Domestic longhair cat

Domestic longhair cat

This article also relates to: Domestic shorthair cat

The Domestic Longhair originates from...

The term ‘domestic longhair’ refers to any number of cat breeds whose ancestry is unknown or mixed. Unlike the British and American Longhairs which are independent breeds recognised by major cat registries; the Domestic Longhair (and Domestic Shorthair) are not a breeds in their own right. Therefore, documenting a history for this ‘breed’ or strain is difficult and potentially inaccurate. Some believe that this type of cat was brought to America onboard the Mayflower, and that a portion of these cats became foundation breeding stock for independent, pure breeds. Where these cats supposedly came from is uncertain although it is likely they were transported from Europe. In terms of popularity, the Domestic Longhair is second only to its short haired cousin and is very prevalent across the United States.

The Domestic Longhair is characterised by...

Due to the unknown ancestry of individual Domestic Longhairs, characteristics vary greatly. Generally speaking, male Longhairs are much bigger than females. Typically, a Domestic Longhair of either gender will possess a profuse double coat that will require regular grooming to maintain its appearance and manageability. All coat variations are permissible in this ‘breed,’ from tabby patterning, to bi-colour, solid colour and tortoiseshell. Different body structures, features, expressions and physical traits are indicative of the Domestic Longhair due to its mixed ancestry.

The average Domestic Longhair...

Again, there is no ‘average’ set of standards that this variety must conform to. Behavioural and temperament traits can vary greatly depending on which breeds were most prominent in an individual Longhair’s genetic make-up. Typically, owners have described the Domestic Longhair as a sweet-natured cat with minimal care requirements. Apart from regular grooming, a Domestic Longhair has the same needs as any cat breed, including plenty of human companionship, mental as well as physical enrichment, and a healthy, balanced diet. The weight range for the Longhair is between 10-22 pounds, and life expectation is anything from 12 to 20 years.

Weaknesses...

The health of a Domestic Longhair is difficult to fully ascertain due to its uncertainty as a breed. It is widely thought that this cat is very healthy and resilient and is not predisposed to any genetic conditions due to the extended gene pool.

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Our Domestic longhair cat owners' thoughts

Added on 30/05/2017

My cat is called Jessy. He is 11 years old and has a true Jekyll and Hyde personality, one minute he craves attention the next the teeth and claws come out! Trust me I have the battle scars

Added on 01/01/2018
Joined 01/07/2014
From Berkshire, United Kingdom

I had 2..now 1..lost my boy at nearly 15 to cancer.my other boy is 17 now and the love of my life.so placid.loving.gentile ginger tom.i would always have a British short hair

Added on 03/03/2018
Joined 12/02/2018
From Midlothian, United Kingdom

Felix was s rescue cat he had been kicked about his head so his world is not the same to him he is 11 years old and I got him when he was just a kitten he would love cuddles but when you try he is purring like a tractor but he turns on you and rips your arms legs whatever nearest him but he can't help it poor wee soul but at least I know he is having a good life

Added on 03/05/2018
Joined 29/12/2013
From East Sussex, United Kingdom

Molly is tortoiseshell and white and has the kindest disposition. She is very shy but loves people so she seems a bit flightly. She definitely likes to have all four paws on the ground and dislikes being picked up. Her favourite position is sitting on a cushion on my lap. This she would do all day if allowed.

Added on 08/01/2019
Joined 08/01/2019
From Cornwall, United Kingdom

He is a joy to have around. He is affectionate, quirky, and a real character.

Added on 09/01/2019
Joined 29/07/2013
From Sir Benfro, United Kingdom

We have 4 cats in all. My white boy is the most softest gentle loving cat I've ever known. He just loves loves. He's such a people cat every one that meets Casper just falls in love with him. He's so adorable and I can go on like this for ages.

Added on 05/07/2019
Joined 21/10/2017
From Essex, United Kingdom

We have 3 cats, the Tortershell being the eldest although the smallest, mothered the twins (still has a matriarchal role) who are black short hair.
They all have their own personality.
The largest is the male, can disappear in the summer for a few days, loves my husband (guys together) but, checks us all out and insists on a cuddle. The females tend to keep one another in sight. The youngest is frolics and plays, non are spiteful, all disappear when the grand children are around, unless they cry, then their all there x

Added on 09/02/2020
Joined 31/05/2017
From Israel

Have five (yes, five) domestic shorthairs, one domestic longhair, and a Russian Blue (100% but not papers). Theyā€™re all wonderful.

Added on 27/04/2020
Joined 09/02/2015
From Norfolk, United Kingdom

I have 7 cats, 6 domestic shorthairs and 1 domestic longhair. All different characters, Noddy is a 'special needs' I hand reared him from a few days but he obviously suffered some neurological problems perhaps during birth, but he is a happy boy.

Added on 29/04/2020
Joined 29/04/2020
From United Kingdom

My boy is Jett, he's soooo chilled.
He def needs to have regular grooming if he'll sit still.
And I don't know about yours but being a cat that does go out and we live near woods he does regularly come in with a tick or two.
I've just bought a soresto collar from here, SO much cheaper than the vet's.
My daughter bought one for her dog awhile ago and seemed to work well, I hope it fit's Jett's a big boy.

Added on 01/05/2020
Joined 03/11/2015
From Dorset, United Kingdom

My domestic long hair cat is loving and sweet, but he needs to be brushed every day, or his fine hair gets knotted and has to be cut off. Also his poo sometimes gets stuck in his long hair on his behind. you cannot neglect this breed.

Added on 01/11/2020
Joined 21/04/2017
From Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

I have 1 domestic shorthair called Buddy...4.5 mths old...full of character...he is a very good acrobat...Very loving when he does calm down...loves cuddles

Added on 18/01/2021
Joined 31/05/2017
From Israel

A new domestic long hair just joined my household. Heā€™s been with me for about 10 weeks, straight from the street at age somewhere between 4 months and 6 months.

Heā€™s a sweetheart, so sweet, not sure heā€™s real. Grooming is the law in my household and he just canā€™t get enough. When he see the comb or brush come out, heā€™s right there, with a little meow, ā€œI want my turn.ā€ Even gave him a quick flea comb groom when he was still outside and after the surprise of what is going on, he wanted more.

Now should tell you about my other domestic longhair. Nah, some other time.