British Longhair

Also called BLH, British Semi-longhair, Lowlander, Highlander (older name, not the Highlander breed)

A relaxed, steady companion that likes being near its people without pestering them.

Size	Large
Weight	3 to 8 kg (7 to 18 lb)males 4 to 8 kg, females 3 to 5 kg1 2
Lifespan	12 to 16 years2
Coat	Semi-long, dense double coat
Origin	United Kingdom (England); the long-coated counterpart of the British Shorthair, which traces back to Persian crosses made in British Shorthair lines.3 1 2

Recognised breedShort profile

calm and even-tempered

not demanding or noisy

plush teddy-bear look

2 1

Personality what they are like

A relaxed, steady companion that likes being near its people without pestering them. It is usually quiet, patient and self-contained, and tends to get along with considerate children and other pets when introduced gradually.2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

semi-long, dense double coat

A sturdy, compact and powerful cat with a broad chest, short strong legs and a round, massive head carrying small, wide-set ears and big round eyes. The coat is semi-long and thick with a proper undercoat, standing off the body rather than lying flat, and it feels firm rather than woolly. A full ruff, fluffy britches and a well-furnished tail are wanted.4 5 6

Coloursblackbluechocolatelilacredcreamcinnamonfawntortoiseshellsmokesilver and golden shaded/tippedtabby (classic, mackerel, spotted)bicolour, van and harlequincolourpoint4 6 5

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a British Longhair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery 2 days
Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate. Short daily play sessions and a sturdy scratching post are usually enough for this laid-back cat.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush a few times a week, and more often during the spring and autumn moult. Pay attention to the ruff, belly and behind the ears, where the thick coat can tangle. Much less work than a Persian coat, but more than the British Shorthair.2

Home where they are happiest

Happy as an indoor cat; provide comfortable resting spots and a solid scratching post.2

Company who they like around

Enjoys company but is independent enough to cope with ordinary working days.2

The story where it all began

Persians were bred into British Shorthair lines in the early and mid 1900s to improve head type and coat density, and longhaired kittens kept turning up from these matings. For decades those kittens went into Persian programmes, but in the later 20th century breeders began to keep them as a longhaired British, which registries such as FIFe, WCF and GCCF now recognise with their own standards.2 1 7

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The long coat comes from a recessive gene, so two British Shorthairs can produce a longhaired kitten if both carry it.2
2
FIFe covers the British Longhair and British Shorthair in a single combined breed standard.4
3
In the GCCF scale of points, coat texture and length count for 25 of the 100 points, as much as body, legs and paws together.6
4
The CFA does not accept the breed and treats an overly long or fluffy coat as a fault in its British Shorthair standard.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'British Longhair' comes from its origin in Great Britain and its long, dense coat, which distinguishes it from the British Shorthair.8

Famous ones stars of the breed

Cheshire Cat The chubby-faced British Longhair with its chipmunk cheeks and happy smile is famous as the Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.8

Name ideas for your new friend

PuddingMollyOscarCloverBiscuitDaisyHugoWillowPippinHazelMontySnuggles

A day in the life told by a British Longhair

I began my day with a slow blink at the sunbeam on the rug. My human sat down with tea, and I padded over for a gentle chin rub. Then I inspected my scratching post, it's still sturdy. Later, a child visited and patted me softly; I purred to show I liked it. I watched a squirrel from the window, but didn't feel like chasing. Now I'm curled on the armchair, waiting for evening cuddles.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FIFe: Fully recognised, Category 3, code BLH (standard shared with the British Shorthair)7
WCF: Has its own breed standard, code BLH (updated 2023)5
GCCF: Has its own British Longhair (BLH) standard of points, updated October 20246
TICA: Shown as the British Longhair in TICA shows, including championship classes9
CFA: Not recognised as a separate breed2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

British Longhair tip

British Longhairs love food and can gain weight easily, so use treats sparingly and opt for low-calorie, high-protein options. Because they are prone to tartar buildup, dental treats recommended by your vet can help support oral health.

Source: purina.co.uk

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
1 egg, beaten
250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
Extra water as needed

How

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

145g tuna chunks in spring water
120g plain flour
1 tablespoon dried catnip
1 egg

How

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my British Longhair, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age, weight and the food you choose. Please ask your vet or a good breeder for a plan tailored to your cat. Pet Wiki's starting plan does not cover feeding times, so rely on professional advice.

What should a British Longhair eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced commercial cat food is best, but avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, xylitol, and raw meat or eggs. Always check the ASPCA list of toxic foods and consult your vet for specific dietary needs.10

Does a British Longhair need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for this breed. Only bathe if your cat gets very dirty or sticky, as the coat is semi-long and dense. Regular brushing keeps it clean, so a bath is usually not part of routine care.11

How often does a British Longhair need brushing?

Brush a few times a week, and more often during spring and autumn moult. Pay special attention to the ruff, belly and behind the ears to prevent tangles. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every 2 days and daily deshedding when shedding heavily.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a British Longhair's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every 2 to 3 weeks, using proper cat nail clippers and only the sharp tip. Start with one or two claws per session to build trust. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days, but follow your vet's advice on technique and frequency.11 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a British Longhair need?

This laid-back cat enjoys short daily play sessions and a sturdy scratching post. Activity needs are low to moderate, so a few minutes of interactive play each day keeps them happy. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily playtime.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a British Longhair's teeth and ears?

Brush your cat's teeth daily if possible, or at least every other day as Pet Wiki suggests. For ears, check weekly for dirt or redness and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Ask your vet for specific ear care advice. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a British Longhair live?

British Longhairs typically live between 12 and 16 years. With good care, regular vet checkups and a loving home, many enjoy a long, healthy life. Senior years usually start around age 11.2

Is a British Longhair good with children and other pets?

Yes, this patient and self-contained breed usually gets along well with considerate children and other pets when introduced gradually. They are quiet and steady, making them wonderful family companions.2 1

Can a British Longhair be left alone?

Yes, this independent cat can cope with ordinary working days. They enjoy company but are not needy, so they are fine alone for reasonable periods. Provide comfortable resting spots and a scratching post for their comfort.2

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.