Also called BLH, British Semi-longhair, Lowlander, Highlander (older name, not the Highlander breed) · United Kingdom
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 kg12 |
| 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.312 |
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.21
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.456
A typical home-care rhythm for a British Longhair. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Low to moderate. Short daily play sessions and a sturdy scratching post are usually enough for this laid-back cat.2
Happy as an indoor cat; provide comfortable resting spots and a solid scratching post.2
Enjoys company but is independent enough to cope with ordinary working days.2
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
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.
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.7
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.8
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
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.8 Pet Wiki plan
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
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
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
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.21
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.
Running costs for a British Longhair, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
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
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
The long coat comes from a recessive gene, so two British Shorthairs can produce a longhaired kitten if both carry it.2
FIFe covers the British Longhair and British Shorthair in a single combined breed standard.4
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
The CFA does not accept the breed and treats an overly long or fluffy coat as a fault in its British Shorthair standard.2
The breed name 'British Longhair' comes from its origin in Great Britain and its long, dense coat, which distinguishes it from the British Shorthair.9
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.
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.2110
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
British Shorthair
Persian
Highlander
Selkirk Rex