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British Longhair
British Longhair
Origin
United Kingdom
Size
Medium Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
15º-25ºC
Life Expectancy
12-17 years
Cost of buying
₹ 15,000 - ₹ 50,000
Top 5 Traits
Affectionate
Playful
Independent
Friendly
Laid-back
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 2,800 - ₹ 4,200
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 16 May 2025
Introduction to the British Longhair
The British Longhair is a teddy bear-looking cat with a blossoming, thick, luxurious coat. The origin of the breed is from the crossing of British Shorthairs with the longhaired cats such as Persian and Turkish Angora’s particularly after World War I and II, when the gene pool froze.
The idea was to keep the sturdy round faced look of the British Shorthair but lengthen the coat. What we end up with is the British Longhair, a strong, reserved, dignified breed with a stunning, fluffy presence. Today, they’re loved for their calmness, rich coats and low-maintenance personality.
How Long Do British Longhairs Live?
With proper care, British Longhairs typically live for about 12–17 years.
British Longhair Temperament and Personality
- British Longhair is a calm and well-mannered breed.
- Not usually lap cats, but they love sitting close to their humans’ laps.
- They don’t like being carried and prefer staying on the ground.
- Females are more serious while males are laid back and friendly.
- If introduced properly, they are very good with children and dogs, but may take a few weeks to adjust to new cat housemates.
British Longhair Exercise Needs
They’re not gym freaks! British Longhairs are more into lounging than zoomies. Encourage activity with:
- Interactive feather toys
- Laser pointers for short bursts of energy
- Cat trees and perches to climb and explore
- Scheduled 15-minute play sessions to prevent obesity
Keep them moving just enough to stay fit, without stressing them.
Characteristics
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Shedding amount
Negligible
Frequent
Compatibility with other cats
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Prey Drive
Low
High
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
British Longhair’s Price In India
Cost of buying
₹ 15,000 - ₹ 50,000
British Longhair kittens cost in India varies from ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 50,000 according to the breed's reputation and coat type.
Similar Breed to the British Longhair
Shop or Adopt a British Longhair: Choice Is Yours!
Responsible shopping will make sure that ethical breeding is taking place, while adopting a British Longhair will give a loving home to a cat that needs it. Pick based on your ability to keep up with their gentle temperament, grooming needs, and lifespan.
Best Practices for Shopping or Adopting a British Longhair
- Select a good breeder or adoption centre.
- Get health screenings for heart disease and dental problems.
- Observe temperament and socialization levels.
- Vaccination, deworming and medical history should be checked.
- Offer a quiet, reasonably comfortable indoor environment.
- Prevent obesity by maintaining a balanced diet.
- They need to be groomed regularly to manage their dense coats.
- Always ensure you keep routine vet visits as a commitment to lifelong care.
Nutrition Care for the British Longhair
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000
Calories per day
Kittens: 300 kcal
Adults: 250 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Vitamins
Minerals
Fiber
List of foods
Dry kibble
Wet canned food
Chicken (cooked or raw)
Turkey
Beef (in moderation)
Salmon
Tuna
- They require high quality protein for the maintenance of muscle.
- Healthy fats support energy levels and a shiny coat.
- Immunity and joint health are strengthened with the help of essential nutrients.
- Taurine is important for heart and vision health.
- Wet food helps in hydration and urinary tract health.
- It is best to avoid low quality foods to prevent obesity and digestion problems.
- A balanced diet of wet food, lean meats and supplements are vital for overall well being.
Feeding Guidelines for British Longhairs
- Kittens (Up to 12 Months): Feed 3–4 times daily. Give kitten specific formulas with lots of calories and protein.
- Adults (1–7 Years): Feed twice a day. Feed portioned wet food with meat as the first ingredient. Monitor weight to prevent obesity.
- Seniors (7+ Years): Reduce calorie content and continue two meals a day. Look for senior formulas with joint support nutrients such as glucosamine. Ensure easy-to-digest ingredients.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Best Foods for British Longhairs
Choose quality options that support coat health and urinary function:
- Royal Canin Urinary Care – Great for hydration and kidney balance. It also keeps the urinary tract healthy and helps in preventing crystal formation.
