MyCatBreeds
British Longhair is originated from United Kingdom but American Shorthair is originated from United States. Both British Longhair and American Shorthair are having almost same weight. British Longhair may live 3 years less than American Shorthair. Both British Longhair and American Shorthair has same litter size. British Longhair requires Moderate maintenance. But American Shorthair requires Low maintenance
The British Longhair cat hails from Great Britain. The cat is a longer-haired variety of the British Shorthair.
These British Shorthairs were interbred with imported long-haired varieties with the idea being to bring about a cat that was more compact and stout and with a rounder face. Today the British Longhair is an established longhair breed in its own right.
Often sailors of old would keep cats onboard to protect their stores from mice and rats, and so it was when settlers sailed from Europe to North America.
They had cats onboard and once onshore they interbred. But in the 20th century, a selective breeding program began to bring out the best qualities of these cats.
The American Shorthair is one of these cats – a pedigreed cat that is accepted by all North American cat registries. At first, the cat was known as the Domestic Shorthair but it was renamed in 1966.
The beautiful British Longhair cat is a medium-sized feline, leaning towards being a large cat with semi-long hair.
The cat, whether males or females can weigh between 4 and 8kg. It is robust and muscular with round paws and legs of medium length. The ears are smallish and round at the tips.
The color of the eyes can be different - browns, greens, blue, and grey. The colors of the coat can be blue, white, black, grey, calico, tabby, bi-color and tortoiseshell. The coat can be a solid color or it can be in different patterns. The fur is always medium length and silky with an undercoat.
The British Longhair has much the same personality as the British Shorthair – being calm, amicable cats who appreciate their human owners.
They’re adaptable cats too and are willing to get along with any other pets in the home as well. They’re playful and affectionate with their owners but don’t particularly like being held for too long.
Even though this is a docile cate, it is intelligent and will require mental stimulation. You’ll need to invest in a few ‘intelligent’ type of toys to keep your cat physically and mentally active. Take a look at the kinds of games where your cat will be required to ‘hunt’ for his food.
The American Shorthair is a large, sturdy cat with a round face and short ears. Their coats can come in many different patterns and colors. They shed so the fur will need to be brushed from time to time.
They stand at about 20 – 25cm in height and they weigh between 5 and 7kg.
The American Shorthairs are easy, no-fuss cats. They’re also low maintenance, healthy, amicable cats, ready to even be friends with strangers and your dogs.
He is an intelligent cat too so it will be important to provide him with toys that challenge him to think. These good-natured cats make perfect famiy companions.
The British Longhair makes an awesome pet and can live happily with children, other dogs, and cats and all of his human family.
He isn’t a cat that wants to be picked up too often – he is independent but is willing and loving towards his humans.
For the friendship he offers, you’ll want to reward him for the joy he brings by providing well for him.
The American Shorthair is a playful cat and is quite capable of amusing himself, but will welcome your games too. He’s a big cat so make sure he gets enough exercise to avoid him becoming obese.
He is a low maintenance cat and you don't have to be worrying about him too much as he just likes to get on with life. He loves being well-fed, getting your attention and lying in the sun.
This is one cat that doesn’t need a lot of attention so being easy to care for, independent, playful, and affectionate, you’re going to have one of a kind companion and friend.
These beautiful cats can be prone to obesity if kept as an indoor cat only and a cat that doesn't get enough exercise.
Obesity, an accumulation of excess body weight, is a preventable disease. It is necessary to prevent this obesity as it can reduce your pet’s life expectancy. Fat tissue is active, secreting inflammatory hormones and creating oxidative stress on the body’s tissue, and this is precisely what contributes to so many diseases.
The British Longhair cat can also be prone to renal polycystosis. This disease is where many pockets of fluid or cysts form in the kidney and if they grow large over time they can actually interfere with kidney function and this can bring on kidney failure.
With good nutrition and a loving caring lifestyle, the American Shorthair can live to be 15 – 20 years of age and even longer.
Their flattish faces also make the American Shorthair prone to respiratory issues.
Because of the long hair, the British Longhair is going to require brushing as the coat can easily become matted, particularly as the coat thickens in preparation for winter.
You’ll need to brush the hair once a week, but perhaps more in peak shedding times. A gentle but firm brushing keeps the cat’s fur and skin in good condition.
Have your pet spayed and neutered to avoid unwanted kittens.
Take your pet to the vet as soon as he is unwell. He is part of your family now and must be treated as such.
Provide your pet with human companionship especially if you buy one of the more social cats.
If your cat is an indoor pet, provide him with a litter box ad be prepared to clean it every day.
Provide a clean, dry, comfortable bed in a quiet area.
Provide your cat with stimulating toys.
Vaccinate your cat against the major feline diseases. Also, have your cat dewormed.
In terms of nutritional requirements, make sure that your British Longhair gets the very best cat food there is, whether you provide him with homemade food or you give him some of the excellent commercially manufactured cat foods there are.
There are wet- and dry foods and it's for your furry friend to decide which one he prefers.
Learn to read labels and make sure your cat is getting foods high in protein, after all, your cat is a carnivore.
Be sure that the food has lots of vitamins and minerals for his health. A cat also needs a constant supply of fresh, cool water.
Your American Shorthair will benefit greatly from regular brushing and he looks forward to this grooming period and being pampered by you for a few minutes.
It helps to remove the dead hair from his coat and this is important so that he doesn’t ingest the loose hair. While you’re brushing him, you can also run your fingers over him to make sure there are no unusual lumps. Anything odd or any sign of illness you should take your cat to see the vet immediately.
Make sure your American Shorthair has access to the best quality food there is. There are many commercially manufactured cat foods available and your vet can advise you on the best one to choose.
Cats are carnivores so aways choose food that is high in proten. Food must be provided in accordance with the cat’s age and energy levels. Certainly a generic cat or one with a medical condition will need a certain type of food than a young, frisky kitten. Make sure your cat always has access to fresh, cool water.
Make sure your furry feline friend has everything he needs to ensure he is comfortable. This includes feeding bowls, toys, a litter box, soft bedding, nutritious food as well as scratching post and climbing equipment.
Have your pet neutered or spayed if you don’t want kittens from your cat. These procedures have enormous health benefits for your pet and it prevents even more kittens coming into a world that already has far too many unwanted pets.
Make sure your cat is up to date with all his vaccines because without being vaccinated your cat can succumb to any one of the life-threatening cat illnesses there are. Kittens need to have their first vaccines at 8 weeks of age.
If you have to take your cat to the vet you need a carrier basket so that your cat feels comfortable and safe inside it.
You can’t just put your cat on a leash and take him to the vet as inside the car he will lurch around and cause you to lose attention. A transport box that is familiar to your cat will be the best way for you and your cat to travel.