The Domestic Longhair cat is, in essence, a typical domestic cat with long fur. Unlike purebred cats with meticulously documented lineages, Domestic Longhairs are the result of natural, unguided pairings. This means their ancestry is often a mystery, yet they possess a unique charm that has made them the second most popular housecat in the United States, right after their genetically diverse counterparts, the Domestic Shorthair.
A Hairy History
The prevalence of the longhair trait in Domestic Longhairs can be attributed to a recessive gene. When a shorthaired cat mates with a longhaired cat, the offspring are typically shorthaired. However, if these shorthaired offspring reproduce amongst themselves, there’s a chance for longhaired kittens to be born.
Natural Selection and Ancient Origins
The exact origin of the Domestic Longhair is a subject of speculation, but it’s theorized that the recessive longhair gene was favored by natural selection in colder climates. Longhaired cats thrived in regions like northern Russia, Iran, and Turkey, where their luxurious coats provided essential protection against harsh weather. While early theories suggested interbreeding with wild Pallas cats, this has since been debunked.
Plague Fighters and Immigrants
Although humans later selectively bred longhaired cats for specific traits seen in breeds like the Persian and Russian Blue, the resilient Domestic Longhair continued to exist. They were first documented in Italy around the mid-16th century. It’s believed that soldiers returning from the Crusades brought these cats to Europe. Their presence proved invaluable during the plague outbreaks in the mid-1600s, as their excellent mousing skills helped control the rat population that carried disease-spreading fleas. Despite earlier bans by the church, these cats gradually re-established a beneficial relationship with humans.
Later, Domestic Longhairs arrived in America aboard ships, serving as ship’s cats. Some of these cats may have evolved into the well-known Maine Coon breed, while others continued to contribute to the diverse gene pool, resulting in the stunning longhaired varieties we see today.
Humphrey: A Notable Domestic Longhair
A famous example of a Domestic Longhair is Humphrey, a former London street cat who became a political ambassador. Discovered as a stray near the British Prime Minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street, Humphrey quickly rose to the position of “Mouser to the Cabinet Office.” He was highly effective at his job, with the British government reportedly covering his food costs. Humphrey served during the tenure of three prime ministers and was a beloved figure in both public and media spheres. After a distinguished life, he was retired to a quiet country home, where he lived to be 18 years old.
Domestic Longhair Traits: Uniquely Diverse
Due to their mixed ancestry, Domestic Longhairs exhibit a vast spectrum of colors, physical characteristics, and temperaments, drawing from a wide range of feline genetics. The unifying feature among them, aside from their descriptive name, is their beautiful long coat.
A Coat of Many Colors
The luxurious coat of a Domestic Longhair typically ranges from two to six inches in length and can sometimes include impressive neck ruffs and ear tufts. Paw tufts are also common, likely a remnant from ancestors in cold climates, potentially serving as natural snowshoes, or from desert-dwelling cats who used similar tufts for stability on sand.
The color and pattern variety in these cats is astounding. Combined with a spectacular array of eye colors, this diversity ensures there’s a Domestic Longhair to suit almost everyone’s preference. Common colors and patterns include:
- Smoke
- Tabby
- Patched Tabby
- Tuxedo
- Calico
- Solid Black
- Faun
- Patched Faun
This incredible variety in appearance is a key reason for their uniqueness, as they can be found in virtually any color or pattern imaginable for a cat.
A Very “Regular” Body Type
The physical build of a Domestic Longhair is heavily influenced by the various breed traits that surface from their diverse genetic pool. Their faces can be elongated or shortened, and their bodies may appear muscular or sleek. Generally, their weight and length fall within the mid-range for cat breeds. An average Domestic Longhair typically weighs between 8 to 15 pounds, with a body length of about 18 inches and a tail length of approximately 12 inches.
Personality of Domestic Longhair Cats
One of the appealing aspects of Domestic Longhair cats is their balanced temperament; they are neither excessively aloof nor overly demanding. While some may be quieter or more affectionate than others, their personalities, while diverse, are generally not extreme.
A shared trait among Domestic Longhair cats is their innate hunting drive. This instinct is likely a significant factor in the long-standing human-feline companionship. Expect your average Domestic Longhair, especially when young, to enjoy stalking and playing with interactive toys.
Basic Care
The primary grooming consideration for Domestic Longhair cats is their long fur. Not all longhaired cats are adept at self-grooming, and unlike some breeds with naturally manageable coats, many Domestic Longhairs require more intensive grooming to prevent matting.
Regular weekly grooming is essential to keep your longhaired cat free from mats and hairballs. Daily brushing may also be beneficial for their thick coats. If mats do develop, seeking a professional groomer experienced with felines is advisable to avoid injury to yourself or your cat.
For those needing to bathe kittens, consulting resources on how to bathe a cat can be helpful, especially when dealing with a wriggly young feline.
Bringing any new cat home should include a visit to the veterinarian shortly after adoption. Your veterinarian can provide a thorough check-up and guidance on your cat’s nutritional and health needs. Reviewing an infographic on a kitten’s first vet visit can be a helpful starting point.
It’s also important to note that keeping cats indoors is the recommended practice by organizations like the ASPCA to protect them from injury, illness, and pathogens. Given the strong hunting instincts of Domestic Longhair cats, an indoor environment also safeguards local wildlife.
Health Issues
Due to their mixed-breed nature, there are no specific health problems exclusively linked to Domestic Longhair cats. However, they can be susceptible to common feline ailments such as arthritis, upper respiratory infections, and cancer.
Common health issues observed in Domestic Longhairs include:
- Vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Loss of appetite
Annual veterinary check-ups are recommended to maintain your cat’s health, with more frequent visits if any issues arise. Even if your cat appears healthy, these regular appointments are crucial, as cats are adept at hiding signs of illness, and a professional examination may be necessary to detect developing problems.
Adopting a Domestic Longhair Cat
Approximately one in ten domestic cats in the U.S. is a Domestic Longhair, highlighting their significant presence. Consequently, many local animal shelters have numerous Domestic Longhair cats available for adoption.
The wide variety ensures that you can find a feline companion that perfectly suits your lifestyle. Once you’ve found your cat, consider spaying or neutering them. This procedure can extend their lifespan, protect against potential health issues, and prevent unwanted litters.
Visiting the ASPCA’s website can help you locate a shelter in your area. Additionally, resources are available to guide you through the adoption process and essential kitten care.
Internal Claims Data, 2020. The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional veterinary advice.
