British Longhair cat breed: facts, temperament and care
The long-coated form of the British Shorthair, a round-faced, sturdy cat with a thick, soft coat and a calm nature.
Also known as British Longhair cat, Lowlander, Britannica, British Semi-longhair
Quick facts
| Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 7-17 lb (3-8 kg); males are heavier |
| Coat length | Medium |
| Coat | Dense, soft, semi-long coat with a thick undercoat |
| Colours and patterns | Wide range of solid, tabby, bicolour, colourpoint and tortoiseshell colours |
Recognition
| How common | Uncommon |
|---|
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 3 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 2 |
| Playfulness | 3 |
| Talkativeness | 1 |
| Grooming needed | 3 |
| Shedding | 4 |
| Good with children | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 4 |
| Trainability | 3 |
| Suits a small home | 4 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The dense, plush coat sheds heavily in season, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this breed. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A calm home that wants a plush, undemanding cat that is content without constant attention. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a lap cat, a playful acrobat, or a coat that needs no brushing. |
Registries that recognise it
- TICA
- GCCF
Health conditions to watch
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
- Polycystic kidney disease
About the British Longhair
The British Longhair is the long-coated version of the British Shorthair. The two share the same stocky body and round face, and the difference is the coat. Long-haired kittens appeared in British Shorthair lines after breeders crossed in Persians in the twentieth century to rebuild the breed after the world wars, and the genes for the longer coat stayed in the population.
How the cat is classed depends on the registry. TICA treats it as a separate breed. The GCCF adopted the name British Longhair in 2017 and gave it championship status in 2021. The CFA treats long-haired British cats as a variant, and FIFe has used different names and statuses over the years. Other names include Lowlander and Britannica, which can mean different things in different places, so check what a breeder means by the name.
The cat is medium to large and strongly built, with a broad chest, short legs and a big round head with chubby cheeks. The semi-long coat is dense and soft, with a thick undercoat. Males commonly weigh 9 to 17 pounds and females 7 to 12. The breed matures slowly, at about three years.
Temperament and living with one
The British Longhair is calm, easygoing and reserved. It likes its people but is not demanding, and many prefer sitting beside you to sitting on you. It tends to be quiet and moderately playful, and it often stays relaxed in a busy household.
It is generally good with children who are gentle, and it gets along with dogs and other cats. It copes with being alone during the day better than many breeds. Because it is sturdy rather than agile, it likes low perches and short play sessions rather than tall climbing.
Care: coat, food and play
The thick coat needs a comb or brush at least two or three times a week and daily in the spring and autumn shed. Pay attention to the britches, belly and behind the ears, where mats form. Trim nails and check the teeth.
The breed gains weight easily. Feed a complete diet in measured meals and use puzzle feeders or short play sessions to keep the cat moving. A strong scratching post suits a heavy cat.
Health
The British family is prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and males are more affected than females. Polycystic kidney disease is also a risk in the breed. Responsible breeders screen their cats. Ask for evidence of heart scans and genetic tests for the parents. Obesity strains joints. A vet can advise on yearly checks, dental care and weight. Report fast breathing, lethargy or changes in thirst and urination promptly.
Is it right for you?
Choose a British Longhair if you like the British Shorthair look and can brush a thick coat a few times a week. It is a good match for a quiet home. If you want a shorter coat, see the British Shorthair. For another plush round-faced cat with different ancestry, compare the Persian, or for a larger forest-type coat, the Norwegian Forest Cat.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026