British Longhair
Great Britain
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 4–8 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–16 yrs
- calm
- gentle
- independent
- steady
Weights are typical adult ranges; individual cats vary.
About the British Longhair
The British Longhair grew out of British Shorthair breeding programmes, particularly where Persian cats were used after the World Wars to rebuild numbers and broaden the gene pool. Long-haired kittens resulting from those crosses were eventually recognised as a breed in their own right. It has the sturdy body and round face of the British Shorthair, with a thick semi-long coat.
Temperament
Calm, undemanding and quietly affectionate. Like its shorthaired relative it prefers to sit beside people rather than be carried around, and it copes well with being left for a working day.
Play & activity
Low to moderate needs. Short play sessions with chase toys keep it from becoming sedentary.
Grooming
The dense semi-long coat can tangle, especially in moulting seasons. Brush two or three times a week and comb through the ruff and britches.
Care & wellbeing
Prone to weight gain, so meal control matters. Polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are conditions associated with the British and Persian lines it comes from.
Daily needs at a glance
For a typical 6 kg adult- Water
- 240 ml–360 ml
- a day
- Energy
- ≈ 320 kcal
- a day, neutered adult
- Active play
- 15–20 min
- a day
- Grooming
- Brushing a few times a week
Starting points from the same formulas as our calculators. Your pet's age, weight, activity and food all change the numbers. Work it out for your pet
Living with a British Longhair
Typical tendencies for the breed. Upbringing, training and the individual matter as much.
History
The British Longhair grew from British Shorthair lines carrying a long-coat gene, with breeders developing the longer, plush coat as its own variety. It keeps the round face and sturdy build of its shorthaired relative. It is typically calm, easygoing and happy to live indoors.
Health
The breed can be prone to
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Health tests to ask a breeder about
- Heart scans for HCM
- PKD DNA test
Not every British Longhair is affected, and this isn't a diagnosis. Read about common conditions and when to see a vet.
Cost to keep
About average- Moderate food and insurance costs
- Little or no professional grooming needed
- A 12–16 year commitment
- Budget for breed-related health checks or insurance
A relative guide, not a price — costs vary a lot by country, insurer and lifestyle.
Is a British Longhair right for you?
Could suit
- Quieter homes and relaxed routines
Common questions
How big does a British Longhair get?
Adult British Longhairs typically weigh around 4–8 kg. Individuals vary, and males are often larger than females.
How long do British Longhairs live?
Typically 12–16 years. Keeping them lean, active and up to date with vet checks gives the best chance of a long, healthy life.
How active is a British Longhair?
Expect to spend around 15–20 minutes a day on play, ideally in short sessions with toys they can chase and pounce on.
How much grooming does a British Longhair need?
Brushing a few times a week. Check ears, teeth and nails as part of the routine.
Are British Longhairs affectionate?
Usually friendly, with a balance of company and independence. Every cat is an individual, and early handling shapes how sociable they become.
Do British Longhairs shed?
Quite a lot. Regular brushing keeps loose hair under control — expect more around spring and autumn.
Are British Longhairs good with children?
They usually do well with children. Always supervise young children with any cat, and teach them to give the cat space.
Can a British Longhair live in a flat?
Usually, yes — with plenty of play, climbing space and enrichment.
What health problems do British Longhairs have?
The breed can be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hcm), polycystic kidney disease (pkd). Not every British Longhair is affected — ask a breeder about health testing, and your vet about what to watch for.
Written by Petopedia as general guidance, not veterinary advice.