Brazilian Shorthair Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality

Overview

Characteristics

Origin

Brazil

Height

8"-11"

Adult weight

10-22 pounds

Life Span

14-20 years

Temperament

Outgoing, intelligent, playful, energetic

Other Names

Pelo Curto Brasileiro, Brazilian Cat

Group

Medium-to-large shorthair

Price

$1,000-$1,300

Affection Level

? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.

0 100%

90%

Activity Level

? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.

0 100%

80%

Pet-Friendly

? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.

0 100%

80%

Kid-Friendly

? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.

0 100%

90%

Sociability

? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.

0 100%

80%

Intelligence

? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.

0 100%

90%

Playfulness

? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.

0 100%

70%

Independence

? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.

0 100%

40%

Vocality

? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.

0 100%

30%

Grooming

? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.

0 100%

10%

Personality and Temperament

Also known as Pelo Curto Brasileiro, the Brazilian Shorthair cat stands out as the first breed to originate in Brazil and gain international recognition.

These cats are quite large, but in contrast with the British Shorthair, they have an elongated look and long, slim legs. Friendly and outgoing, Brazilian Shorthair cats make outstanding family pets. They get along well with other cats, dogs and children.

Get to know other shorthaired cat breeds: European shorthair, Exotic shorthair, Oriental shorthair

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

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.

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.

Even if you provide your Brazilian Shorthair cat with a scratching post, they may target your furniture for marking with their paws. Keeping your cat's nails trimmed short will save furnishings from damage.

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.

Later in life, you might have to encourage your Brazilian Shorthair cat to get more exercise. Interactive toys are ideal for the job.

These cats are generally robust. They have a reputation for good health, and there are no known breed specific health issues.

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.

Did You Know?

Many people believe that the Brazilian street cats that make up this breed's foundation originated in Portugal.

Did You Know?

It's not at all uncommon for Brazilian Shorthair cats to live extraordinarily long lives: Some individuals have lived to be more than 21 years old.

Did You Know?

These curious cats are highly intelligent, with a reputation for getting into everything. They are highly trainable and will enjoy walking on a leash if you introduce them to it beginning at a young age.

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.

Legs & Paws

The legs are long, slim, and muscular, with well-rounded paws.

Tail

Brazilian Shorthair cats should have medium length tails with wide bases and tapered tips.

The 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.

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.

Coat

The coat is short and silky, with a glossy appearance and no undercoat.

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.

FAQ

How much does a Brazilian Shorthair cat cost?

Brazilian Shorthair cats cost between $1,000-$1,300.

How big do Brazilian Shorthair cats get?

Brazilian Shorthair cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown Brazilian Shorthair cat might weigh between 10-22 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 8"-11" inches tall.

How long do Brazilian Shorthair cats live?

The Average lifespan for Brazilian Shorthair is 14-20 years.

Do Brazilian Shorthair cats shed?

Brazilian Shorthair are short-haired cats. Therefore, they do not shed as much as long-haired cat breeds.

FIND MORE CAT BREEDS

View All

Brazilian Shorthair Cat: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

Personality and Temperament

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

History

Eyes

Legs & Paws

Tail

The Breed Standard

Body

Head

Ears

Coat

Color

Where to Find a Brazilian Shorthair Cat or Kitten

FAQ

How much does a Brazilian Shorthair cat cost?

How big do Brazilian Shorthair cats get?

How long do Brazilian Shorthair cats live?

Do Brazilian Shorthair cats shed?

FIND MORE CAT BREEDS

Related Articles