Where to Adopt or Buy a British Shorthair Cat in Victoria — Your Complete Local Guide

If you live in Victoria and have fallen in love with those big round eyes and plush coats of the British Shorthair, you’re definitely not alone. These gentle, teddy-bear cats have become one of Australia’s most adored companions — calm, affectionate, and quietly elegant.

But before you type “where to adopt British Shorthair cat in VIC” or “buy kitten in VIC” into Google, it helps to understand how cat ownership works here. Victoria has very specific animal-welfare laws, and buying a kitten the right way is both a legal and ethical responsibility.

In this post, we’ll walk you through:

• The current laws around buying or adopting cats in VIC,

• The trusted channels to find a British Shorthair,

• What to look for in a reputable breeder,

• And why Silva Nix Cattery — based in Melbourne’s south-east — has become one of the few breeders in Australia devoted exclusively to golden and silver British Shorthair and British Longhair lines.

1. What the Law Says — You Can’t Just Buy a Kitten from a Shop Anymore

Since reforms to Victoria’s Domestic Animals Act 1994, pet welfare has become a serious matter. Here’s what you need to know:

No live-animal sales in pet shops

Pet shops in Victoria are now prohibited from selling cats or dogs from commercial breeders. They may only rehome animals through registered shelters or rescue partners.

So if you see a “British Shorthair kittens for sale” sign in a shop window, pause — it’s likely not legal unless the animals came from an approved shelter source.

Registered breeders only

If you’re purchasing from a breeder, they must hold a valid source number on the Victorian Pet Exchange Register, display it in every ad, and be registered with their local council as a Domestic Animal Business – Breeding & Rearing.

That means you should always ask for their registration or prefix number.

Microchipping and health checks

Every kitten sold or adopted in VIC must be microchipped, vaccinated, and at least eight weeks old. Responsible breeders go even further — offering genetic testing, parasite control, and early socialisation.

These laws protect both animals and buyers — ensuring your British Shorthair comes from a safe, ethical environment.

2. The Legal & Loving Ways to Find a British Shorthair in VIC

So, how can you bring one of these chubby-cheeked companions home in Victoria?

a) Through a registered breeder

This is the preferred and safest option if you’re after a purebred kitten.
Registered breeders not only meet the legal requirements but also care deeply about health, genetics, and temperament.

A great example is Silva Nix Cattery, located in Oakleigh East, Melbourne. Founded by Chris Junyan Li, a former nurse turned professional breeder, Silva Nix has spent years perfecting the art of breeding Golden Point, Golden Shaded, and Silver Point British Shorthair and Longhair cats.

Unlike many catteries that produce multiple colours, Silva Nix focuses exclusively on golden and silver lines — refining their beauty, health, and personality through champion North American bloodlines.

b) Through an animal-rescue organisation

If you’re open to adoption, organisations like RSPCA Victoria, The Lost Dogs’ Home, or the Cat Protection Society of Victoria sometimes have British Shorthairs or mixes available.

However, because this breed is so popular and in high demand, finding one through rescue channels can take time and patience.

c) Through breed clubs and cat shows

Many British Shorthair breeders in Victoria are part of GCCFV or Cats Victoria Inc. Visiting a cat show or joining a breed club can connect you directly with reputable breeders and let you meet the cats in person.

3. What to Expect When You Contact a Breeder

When you reach out to Silva Nix Cattery, the process feels more like matchmaking than a simple transaction — and that’s intentional.

You’ll be asked to introduce yourself:
share your age, location, occupation, and family situation. This helps ensure every kitten goes to a loving, stable home that matches its personality.

Once you’re approved, Silva Nix will share kitten birth details, photos, and videos, allowing you to choose your companion with confidence.

All communication happens via:

• WeChat: MELGANG123

• WhatsApp: 0450 346 606

• Text only (no calls)

4. Recognising a Responsible Breeder

Here are a few ways to tell you’re dealing with a breeder who genuinely cares:

✅ Signs of a good breeder

• They’re transparent about registration and health testing.

• Kittens are raised indoors, handled daily, and comfortable with people.

• Parents are calm, healthy, and clearly loved.

• You’re offered vaccination records, microchip details, and a sales agreement.

• They’re selective about who adopts — because they care where their kittens go.

🚫 Red flags

• No source number or pedigree papers.

• Kittens ready “immediately” or offered at a discount.

• Breeder unwilling to show you their environment.

• Multiple breeds advertised at once (e.g. “Ragdoll + British Shorthair”).

Remember: the right breeder will feel like family — invested in your kitten long after you’ve brought them home.

5. Why Golden and Silver British Shorthairs Are So Rare

When people picture a British Shorthair, they often think of the classic blue — but golden and silver varieties are like sunlight and moonlight come to life.

At Silva Nix Cattery, these colours aren’t a trend; they’re a craft. Breeding golden and silver lines requires years of genetic understanding and selective pairing to achieve that radiant shimmer without compromising temperament or health.

Each kitten’s coat catches the light differently — some glow warm like honey, others gleam silver with soft lilac shadows. Their eyes, typically green or turquoise, are mesmerising.

By focusing solely on these rare lines, Silva Nix helps preserve a part of feline heritage that’s both elegant and uncommon in Australia.

6. Cost and Commitment

Expect to pay around $2,500 – $4,500 AUD for a British Shorthair kitten in Victoria, depending on pedigree and colour.
Golden and silver kittens may sit at the higher end of that range due to their rarity and breeding complexity.

When you adopt through a registered cattery like Silva Nix, your kitten comes:

• Microchipped and vaccinated

• Vet-checked and genetically tested

• Socialised in a loving home environment

That peace of mind — and the lifetime of companionship that follows — is worth every dollar.

7. Adoption vs. Purchase — What’s Right for You?

Adopting from a shelter gives a homeless cat a second chance; buying from a registered breeder preserves and protects a breed’s integrity.
Both are valid, heartfelt choices.

If your heart is set on a British Shorthair or Longhair, and especially a golden or silver one, partnering with a specialist breeder like Silva Nix ensures your kitten was raised with love, science, and respect for the breed’s standards.

8. Bringing Your Kitten Home

When you finally pick up your kitten — whether from Silva Nix Cattery in Oakleigh East or another reputable source — it’s a moment of pure magic.

Bring a soft carrier, a familiar blanket, and plan a quiet first night.
Keep your home calm, introduce rooms slowly, and let your new friend explore at their own pace.

Before you know it, you’ll have a little golden or silver shadow following you everywhere — proof that some of life’s best relationships start with trust, patience, and the softest of purrs.

9. Final Thoughts — Love, Ethics, and Responsibility

Owning a British Shorthair isn’t about fashion or status. It’s about companionship, calm, and commitment.

In Victoria, where animal welfare is taken seriously, choosing the right path — adoption, or a registered breeder like Silva Nix Cattery — ensures that your decision adds to a future of kindness and care.

If you’re ready to start your journey, visit britishshorthaircat.com.au to learn more about upcoming litters, kitten reservations, and what makes golden and silver British Shorthairs so extraordinary.

At Silva Nix, every kitten is raised not just for beauty, but for love — because in the end, that’s what truly makes a cat a part of your family.