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

NUTRITION
GROOMING
EXERCISE
HEALTH

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a British Longhair cat cost?

How much does a British Longhair cat cost?British Longhair cats cost between $300-$5,000.
How big do British Longhair cats get?

How big do British Longhair cats get?British Longhair cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown British Longhair cat might weigh between 8-18 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 11"-14" inches tall.
How long do British Longhair cats live?

How long do British Longhair cats live?The Average lifespan for British Longhair is 12-16 years.
Do British Longhair cats shed?

Do British Longhair cats shed?British Longhair are long-haired cats, so you do have to expect a certain amount of shedding from this breed, but they don't shed as much as other cat breeds.

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