LargeGreat Britain

British Longhair

"The British Longhair is a calm, balanced, and extremely lovable cat. With her plush coat and gentle temperament, she is the ideal companion for cozy hours. She fits perfectly into any family looking for a relaxed roommate who quickly wraps everyone around her paw with her uncomplicated nature."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 30 cm

Age12-18 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Body Length

40-60cmBack Height: 25-35cm

Body length from nose to base of the tail.

Weight6.5-8.5 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€60+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

A measure of the daily urge to move and the necessary mental stimulation.

She prefers cozy phases and is not an excessive climber.

Affection Level

How cuddly and attached the breed is – some cats constantly seek physical contact, others are more aloof.

Very people-oriented without being demanding or clingy.

Independence

How well the cat can cope on its own. Independent breeds need less attention.

Can keep herself busy and tolerates periods of solitude well.

Family Friendliness

Describes patience and adaptability when dealing with children and family bustle.

Due to her gentle and patient nature, she is ideal for families.

Beginner Friendly

Indicates how well the breed is suited for first-time owners without much experience.

Her uncomplicated and relaxed character makes her perfect for beginners.

Apartment Friendly

Considers space requirements, the general need for rest, and how well the cat can cope with indoor living.

Adapts excellently to life in an apartment.

Grooming Effort

Time required for brushing, bathing, and nail care. Long-haired breeds often need daily care.

The dense coat requires regular brushing, especially during shedding season.

Shedding

How much loose hair the breed loses in the house. Important for allergy sufferers and cleaning effort.

Loses a lot of hair due to her lush coat, especially during molting.

Vocalization

How talkative the breed is. Some cats meow frequently and loudly, while others are rather quiet.

Very quiet companions who rarely and softly meow.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

The British Longhair is considered the epitome of coziness. Her temperament is extremely gentle, calm, and balanced, making her almost impossible to ruffle. While she is very people-oriented and enjoys being petted, she never imposes herself. She is intelligent, but usually shows this through discreet observation rather than daring feats. Training is hardly necessary with this uncomplicated cat, as she naturally displays very pleasant social behavior. She is generally very tolerant and peaceful towards other pets.

Living & Exercise

Since the British Longhair does not have an extreme need for exercise, she is the perfect cat for apartment living. A secured balcony, however, is greatly appreciated for enjoying fresh air. She does not need massive climbing courses but appreciates cozy retreats and elevated viewpoints. Interactive toys are important to keep her mentally stimulated and active, even if she prefers short play sessions. An environment with sufficient space to relax is essential for her well-being. She also copes well in quiet households or with working owners as long as she receives enough affection.

Health & Grooming

The British Longhair is robust but tends to develop tangles due to her lush coat. Daily short brushing, especially during shedding season, is mandatory to keep the undercoat healthy. The breed is prone to obesity, so a balanced diet and controlled food portions are necessary. There may be a genetic predisposition to the heart disease HCM, making regular veterinary check-ups advisable. As with many breeds, the kidneys should also be monitored in old age. With proper care and nutrition, she reaches a ripe old age and usually remains active.

History

The history of the British Longhair is closely linked to the British Shorthair. Originally, long-haired offspring resulted from crossing Persian cats into the British Shorthair breeding program to improve the coat and introduce new colors. For a long time, these long-haired animals were considered undesirable and were not officially recognized as a separate breed. It was only through the targeted interest of enthusiasts and the adaptation of breed standards in various breeding associations that the British Longhair established herself as a recognized breed. Today, she enjoys growing popularity worldwide due to her easy-going nature and beautiful appearance.

Similar Breeds

Based on character, activity level, and grooming needs – not by appearance.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair, often called 'BKH', is the epitome of serenity and charm. With its plush coat and round teddy-bear face, it captures hearts instantly. This gentle, robust cat is the perfect companion for families and apartment dwellers seeking a calm, easy-going friend for life.

To Breed Portrait→

Persian cat

The Persian cat is the epitome of the elegant indoor cat. With her luxurious long fur and gentle, balanced nature, she enchants every cat lover. She is an ideal companion for cozy hours and impresses with her unobtrusive yet loving manner, enriching family life in a very special way.

To Breed Portrait→

Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair combines the lovely, gentle nature of the Persian with a more manageable, short coat. As an ideal indoor and family cat, she charms with her calm personality and plush appearance. She is the perfect companion for those seeking a relaxed, extremely affectionate cat.

To Breed Portrait→