British Longhair Cat - Key Things You Need To Know

The British Longhair Cat is a breed of domestic cat that is known for its fluffy long coat and sweet docile nature. This cat is known to be the British variant of the Persian cat and it has a similar face and body shape as the Persian cat, but with a longer fur. 

Appearance

The British Longhair is very large is in size, weighing about 8 to 18 pounds in size, with a short snub nose and a round head. Their costs comes in a variety of colours and patterns, including white, tabby, blue and black. It has a thick undercoat and a very long and dense fur making it very fluffy.

Because they have long coats, British Longhair requires regular grooming to keep their fur in good condition and help with the growth of new shiny furs. This means you need to brush their costs daily to remove mats and tangles, and regular baths to keep the coats clean.

Temperament and Intelligence of the British Longhair Cat

They have a calm and gentle temperament with relaxed and easygoing personality, making them a great companion for both family and friends. They are known to be very sociable and enjoy being petted and cuddled.

They are generally very laid back and they enjoy spending time with their human family and other pets. They are also intelligent and can be trained to do simple tricks.

7 Little-Known Facts About British Longhair Cat

There are many little-known facts about these breeds that makes them unique and interesting. Here are seven less-known facts about the British Longhair:

1. The British Longhair is relatively new

Despite its name, the British Longhair was first developed in the United States of America in the early 1960s by breeding Persians with British Shorthair.

2. The British Longhair is a mix of two breeds

The British Shorthair and Persian as stated above. The Persian is known for its long hair and the British Shorthair for its calm personality.

3. They have round eyes

One of the unique and distinctive features of the British Longhair is its round eyes, which are as a result of its Persian heritage.

4. British Longhair Cats are not known to be very active

They are known to be more relaxed and prefer to spend their time lounging around the house rather than running around and spoiling things.

5. Known to be very vocal

They are known to be very vocal, making various sounds like, trilling, chirping and purring to express their emotions.

6. They are great therapy cats

As a result of their calm gentle nature, British Longhair make great therapy cats and are often used in hospitals and nursing homes to provide companionship and comfort to patience.

7. The are hypoallergenic

The British Longhair has a thick and plush coat, but it is less likely to trigger allergies as they produce most of the protein that causes cat allergies.

Things To Note When You Own A British Longhair Cat:

Food and Diet Requirements

A diet rich in animal protein such as chicken, lamb and fish, is ideal for British Longhair Cats. These cats also requires a dirt that is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6, in order to keep their coats healthy and shiny. 

In addition to high-quality diet, it's important to ensure that your British Longhair cat has access to fresh water all the times. It is also highly recommended to feed them wet food (usually kibbles mashed in water), which is more palatable and hydration rich.

Exercise

It is very important to exercise a British Longhair cat in order to maintain their physical and mental health. You can achieve this by setting up scratching posts, laser pointers, and interactive toys for them to chase.

You can also provide a cat tree or a  spacious living area and try to encourage them to explore and move around. Note that British Longhair cats are known to be quite lazy, so you have to be patient when it comes to getting them to exercise.

Training

British Longhair cats are generally easy to train, because they are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement. You can start by teaching it basic commands like "come", "sit" and "stay". You can use treats, toys or affection as rewards good behaviour.

Male Vs Female

There is basically no significant difference between male and female British Longhair cats in terms of personality or behaviour. The major difference is their appearance and size. Males tend to be larger and have more muscle mass, while, females tend to be smaller and have a more slender build.

Conclusion

The British Longhair is a wonderful companion for those looking for a calm and loving cat. With its luxurious coat and charming personality this breed is sure to bring joy and companionship to any household.