A tabby and white Brazilian Shorthair transfixed with the camera.
(Photo Credit: Jesse Holanda | Getty Images)

Brazilian Shorthair

The Brazilian Shorthair, also known as the “Brazilian Shorthair Domestic Cat,” gained recognition for their distinct appearance and amiable nature. Originating in Brazil, these cats have a medium-sized, well-proportioned body with a short, sleek coat that can come in a variety of colors and patterns. The Brazilian Shorthair is also known for their friendly and sociable temperament, making them an ideal companion for families and individuals alike. These cats tend to form strong bonds with their human caregivers, often seeking affection and enjoying interactive play. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in various living environments, and their low-maintenance grooming needs add to their appeal as an easy-to-care-for pet.

Whether engaging in playful antics or lounging in a sunlit spot, these cats bring joy to households seeking loving and interactive feline companions. The breed’s adaptability, combined with their charming personality and distinctive appearance, has contributed to the Brazilian Shorthair’s popularity both in their native country and beyond.

When considering a Brazilian Shorthair kitten, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a cat in need. However, if you decide to purchase, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the breeder follows ethical practices and prioritizes the well-being of their cats. Reputable Brazilian Shorthair kitten breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their cats, conduct necessary health screenings, and provide a nurturing environment for the kitties. This active approach ensures that you bring home a healthy and happy kitty while discouraging unethical breeding practices.

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Brazil
  • Size: Medium (8-12 pounds), males slightly larger than females.
  • Breed Group: Landrace (naturally occurring breed)
  • Lifespan: 14-20 years
  • Coat: Their short coat comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns including solid, bicolor, tabby, tuxedo, calico, tortoiseshell, and pointed.
  • Temperament: Confident, inquisitive, playful, friendly, energetic, enjoys human interaction and playtime.
  • Exercise Needs: High
  • Training: Can be trained with positive reinforcement due to their intelligence and playful nature. They enjoy learning tricks.
  • Grooming: Minimal
  • Health: Generally healthy with few pre-existing conditions.
  • It’s not unusual for Brazilian Shorthair cats to live long lives.
  • The Brazilian Shorthair is more slender than the American Shorthair.
  • These cats can come in almost any color.

Brazilian Shorthair Pictures

Brazilian Shorthair History

Fans of the Brazilian Shorthair like to speculate that their origin story goes all the way back to the 1500s, when European sailors first started to bring cats along on journeys to Brazil. The breed’s development is attributed to Paulo Samuel Ruschi, who also founded Brazil’s Cat Federation.

The idea behind the Brazilian Shorthair was to channel the personality and traits of Brazilian street cats into a purebred feline. The World Cat Federation officially approved the Brazilian Shorthair as a purebred cat in 1998. These days, you can find Brazilian Shorthairs in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!

Brazilian Shorthair Size

The Brazilian Shorthair is a medium- to large-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.

Most male Brazilian Shorthairs weigh in at eleven to 22 pounds and most female Brazilian Shorthairs are between ten and 16 pounds.

Brazilian Shorthair Personality

As you’d expect from a breed with street cat roots, the Brazilian Shorthair is a cocky feline who’s confident and outgoing. This extends to their relationship with humans and kids. This is a cat who enjoys being around people and will do its best to become a big part of your day to day life.

Always wanting to be the center of attention, the breed will happily attempt to persuade the kids to engage in play sessions as often as possible, but they’re also content to snuggle up on the couch when it’s time to rest and relax.

The Brazilian Shorthair is an inherently curious and inquisitive cat, especially when it comes to exploring new environments. So make sure you have enough space to keep the cat on their toes. As a smarter-than-average feline, the Brazilian Shorthair also benefits from smart interactive toys, and in some cases, owners have managed to teach the breed to perform tricks!

Brazilian Shorthair Health

Brazilian Shorthairs are generally considered to be healthy cats. To date, there aren’t any breed-specific health problems associated with the Brazilian Shorthair, but always keep an eye out for signs that your cat might be in distress or pain.

Brazilian Shorthair Care

As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Brazilian Shorthair’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy.

Along with scheduling yearly wellness vet visits, you’ll definitely want to add a scratching post to your living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition. The Brazilian Shorthair’s ears should also be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection.

It’s also advisable to talk with your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Brazilian Shorthair. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques. As with any breed with high energy levels, the Brazilian Shorthair will need to be provided with enough space to run around and explore, so you’ll want to add a cat tree to your living situation.

Brazilian Shorthair Coat Color And Grooming

The Brazilian Shorthair’s coat can be seen in a very wide range of colors that include black, brown, gray, orange, and white. The coat also comes in just about any type of pattern you can imagine!

When it comes to grooming, the Brazilian Shorthair is a very low-maintenance kitty. You can brush their coat once a week, which will help lessen the chances of hairballs or mats forming. When it comes to climate, the Brazilian Shorthair is generally seen as an adaptable feline. Although, make sure to always provide adequate shade and sufficient fresh water during the hotter months.

Children And Other Pets

The Brazilian Shorthair is a wonderful cat to adopt if you have children. Their playful and loving side will see them forming super strong bonds with the children in their life. Just be sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides. Supervise early interactions between kids and cats.

When it comes to other household pets, the Brazilian Shorthair is also tolerant and gets along with most domestic animals. Although you’ll want to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets, as well. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Brazilian Shorthair for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

Brazilian Shorthair Rescue Groups

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Brazilian Shorthair cats because they are a somewhat uncommon breed. However, you may want to try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Brazilian Shorthairs, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:

Statistics
Life Span
14 to 20 years
Length
Medium to large
Weight
10 to 22 pounds
Country Of Origin
Brazil
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