The British Longhair is a fluffy, round-faced cat with an adorable personality. These cuddly felines originate from the UK and are a cross between the British Shorthair and Persian cats. While British Longhairs have technically existed for centuries, they’ve only recently been recognized as their own distinct breed.
These lovable cats are affectionate, loyal, and low-maintenance. If you’re looking for a family pet or a devoted companion who doesn’t require too much attention, the British Longhair is an excellent choice.
Overview of the British Shorthair
| OFFICIAL NAME | British Longhair |
| HEIGHT | 12 to 14 inches (~ 30.5 to 35.5 cm) |
| WEIGHT | 8 to 16 pounds (~ 3.6 to 7.2 kg) |
| LIFESPAN | 12 to 15 years |
| GOOD WITH | cats, children, dogs, families, elderly people |
| TEMPERAMENT | affectionate, sociable |
| INTELLIGENCE | high |
| COAT | long |
| COLORS | black/ebony, blue/gray, chocolate/brown/sable, cinnamon, cream/beige/tan, fawn, lavender/silver, lilac, red/orange, white |
| OTHER FEATURES | easy to train, human-friendly, pet-friendly, stranger-friendly, great for first-time pet owners, excellent house cat, prone to weight gain, requires regular grooming, tends to be loyal, tolerates being alone |
Appearance
British Longhair cats are medium-sized with a luxurious, long coat and a sweet, rounded face. Their large, expressive eyes and plush fur give them a charming and endearing appearance. Beneath their thick coat, these cats have a muscular and sturdy build. Typically, British Longhairs weigh between 8 and 16 pounds (around 3.6 to 7.2 kg), with males generally being heavier.
Their long fur is usually dense and straight, which can make them appear larger than they actually are from a distance. The coat is soft and thick, available in a range of colors including black, lavender, chocolate, and gold. They can also have two-tone patterns, markings, or color points. Compared to other long-haired breeds, British Longhairs shed less, though they still have a dense undercoat.
British Longhairs are often compared to British Shorthairs and Persians in terms of appearance. While they share the breed standard of British Shorthairs, their long, soft coat sets them apart. The beautiful mane of the British Longhair is a result of their Persian ancestry.
Personality
These sweet cats are as pleasant as their smiling faces might suggest. British Longhairs are renowned for their calm, laid-back, and tolerant nature. They are rarely temperamental, with some even being described as lazy! While they may exhibit playful kitten behavior from time to time, they are generally less active than most other breeds and tend to become even less active as they age. They also enjoy a good amount of sleep.
These adorable cats are more than just couch companions. They are incredibly intelligent, sociable, and affectionate. British Longhairs are a loyal breed that loves their human companions and adapts well to most environments.
Despite their friendly nature, these cats also have an independent streak and are quite comfortable doing their own thing. That doesn’t mean they’ll always leave you alone—on the contrary, they’re often described as little “investigators.” True to their reputation in pop culture, these cats are quite curious. Don’t be surprised if you find them rummaging through your personal belongings or closely observing whatever you’re up to.
British Longhairs are very loving and tolerant of children, but they don’t particularly enjoy being picked up. Parents will need to teach their kids to interact with these sweet cats on the floor, petting and playing with them rather than lifting them up.
Living Needs
Thanks to their easygoing nature, British Longhairs adapt well to a variety of living environments. Their gentle, friendly demeanor makes them excellent pets for families with young children. These sociable cats adjust easily to change and are tolerant of curious kids and noisy gatherings.
They’re not clingy and can comfortably be left alone while you’re out. This independence means they might have a bit of a strong will. They prefer to do things their own way and might not always engage in playtime; lounging around is more their style. However, this doesn’t mean your British Longhair doesn’t want your attention. On the contrary, you’ll need to spend quality time showing them affection. Plenty of cuddles, attention, and the presence of other pets will help them feel less lonely.
These cats enjoy chatting and will frequently let you know when they’re hungry, thirsty, or just want some attention. If you have grumpy roommates or live in an apartment with thin walls, this breed might not be the best fit.
If you’re looking for a loving, adaptable companion that can thrive in various living situations, the British Longhair is an excellent choice. This relaxed breed fits well into family life, frequent travel, and most living circumstances, as long as they receive plenty of love and attention.
Grooming
Grooming your British Longhair can be quite the task due to their characteristic long fur. You’ll need to brush them several times a week using a stiff-bristle brush, working gently and in small sections. While they don’t need frequent baths—since British Longhairs primarily groom themselves—regular brushing is essential to prevent hairballs, as they tend to ingest a lot of fur. To help manage this, consider frequent brushing or using hairball remedies.
British Longhairs can be somewhat lazy, so you might need to encourage them to stay active. Regular playtime, climbing trees, and interactive toys will keep them engaged and help prevent obesity.
Natalie L. Marks, DVM, CVJ and veterinary partner at Royal Canin, emphasizes, “Weight management is crucial for these cats because they tend to be less active as they mature compared to other breeds, making them prone to weight gain. Daily exercise is essential.”
Health
British Longhairs are not inherently more prone to illness than other cats, but they do have some health concerns. Their expected lifespan is 15 to 17 years.
Marks advises, “It’s important to screen for polycystic kidney disease, where cysts form on the kidneys, impairing function and eventually leading to kidney failure. DNA tests are now available to detect this risk in parents, and this screening is crucial. This disease is also common in the ancestors of the Persian Longhair breed.”
History
According to The International Cat Association (TICA), the British Longhair originated in the UK in the early 20th century and resulted from breeding British Shorthairs with Persians. While British Shorthairs have long been crossed with Persians, cats with the longhair gene from Persians were initially considered unusual.
Interesting Facts
The British Longhair was officially recognized as a breed by TICA in 2009. However, some other registries still do not recognize it as a distinct breed. Despite their similarities, British Longhairs are not simply longhaired versions of British Shorthairs. They have distinct facial structures and temperaments, influenced by their Persian ancestry.
