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British Longhair
Origin
United Kingdom
Height
11"-14"
Adult Weight
8-18 pounds
Life Span
12-16 years
TEMPERAMENT
Calm, affectionate, people-oriented, cheerful
OTHER NAMES
British Semi-Longhair
Group
Medium-to-large longhair
Price
$300-$5,000
Personality and Temperament
Exquisite good looks, a charming personality, and luxurious silky, soft hair that comes in more than 300 different colors and patterns: These traits combine beautifully in the British Longhair cat. Meet one, and you’ll be in love!
Quiet, adaptable, and friendly, these cats love their families but don’t mind spending time alone. This is the perfect breed for cat lovers who long to share their lives with a kitty but don’t have tons of time to spend together each day.
British Longhair cats get along well with nearly everyone, so long as boundaries are respected. These cats will choose when and how to receive affection: They don’t appreciate being held tightly, and they often prefer to sit next to their humans rather than snuggling on a lap.
Care
British Longhair cats have no special nutritional requirements, however they tend to become sedentary later in life and this sometimes leads to obesity. Feeding a high-quality diet that’s high in protein and low in carbohydrates can help reduce the risk of weight issues and health problems such as diabetes that can accompany it.
British Longhair cats require daily brushing to prevent mats from forming, and they might need more than one grooming session per day during the spring shedding season.
You may also want to clip your cat’s toenails and brush their teeth regularly. It’s very important to teach your pet about grooming routines as a kitten, so that they accept this type of handling. Remember to reward your cat after brushing them.
Because British Longhairs like to relax and are naturally less active than many other cat breeds, they might need some encouragement to play. In addition to catnip mice and other intriguing toys, consider a laser pointer and at least one teaser wand. All cats require at least one scratching post, and a perch such as a cat tree or a window seat will be appreciated.
The British Longhair can be susceptible to neonatal isoerythrolysis, which can occur when a male from blood group A mates with a female cat from blood group B. When group A kittens that have the disease receive colostrum, antibodies attack the kitten’s red blood cells and destroy them.
Characteristics
Affection Level
90%
Activity Level
60%
Pet-Friendly
70%
Kid-Friendly
90%
Sociability
90%
Intelligence
90%
Playfulness
70%
Independence
30%
Vocality
30%
Grooming
80%
History
The British Longhair is a relatively new breed, having descended directly from the British Shorthair cat. By the end of the first world war, the British Shorthair population had dropped dramatically. Breeders worked hard to save these incredible cats by outcrossing with several other breeds including Persians.
Kittens with long hair did not qualify as British Shorthairs, however they made excellent pets, as they shared many of the traits that make the breed so popular.
The British Shorthair cat breed was nearly decimated again during the second world war, leading breeders to outcross again. In addition to Persians, British Shorthairs were crossed with Burmese, Chartreux, and Russian Blue cats. Once again, kittens with medium to long hair were not accepted for registry.
Incredibly, and even though these amazing cats have been around since the first half of the 20th century, the British Longhair breed was only recognized by TICA in 2009. The Cat Fanciers Association does not recognize the British Longhair cat.
The Breed Standard
Body
British Longhair cats are large, with well-muscled bodies and deep, broad chest. Males are far larger than females, sometimes reaching a weight of more than 15 pounds.
Head
The head is rounded, as is the muzzle. Whisker pads and jowls are prominent, creating the look of a smile. Male cats exhibit larger jowls than females.
Eyes
The eyes have a distinctly rounded shape that accentuates the roundness of the face. Many British Longhair cats have golden eyes, however shades of green, emerald and blue are seen as well. The eye color should complement the coat color.
Ears
A British Longhair cat’s ears are wide at the base, rounded at the tips, and adorned with beautiful furnishings and streamers.
Legs & Paws
The legs are strong and muscular, and are proportionate to the body. The paws are rounded and may display tufts between the toes.
Tail
The British Longhair cat’s tail is of medium links, with elegant plumage.
Coat
The British Longhair cat has an impressive double coat with a thick, plush undercoat and a soft, silky upper layer.
Color
British Longhair cats come in every color and pattern imaginable. Nose leather and paw pads should complement the coat color.