Cinnamon British Shorthair: Complete Breed Guide

The cinnamon British Shorthair is a rare color variation of the British Shorthair breed characterized by a warm reddish-brown coat with copper eyes. Unlike standard blue British Shorthairs, cinnamon variants carry a specific recessive gene that produces this distinctive light reddish hue without black banding in the individual hairs.

A cinnamon British Shorthair represents one of the most sought-after color variations within this beloved cat breed. These felines showcase a unique warm reddish-brown coat that ranges from light apricot to rich cinnamon, setting them apart from the more common blue (gray) British Shorthairs. The breed maintains the classic British Shorthair characteristics: a sturdy, muscular build, round face, and dense, plush coat, but with this exceptional coloration that resembles the spice for which it's named.

Understanding Cinnamon Color Genetics

The cinnamon coloration in British Shorthairs results from a specific recessive gene (the browning gene) that dilutes black pigment to produce this warm reddish-brown hue. This genetic trait differs significantly from the chocolate color variation, which appears darker and richer. Cinnamon British Shorthairs must inherit two copies of this recessive gene (one from each parent) to express the color, making them considerably rarer than standard blue variants.

Color Variation	Genetic Basis	Coat Appearance	Rarity Level
Cinnamon	Recessive browning gene (bb)	Warm reddish-brown, light apricot to rich cinnamon	Very rare
Chocolate	Dense pigment gene (b)	Rich, dark brown	Rare
Blue	Dilute gene (dd)	Uniform gray	Common
Black	Non-dilute, non-browning	Solid black	Moderately common

Physical Characteristics of Cinnamon British Shorthairs

Cinnamon British Shorthairs maintain the breed's signature robust physique with a broad chest, strong bone structure, and substantial weight (typically 9-17 pounds). Their most distinguishing feature is the warm cinnamon-colored coat that appears uniformly light reddish-brown without any banding in individual hairs. This contrasts with ticked tabby patterns that show banding.

These cats have striking copper to deep orange eyes that beautifully complement their warm coat color. Their dense, plush double coat feels surprisingly thick and resilient to the touch, requiring minimal grooming compared to longhaired breeds. The coat color remains consistent throughout their lives, though it may deepen slightly as they mature.

Cinnamon vs. Other British Shorthair Color Variations

Many people confuse cinnamon British Shorthairs with other color variations. The key differences lie in the genetic basis and visual appearance:

• Cinnamon vs. Chocolate: Chocolate variants appear significantly darker with a rich, deep brown coat, while cinnamon shows a lighter, warmer reddish-brown hue
• Cinnamon vs. Red: Red (ginger) British Shorthairs have orange tabby patterns, whereas cinnamon cats display a solid warm brown color without tabby markings
• Cinnamon vs. Blue: The standard blue British Shorthair has a uniform gray coat, making the cinnamon variation stand out with its warm reddish tones

Temperament and Personality Traits

Cinnamon British Shorthairs share the same delightful temperament as other British Shorthair color variations. They're known for their calm, easygoing nature and moderate activity levels. These cats typically form strong bonds with their families while maintaining a certain independence.

Owners of cinnamon British Shorthair cats often describe them as:

• Gentle and patient, making them excellent companions for families with children
• Quiet with soft vocalizations compared to more vocal breeds
• Adaptable to various living situations, including apartments
• Playful during kittenhood that matures into a more sedate adulthood
• Loyal without being overly demanding of attention

Care Requirements for Cinnamon British Shorthairs

While the cinnamon coloration doesn't affect care requirements, British Shorthairs as a breed have specific needs that potential owners should understand. Their dense double coat requires weekly brushing to minimize shedding and prevent matting, though they're generally low-maintenance compared to longhaired breeds.