- Wellness Complete Health Pâté – Rich in animal protein. Supports muscle maintenance and overall energy levels.
- Hill’s Science Diet Hairball Control – It prevents digestive problems caused by long hair. Reduced hairball formation is aided by special fibres.
- Nutritional wet foods with omega fatty acids – Promote a silky coat. They also help with skin health and combat dryness or flaking.
Foods to Avoid for British Longhairs
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Onions and Garlic
Caffeine
Grapes and Raisins
Xylitol
Raw Eggs
Alcohol
Artificial Sweeteners
Avoid anything that triggers allergies or contributes to obesity:
- Dry foods with high carbs or fillers. These provide little nutritional value and can lead to weight gain.
- Overly salty or sugary table scraps. These can upset your cats stomach and lead to health problems later on.
- Magnesium excess can damage urinary health. Crystal formation in the bladder can result from taking too much magnesium.
- Meat by-products or artificial additives. These are harder to digest and may trigger food sensitivities.
- Dairy and onions can upset their digestion. Onions are toxic even in small amounts, and most cats are lactose intolerant.
Healthcare for the British Longhair
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 500 - ₹ 700
Common Health Issues
Dental Problems
Obesity
Diabetes
Kidney Disease
Hyperthyroidism
Heartworm Disease
Fleas and Ticks
Hairballs
Activities
Play with Toys
Exploring
Chasing Objects
Climbing
Scratching
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Hiding
Increased vocalization
Decreased appetite
Overgrooming
Changes in litter box behavior
Common Health Problems of British Longhairs
British Longhairs are robust cats, but regular vet visits are the best way to catch potential health problems early.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – A common heart condition among many longhaired breeds. If untreated, it can cause the heart walls to thicken and even cause heart failure.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – That’s genetic. This should be tested before breeding. It causes kidney failure over time and is inherited through parent cats.
- Urinary tract issues – Ensure hydration and urinary-care foods. Proper diet and water intake can help prevent painful infections or blockages.
- Obesity – Common due to their relaxed lifestyle. Extra weight puts strain on joints, raises risk of diabetes and heart trouble.
General Healthcare Tips for British Longhairs
- Take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Annual exams help to detect early signs of potential health problems.
- Measure meals to keep weight in check. Portion control excludes obesity and related complications.
- Use of glucosamine supplements for joint support. They help bring stiffness down and allow for mobility in ageing cats.
- Schedule kidney and heart screenings if the breeder hasn’t already done so. It's important to catch these genetic conditions early, like PKD or HCM.
- Don’t skip regular grooming—it’s part of their health care. Brushing prevents matting and allows you to spot skin issues early.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
8-10 Weeks
Feline Calicivirus
12-14 Weeks
Feline Rhinotracheitis
16-18 Weeks
Feline Panleukopenia
20-22 Weeks
Rabies
British Longhair Grooming Routine
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 800 - ₹ 1,500
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Worming (if needed)
Nail Trimming
Anal Gland Expression
Fur trimming
Bathing
Ear cleaning
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Prevents infections
These fluffballs need regular coat care to stay tidy and healthy.
- Brushing – Daily with a slicker or comb to prevent mats
- Bathing – Rarely needed unless dirty
- Nail Trimming – Every 2–3 weeks
- Ear Cleaning – Gentle weekly check-ups
- Teeth Cleaning – Use feline-safe toothpaste for gum health
Grooming time can also be bonding time—they enjoy the attention!
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I groom my British Longhair?
Matting can be avoided with daily brushing. Twice a week is the bare minimum.
Are British Longhairs good family pets?
Yes! They’re tolerant and quiet, good for gentle families and older kids.
How can I prevent urinary problems in my British Longhair?
Wet food, good hydration, and low-mineral diets are key.
Do British Longhairs require special healthcare?
Yes. Regular heart and kidney checks are recommended due to common breed risks.
