This luscious cat should look as if it has been freshly dunked in a pail of clotted cream. In practice, however, it is not easy to produce the desired pale, even, coloration, and good examples are more rare than they are for other Shorthairs. Breeding from Tortoiseshells tends to produce a coat that is too red, or “hot”; and, because the dominant tabby gene is difficult to suppress, many kittens retain tabby markings into adulthood. Even id these eventually fade, extreme hot or cold weather may cause them to reappear.
History
Cream Shorthair originated towards the end of the nineteenth century when they started appearing in Tortoiseshell litters. For a good white, it was not known how to produce the breed except by accident. For this reason, official recognition did not come until the 1920s, by which time a breeding program had been established. Widespread interest in the breed developed even later, becoming evident only during 1950s.
Temperament
The British Cream is extremely good natured, intelligent, and affectionate towards its owner.
Varieties
There are no varieties.
British Cream Shorthair
Blue-Cream females mated to Blue or Cream males generally produce the best examples of this breed.
Body
Strong, stocky, and muscular.
Coat
Short and dense, yet fine. The color should be an even-toned cream, with as few markings as possible and no white hairs. Paler shades are preferred.
Tail
Short and thick.
Legs
Short, but well-proportioned.
Feet
The paws should be large and round with pink paw pads.
Head
Round and broad, with a short nose and pink nose pad.
Eyes
Large and round, color should be copper, orange, or Welsh gold. Hazel-colored eyes were allowed at one stage, but no longer.
Ears
Medium in size and round-tipped.
Facial Characteristics
British Cream Shorthair.
British Cream Kitten
The pale coat of this kitten suggests that it may eventually be good enough to show.
History
Cream Shorthair originated towards the end of the nineteenth century when they started appearing in Tortoiseshell litters. For a good white, it was not known how to produce the breed except by accident. For this reason, official recognition did not come until the 1920s, by which time a breeding program had been established. Widespread interest in the breed developed even later, becoming evident only during 1950s.
Temperament
The British Cream is extremely good natured, intelligent, and affectionate towards its owner.
Varieties
There are no varieties.
British Cream ShorthairBlue-Cream females mated to Blue or Cream males generally produce the best examples of this breed.
Body
Strong, stocky, and muscular.
Coat
Short and dense, yet fine. The color should be an even-toned cream, with as few markings as possible and no white hairs. Paler shades are preferred.
Tail
Short and thick.
Legs
Short, but well-proportioned.
Feet
The paws should be large and round with pink paw pads.
HeadRound and broad, with a short nose and pink nose pad.
Eyes
Large and round, color should be copper, orange, or Welsh gold. Hazel-colored eyes were allowed at one stage, but no longer.
Ears
Medium in size and round-tipped.
Facial Characteristics
British Cream Shorthair.
British Cream KittenThe pale coat of this kitten suggests that it may eventually be good enough to show.