Diet and exercise considerations include:

• Monitoring food portions carefully as British Shorthairs tend toward obesity
• Providing regular play sessions to maintain healthy weight
• Using puzzle feeders to encourage natural hunting behaviors
• Offering high-quality protein-focused diet appropriate for their age

Health Considerations Specific to the Breed

British Shorthairs, including cinnamon variants, are generally healthy cats with lifespans of 12-20 years. However, they can be predisposed to certain health conditions that owners should monitor:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) - regular cardiac screenings recommended
• Dental issues - regular teeth cleaning is essential
• Obesity-related complications - careful weight management crucial
• Poliycystic kidney disease (PKD) - though less common than in some breeds

Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, so obtaining a cinnamon British Shorthair from a reputable breeder who conducts proper health testing significantly reduces these risks.

Rarity and Availability of Cinnamon British Shorthairs

The cinnamon color variation remains exceptionally rare among British Shorthairs due to the specific genetic requirements. Unlike the blue variant which dominates the breed, cinnamon requires both parents to carry the recessive gene, making intentional breeding for this color challenging.

Prospective owners should be prepared for:

• Long waiting lists with specialized breeders
• Higher price points compared to standard color variations
• Potential need to travel to find a reputable breeder
• Thorough questioning from ethical breeders about your suitability as an owner

Breed Standards for Cinnamon British Shorthairs

Major cat registries like The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) recognize cinnamon as an acceptable color variation within the British Shorthair breed standard. The ideal cinnamon British Shorthair should display:

• Uniform warm reddish-brown color without black tipping
• Copper to deep orange eye color that complements the coat
• Classic British Shorthair body type: cobby, muscular, with substantial bone
• Rounded head with full cheeks and short muzzle
• Dense, plush double coat of medium length

While the color is distinctive, judges evaluate cinnamon British Shorthairs against the same structural standards as other color variations, with emphasis on the breed's characteristic round face and sturdy build.

Conclusion

The cinnamon British Shorthair offers a beautiful variation on the classic British Shorthair breed, combining the beloved temperament of this ancient breed with a striking warm coat color. While rare and often more challenging to obtain than standard blue variants, these cats make wonderful companions for those who appreciate their unique appearance and gentle disposition. Understanding the specific genetics, care requirements, and rarity of the cinnamon coloration helps potential owners make informed decisions when considering this exceptional color variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How rare is a cinnamon British Shorthair compared to other color variations?

Cinnamon British Shorthairs are exceptionally rare due to the specific recessive genetics required to produce this color. While blue (gray) British Shorthairs represent approximately 90% of the breed, cinnamon variants account for less than 1% of registered British Shorthairs. This rarity stems from the need for both parents to carry the specific browning gene, making intentional breeding for this color challenging and time-consuming.

What is the difference between a cinnamon and chocolate British Shorthair?

The primary difference lies in both genetics and appearance. Cinnamon British Shorthairs have a warm reddish-brown coat resulting from a specific recessive browning gene (bb), while chocolate variants have a richer, darker brown coat from a different genetic expression (Bb). Visually, cinnamon appears lighter with distinct warm reddish tones, whereas chocolate presents as a deeper, more intense brown. Both are rare compared to the standard blue variation, but cinnamon is generally considered rarer than chocolate.

Do cinnamon British Shorthairs have different care requirements than other British Shorthair colors?

No, the cinnamon coloration does not affect the cat's care requirements. All British Shorthairs, regardless of color, share the same general care needs: weekly brushing to manage their dense double coat, careful monitoring of food portions to prevent obesity, regular dental care, and routine veterinary checkups. The breed's temperament, activity level, and health considerations remain consistent across all color variations, including the rare cinnamon.

Are cinnamon British Shorthairs recognized by major cat registries?

Yes, cinnamon is an officially recognized color variation by major cat registries including The International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). These organizations include cinnamon in their British Shorthair breed standards, with specific requirements for the ideal warm reddish-brown coloration, copper to deep orange eye color, and the characteristic British Shorthair body type. However, cinnamon remains one of the less commonly seen color variations in competitive showing due to its rarity.