What is a polecat?
A polecat is not a cat, or a pole. It is a nocturnal European weasel.
“The British Shorthair population dropped sharply during WWII, and breeders afterward crossed them with Persians and other breeds to rebuild their numbers.”
Reference: Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
More facts about cats.
More cat facts
Which cat breed has the densest coat?
The British Shorthair has the densest coat of any cat breed, with more hairs per square inch than any other feline, which gives it a crisp, plush feel.
How did World War II affect the Abyssinian breed?
The Abyssinian population in Britain dropped dramatically during WWII, and breeders had to work hard afterward to rebuild the breed.