The British Longhair is a medium sized cat breed, known for its muscular physique and affinity for relaxation. This breed showcases a wide chest and a robust build beneath its resilient and weather proof British longhair coat. Their dense, semi longhair fur includes tufted feet and plentiful ear fur, highlighting their distinctive British longhair characteristics.

• Life Span  12 - 17 years.
• Average Weight   3.2kg to 7.7kg
• Colours     Solid, tabby, bi-color, and diluted.

1. Ideal for novice cat owners
2. Calm and serene cat
3. Energetic and curious cat
4. Friendly and affectionate cat
5. Moderately vocal cat
6. British Longhair are Medium-sized breed
7. Needs daily grooming
8. Enjoys both indoor and outdoor environments
9. Excellent family companion
10. British Longhair can be left alone for short periods
11. Well-suited to a peaceful home

Aside from their susceptibility to obesity due to their sedentary lifestyle, British Longhairs generally do not suffer from severe diseases. However, if obesity is left unchecked, it can lead to conditions such as hepatic lipidosis, arthritis, and diabetes.

The British Longhair, essentially a British Shorthair with a longhair coat, shares similar health concerns. Responsible breeders should disclose DNA test results for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), which can be managed through genetic testing. It's crucial not to breed cats affected by Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a common heart disease in cats. For more information, visit the GCCF website.

As British Longhair kittens, they exude playfulness and charm with their fluffy coats and large eyes. However, as they mature, these longhair cats tend to adopt a more thoughtful and relaxed demeanor, preferring contemplation over lively activities. While they enjoy occasional outdoor ventures, their trusting nature and slow reaction times make them unsuitable for unsupervised outdoor access. Providing a cat-proofed garden or enclosed 'catio' is essential for their safety.

The British Longhair, a distinguished longhair cat breed, is known for its quiet and undemanding nature. To prevent them from being overlooked, ensure they receive ample social interaction and family time.

The British Longhair cat breed is distinguished by its medium to large size and muscular physique, complemented by a luxurious, semi-longhair coat. Their rounded heads boast prominent cheeks and large, round eyes that can range from copper to gold in color. With small, rounded-tipped ears and a broad chest, these cats possess sturdy, short legs and rounded paws. Their dense fur, characteristic of the British Longhair, includes tufted feet and generous ear furnishings, contributing to their elegant and majestic appearance as a longhair cat breed.

• Family-friendly: 3/5
• Playfulness: 3/5
• Intelligence: 2/5
• Tendency to Vocalize:  4/5
• Likes Other Pets: 4/5
• Grooming needs: 5/5
• Shedding: 4/5

The British Longhair is a newer variant derived from the round-faced British Shorthair, distinguished by its plush, semi-longhair coat. To achieve the desired round facial structure and shorter nose while maintaining a thick coat, breeders introduced outcrossing with Traditional Persians and Turkish Angoras, among other breeds. Initially, semi-longhaired kittens resulting from these crosses were not in high demand. However, breeders later recognized their attractiveness and began deliberately breeding them.

Currently, the British Longhair is in the initial stages of recognition and is categorized as a British cat type variant by organizations like the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and Felis Britannica (the UK branch of the Fédération Internationale Féline).

Regular, supervised access to the outdoors, or free access to a secure garden or cat-run that is cat-proof, is crucial to encourage these sedentary British Longhair cats to stay active, even if it's just to enjoy sunny spots. They are not suitable for unrestricted outdoor access due to their slow pace, trusting nature, and susceptibility to getting into trouble or being stolen. This breed of Longhair Cat has a distinctive coat length, reflecting its British origins and breed history.

The British Longhair shares similarities with the iconic cartoon character Garfield, known for its love of lounging, sleeping, and eating. This predisposition can contribute to weight issues, highlighting the importance of providing mental stimulation, motivation, and daily play sessions for your Longhair Cat.

While they are generally not vocally demanding, British Longhairs are sensitive creatures. Chaotic environments and neglecting their needs can lead to behavioral problems such as inappropriate toileting, excessive grooming, or scratching. This breed's distinctive coat length reflects its British heritage and breed history.

Due to their propensity for overeating, it's essential to carefully manage the diet of British Longhair cats to prevent excessive weight gain.

Each Longhair Cat is unique, with specific likes, dislikes, and nutritional requirements. However, as a British breed with a distinctive coat length reflecting its heritage, all British Longhairs are obligate carnivores needing 41 essential nutrients from their food. The balance of these nutrients varies with age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, a growing kitten with high energy demands requires a different nutrient profile than a senior cat. It's also important to provide the correct portion sizes to maintain the cat's 'ideal body condition,' following feeding guidelines, and accommodating individual preferences for wet or dry food.

Daily grooming is essential for British Longhair cats from a young age, including when they are tiny kittens, to ensure they become comfortable with the process before their distinctive British Longhair coat fully develops. Although they may try grooming themselves, they typically need assistance to maintain their coat's health. Regularly check their face for food debris and eye discharge, and their hindquarters for cleanliness after toileting.

A greasy coat may indicate that your British Longhair cat is neglecting grooming, which could signal health issues or obesity. Like all cats, British Longhairs benefit from regular vaccinations, parasite control, and annual veterinary health check-ups to maintain their overall well-being and longevity.

The British Longhair is an ideal companion for families with older children who understand and respect a cat's need for personal space. They thrive in calm environments without frequent disruptions from young visitors or chaotic activities, and they value daily periods of solitude.

As a slow-maturing breed, British Longhairs exhibit kitten-like behavior for at least the first year of life. Due to their British Longhair coat and substantial size, they typically do not enjoy being lifted and carried, which can lead to feelings of insecurity.

When considering adopting a British Longhair, it's best to approach a trusted breeder due to the breed's relative rarity and limited recognition. Responsible breeding is essential to ensure the health and well-being of these Longhair Cats.

While finding a British Longhair for adoption from local shelters or rehoming organizations is uncommon, it's not impossible. If you choose adoption, contacting the organization will provide insights into the specific British Longhair's temperament and background.