I am Jean Townsend and I started breeding British Shorthairs in 1991. My pedigrees originate mainly from the Hunmar lines which come from Northern Ireland. These cats have huge build with big heads and heavy bone. Their facial expression has always appealed to me so I hope it can still be seen in my cats today, some years on.

Like many breeders, I am just besotted with cats and British Shorthairs are amongst my favourites. My aim is to produce as good quality kittens as possible, complying with the standard, with health and temperament as priorities.

My girls only have one litter per year, they are then free to enjoy life to the full. All kittens are born and reared in the house. They are born in a controlled environment in the kitten bedroom, and handled from the day they are born. When old enough to walk, they progress to the kitchen where they can confront all the noises and smells of living. They explore my cupboards and generally create havoc amongst my vegetable basket.

Kittens are registered with GCCF and leave me for their permanent homes when 13/14 weeks old, fully inoculated (Flu, Enteritis, Leukaemia and Chlamydia) and insured with Pet Plan for 4 weeks. All kittens are health-checked by my vet twice, once at the first inoculation at 9 weeks, and again at the second inoculation at 12 weeks.

Like most breeders, I try and give my kittens the best start possible. New owners are given a guide on how to care for their new baby and are expected to commit to continue this care for the kitten’s lifetime.

Jean of SKELLUM British Shorthairs.