Also called Pelo Curto Brasileiro · Brazil
Warm, adaptable and sociable.
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 30 to 36 cm (12 to 14 in)1 |
| Lifespan | 14 to 20 years1 |
| Coat | Shorthair, no undercoat |
| Origin | Brazil, from street cats descended from cats brought by Portuguese ships from around 150021 |
Warm, adaptable and sociable. It likes being with people, enjoys exploring and is clever enough to pick up simple tricks; kittens are especially playful and adults stay fairly lively.12
shorthair, no undercoat
A sleek, muscular medium-sized cat whose body is longer than it is tall. It has large rounded eyes set about one eye-width apart, big pointed ears and a gently curved profile, and its short coat is silky and shiny with no undercoat.2
A typical home-care rhythm for a Brazilian Shorthair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Brazilian Shorthair, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
Fairly high. Regular play sessions and mental challenges keep it content.12
Minimal. An occasional brush, plus routine teeth, claw and ear care.12
Adapts well to indoor life or a home with safe outdoor access.2
Enjoys human contact and usually mixes well with children, other cats and dogs.12
Cats arrived in Brazil on Portuguese ships around 1500 and spread through the streets of its towns and cities. In 1985 engineer and breeder Paulo Samuel Ruschi noticed that street cats in different cities shared the same look and began breeding them to a standard, and WCF accepted the breed in 1998.21
It was the first cat breed from Brazil to gain international recognition.2
The breed was developed from ordinary street and feral cats rather than imported pedigrees.2
It looks sleeker and more elegant than the American or British Shorthair.2
Its founder, Paulo Samuel Ruschi, also founded Brazil's cat federation.1
The breed is named after its country of origin, Brazil, and its short, close-lying coat. It is also known by the Portuguese name 'Pelo Curto Brasileiro', which translates directly to 'Brazilian Shorthair'.3
I woke up to the sun streaming through the window and did a big stretch. My human was making coffee, so I rubbed against their legs and meowed a good morning. Then I explored the bookshelf, sniffing each book. For fun, I learned a new trick, spin around for a treat! In the afternoon, I chased a crumpled paper ball across the floor. Now I'm dozing on a warm spot, dreaming of more games tomorrow.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Feeding schedules vary by age and activity. Please ask your vet for a tailored plan.
Feed a high-quality cat food appropriate for its age. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol.4
Brazilian Shorthairs rarely need baths. Only bathe if they get very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.5
Brush your Brazilian Shorthair once a week to keep its sleek coat shiny. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days.125 Pet Wiki plan
Pet Wiki's starting plan is to trim nails every 21 days. General guidance recommends every ten days to two weeks. For trimming technique, ask your vet or a groomer.5 Pet Wiki plan
This lively cat needs daily play sessions and mental challenges to stay happy. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily play.12 Pet Wiki plan
Brush your cat's teeth every two days (daily is ideal) as per Pet Wiki's starting plan. For ears, routine care is important; ask your vet for specific cleaning advice.12 Pet Wiki plan
Brazilian Shorthairs typically live between 14 and 20 years.1
Yes, this breed is warm and sociable, usually mixing well with children, other cats, and dogs.12
This sociable cat enjoys human company, so it may not do well alone for long periods. Ask your vet or breeder for advice on your specific situation.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
European Shorthair
American Shorthair
British Shorthair