Did you know the British Longhair cat was created accidentally? To learn more about this affectionate feline friend, keep reading.
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| British Longhair Cat Breed Overview | |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | N/A |
| Height | 12 - 14 inches |
| Weight | 8 - 16 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 - 15 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Temperament | Social, Intelligent, Affectionate |
| Suitable For | Seniors, families with other pets, families with children |
History Of The British Longhair
The British Longhair is often confused with the British Shorthair. While the longhaired cat originated from the shorthaired one, they are different breeds. However, the British Longhair took a long time to be recognized as a breed.
This cat breed is a hybrid of the British Shorthair and the Persian cat. The British Longhair was born in the early 20th century in Great Britain.
Although, this breed was created by accident. British Shorthairs were popular before their breeding halted due to World War II. By the time the war was over, the breed was nearly extinct. Breeders tried to create the breed again by crossing it with Charteux, Russian Blue, Burmese, and Persian.
These breeds created medium and longhaired cats, including the British Longhair.
What Does The British Longhair Look Like?
British Longhair cats are medium-sized, can grow to be about 12 to 14 inches, and weigh between eight and 16 pounds.
They have a round faces with large eyes, giving them a sweet expression.
Underneath their long coat, British Longhairs have muscular, sturdy bodies. However, the long fur is dense, making these cats look larger than they are.
What Coat Colors Does The British Longhair Have?
British Longhair cats can have many coat colors. For example, they can be found with the following colors and patterns:
- Chocolate
- Brown
- Sable
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Red
- Silver
- Fawn
- Blue
- Gray
- Black
- Ebony
- Cream
- Beige
- Tan
- Lilac
- White
- Orange
In addition, their coat can be solid colors, bi-color, or have a tabby pattern.
British Longhair Pet Care
This cat breed is a love and relatively easy and low-maintenance to care for. So, let’s discuss the needs of this kitty.
Grooming
Due to its long hair, you can expect this kitten to shed a reasonable amount. However, to keep shedding to a minimum, you’ll want to brush their coat with a bristle brush a few times weekly.
Bathing isn’t an issue since your cat will groom themselves. However, with so much fur, they may be prone to getting hairballs. You can give them hairball relief or brush them extra to help them out.
Be mindful that excessive grooming, or lack of it, can indicate that they’re not feeling well or something else is happening. So, call the vet if this is something you notice.
Also, you’ll want to keep up with trimming your cat’s claws regularly, brushing their teeth, and cleaning their ears.
Diet
This cat breed is prone to becoming overweight. They’re not active kitties and won’t hesitate to beg for your food. They need high-quality cat food that your vet approves.
Your cat’s diet should reflect its breed size, age, weight, energy levels, and metabolism. Unfortunately, British Longhair has low energy, so free feeding is a no-go. Also, be careful when giving them too many treats.
Exercise
British Longhair cats are lazy. They need enticing to play and won’t want to run around alone. To keep them fit, provide plenty of cat toys and climbing trees. However, you’ll need to be the one to initiate play each day. Otherwise, they’re content being lap cats.
Training
British Longhairs are intelligent cats. However, they lack motivation. You can train them, and you should teach them manners, but it could be a process.
Health Problems
This cat breed is relatively healthy but known to have some health issues. For example, they can get the following health conditions:
- Obesity
- Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
With proper care through dieting and exercise, the British Longhair cat breed has an average lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.
You’ll also want to bring them to the vet regularly for their annual check-ups and keep them up to date with their vaccinations.
Temperament Of The British Longhair
The British Longhair is a good option if you’re looking for a quiet but sociable cat breed. They’re calm, reserved, and kind. They tend to bond with one family member and will be extremely loyal to them. However, this kitten will get along well with everyone.
For example, this cat breed is friendly toward strangers. They’re known as “private investigators” and will observe from afar. They’re also affectionate with young kids and other pets.
This cat enjoys the company of its family, but it can also be independent. So, if you leave the house for a while, they don’t mind having alone time and aren’t prone to separation anxiety.
After a long day, they’ll enjoy cuddling in your lap on the couch.
Are There Any Differences Between Males And Females?
Males are typically bigger than females. Also, it’s been reported that males are more affectionate and cuddly than females of this breed.
Who Should Own The British Longhair?
Anyone can own this cat breed. British Longhairs can fit in well with families with or without children and with or without other pets. Seniors can also have this cat breed since British longhairs are low-maintenance and lazy.
In addition, they can do well in an apartment or a bigger house. If you have an active family and are looking to bring your cat on adventures with you, this might not be the best breed for that. However, your feline friend probably won’t mind joining you occasionally.
Where Can You Get A British Longhair?
You’ll be able to find this cat breed anywhere you can adopt cats. A great place to start will be your local animal shelter or breed rescue organization. These places have animals abandoned or surrendered by their previous families and looking for forever homes.
You may find British Longhair kittens, adults, or seniors here.
However, if you want a British Longhair kitten and know where it came from, you can go through an ethical breeder.
When searching for British Longhair breeders, remember that good breeders will:
- Want to meet with you in person
- Won’t allow the kittens to leave their mother under after eight weeks old
- Socialize the kittens as early as possible
- Ensure the kittens are up to date with their vaccinations
- Provide health documents and family tree information for you upon adoption
In addition, a good breeder will also get the cat’s parents’ health screened before breeding to ensure it’s healthy and safe.
Question Corner: FAQs About The British Longhair
If you love this cat as much as we do and want to learn more, you can do so by reading through the frequently asked questions answered below.
What’s The Average Cost Of The British Longhair?
Depending on where you get this breed, the average British Longhair price can be anywhere between $300 and $5,000. The cost will vary if you go through a shelter or breeder. Also, if you go through a breeder, the price may vary depending on their location, the popularity at the time, and the breeder’s reputation.
What’s The Average Litter Size Of British Longhair?
A British Longhair cat’s average litter size is about four kittens.
Should British Longhair Cats Be Indoor Or Outdoor?
This cat should be left indoors unless accompanied by you outside. Outdoor cats can get lost, hurt, or bring back diseases. Also, with this breed’s low energy levels, they’ll prefer to stay inside the house anyway.
Is The British Longhair Right For You?
The British Longhair is a good option if you’re looking for a cuddly companion. But, even if you’re inactive, take time to get this cat moving and bond with it.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.