British Shorthair Kitten Development: Birth to 12 WeeksBy BritishShorthairBlue Cattery

At BritishShorthairBlue, we raise our kittens according to breed standards and ethical breeding practices. British Shorthair kittens develop slowly, and their true beauty and quality appear over time — not in the first few weeks of life.

Below is a detailed explanation to help future owners understand how British Shorthair kittens change from birth through 12 weeks of age.

Newborn British Shorthair Kittens (0–7 Days)

Weight & Structure

• Average birth weight: 90–120 g – 0.20–0.26 lb

• Compact body, short legs

• Head appears large relative to the body

Eyes

• Eyes are completely closed

• Eye color is not visible

Coat

• Very short and soft

• Plush density not yet developed

• Coat color may appear darker or uneven

Development

• Feeding and sleeping only

• Fully dependent on the mother

• Unable to regulate body temperature

1–2 Weeks Old

Eyes

• Open between 7–10 days

• Always blue or gray-blue at this stage

• Vision remains very limited

Coat

• Slightly thicker, still baby-soft

Weight

• 180–250 g – 0.40–0.55 lb

3–4 Weeks Old – Early Social Development

Eyes

• Still blue

• Some kittens show a steel-gray tone

Coat

• Density begins forming

• Plush texture is loose and immature

Milestones

• Walking confidently

• Beginning to play

• Introduction to solid food

🔹 Blue eyes at this age are normal and temporary in British Shorthairs.

5–6 Weeks Old – Transitional Stage (“Ugly Duckling”)

Eyes

• Eye color starts changing:blue → gray/green → yellowish tones

• Color may change unevenly

Coat

• May look thinner or irregular

• Coat can feel less dense

• This is a normal coat-change phase

Body Proportions

• Ears appear larger

• Legs lengthen

• Face temporarily loses roundness

✅ This stage does not reflect final quality or value.

7–8 Weeks Old – British Type Emerges

Eyes

• Color becomes more predictable:gold, amber, or copper

• Final intensity still developing

Coat

• True British plush begins to appear

• Dense, upright, even texture

Weight

• 900–1200 g – 2.0–2.65 lb

• Broader chest

• Stocky body begins to show

9–10 Weeks Old – Young British Shorthair

Eyes

• Clear gold or copper tones in most kittens

• Minor changes may continue

Coat

• Very dense and well-padded

• Classic British Shorthair texture

Temperament

• Confident and curious

• Strong human interaction

• Personality becomes evident

11–12 Weeks Old – Ready for a New Home

Eyes

• Eye color is nearly final

• Slight deepening may continue up to 6–12 months

Coat

• Fully developed:

  • short

  • dense

  • elastic

  • true plush texture

Weight

• 1,300–1,800 g – 2.9–4.0 lb

Structure

• Strong bone

• Round head

• Full cheeks (especially in males)

✅ At BritishShorthairBlue, kittens are placed in new homes only when they are physically, emotionally, and socially ready.

Why We Do Not Place Kittens Earlier Than 12 Weeks

British Shorthairs mature slowly. Before 12 weeks:

• Eye color is not final

• Coat texture is incomplete

• Breed type is still forming

• Social development is not finished

Early separation does not meet the standards of responsible breeding.

A Note to Future Owners

A true British Shorthair is revealed with time.Choosing patience means choosing quality, health, and correct breed type.