Orlovia
Gentle, adaptable, and charming, the British Longhair wins the hearts of cat lovers. With their people-focused nature and beauty, the stylish Brit could be the perfect roommate for you and your family. You can find out what you should know about the island’s beauty in this article.
History and Origin of “British Longhair”
The British Longhair cat goes back to the British Shorthair breed. Because of their character and appearance, the British Shorthair was very popular and in demand. Around the Second World War, breeders began to cross into the Persian breed in order to counteract the shrinking gene pool and thus hereditary diseases. Many British Shorthair cats carried the longhair gene hidden in them and passed it on. Accordingly, there were more and more litters with kittens that did not meet the breed standard but had significantly longer fur. Even today, cat breeders often see two short-haired British Shorthairs producing long-haired kittens.
Although the long-haired kittens were initially excluded from breeding and castrated, lovers of the British Longhair were gradually found. Even if the major breed associations refused to recognize the British Longhair, there were breeders who deliberately began breeding British Longhair cats. The Fédération Internationale Féline granted provisional status to the breed. Today, the breed standards for British Longhair cats are the same as for British Shorthair cats. The breeds differ only in the length of their fur.
Essential Characteristics and Characteristics of “British Longhair”
The island beauty will not only take your heart by storm visually but also the British Longhair cat character will inspire you. Calm and balanced, the British Longhair cat is rightly considered the perfect family cat. With her friendly and inquisitive nature, she also gets along very well with children and dogs, and she is also open to visitors and gladly accepts pats. The noble long-haired cat loves “her” people dearly and also actively seeks closeness. But the intelligent animals are also playful and know how to get their wishes through in a charming way. Unlike other cat breeds, representatives of the breed have proven to be extremely tolerant of stress and also fit in very well in a lively environment.
How Do I Keep a British Longhair?
If you are looking for a lovable cat breed that is suitable for living in an apartment, then the British Longhair is definitely a good option. The relaxed animals are uncomplicated to keep. Regardless of your living conditions, a cat of the breed will adapt to the existing structures. With its uncomplicated nature, the British Longhair cat is definitely the perfect new roommate. Even when a British Longhair is fully grown, they cope well with changes in their environment.
Keep as an outdoor cat or just an indoor cat?
Which form of husbandry is suitable for a cat breed is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting a cat. In this respect, too, the British Longhair is extremely uncomplicated. So the patient velvet paws get along very well with pure apartment keeping. Of course, you should ensure that there are enough opportunities to play, scratch, climb, and retreat. It would be ideal if you could provide your new roommate with a secure garden or at least a secure outdoor space. If your residential area allows it, the British Longhair will also be happy to be released and will gladly take the opportunity to roam the neighborhood, not least because of their curiosity.
How many activities does the British Longhair need on a daily basis?
Daily play and cuddles are an absolute must for British Longhair cats. The affectionate animals build a close bond with “their” people and demand your attention accordingly. Since these are extremely intelligent animals, games that require intelligence are readily accepted, but hunting games should also be on the agenda. Since the British Longhair can quickly gain weight, and not only in old age, exercise is important. In the daily play units, however, the curious cat can easily be persuaded to play actively and you should do this before you start the cuddle units.
Grooming and nutrition of the “British Longhair”
Regardless of whether you choose a British Longhair in white, a British Longhair in gray, or another color, you should always take the time for regular grooming. Although the care effort for a long-haired cat is reasonable, you should not neglect fur care. Thorough brushing of the fur once a week is a must, as this is the only way to avoid tangles or matting. It is advisable to use the brush even more often. If the British Longhair is already accustomed to a brush and comb as a kitten, grooming is easy and does not take much time. In fact, most cats in the breed enjoy grooming and would allow themselves to be brushed beyond what is necessary.