British Longhair

Origin and History

The British Longhair is the longhaired version of the British Shorthair. In the 20th century, the longhair gene entered the lineage as a result of crossing British Shorthairs with Persian and Angora cats. Over time, these longhaired cats came to be recognized as a separate breed. In character it is largely the same as the British Shorthair; the main difference is coat length.

Appearance and Coat

It has a large, rounded and muscular body, a round face with full cheeks and large, bright eyes. Its most distinctive features are its soft, dense semi-long "plush" coat and the full ruff around its neck. Although British Blue (blue-gray) is the best-known color, it comes in many colors and patterns. Its overall look resembles a cuddly "teddy bear."

Personality and Temperament

It has a calm, dignified and balanced temperament. It is attached to its owner but keeps its independence; rather than being on a lap all the time, it prefers to lie peacefully nearby. It rarely meows and is quiet and easygoing. This nature makes it ideal for apartment living and busy working individuals. It lives in calm harmony with children and other animals.

Care and Nutrition

Its semi-long coat should be brushed two or three times a week to prevent tangles; shedding increases during seasonal changes. Because of its calm nature and tendency toward obesity, portion control and regular play are important for weight balance.

Health

It shares the same hereditary predispositions as the British Shorthair. The best scientifically documented risk is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which involves thickening of the heart muscle; regular echocardiography screening is recommended. In addition, some lines descended from Persian crosses may develop polycystic kidney disease (PKD) linked to the PKD1 gene; a reliable DNA test is available for it.

Who Is It Best For?

The British Longhair is ideal for individuals, families and apartment dwellers looking for a calm, quiet and affectionate cat. For those who can make time for regular coat care, it offers all the advantages of the British Shorthair with a longhaired look.