How old do British Longhair cats get? Info & Tips

Have you ever wondered how old British Longhair cats can actually get?
It is important that you know your cat's life expectancy in order to provide the best possible care.

British Longhair cats have an average life expectancy of 14 to 18 years.
In this blog post you will learn everything about the lifespan of British Longhair cats and receive valuable tips on how you can improve and extend your cat's life.

The Origin of British Longhair Cats

The British Longhair cat, a popular and valued breed, has its roots deep in the history of the British Shorthair. Originally developed out of the need to expand the British Shorthair gene pool after the World Wars, Persian cats were crossed in. This led to the creation of the British Longhair through the recessive longhair gene that was hidden in many British Shorthair cats. This historical cross-breeding not only increased genetic diversity, but also created a new, independent breed.

For a long time, the British Longhair was not recognized as a separate breed and its long-haired kittens were often excluded from breeding. Over time, however, more and more cat lovers began to take a liking to its characteristic long coat and gentle nature, which led to its gradual recognition by major breeding associations. Today, the breeding standards of the British Longhair correspond to those of the British Shorthair cats, with the difference in coat length. Its history reflects the adaptability and changing preferences of cat breeders and lovers.

The characteristic appearance of British Longhair cats

The appearance of the British Longhair cat is unmistakable and impressive. This breed of cat is characterized by a dense, silky coat that can come in all kinds of colors. Single-colored cats in black or white are particularly common, but multi-colored and spotted patterns are also not uncommon. The coat is medium-length and has a rich undercoat that gives it the characteristic fluffy appearance.

The British Longhair's body is strong and muscular, which gives them a robust appearance. Their head is large and round, the ears are medium-sized and wide set. The eyes are large and can appear in colors such as blue, green or copper. The tail and legs are medium-length and stocky, which corresponds to their powerful stature. This striking appearance makes the British Longhair an impressive presence in any cat-loving household.

The character of British Longhair cats

British Longhair cats are known for their balanced and friendly nature. They are less talkative than other cat breeds, which makes them ideal companions for quieter households. Their voice is soft and they rarely meow, which makes them particularly pleasant to handle. These cats are very affectionate and enjoy the company of their humans and other pets.

Despite their calm nature, British Longhair cats are quite playful and intelligent. They quickly build a close bond with their owners and often show their affection through cuddling and playing together. Their adaptability makes them ideal pets for families with children as well as for older people. However, their tendency to be overweight is something that requires special attention in terms of diet and exercise.

Care instructions for British Longhair cats

Caring for the long, thick coat of British Longhair cats requires regular attention to prevent matting and knots. It is recommended to brush the coat daily, especially during the shedding season. Brushes with long and short teeth, as well as a soft wire brush or a plastic brush with knobs, are best for grooming the thick undercoat effectively.

Grooming should always begin with gentle strokes to calm the cat. Start at the head and work your way to the tail, paying particular attention to the flanks and underside. For cats that don't like brushing, a special hair balm can help with combing. Regular grooming not only keeps the coat beautiful and healthy, but also promotes the bond between cat and owner.

Health of British Longhair Cats

The health of British Longhair cats is an important issue for all cat owners. This breed can be prone to certain genetic diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease. It is crucial that owners of this breed are aware that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the cat's well-being. Regular visits to the vet to detect these and other health problems early are therefore essential.

In addition to the specific breed diseases, British Longhair cats are also known for their robust health when they are well cared for and fed. To promote their health, cat owners should ensure they have a balanced diet, regular vaccinations and parasite checks. Good preventative care can help ensure that your British Longhair cat lives a long, healthy and happy life.

The right diet for British Longhair cats

A balanced diet is crucial for the health of British Longhair cats. This breed of cat requires a diet that is high in proteins and low in fats. It is important to find a good balance between wet and dry food, as wet food helps with hydration and dry food can be good for dental health.

The important nutrients that should not be missing include vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The following points should be considered when feeding:

• High-quality protein : Meat should be at the top of the ingredient list.
• Fats and oils : They provide energy and promote healthy fur.
• Carbohydrates : Should be present in moderate amounts to avoid obesity.

The right diet not only supports the general health but also the well-being of your cat.

Breeding of British Longhair cats

Breeding British Longhair cats should always be done with the health and well-being of the animals in mind. It is important to choose a reputable breeder who places importance on the health of the cats and carries out genetic testing. A good breeder will always be willing to show potential buyers the health certificates of the parents and provide information about the line.

Here are some tips on how to recognize a responsible breeder:

• Reputation : Look for reviews and ask local cat clubs.
• Transparency : A reputable breeder has no secrets regarding breeding practices and the health of the animals.
• Aftercare : Good breeders offer support and advice even after the purchase.

These points will help you find a breeder who puts the welfare of the cats first.

Costs and price overview for British Longhair cats

Buying a British Longhair cat can be a significant financial investment. Costs can vary depending on the breeder, geographical location and the rarity of the color. On average, the price of a kitten of this breed is between 600 and 1200 euros. You should also factor in the cost of initial equipment such as a cat bed, scratching post and toys.

In addition to the acquisition costs, there are also ongoing expenses that should not be underestimated:

• Food costs : Depending on the quality and quantity of food, these can be around 50 euros per month.
• Veterinary costs : Regular vaccinations and health checks are necessary and can cost up to 100 euros per year.
• Insurance : Health insurance for cats can also be useful to be covered in the event of major health problems.

This information will give you an overview of the financial aspects associated with owning a British Longhair cat.

Improve the life of your British Longhair cat with Flappie

Flappie 's smart cat flap not only gives your cat the freedom to enter and leave the house as they please, but it also ensures that no unwanted "gifts" such as mice or birds are brought into the house. This is achieved through state-of-the-art prey detection using a camera and artificial intelligence. The advantages of this technology are manifold:

• Selective access control prevents prey animals from entering the house.
• Prey detection by AI identifies whether your cat is alone or with prey at the door.
• Notifications and remote control via the Flappie app give you the control and security of knowing what is happening on your doorstep at all times.

Using the Flappie app perfectly complements the features of the smart cat flap and allows you to monitor and control your British Longhair cat's activities even when you are not at home. You will receive push notifications whenever your cat uses the flap and can even view videos and photos of their adventures. This not only promotes a closer bond between you and your cat, but also gives you a reassuring feeling of security and control. Here are some highlights of the Flappie app:

• Real-time notifications inform you immediately about your cat's entries and exits.
• Video and photo features allow you to capture and share your cat's special moments.
• Individual settings offer the possibility to configure and control the flap according to your needs.

Visit flappie.ch to learn more about how you can improve your British Longhair cat's life with Flappie .

Frequently Asked Questions

Are British Longhairs cuddly?

Yes, British Longhair cats are known for their balanced and friendly nature. They are very affectionate and enjoy the company of their humans. They often show their affection through cuddling and playing together.

Can you keep a British Longhair alone?

British Longhair cats enjoy the company of their humans and other pets. They are adaptable and can be happy even when kept alone, as long as they receive enough attention and love from their owners.

What do British Longhair cats like?

British Longhair cats love to cuddle and play. They also appreciate a calm and loving environment. When it comes to feeding, they prefer a balanced diet that is rich in proteins and low in fats.

How old can long-haired cats get?

British Longhair cats have an average life expectancy of 14 to 18 years.