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British Longhair

Loved by 83% of pet parents

Plush-coated and affectionate, this breed thrives on companionship and calm environments. British Longhair cats charm with their dignified nature and easygoing attitude toward family life.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

30–35 cm (male)

28–33 cm (female)

WEIGHT

4.5–8 kg (male)

3.5–6.5 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–16 years

British Longhair: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Felidae

Genus

Felis

Species

Felis catus

Diet

Carnivore

"A British Longhair isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding British Longhair's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

The British Longhair is known for its calm, affectionate temperament and tends to be sociable yet independent, making it well-suited for quiet households and families.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Affectionate and sociable, enjoys human companionship

Intelligence

Learns routines quickly, moderately responsive to training

Energy Level

Prefers lounging, not highly active

Playfulness

Enjoys gentle play, not overly boisterous

Adaptability

Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Strengths

Calm and gentle temperament
Tolerates children and other pets
Low prey drive compared to other breeds
Affectionate without being overly demanding
Adaptable to indoor living

Challenges

Prone to obesity if not monitored
Requires frequent grooming to prevent mats
Can be less active and playful
May develop dental issues over time
Sensitive to heat due to dense coat

Protect your British Longhair

British Longhair can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.

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Intelligence & exercise needs

British Longhairs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

This breed displays moderate intelligence and can learn basic commands and routines, though it may require patience and gentle encouragement due to its independent streak.

Trainable Tasks:

Sit and stay commands

Recall training

Leash walking manners

Socialization with pets

Gentle play behavior

Litter box training

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

20–30 minutes interactive play

recommended per day

British Longhairs have a low to moderate energy level, enjoying short play sessions and interactive toys, but they are generally content with a relaxed lifestyle and moderate mental stimulation.

Recommended Activities:

Feather wand play

Food-dispensing puzzle toys

Hide-and-seek games

Short interactive play sessions

Climbing cat trees

Grooming and brushing sessions

Is this breed right for you?

British Longhairs are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a British Longhair would fit well in your home.