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We are a small breeder of British Shorthair cats, with our two girls living in our home and two males right next to our home. We don’t believe in keeping our cats in sheds; they roam freely in their indoor spaces with access to safe outdoor runs, enjoying the warmth and comfort of central heating that comes as part of living within a family home.
As a 5-star licensed breeder and an approved member of the GCCF Breeders Scheme under the prefix of “Harlings”, we ensure every kitten from Harlings Farm meets the highest standards of health and pedigree. We do not sell our kittens for breeding purposes, but due to our kittens’ excellent breeding, all kittens born qualify as FULL registered cats with the GCCF so can be shown at any level. As quoted by the GCCF our kittens are of ‘most idyllic pedigree’.
Contact us today to learn more about our available kittens and schedule a visit. We’d love to help you find the perfect new addition to your home.
At Harlings Farm, we ensure that every British Shorthair kitten starts their new life with you equipped with everything they need. As per GCCF regulations, our kittens are ready to leave for their forever homes at 13 weeks old. By this time, they are well-acquainted with using a scratch post and litter tray, fully vaccinated, and microchipped, ensuring a smooth transition to their new environment.
Selecting where your kitten comes from is not just a matter of choice – it’s a matter of ensuring the health, wellbeing, and happiness of your new pet. At Harlings Farm, we cannot emphasise enough the importance of thoroughly researching breeders before making a decision.
Every breeder should be registered with their local authority if they earn £1,000 or more annually from breeding. Ask for their license number and verify it with the local council. This registration is crucial as it ensures the breeder adheres to strict regulations that protect the welfare of the animals.
It’s also vital to confirm that the breeder is registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). Unfortunately, there are instances where breeders claim this registration falsely. We know of a heartbreaking situation where a customer was deceived by such a claim, resulting in the loss of both money and a promised kitten. Another customer’s experience – where a sibling bought a non-GCCF registered kitten that displayed clear signs of poor socialisation – highlights the risks of not doing proper checks. It only takes a few phone calls to ensure authenticity and save a lot of heartache.
British Shorthairs are known as the teddy bears of the cat world, often loved for their cuddly nature. However, proper handling and socialisation from a young age are crucial to develop these traits. Our kittens are raised with care to ensure they grow into well-adjusted, loving family pets. We take the time to ask prospective buyers detailed questions not out of curiosity, but out of a commitment to matching our cats with the most suitable homes and ensuring our customers receive the best possible new family member.
The British Shorthair, a revered breed and arguably Britain’s oldest, traces its lineage back to the country’s original domestic shorthaired street cats. Over the years, careful breeding, likely incorporating genes from Persian and Russian Blue cats, refined these cats into the charming British Shorthairs recognised today.
These cats mature slowly, reaching full size and mental maturity between 3 and 5 years old. They are medium-to-large with a short, dense coat, often seen in various colours, though historically they were mostly blue (gray). Distinctive features include a rounded head, plump cheeks, a robust chin, and large, round eyes that contribute to their teddy bear-like appearance. Male British Shorthairs typically weigh between 7-17 pounds, with a body length of 22-25 inches, and can have eyes in shades of amber or gold.
British Shorthairs are known for their sweet, affectionate nature. They are calm and easygoing, fitting perfectly into family life without being overly needy. While they appreciate companionship, they aren’t fans of long periods alone. They coexist peacefully with other pets and are moderately active, enjoying games like fetch, though not all cats show the same enthusiasm for play.
This breed is generally healthy with few genetic issues, largely due to responsible breeding practices that ensure robust offspring. Regular brushing is recommended to manage their dense coats, a routine our cats are familiar with from an early age. British Shorthairs usually live 12-16 years, with some reaching up to 19 years.
For further advice or to learn more about British Shorthairs, please refer to the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) website or the Cats Protection website, or contact us directly.
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Our opening hours are seasonal and vary depending on the service provided, so it’s always best to check ahead. If you have a question, want to check availability, or would like to make a booking, please get in touch within our contact hours for more information.
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