfort into your home.

This breed does need extra attention when it comes to health, though. As with many pedigree cats, hereditary conditions are more common. The best known is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition in which the heart muscle thickens and the pumping function can deteriorate over time. Another common hereditary disease is polycystic kidney disease (PKD), in which cysts form in the kidneys and kidney function slowly declines. Vets also regularly see urinary tract problems (bladder grit, urinary stones or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease), excess weight and obesity (this breed gains weight quickly because of its laid-back character), dental problems (tartar, gum inflammation and sometimes even tooth infection) and, to a lesser extent, knee or hip disorders such as patellar luxation. Regular health checks, good-quality food tailored to your cat and plenty of play help to limit the risks, but unexpected costs are always possible. A cardiac ultrasound, extensive blood tests, kidney surgery or long-term medication can easily run to hundreds or even thousands of euros.