British Longhair

Other name: Highland Straight

Photo: adult cat of British Longhair breed
© CHUANGXIN ZHOU / Shutterstock
Photo: adult cat of British Longhair breed

Just like their short-haired cousin, British Longhairs are recognisable by their round and cuddly look. Whatever the colour of their coat, they are dignified and elegant, but it’s the blue variety that put this breed on the map! Their long fur was long considered a defect, but it is now admired as a whimsical, even endearing trait. One thing is certain: they are a quiet force… with plenty of charm!

Checked by animal care professional
Comment Share

Life expectancy

The British Longhair has a life expectancy of between 14 and 18 years

Temperament

Adult size

Female Approximately 11 in
Male Approximately 12 in

Adult weight

Female Between 7 and 9 lb
Male Between 11 and 18 lb
Coat colour
Black Brown White Red Cream Blue
Type of coat
Long
Eye colour
Blue
Green
Yellow
Brown
Odd-eyed

Purchase price

The British Longhair costs between £600 and £900

Good to know

The British Longhair is much rarer than the short-haired variety, but they are rapidly gaining in popularity in Europe and elsewhere in the world!

More details about the British Longhair

British Longhair: Origins and history

Their history is of course linked to that of the British Shorthair. The latter has been popular in England since 1871, when they won their first show. But unfortunately, they were almost completely wiped out during the Second World War. In an attempt to keep the breed alive, the few survivors were crossed with non-pedigree domestic cats. However, cats from these pairings were more slender than their bulky ancestors.

To create rounder, more stocky descendants, new crosses were made, only this time with Persians, thus introducing the long-haired gene. Although the British Longhair was long overshadowed by their short-haired cousins, they are now appreciated for their rarity as much as for their silky appearance.

British Longhair: Purchase price

The average price of a British Longhair kitten is between £600 and £900. This cost varies according to the lineage, breeding, age and sex. For your monthly budget, you should allow on average £35 per month to adequately meet their needs.

Do you want a British Longhair cat ?

Oh no...
There are no British Longhair adoption profiles at the moment...

Animals for adoption
Do you have a question about the British Longhair ?

Is the British Longhair right for you?

take the test
Leave a comment on this breed
Connect to comment
If you want to share this profile: