British Longhair Cats – Characteristics, Classification, Price, and Care

I. Origin

The British Longhair Cats , often abbreviated as Ald, originates from the UK. These cats are a hybrid of the British Shorthair and Persian cats and have been recognized as an independent breed by the International Cat Association (TICA). Besides living in the UK, Ald cats are also found in the US and other European countries.

II. Characteristics of British Longhair Cats

1. Physical Characteristics
   • The British Longhair is recognizable by its large head with round cheeks, a slightly upturned mouth giving the appearance of a smile, short ears that are always perked, and bright, intelligent eyes.
   • The eye color of this breed often corresponds with the coat color: grey cats usually have amber or green eyes, silver or Chinchilla cats have green eyes, and some British Longhair cats have two different eye colors.
   • They have a long, sleek coat and a sturdy body with a robust chest, giving them a strong, muscular appearance. The tail is also large and fluffy, resembling a feather duster.
   • When crossed with other breeds, British Longhairs may exhibit unique features such as folded ears (crossed with Scottish Folds), short legs (crossed with Munchkins), or flat faces (crossed with Persians).
2. Weight
   • British Longhairs are relatively large cats. A newborn kitten typically weighs around 1kg. Adult females weigh between 4-6kg, while males can weigh up to 8kg.
3. Lifespan
   • These cats have a relatively long lifespan. With proper care and a good living environment, they can live an average of 14-20 years. Statistics show that the average lifespan of British Longhair cats in the UK is 11.8 years, while in Sweden it is up to 12.5 years.
4. Reproductive Ability
   • The breeding season usually occurs from mid-spring to late summer. During the estrous cycle, cats tend to meow frequently at night and display behaviors such as rolling on the ground and raising their hindquarters.
   • If pregnant, it is essential to take the cat to a vet for regular check-ups. British Longhair cats have a gestation period of 60-70 days.
5. Personality
   • British Longhair cats are docile and lovable. As kittens, they are quite playful and energetic but tend to become calm, sometimes lazy, as they mature. They are very attached to their owners, enjoy being petted, but do not like being picked up.

III. Popular British Longhair Cat Crossbreeds 

1. British Longhair x Domestic Cat
   • These hybrids usually have medium-length fur, are more slender and fit, yet larger than typical domestic cats.
2. British Longhair x Persian Cat
   • Offspring have the long fur characteristic of Persians, often with a flat or slightly flat face.
3. British Longhair x Siamese Cat
   • These hybrids are easily identifiable, with long fur and striking features, including black spots around the eyes or on the face.
4. British Longhair x Russian Blue Cat
   • These hybrids often have pure white long fur and striking blue eyes.
5. British Longhair x Scottish Fold Cat
   • This breed is popular for its adorable appearance, with long, soft fur and folded ears.

IV :Raising British Longhair Cats

1. Food

British Longhair cats are not too picky eaters and can eat a variety of foods, from dry kibble to pate and home-cooked meals. Just make sure the food is safe, hygienic, and avoid foods that can harm their intestines, such as sweetened milk and chocolate.

In their meals, you should add foods that contain protein, such as chicken, beef, pate, or foods rich in vitamins like vegetables and cheese. Their food intake should also be divided into several small meals throughout the day, about 4-5 meals/day, and they should not be fed at night to avoid obesity.

In addition to eating regularly, make sure the cat drinks enough water each day. It is best to place a water bowl next to the cat’s food bowl.

2. Grooming British Longhair Cats

• Brushing: Because they have long fur, British Longhair cats need to be brushed regularly, even twice a day during shedding season. Brushing helps remove dead hair, dirt, and stimulates new hair growth. Dead hair that is not brushed away will become tangled, matted, and dirty more quickly. In addition, when cats lick their fur, they will swallow loose hair, which can lead to hairballs that can cause vomiting, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

• Bathing: Cats need to be bathed 2-3 times a month to stay clean and smelling good. To prevent fungus and skin infections, bathe British Longhair cats with shampoo for long-haired cats and dry them thoroughly after bathing.

• Cleaning ears and eyes: British Longhair cats also need their ears and eyes cleaned regularly. Use a damp cloth to clean the corners of the cat’s eyes every day and check for earwax and discharge twice a week.

During hot weather, you can trim your British Longhair cat’s fur to keep it neat, clean, and cool, but never shave your cat’s fur unless it needs to be treated for skin problems. The fur will keep the body warm and help prevent heat stroke.

