MyCatBreeds
The British semi-Longhair cat is exactly like the British Shorthair except when it comes to the coat length - the hair is longer.
During the 20th century, a short-haired version of the modern Persian was developed and it was then proposed that a long-haired cat of the British type make it into the cat fancy.
The British Shorthair cat was bred with different Persian cat breeds which then resulted in a cat that looked like the British Shorthair cat, just with longer hair. It is recognized separately in the United States of America but considered one and the same as the short hair in the United Kingdom.
The British Semi-longhair can become quite a large cat really and is described as a medium to large cat. In fact, a full-grown British Semi-Longhair can grow to be about 7.5kg in weight.
They’re compact and robust with short, strong legs. The longish coat can be in all colors and patterns and he sheds moderately. Color can be white, cream, chocolate, blue and colors can be solid, ticked or bi-colored.
The ears are wide-spaced and medium-sized and they eyes are almond-shaped and match the color of its coat.
The British Semi-Longhair cat is such an easy-going pussycat while being reserved, independent and undemanding. He will get on with children and other pets in the home. Perhaps he suits someone who loves the idea of having a gorgeous pet around, but who is working and doesn’t have that amount of time to devote to a cat.
The British semi-longhair is one of those cats that doesn’t mind too much if you disappear to work each day. He can amuse himself without you during that time, as long as he has some nice toys and a nice environment to chill.
It’s not the kind of cat to follow you around, making it perfect for anyone who doesn’t have the time to give the cat too much attention. It’s simply not a lap-cat.
The cat isn’t very active at all and is more than happy to sit in his favorite spot in the sun and to watch activities from there. This is a quiet, content cat, not wanting to meow unnecessarily and his round face shows off a happy disposition.
This moderately shedding cat is such a balanced cat – it is good with everyone, is quiet and unassuming. It just quietly gets on with life, being content and satisfied with its lot.
If you’re looking for a more ‘involved’, vocal, active cat, the British semi-longhair isn’t for you. If you however, want a quiet, steady presence in your home, this lovely cat is for you.
Your British semi-longhair is quite healthy, but it does come with a few issues, and this is suffering with renal and kidney diseases – more so than with other cat breeds.
It can also battle with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease often found in cats.
Because of the semi-longhair, the British Semi-Longhair will require more effort than short hair cats with keeping the coat free of tangling. It’s a good idea to get this cat used to a brush-session to free the coat of dust and loose hairs at least once or twice a week.
Other basic grooming requirements for your kitty kat would be to keep the claws short, to check inside the mouth for dental problems, to check inside the ears for dirt and redness and to check the eyes to make sure they’re bright and clear. If there is a discharge, wipe the eyes gently with warm water and some apple cider vinegar. Be very gentle with all your grooming processes for your cat.
The British semi-Longhair enjoys his food and if you don’t feed him in a responsible manner he can become obese. He is such a beautiful cat this that you want to ensure he gets the best premium quality food there is – food that is high in proteins.
It’s not worth feeding your beautiful semi-longhair on inferior foods as this can impair his health.
Cats are carnivores – related to lions – they’re meat-eaters. As far as their diet is concerned, they need fats and proteins and not carbs.
When you’re choosing food for your British semi-Longhair, check out the label to make sure you know precisely what your cat is taking in. When you are 100% sure that the food is the best it can be and your cat loves it, give it to him.
Don’t change foods haphazardly, as this cat likes a lifestyle devoid of sudden changes. If in any doubt, get advice from your vet on weight and calorie intake for your pet.