Known for their chubby face and easy-going demeanor, the British Longhair is one of the oldest breeds. They are best known for their “blue” (grey) coats, but come in a variety of colors. British Longhair’s warm and lovable personality combined with their independent nature makes them a top choice for many families. Find out more about this breed and if the British Longhair is right for you and your family.
Temperament: Calm, Cuddly, Independent
Size: Medium to large Kittens: 3-6 pounds when ready to leave for new homes at 4 months Adult females: Medium to large, 8-11 pounds Adult males: Large, 10-16 pounds
About the British Longhair
In line with their British heritage, the breed is slightly reserved, but once they get to know someone they have no trouble showing affection.
Male and female British Longhair cats differ a bit in personality. The happy-go-lucky males command respect but welcome attention from everyone, while the more serious females are true British ladies expecting proper form and etiquette from those whose they accept. These loyal and devoted companions cats want to be where you are, snuggling up beside you on the sofa. Often resembling a sturdy teddy bear, the British Longhair’s smile and a plush coat combined with their wonderful disposition makes them great family pets.
Activity Level
Originating as a hunter and protector of food supplies for Roman soldiers when they invaded Great Britain, the British Longhair now prefers cuddling with their families and occasionally playing with toy mice.
British Longhairs are known to be loyal and devoted companions. They are not lap cats but prefer quietly snuggling beside you on the sofa. While not very active cats, they do have their occasional “mad” moments where they like to act like kittens. These intelligent cats are quiet and unobtrusive, ruling their indoor kingdoms with a calm demeanor. They are tolerant with children and dogs, but do not like to be carried around. Exerting their independence, they are content with their own company and have no problem quietly amusing themselves in your absence and waiting patiently for your return.
Grooming
The British Longhair coat is very dense. Combing with a wide-toothed metal comb once a week will help reduce shedding during a change of seasons.
Keep their nails trimmed every two weeks and their ears cleaned and teeth brushed regularly with a vet-approved pet toothpaste. A tall scratching pole is also recommended to help their natural scratching instinct.
Nutrition
Adults are calm and therefore need less food than most would expect given their size. Feed adults twice daily on a regular schedule (preferably wet food high in meat content) while kittens should be fed more frequently. Free feeding or kibble is not recommended for this breed especially in adults.
As with all cats, it is important to give them fresh, clean water daily so they don’t hesitate to drink. The water bowl should be placed at least three feet away from any food. Cats’ noses are sensitive and an overwhelming smell of food may cause them to drink less.
Health
The British Longhair breed is known to be very robust however, as with all cats, they are at risk for the most common heart disease, HCM (hypertrophic ). - Read up on how our blog article on how diet affects HCM and what to best avoid to minimize the occurrence of the disease. Show pedigree breeders diligently screen for this via echocardiogram performed by a Veterinary Cardiologist however it is important for pet owners to proactively screen for this disease as well at age 3 and every 3 years thereafter . It is also important to schedule annual exams with a veterinarian the breed is prone to dental issues and will benefit from routine teeth brushing before it leads to other health issues.
History
The British Longhair originated with cats imported from Egypt by when they invaded Great Britain. The breed helped protect Romans food supplies from rodents. One of the first breeds, they have changed little over the centuries. As the breed developed, crosses were made with the Persian between 1914 and 1918 introducing the longhair gene. Cats with the Longhair gene went into the Persian breeding programs.
Food shortages during World War II reduced the breeding stock and British Longhair lines were all but lost. Breeders revived the breed by crossing with domestic shorthairs, Russian Blues, and Persians among others. The British Longhair has grown in popularity since then and gained championship status in TICA effective May 2009.
The Breed Standard
The British is an imposing breed. Their large, round face should have a sweet open expression, with a smug rounded muzzle. Their coat is dense and rich, plush and thick in both shorthair and longhair varieties. Slightly reserved in temperament, they are a four feet on the floor breed, and should be handled with gentle firmness as well as being well supported if and when carried.
Article Adapted and Summarized from T.I.C.A
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