MyCatBreeds
Both Farm Cat and American Longhair are originated from United States. Both Farm Cat and American Longhair are of same weight. Both Farm Cat and American Longhair has almost same life span. Both Farm Cat and American Longhair has same litter size. Both Farm Cat and American Longhair requires Moderate maintenance.
Known also as the Barn Cat, this domestic cat is of a mixed breed. The very name ‘farm cat’ is referring to a general kind of cat that lives in an almost wild state on farms and agricultural properties.
Possibly, their role in keeping rodents at bay was how they came about – domesticated to keep rodents away from grain crops.
When you do research you find that there is archeological evidence to suggests that these farm cats have been around since about 7500 BC. Most barn cats fall under the domestic shorthair or domestic longhair categories.
These cats live in a variety of conditions and some of them get their food solely from the rodents they catch. Others are tame with access to supplemental cat food as well as veterinary care.
The handsome American Longhair cat is thought to be the result of attempts by breeders to have a cat that portrayed some Persian varieties.
American shorthairs have characteristics and looks from both breeds. The American Longhair, although it comes from champion bloodlines, isn’t actually recognized by larger cat organizations.
Farms cats are also members of domestic cats but it’s just that they are usually not socialized and they run away from people.
Farm cats have different histories and there is really no one-size-fits-all description of them.
They can weigh anything from 2 to 8kg. They can live to be anything between 10 and 20 years of age. Some of them are large, some small, some are solid colored while others are bi-colored and patterned. Their coats differ too and you can find short- and long-haired varieties among your farm cats
Their eyes and ears will also be in any shades and sizes and these cats are usually not spayed or neutered and can produce kittens that nobody is sure how they’ll turn out.
If you were to stumble across a farm cat born of unknown parents, there is no knowing what the small feline will behave like. Socialization and lifestyle play a big role in determining how a kitten will turn out but farm cats left to their own devices could be quiet, aggressive, loving, naughty, reticent, reserved, playful, lazy, shy or nervous.
You’ll find that there are quite a few American Longhairs that have the snub nose of the Persian cat which is part of its ancestry.
This is a well-muscled, medium to large sized athletic cat with a thick double coat of many colors and patterns that sheds fairly heavily.
This isn’t a particularly vocal cat, but in true cat-fashion, it is independent and doesn’t require a lot of attention.
This cat will make a nice companion for older people and it is calm enough to enjoy a leisurely stroll outdoors with a harness on. They’re adaptable to different situations, but the American Longhair isn’t the ideal choice for children as it isn’t your playful, lover of noise and games type of cat, preferring the attention of other animals.
They love going into barns and being buffeted and licked by the cows and other barnyard animals.
Farm cats are such wonderful animals – they just need a good chance in life like other domestic cats.
Many of them have had a hard life and it can be marvelous to open your home and heart to one or two of them and see the pleasure they bring.
They’re full of character and if you provide them with good food and a warm bed and promise to love them, you’ll no doubt be starting a solid and meaningful friendship that can enhance your life.
Your American Longhair is an easy-going, friendly social cat that doesn’t demand a lot from his human owners.
These cats are intelligent too and you can even teach them a trick or two. They enjoy the company of their humans and will even follow you around.
Bringing one into your home promises to be a rewarding pet-ownership experience.
Farm cats left to fend for themselves can suffer from a host of illnesses. Eye infections are one. The cause of these eye infections is usually a virus, of which herpes, chlamydia, and Calicivirus are the most common.
Your vet will certainly prescribe you some antibiotics for your kitten to help against secondary infections.
Check your farm kitten over as he is likely to have a nose full of snot as well and may even be sneezing. Take the kitten to the vet who can give him a good once-over and put him on the road to recovery.
The American Longhair doesn’t have many health concerns and you can expect him to live up to 18, 19 or 20 years of age with good care.
There are some American Longhairs that come with that shortened face of the Persian, and this may mean him battling with breathing problems.
Also, be aware of Polycystic kidney disease where you get cysts that form in the kidneys and which can become larger over time and eventually affect kidney function, leading to kidney failure.
Barn cats or farm cats are not likely to have been neutered or spayed and they are just adding to the overpopulation of farm cats that can become feral cats.
The average fertile cat can produce three litters every year, and with as many as 6 kittens in a litter, you can imagine how a small colony of cats can get out of control.
Sometimes cat rescue programs do a steri-drive and spay and neuter cats like this to curb the numbers. Of course, spaying and neutering can prevent many diseases as well.
If you have farm cats that have been spayed or neutered, provide them with good food and water. You can put out wet, canned cat food or dry kibble – they’ll be so pleased as most times these cats don’t even know where their next meal will come from.
You see them drinking out of puddles of water. Unfortunately, these pools are often filled with contaminants and this can also make the cats sick.
Every cat just wants a soft, warm place to sleep, and if you can, provide some warm dry hay for these farm cats. Even a cardboard box can be a haven for a cat that has never known a bed.
If you have managed to catch a farm cat kitten and you want to offer it a home, make sure to start off with veterinary care and vaccines.
The long coat of the American Longhair will require some brushing to keep it shiny and smooth and free from dust but also to remove all those loose hairs.
Make sure your cat’s food and water dishes are in an appropriate spot and keep them separate from your cat’s litter box. House train your cat immediately on how to use a litter box. Keep the litter box clean and rake up your cat's droppings regularly and dispose of them.
Before you get a cat, know that they scratch. It is normal for a cat. Provide your cat with a scratching post as well as climbing equipment such as a cat climbing tree.
Always feed your cat a meat-based diet, after all, cats in the wild are carnivores. There are some ingredients that a cat must have and they require certain amino acids found in meat-based proteins or else they could become ill.
The top quality cat foods provide cats with all the nutrients they need to keep them healthy. There are some cat owners who opt to feed their cats home-prepared meals because then they know exactly what’s going into their beloved pets food.
There are other cat owners who choose to provide their pet with a raw diet because they believe that this comes close to the cat's natural diet in the wild.
Always speak to your vet if you are in any way uncertain about the best foods for your cat. He should always have access to fresh cool water.
Check your cat for problems such as parasites such as ticks and fleas. You will also need to have your cat checked for worms. Your vet can diagnose worms with a physical exam. If it is discovered that your cat does have worms, the vet will recommend some safe, effective medications for your pet.
If you are able to, get your cat regular veterinary examinations to ensure he is always in tip-top condition.
Have your cat spayed or neutered to prevent unwelcome kittens in a world where there are just too many unwanted kittens. These procedures can have health benefits for your cat as well.
American Longhairs are lively playful cats so give your cat toys to play with to ensure mental stimulation.