British Longhair
A plush, longer-coated cousin of the British Shorthair.
British Longhairs share the calm, easygoing nature of British Shorthairs but with a long, dense coat that requires more grooming. Quiet, undemanding, and loyal, they are excellent apartment cats and tolerate solo time better than most breeds.
Key facts
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 9–17 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Energy | Low |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush 2–3 times a week |
| Shedding | High |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●○ |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●● |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Plush stunning coat
- Calm and easygoing
- Tolerant of solo time
- Long-lived
✗ Things to know
- Heavy shedder
- Needs regular grooming
- Not a lap cat by default
Ideal owner
A British Longhair may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
- Prefer a calmer, less demanding companion
A British Longhair may not suit you if you:
- Want a low-maintenance coat — this breed needs regular grooming
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
Like all breeds, British Longhairs can be predisposed to certain conditions. A reputable breeder will screen for these, and regular vet check-ups help catch issues early.
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Obesity tendency
Is a British Longhair right for you?
The best way to find out if a British Longhair suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a British Longhair a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — British Longhairs are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: calm, independent, and quietly affectionate.
Are British Longhairs good for apartments?
Yes — British Longhairs adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are British Longhairs good with children?
British Longhairs are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are British Longhairs hypoallergenic?
British Longhairs are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a British Longhair suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: British Longhair on Wikipedia