British Longhair Cat Breed
British Longhair Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality
The British Longhair cat is a medium-sized, semi-long-haired breed of domestic cat that originated in Great Britain. The breed is derived from the British Shorthair, which originated with cats imported from Egypt by the Romans when they occupied Great Britain. The British Longhair breed was created between 1914 and 1918 by crossing British Shorthair cats with Persians, showcasing all of the unique coat features of a Persian and the temperament of a British Shorthair.
Characteristics
The British Longhair is a longer-haired development from the longstanding British Shorthair breed. They have a sturdy, muscular body underneath their plush coats. Their head is broad and round, with small ears and large, round eyes. They typically weigh 8-16 pounds, with males usually weighing more. They come in more than 300 different colors and patterns.
Personality and Temperament
British Longhairs are affectionate cats that enjoy spending time with their human companions. They are known for being gentle and even-tempered, making them ideal pets for families with children. They are also very intelligent, and can be taught to perform tricks or play games. They are calm, reserved, and kind cats that develop a strong bond of affection towards their owners. They are adaptable and friendly, love their families but don’t mind spending time alone. 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
The British Longhair is easy to care for but will benefit from a daily groom to keep the coat tangle-free. All cats should see a veterinarian once a year for a health check. Talk to your veterinarian about the most suitable vaccination schedule for your cat as this can vary from council to council as well as the cat’s risk factors.
History
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 .
