British Longhair British Longhair

British Longhair

Calm Easygoing Affectionate Loyal

About the British Longhair

The British Longhair is the semi-longhaired variant of the British Shorthair, carrying the recessive longhair gene that has been present in the breed since Persian crosses were used after World War II. This medium-to-large breed weighs 8–18 pounds and has the same round, sturdy build as its shorthaired cousin. Their plush, dense coat comes in a wide array of colors and patterns — including the classic "British Blue" — and features a luxurious ruff around the neck and a full, plumed tail.

Temperament & Personality

British Longhairs are calm, dignified cats that enjoy quiet companionship without being overly demanding. They are tolerant and patient with children, coexist peacefully with other pets, and are content to observe household activities from a comfortable perch. Their relaxed, independent nature makes them ideal for owners who appreciate a cat that is affectionate but not clingy.

Pros

  • Calm, easygoing temperament — excellent for laid-back households
  • Tolerant of children and other animals without being easily stressed
  • Beautiful plush coat with a luxurious, teddy-bear appearance
  • Independent enough to handle time alone without developing anxiety

Cons

  • Dense coat requires brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent matting
  • Prone to obesity and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) from Persian ancestry
  • Heavy shedding — especially during seasonal coat changes
  • Can be aloof and may not enjoy being picked up or held

Discover the gentle elegance of the British Longhair — explore adoptable cats waiting for loving homes on Puplister.

British Longhair Quick Facts

Size
8–16 lbs
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

Is the British Longhair right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available British Longhairs

No cats available right now

Check back soon or browse all cats.

Browse All Cats

Related Breeds

Bombay
Bombay Cat

14 pets available

1

About the Bombay The Bombay was created in the 1950s by breeder Nikki Horner in Louisville, Kentucky, who crossed sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs to produce a cat resembling a miniature black panther. This medium-sized breed weighs 6–11 pounds and has a compact, muscular build with a sleek, jet-black coat. Every feature is black — from their glossy, patent-leather-like fur to their nose leather and paw pads — contrasted only by their striking copper or gold eyes. Temperament & Personality Bombays are outgoing, attention-loving cats that thrive on being the center of their family's world. They are remarkably adaptable and get along well with children, dogs, and other cats — often becoming the social director of the household. Their intelligence and trainability make them excellent candidates for learning tricks, and they are known for greeting visitors at the door. Pros Sleek, low-shedding coat requires minimal groomingDog-like personality — enjoys fetch, leash walks, and greeting guestsHighly adaptable to apartment living and urban environmentsCraves warmth and is an enthusiastic lap cat and bed companion Cons Can be excessively needy — does not tolerate being ignored wellProne to craniofacial defects and breathing issues inherited from Burmese linesOvereats easily and is highly prone to obesityMay become demanding and vocal when seeking attention Fall in love with the sleek elegance of the Bombay — find your perfect match among adoptable cats on Puplister.

Himalayan
Himalayan Cat

1 pet available

About the Himalayan The Himalayan — known as the Colourpoint Persian in Europe — was developed in the 1930s–1950s by crossing Siamese with Persians to combine the Persian's luxurious coat with Siamese point coloring. This medium-to-large breed weighs 7–14 pounds and has the Persian's flat face, round body, and short legs. Their long, thick, flowing coat comes in all point colors — seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream, and tortoiseshell — contrasted against a pale cream or white body. Temperament & Personality Himalayans are calm, sweet, and devoted cats that enjoy a serene environment and gentle handling. They are more playful than Persians — thanks to their Siamese heritage — and may enjoy short bursts of activity with a favorite toy. They are patient with well-behaved children and prefer a quiet household, bonding closely with their family while remaining friendly with gentle visitors. Pros Stunningly beautiful — combines Persian elegance with Siamese coloringCalm, gentle personality — ideal for quiet, relaxed householdsDeeply affectionate and loyal to their familyVivid blue eyes inherited from Siamese lineage add to their beauty Cons Coat requires daily grooming — prone to severe matting without consistent careBrachycephalic — prone to breathing difficulties, eye discharge, and dental issuesHigh risk for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and progressive retinal atrophyHeat-sensitive — must be kept in air-conditioned environments during warm months Ready to pamper a gorgeous Himalayan? Discover cats available for adoption on Puplister today.

American Shorthair

132 pets available

2

About the American Shorthair The American Shorthair descends from European cats brought to North America on ships like the Mayflower, where they earned their keep as skilled mousers. This medium-to-large breed weighs 8–15 pounds and boasts a powerful, well-proportioned build with a broad chest. Their dense, short coat comes in over 80 recognized colors and patterns, with the classic silver tabby being the most iconic. Temperament & Personality American Shorthairs are easygoing, adaptable cats that strike a perfect balance between playful and laid-back. They are patient and gentle with children, coexist peacefully with other pets, and are content to entertain themselves when the family is busy. Their calm, even temperament and low-maintenance nature have made them one of America's most popular breeds for decades. Pros Exceptionally healthy breed with a lifespan of 15–20 yearsLow-maintenance coat that rarely mats or tanglesIndependent enough to handle owners' work schedules without anxietyNatural mouser — helps keep the home pest-free Cons Prone to obesity if diet and exercise are not carefully managedCan be reserved with strangers and may take time to warm upNot as interactive or trainable as more active breedsSeasonal shedding can be heavy despite the short coat Ready to welcome an American Shorthair into your home? Browse available cats for adoption on Puplister.

Snowshoe
Snowshoe Cat

2 pets available

About the Snowshoe The Snowshoe was developed in the 1960s in Philadelphia by crossing Siamese cats with American Shorthairs, creating a pointed cat with distinctive white "boots" on all four paws. This medium-sized breed weighs 7–12 pounds and combines the Siamese's colorpoint pattern with a more robust, moderately stocky build. Their short, smooth coat comes in seal point and blue point, always featuring white paws, an inverted white "V" on the face, and striking blue eyes.Temperament & PersonalitySnowshoes are vocal, social cats that inherit the Siamese's love of conversation but with a softer, more melodic voice. They are playful and intelligent, often learning to open doors and turn on faucets — many Snowshoes are fascinated by running water. They bond closely with their families and can become distressed if left alone for long periods.ProsStriking, unique appearance — the white boots and facial markings are hard to resistVocal but softer-voiced than the Siamese — communicative without being overwhelmingIntelligent and playful — enjoys puzzle toys, fetch, and learning tricksAffectionate and loyal — bonds deeply with family membersConsProne to separation anxiety — needs companionship throughout the dayMarkings are unpredictable — "show-quality" pattern is notoriously difficult to breed consistentlyCan be sensitive and moody — may sulk if they feel ignoredInherited health concerns from Siamese lines, including dental and heart issuesLove the Siamese look with a twist? Browse Snowshoe cats seeking their perfect families on Puplister today.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a British Longhair?
The British Longhair is known for being calm, easygoing, affectionate and loyal.
How many British Longhairs are available for adoption?
There are currently 0 British Longhairs available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a British Longhair from Puplister?
To adopt a British Longhair, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.