I am pretty certain that my youngest kitten is a British shorthair. He has all the characteristics, right down to the 'hates being picked up!' Having said that, I CAN pick him up when he's in the mood, but what he REALLY hates is being dangled, i.e. his back legs not supported. I try not to do this, except when having to quickly grab him away from danger - and that's when he gives either a growl, a yelp, or even a piercing scream!!

I was just wondering, is this a normal reaction for this breed, or do I need to be concerned that something is wrong? I know it's normal for them to dislike it, but what is a normal reaction for them??

I don't have any papers for him, because I was given him by another family who couldn't keep him as he didn't mix well with their young children. So I don't know if he is a full predigree, or what kind of breeder he came from - reputable or irresponsible. I do know they had only basic stuff for him (i.e. a flimsy carrier, Whiskas wet and dry, clumping litter and cheapo accessories) and the family were council tenants, so I can't imagine they'd spent much on buying him... therefore I don't know if he was well bred or not. He MAY be a moggie but I feel he is at least half BSH. Can anyone advise me?

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RIP Charcoal my shy girl 1987-2000, Patch the wanderer 1987-?, Tabby my darling fluffball 1988-2002 & Panda the rascal 1988-2008

hi,all my cats dont mind been picked up infact they enjoy it,i have 1 that would stay in my arms all day if i let him but then i have 1 that just likes a little cuddle and then want down again.None of them do this noise you explain maybe something in his past made him act like this,or maybe those children used to pick him up roughly and maybe now he just doesnt like it.The more you pick him up the more he will trust you and realise nothing bad will happen if you do pick him up.hope this helps.x

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Thanks, yes he is getting much better and much calmer, it's just sometimes he still does it! He will actually come and sit on my lap for 5 or 10 mins and rub hiis head all over me and roll over for a tummy tickle!!

But it does say here: British Shorthair - Cat Breeds | Information about British Shorthair Cats | Hills Pet
'When you pick up a British, you should always support its back end. British should not have their hind end drag down their abdomen, as this can make them uncomfortable and insecure' and that is exactly true for my Jumpy!
I just wondered why they hate it so much, is it something about their shape, that makes it uncomfortable or even painful?? When I collected him from the other family, their toddler son was actually stood dangling him in the doorway!!

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RIP Charcoal my shy girl 1987-2000, Patch the wanderer 1987-?, Tabby my darling fluffball 1988-2002 & Panda the rascal 1988-2008

Nothing breed related but my silver tabby was horrendous to pick up until just recently. Shes about 6 months now and will only tolerate it if shes in the right mood. Perhaps hes just too young still, they want to be independent and hate being restricted at that age. Hopefully it'll get better for you too. I found that Lola used to put up a struggle because we only used to pick her up for nasty things, worming/flea treatment/cleaning her bum/stopping her getting somewhere she wanted etc. So I started picking her up and giving her a little treat and then putting her straight back down.

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Well he is a silver tabby

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RIP Charcoal my shy girl 1987-2000, Patch the wanderer 1987-?, Tabby my darling fluffball 1988-2002 & Panda the rascal 1988-2008

Hi, We have Ruby a 7month old BSH and she is definitely a four paws on the floor model......If I pick her up she will use one of her front paws or rear to push herself off from you. She has done this ever since we have had her, and she will make a noise...not a growl more a grumble......

I think it's best to always support the hind legs really. Thomas is a total cuddle monster who would stay in your arms all day. Just ask Chinablue

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I think most cats when you pick them up for a cuddle like you to support them by putting your hand on the bum/tail area therefore supporting the legs as well.
British Short hairs are quite big.
My Harley was a big boy and always made sure my hand was supporting his bum when i picked him up.
Funny i aways use to gently pat his bum like you do babies when i picked him up.
Does anybody else to that?

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Maybe the children in the family hurt him and he "screams out" because he's expecting to get hurt. I've never had a bsh but i think they are lovely looking cats. I love big cats. If the vet can't find anything wrong with him its maybe just his early experiences or its just the way he is.

By the way, i live in a council house and there nothing cheap about me! I'm getting a ragdoll in the near future and i don't expect to get one for under £450! Lol 18 months ago i lived in a private terrace.I had neighbours who lived in half a million pound houses which they built themselves. Didn't make them better people! Infact one of the husbands went on the run for attemped murder of his wife and the other family were rouges and druggies! Pleased i got moved! lol, i love my little house in this peaceful village. It takes allsorts! xx

You are probably right about the children hurting him or causing him stress. He's not big yet, of course, he's just a little guy (not 5 months yet!)

I wouldn't say being a council tenant made the family 'cheap' but having small children probably made them broke!!

They weren't an English family and I'm not sure they knew much about cats in general But the mum seemed very nice

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RIP Charcoal my shy girl 1987-2000, Patch the wanderer 1987-?, Tabby my darling fluffball 1988-2002 & Panda the rascal 1988-2008