Domestic long-haired cat
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament
English
Appearance
Gallery
Origin
Temperament

Domestic long-haired cat

Other names: Domestic Longhair (DLH), House Cat, Longhair (HCL), Longhair Household cat, Long-haired moggie
A Domestic long-haired cat is a cat of mixed ancestry with a semi-long coat of fur. It does not belong to any recognized breed of cat and should not be confused with standardized breeds like the British Longhair or American Longhair. Domestic long-haired cats are the third most popular breed in the United States after their short-coated counterpart. They are also known as Long-haired house cats or, in British English, Long-haired moggies.
length
36-46
14.2-18.1
cminch
cm inch 
weight
36-6.8
79.2-15
kglbs
kg lbs 
life span
12-20 years
Size
Moderate
Lo
Fur Length:
Long
Na
Breed origin:
Natural
Recognized by: 0 registers
ACFA
CCCOFA
CCA-AFC
ACA
GCCF
LOOF
TSACC
CFSA
ACF
FIFE
WCF
NZCF
TICA
CFA

Appearance

Domestic long-haired cats can come in a wide variety of cat colors, including tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor, and smoke. Their fur can grow up to 15 cm (6 inches) long. They may also possess a mane similar to that of a Maine Coon, as well as toe tufts and ear tufts.
Coat type
Ears
Fur length
Tail
Coat type
Ears
Fur length
Tail

Origin

Domestic long-haired cats are believed to have originated in Western Asia and have been kept as pets worldwide for many centuries. In the 16th century, the first long-haired cats were brought to Europe. During the mid-17th century, the population of cats in London started to recover after being persecuted for centuries, as they were seen as protectors against flea-carrying rats during the Great Plague of London. The development of the long-haired variant is still not fully understood, but it is speculated that it may have been due to a recessive mutant gene. The first formal breeds of long-haired cats, the Persian and the Angora (named after Ankara, Turkey), are said to have originated from those regions.
Parent animals
Breed origin

Temperament

Domestic longhaired cats have not undergone selective breeding for specific traits like appearance or temperament, resulting in a diverse range of personalities. Nonetheless, as a general rule, these cats are known to be playful, amiable, and tolerant towards children and other animals. They exhibit high levels of energy and require regular physical exercise to stay active. With their remarkable hunting abilities, Domestic longhaired cats excel in catching prey. They often develop deep connections with their owners while also being comfortable spending time alone. Additionally, their intelligence makes them responsive to training efforts.
Activity Level:
Active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences
Grooming
Common health issues
Diet preferences
Grooming
Common health issues
Domestic long-haired cats, like all cats, do have specific dietary needs that should be met for their health and well-being. While they may not have any special dietary requirements unique to their coat length, they still require a well-balanced diet that is high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. It is also important to provide them with essential nutrients like taurine, which is crucial for their overall health. Additionally, it is important to note that some domestic long-haired cats may have specific health concerns that could impact their dietary requirements. For example, cats with certain medical conditions may require a special diet prescribed by a veterinarian. In summary, while domestic long-haired cats do not have any special dietary requirements solely based on their coat length, it is essential to provide them with a balanced, species-appropriate diet to ensure their optimal health and well-being.
Grooming of domestic long-haired cats should be a daily routine. To care for their coat, you will need brushes with natural or artificial bristles, combs (with thick and sparse teeth), scissors with blunt ends, powder for coat care, and a piece of suede. Regular brushing protects the coat from dirt, dander, and parasites, and helps get rid of dead hairs. For smooth-haired cats, always brush the coat in the direction of hair growth. To give the coat extra shine, wipe it with a suede cloth. The tail should be brushed especially carefully. After the procedure, you should take it by the tip and shake it gently; the hairs should not fit tightly together. In long-haired cats, tangles may form. You should first try to comb such areas with a brush with sparse teeth, and then use a brush with thicker teeth. If this does not work, then untangle the area as much as possible and remove the tangle with blunt scissors. If you brush the coat of your pet daily, tangles will not form. For long-haired cats (except for some colors like smoky or shaded), a special powder can be used. After powdering, the coat should be combed out thoroughly; this will help to make the hair look more shaggy. The cat also needs nail trimming every 2-3 weeks and the availability of a scratching post. Regular teeth brushing is important, and professional dental cleaning may be required from time to time at the veterinarian.
Grooming intencity
Requires lots of grooming
Due to their mixed breeding, domestic long-haired cats generally have strong health. However, like all cats, they can still experience health issues. To help keep your pet in good health, it is recommended to visit the veterinarian at least once a year, or more frequently if necessary. Even if your cat seems fine, it's essential not to skip these annual check-ups. Cats are adept at hiding health problems, so it may take a visit to the vet to detect the early signs of a disease.

References

  1. Domestic long-haired Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_long-haired_cat