Table of content
British Longhair Cat Traits: What Makes This Breed Stand Out?
The British Longhair is a stunning breed known for its dense, luxurious coat and calm, gentle demeanor. With a regal appearance and affectionate personality, this cat makes a perfect companion for families and individuals alike.
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 longhair coat. Their dense, semi longhair fur includes tufted feet and plentiful ear fur, highlighting their distinctive British longhair characteristics.
Quick facts
Life Span |
How long do British Longhair live? 12 - 17 years. |
Average Weight |
3.2kg - 7.7kg |
Colours |
British Longhair come in various colours, Solid, tabby, bi-color, and diluted. |
Essential Information
- Ideal for novice cat owners.
- Calm and serene cat.
- Energetic and curious cat.
- Friendly and affectionate cat.
- Moderately vocal cat.
- Longhair are Medium-sized Cat Breed.
- Needs Daily Grooming.
- Great outdoor and Indoor Cat.
- Excellent family companion.
- Longhair can be left alone for short periods.
- Well-suited to a peaceful home.
- Adaptable to different living spaces.
- Forms strong bonds with its owners.
- Good with other pets.
- Low-maintenance personality despite high Grooming Needs.
British Longhair Breed Health.
British Longhair cats are susceptible 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. learn more to help prevent Feline Obesity with our guide.
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.
Personality of the British Longhair
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.
British Longhair Appearance
The 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 Longhair, includes tufted feet and generous ear furnishings, contributing to their elegant and majestic appearance as a longhair cat breed.
Breed Rating
Family Friendly |
3/5 |
Playfulness |
3/5 |
Intelligence |
2/5 |
Likes Other Pets |
4/5 |
Grooming Needs |
5/5 |
Shedding |
4/5 |
Vocalize |
4/5 |
History and Origins
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 Cat 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 Longhair cat 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).
Outdoors or Indoors
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.
Enrichment and Special Requirements
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 British 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.
Nutrition and Feeding
Due to their propensity for overeating, it's essential to carefully manage the diet of British Longhair cats to prevent excessive weight gain and Feline Obesity.
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 Longhair 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 British Longhair's 'ideal body condition,' following Feeding Guidelines and accommodating individual preferences for wet or dry food.
Find out more about Cat Nutrition with our article.
Grooming British Longhair
Daily grooming is essential for 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 Longhair cat is neglecting grooming, which could signal health issues or obesity. Like all cats, British Longhairs benefit from Regular Vaccinations, Tick Control, and annual veterinary health check-ups to maintain their overall well-being and longevity.
Family Life Compatibility
The Longhair cat breed 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, 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.
Adopting or finding a new home for a British Longhair
When considering adopting a 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 Longhair cat 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.
What colours are available for British Longhairs?
Longhair cats come in various gorgeous coats, see a list of some below.
- British Longhair Grey
- British Longhair Black
- British Longhair Blue
- Golden British Longhair
- Black British Longhair Cat
- White British Longhair Cat
- British Longhair Cat Black
- British Longhair Tabby
- Grey British Longhair Cat
- Blue British Longhair
- British Blue Longhair
- British Longhair White
- British Longhair Black and White
FAQ
What are the British longhair characteristics?
The British Longhair is known for its dense, plush coat, round face, and expressive eyes. They have a calm, easygoing temperament, making them great companions for families. Despite their laid-back nature, they can be playful and enjoy both indoor and outdoor environments. These cats are affectionate, moderately vocal, and require regular grooming to maintain their thick coat.
How much do British Longhair kittens typically cost?
British Longhair kittens typically cost between £300 and £800, depending on the breeder, lineage, and location. The British Longhair cat price can vary based on whether the kitten is show-quality or pet-quality. Some factors, such as coat color and rarity, can also influence the British Longhair price . It's important to choose a reputable breeder to ensure your British Longhair kitten is healthy and well-socialized.
Where can i find British Longhair for sale?
If you're looking for British Longhair for sale , there are several reputable sources to explore. You can find British Longhair kittens for sale UK through certified breeders or dedicated websites that specialize in purebred cats. It's essential to check for breeders who offer healthy British Longhair kittens for sale with proper care and vaccination records. Many breeders also list British Longhair cats for sale on platforms dedicated to cat enthusiasts. Before purchasing a British Longhair kitten for sale, ensure you are dealing with a trustworthy breeder to guarantee the kitten’s health and well-being.
What cat breeds are related to British Longhair?
The Longhair is closely related to the British Shorthair, as it was developed by crossing British Shorthairs with long-haired breeds like the Persian to introduce the long, plush coat. Other breeds that have had a small influence on the British Longhair include the Chinchilla, which contributed to the luxurious, thick fur and gentle demeanor of the Cat Breed. These breeds helped shape the Longhair into the distinct and elegant cat it is today.
What is a Chinchilla British longhair?
A Chinchilla British Longhair is a variation of the Longhair breed, characterized by its striking, silvery-white coat with dark tips, resembling the fur of a Chinchilla. This coloring is particularly prized and gives the cat a luxurious, shimmering appearance. The Chinchilla British Longhair also has the breed's signature dense, plush coat and a calm, affectionate temperament, making it a popular choice among cat lovers seeking both beauty and a gentle companion.
what is a British semi-longhair?
The British Semi-Longhair is a variation of the British Longhair, characterized by a medium-length coat that falls between the short, dense fur of the British Shorthair and the long, plush coat of the British Longhair. This breed has a luxurious yet manageable coat that is less prone to matting than a full long-haired cat. Like its relatives, the British Semi-Longhair has a calm and affectionate temperament, making it an excellent companion. It shares the same sturdy build, round face, and expressive eyes typical of British cat breeds.
What is the difference between British Longhair and British Shorthair?
The primary difference between the Longhair and British Shorthair lies in their coat length. The British Longhair has a thick, plush, and longer coat that requires more regular grooming to prevent tangling and matting. In contrast, the British Shorthair has a dense, short coat that is much easier to maintain.
In terms of personality, both breeds are calm, affectionate, and enjoy spending time with their owners, though the British Longhair may appear slightly more laid-back. Physically, both breeds share a sturdy build, round faces, and large, expressive eyes. The main distinction is simply the length and texture of their fur.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
