British Longhair
The British Longhair is a British Shorthair in a long-haired version — produced when Persian outcrosses (used to rebuild British Shorthair lines after World War II) introduced the longhair gene into the BSH gene pool.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
12–16 years
Weight
4–8 kg (9–18 lbs)
Height
30–35 cm (12–14 in)
Exercise
10 to 20 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet and dry food. Same obesity risk as British Shorthair.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The British Longhair is a British Shorthair in a long-haired version — produced when Persian outcrosses (used to rebuild British Shorthair lines after World War II) introduced the longhair gene into the BSH gene pool. For many years longhaired BSH-type kittens were simply sold as pets without registration; in the 1990s Continental European breeders began formally developing them as a separate breed. The British Longhair has the same round, cobby, plush appearance as the British Shorthair — the same full cheeks, large round eyes, and calm, independent personality — but with a flowing semi-long coat.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Identical to the British Shorthair in body type — large, cobby, well-muscled with a broad round head and full cheeks. The coat is semi-long, dense, and plush — flowing and full rather than flat. The ruff around the neck is prominent. The tail is full and bushy.
Grooming
High
Shedding
High
Coat Length
long
Coat Type
plush
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Rarely
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Same as British Shorthair — calm, dignified, independent, and affectionate on their own terms. Quiet and adaptable.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
2/5Friendliness
3/5Playfulness
3/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
10 to 20 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 28°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Outdoor
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
20%
Playfulness
30%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
quiet
Stress Signals
hiding, spraying, withdrawal, aggression
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Brushing 2–3 times weekly — the semi-long coat sheds heavily and needs more attention than the BSH. Same obesity risk as the BSH — structured mealtimes essential. Regular dental care.
Nutrition Notes
Very healthy natural breed. Amyloidosis in some lines. Generally robust. Moderate calorie needs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Amyloidosis. HCM. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Very hardy — pedigreed version of British working cat. All colours accepted. 15-20 years — one of the longest-lived breeds.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Same as British Shorthair — HCM, PKD (DNA test available), obesity risk. The semi-long coat requires more attention for hairball management.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Not yet CFA/GCCF recognised. Long-lived. British Shorthair with long coat.
Purchase Price
$500 to $1,500
Adoption Fee
$50 to $250
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The British Longhair's existence is directly due to the deliberate crossing of British Shorthairs with Persians after World War II to restore the BSH's type — the longhair gene was an unintended consequence that has become a beloved breed in its own right.
The British Longhair is not yet recognised by the CFA (USA) or GCCF (UK) — ironically, two of the registries most associated with British breeds — but is fully recognised by FIFe across Continental Europe.
