Brazilian Shorthair cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the Brazilian Shorthair

The Brazilian Shorthair, known in Portuguese as Pelo Curto Brasileiro, is a cat bred from the ordinary short-haired cats of Brazil. Engineer Paulo Samuel Ruschi began the effort in 1985, after studying street and park cats across the country, and set down the rules for a standard type. The cats are said to descend from cats that arrived on Portuguese ships around 1500, which in turn came from the Iberian Peninsula, but that claim is not well documented.

The World Cat Federation approved the breed in 1998, which made it the first Brazilian cat breed to gain international recognition. A Brazilian association manages the breed project. It is not recognised by the CFA.

The cat is medium in size and well muscled. The coat is very short, silky and glossy, with no undercoat, and nearly all colours and patterns occur. The result looks much like a good-quality domestic shorthair, which is the point of the breed. Because it is bred from a wide base of street cats, it is a natural-type breed and its appearance varies a little.

Temperament and living with one

The breed is described as sociable, playful and human-oriented. Kittens are very lively, and adults stay fairly active while becoming calmer. Reports say the cat copes with both indoor and outdoor life and likes contact with people. Some owners describe it as clingy if its attention needs are unmet.

Because few are bred outside Brazil, there is little independent information on behaviour with children or dogs. A well-socialised kitten should adapt to a family, but meet the parents if possible.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat needs minimal brushing, perhaps once a week to remove loose hair. Check the teeth, ears and nails as for any cat.

Feed a complete diet in measured portions and keep the cat lean. Provide a scratching post, a cat tree, window perches and daily play with wand toys. If the cat goes outdoors, a secure enclosure or harness is safer than free roaming.

Health

No breed-specific disease is well documented. The breed comes from a wide base of street cats, which helps its genetic diversity, but screening data is scarce. Kittens from street-cat lines may carry parasites, so ask for vaccination and worming records and see a vet soon after arrival. A vet can advise on yearly checks, dental care and weight.

Is it right for you?

The Brazilian Shorthair suits someone who wants a friendly short-haired cat and a bit of Brazilian cat history. Kittens are very hard to find outside Brazil. If you want a common, easy-care short-haired cat, compare the American Shorthair or the European Shorthair.