Breeding Advice from Katzental: Raising Happy, Healthy British Shorthairs

Running a cattery is an incredibly rewarding passion, but it requires dedication, knowledge, and a lot of sleepless nights. Since our foundation in Switzerland in 2018, we have always prioritized quality over quantity. Combining Swiss precision with true love for animals, we’ve learned exactly what it takes to raise confident, Champion-line British Shorthairs.

Whether you are curious about our daily routine, or you are an aspiring breeder yourself, here are the core principles and breeding advice we follow at Katzental.

1. Health and Genetics Above All A beautiful coat and stunning eye color mean nothing without a foundation of solid health. Responsible breeding starts long before a litter is born. All our breeding cats undergo rigorous health screenings, including genetic testing for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease), heart scans for HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy), and regular tests for FIV/FeLV. Never compromise on veterinary care—healthy parents are the only way to guarantee healthy kittens.

2. Socialization Starts on Day One A kitten’s temperament is shaped during its first 12 to 14 weeks of life. Our cats are not kept in isolated cages; they are full members of our family. They grow up in our living space, getting used to everyday household noises, handling, and human interaction. This early socialization is the secret to raising confident, affectionate kittens that will seamlessly adapt to their new families.

3. Premium Nutrition for Proper Development British Shorthairs are a slow-maturing breed, often taking up to 3-4 years to develop their signature chunky build and broad chests. To support this steady growth, high-quality nutrition is essential. We feed our cats a carefully balanced, meat-rich diet that supports bone development, immune health, and that famous plush coat. Good food is an investment in a cat’s lifelong well-being.

4. Ethical Placement and Matching Breeding doesn’t end when the kittens are ready to leave. One of our most important jobs is matching the right kitten with the right family. We take the time to get to know our buyers to ensure our kittens go to safe, loving, and forever homes. (Just take a look at our Our Cats in new Homes gallery to see how happy our graduates are!)

5. Continuous Learning Feline genetics, nutrition, and veterinary medicine are constantly evolving. A good breeder never stops learning. Attending FIFe, WCF, and TICA cat shows isn’t just about winning titles—it’s an invaluable opportunity to exchange knowledge with other experienced breeders from all over the world.

Do you have questions about our breeding program or our available kittens? Feel free to reach out to us via the contact form—we are always happy to talk about our beloved British Shorthairs!