3. Health

In general, British Longhair cats are a healthy breed and can have a long lifespan if they have a good living environment and are cared for properly. However, like other cat breeds, they can experience health problems such as:

• Obesity: They are lazy and inactive and not picky eaters, so they are very prone to obesity. It is important to make sure your cat gets exercise every day. You can play with your cat to run up and down stairs, fetch balls, or play with a cat teaser to burn off energy.

• Common genetic diseases: Heart disease and polycystic kidney disease. Note: Choose British Longhair cats from a reputable source to reduce the risk of disease.

• Skin and fur problems such as fleas, ticks, and skin inflammation.

Tips to ensure the health of British Longhair cats:

• Clean the cat’s living environment regularly: change the litter box 3 times a day, clean the food and water bowls every day, wash and clean toys and bedding weekly.

• Vaccinate and deworm regularly and on time.

• Take your cat to the vet for regular checkups every 6 or 12 months.

• Only buy cats from reputable sources that are free of genetic problems and do not bring them home until they are over 2 months old and have had 2 vaccinations.

4. Do British Longhair cats shed?

British Longhair cats shed hair every day and all the time. This is because cats lick their fur instinctively. In addition, their fur will shed seasonally. Cats that are less active will shed more hair because the temperature in the house does not change much, so they do not need to adjust their body temperature.

Some British Longhair cats will automatically react to the environment by shedding their fur. This is even more pronounced in the spring.

5. Rules for breeding British Longhair cats

• Check your pet’s health before breeding. Ensuring a nutritious diet and good hygiene will help your pet have the best possible physical and mental health for breeding.

• Learn as much as you can about the breed you want to breed to ensure safety when breeding together. You should introduce the two cats to each other before breeding.

• Closely monitor the mother cat’s health during breeding and after giving birth. The diet and care of the mother cat and kittens are what you need to be concerned about at this time. If you feel overwhelmed by situations such as the mother cat losing her appetite, refusing to eat, or the kittens not suckling, contact your veterinarian immediately for the best support.

6. Reputable British Longhair Cat Breeding Locations

Breeding exotic cats is often quite complicated, so you should find a reputable veterinarian to help you ensure safety and success. If you want to breed your own pet cat,

Price of British Longhair Cats

1. Non-Purebred
   • Priced between 200$ – 300$ , these cats often lack pedigree papers and may have health issues.
2. Locally Bred 
   • Priced from 500$ to 600$  these cats are hybrids of British Shorthair and Persian cats without TICA or CFA certification.
3. Purebred Imports
   • Prices range from 700$ – 1000$ depending on size, color, and unique features like short legs or folded ears. They usually come with pedigree papers and full vaccinations.

V : Common Diseases in British Longhair Cats

British Longhair cats are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Here are some of the common diseases that British Longhair cats can develop:

1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is a heart condition that causes the walls of the heart to thicken, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Symptoms of HCM can be subtle, so it is important to have your cat checked by a veterinarian regularly, even if they seem healthy.

2. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)

FIP is a serious and often fatal viral disease that affects cats. There are two forms of FIP: wet FIP and dry FIP. Wet FIP causes inflammation of the abdomen, while dry FIP causes inflammation of other organs, such as the lungs or kidneys. Symptoms of FIP can vary depending on the form of the disease, but they can include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and abdominal pain.

3. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can cause conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eyelids) and rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages) in cats. Symptoms of chlamydia can include squinting, redness and discharge from the eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion.

4. Parasites

British Longhair cats can be infected with a variety of parasites, both internal and external. Internal parasites, such as roundworms and hookworms, can cause intestinal problems, such as diarrhea and weight loss. External parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, can cause skin irritation and itching.

5. Skin diseases

British Longhair cats are prone to a number of skin diseases, including:

• Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin that can be caused by allergies, infections, or other factors.
• Feline acne: A skin condition that causes small pimples to form on the chin and lips.
• Alopecia: Hair loss that can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, skin diseases, and nutritional deficiencies.

6. Blood type incompatibility

British Longhair cats can have one of three blood types: A, B, or AB. Blood type incompatibility can occur when a kitten with blood type B or AB is born to a mother with blood type A. This can lead to a serious and potentially fatal condition called neonatal isoerythrolysis.

Prevention and early detection

The best way to prevent your British Longhair cat from developing health problems is to provide them with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and regular veterinary care. Early detection of health problems is also important, as this can increase the chances of successful treatment.

If you are concerned about your cat’s health, please take them to your veterinarian for a checkup.