Sweet and stable. That’s the British Longhair. But this cat breed is also calm and easily adaptable. Ideal as a family cat. But beware: most British Longhairs don’t like to be picked up or to sit on your lap, although they do love cuddling and their owners. Want to know everything about this special cat breed? Then read on!
In this blog:
- How did the British Longhair originate?
- The character of a British Longhair
- The appearance and coat of a British Longhair
- Hereditary diseases and conditions of a British Longhair
- How long does a British Longhair live?
- How do you care for a British Longhair?
- How much does a British Longhair cost (buying a kitten)?
How did the British Longhair originate?
The cat breed British Longhair descends from the British Shorthair. This cat breed also comes from England. In the early 20th century, the British Shorthair was crossed with a Persian cat because breeders wanted a long-haired variant with a gentle character. From this, the first line of British Longhairs was born – a cat breed with a short and woolly coat and a calm character. Around the 1940s, British Longhairs were crossed again, and the kittens born at that time inherited the gene for long hair.
These cats became popular, and that’s no surprise, as British Longhairs inherited the calm character and beautiful long fur of the Persian cat. They also have all the breed characteristics of the British Shorthair, which is also known as Brittanica, Lowlander, or Highlander. The British Longhair was internationally recognized as an official breed in 2017, but it happened earlier in the Netherlands, in 2012.
British Longhairs have the same build as British Shorthairs. Are you looking for a suitable scratching post for this cat breed? These scratching posts are designed for British Longhairs and British Shorthairs!
The character of the British Longhair
British Longhairs are cats with an even and stable temperament. They are calm, friendly, and can easily adapt to various situations, although they might be a bit shy around new people at first. These cats love their owners, enjoy cuddling, and often come asking for pets.
If you’re looking for a lap cat, a British Longhair might not be the best choice – this cat breed generally doesn’t like to be picked up and doesn’t like sitting on laps. However, they do like to be near their owners, so they are definitely sociable and easy to get along with. British Longhairs can also entertain themselves well.
Fun fact: British Longhairs are known to be real sleepers!
The appearance and coat of a British Longhair
British Longhairs are fully grown after three years and have a normal (average) build. They are compact and can weigh between 3.5 to 8 kilograms. Females are noticeably smaller than male cats – males have a sturdier build and broader jaws. This cat breed has strong and relatively short legs with round paws.
The heads of these cats are round and broad, with pleasantly full cheeks. They have a short and broad nose, and their chin is firm, just like the rest of their body. The ears of the British Longhair are small and rounded, with hair inside. Their eyes come in orange, blue, and green and are beautifully round and large.
British Shorthairs have a fluffy coat that is medium to long. The fur around the eyes and nose is short but gradually becomes longer from the cheeks. The collar of this cat breed is truly impressive – it’s beautifully long and thick. The undercoat is also thick, making the fur stand out nicely, similar to the tail’s fur.
As for color, this breed can have various options: black, white, cream, or blue. Usually, these cats are solid in color, but patterns are also common, including white markings, tabby patterns, or point markings, where the fur around the eyes, ears, tail, and paws is darker.
Diseases and conditions in the British Longhair
The British Longhair is generally a healthy cat breed that can lead a long and happy life with proper care. However, like any cat, British Shorthairs can also get sick. These are three diseases and conditions that can occur in British Shorthairs:
Obesity:
Due to their robust build, British Shorthairs are prone to becoming overweight. They also love food. Therefore, it’s important to provide appropriate nutrition for the breed and ensure they get enough physical activity. If the cat becomes overweight, it can lead to diabetes, joint pain, and heart problems.
Polycystic Kidney Disease:
This hereditary condition causes cysts and affects the kidneys of the cats. If a cat has this condition, it can lead to kidney failure and other complications. While any cat can develop this, British Longhairs are more susceptible. There is a specific genetic test for this condition, so always inquire about it from the breeder.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):
HCM is a condition that thickens the heart muscle, affecting the cat’s heart function. This disease can occur in any cat, but British Longhairs are somewhat more susceptible. It cannot be cured, but if you consult a veterinarian in a timely manner, the cat can be treated and live for many more years.
How long does a British Longhair live?
British Longhairs are generally strong and healthy cats that, when well cared for, can live to be 10 to 12 years old. Sometimes they even reach 15 years!
How do you care for a British Longhair?
And how often should you groom a British Shorthair? A British Longhair is an easy cat breed to care for. Despite having long hair and a thick undercoat, it doesn’t tangle exceptionally quickly. You should groom and brush your cat well once a week and more frequently during shedding seasons. Pay attention to the fur at the rear end and under the armpits, as it can tangle and mat more quickly than the rest. Always spend extra time caring for those areas.
It’s also a good idea to get a British Longhair kitten accustomed to general grooming tasks early on, such as brushing and combing, teeth brushing, and nail trimming. Starting these routines early will make it easier as the cat ages.
What else does a British Shorthair need in terms of care?
- A safe home
- Love and attention
- Nutrition appropriate for the breed
- Always access to fresh water
- Adequate physical activity and mental stimulation (playtime!)
- Regular visits to the veterinarian
- A scratching post for British Longhairs
- Comfortable cat beds
- A clean cat litter box with clumping cat litter
- Vaccinations and protection against parasites such as fleas, worms, and ticks
How much does a British Longhair cost (buying a kitten)?
A British Longhair is a purebred cat, and there is always a price tag associated with that. A kitten of this breed typically costs between 500 and 800 euros. However, it’s worth it because when you buy such an adorable cat from a reputable breeder, you’ll enjoy the companionship of a happy and healthy cat for a long time. If you’re unsure about where to start or how to find a good breeder, reach out to a breed or cat association that specializes in British Longhairs.
Is this going to be your first cat? Take some time to think before getting one. A cat can live up to 15 years and should not be left alone for extended periods. So, if you enjoy or frequently go on vacation, you need to arrange for proper pet care. Cats also require love, attention, and lifelong care, including regular visits to the veterinarian for check-ups, medication, or even surgery. This comes with financial responsibilities. Are you willing to commit to all of that? If so, you’ll make a great cat owner!
If you’re not particular about the cat’s breed, consider visiting a local animal shelter because there are many wonderful cats waiting for a loving owner. And remember, you should never buy a cat from sources like Marktplaats, eBay, or from a puppy mill.
Disclaimer: Petrebels is not a veterinarian or a behavior specialist. All content, information, and tips in this blog are meant to inspire and provide information. If your cat has any issues or problems, and you’re unsure about your cat’s health, always consult a veterinarian or a behavior specialist.