Blue, white, cream, tabby, calico, black, bi-color, and tortoiseshell
Suitable for:
Indoor environments, families of all types
Temperament:
Calm, gentle, friendly, mild
The British Semi-Longhair truly is an ideal companion for cat lovers of all kinds. These brilliantly charming cats have character, intelligence, friendliness, and beauty all rolled into one package. Rather than having long sprawls of hair like some, these cats look plush and fluffy with thick plumes of fur—and they adore affection, so you can pet them anytime.
The stunning, sizable British Semi-Longhair is identical to the British Shorthair—except for coat length. So, what can you expect from these sturdy, lovely, large felines? Let’s explore the breed to find out if one of these kittens will soon be coming home with you.
British Semi-Longhair Kittens – Before You Welcome One Into Your Family…
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability
3 Little-Known Facts About British Semi-Longhair Cat
1. The British Semi-Longhair Looks More Fluffy and Poofy than the Long-Haired Variant
Rather than having long, flowy hair—British Semi-Longhairs have fluffy, thick coats that are soft to the touch. It truly adds to their visual appeal, setting them apart from other long-haired cats. They have a plush teddy-bear-like feel.
2. British Longhairs Tend to Weigh More Than Other House Cats
British Longhairs have heavy, sturdy bodies that are muscular and dense. They are also prone to weight gain and obesity. So, if you think they look like dainty, light kitties—think again!
3. Give Thanks to the Persian for the Fur Length of British Semi-Longhair Cats
Breeders were trying to create a long-haired version of the British Shorthair. So, they paired the elegant Persian with a British Shorthair—producing this stunning specimen.
Temperament & Intelligence of the British Semi-Longhair Cats
Many times the most intelligent cats are equally active. However, the British Semi-Longhair is surprisingly docile and affectionate while also being smart as a whip. They have excellent memories, retaining information—impressing owners with their slyness and capability.
You won’t have to coax the British Semi-Longhair into cuddling with you. They much prefer time spent with their people and love relaxing by your side. They aren’t very choosy or particular about who they love. They will willingly rub up against a stranger’s leg the same as they would someone they live with.
As far as feelings go, they have a prize-winning temperament. They’re very gentle which makes them compatible with most household members—even little ones. Their energy levels are low enough to where they can work very well in many different types of living situations. They also don’t have a lot of tendencies to be destructive.
Early socialization is key to your British Semi-Longhair adapting to new things. These cats can be strict creatures of habit, so routine, consistency, and stability are very important to them. When their environment changes, it can throw them off.
Make sure to expose your British Semi-Longhair to as many new faces, different pets, and age ranges as you can while they develop.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
The British Semi-Longhair works excellently in family settings of all kinds. The more love there is to go around, the merrier. These cats may be relaxed but they aren’t usually shy. They enjoy spending time with their family and being part of the crowd.
British Semi-Longhair cats do best with children 6 years old and over. That is because, by this age, children have generally learned how to mutually respect animals. However, each child matures at their own pace, so use discretion if you’re thinking about getting one of these cats.
These cats are very compatible with seniors, retired couples, single people, or big families. But regardless of family size, you will need to make sure you have plenty of time to spend with this feline. They don’t take kindly to being ignored or left alone for long periods.
If you have a home life where most people are gone for hours on end, consider a more independent breed. British Semi-Longhairs can get very depressed or withdrawn if they don’t get the right amount of attention.
If those in your home will be gone for big chunks of the day, they will absolutely need a companion animal and do best with another cat friend.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
British Semi-Longhairs make terrific playmates with other pets. They will grow to love your dogs and cats in no time. But they can be set in their ways, too. For this reason, it’s important to socialize them with a broad spectrum of stimuli so they can get used to other pets.
British Semi-Longhairs that have never had the experience of being around other cats or dogs may shy away or reject new friends. That’s not to say they won’t eventually warm-up, but it can be more challenging in the beginning.
These cats are very routine animals, so changing the dynamic of the house by adding a new pet can be a lot for them to take in. Some will be more open than others. It truly just depends on the individual cat, but slow introductions are a must.
Also, while their prey drives aren’t at the top of the scale, they still require supervision around smaller pets. Even the most docile cats can get instinctually triggered if an opportunity strikes. So, keep your rodents in cages and your fish covered when these kitties are on the prowl.
Things to Know When Owning a British Semi-Longhair Cat:
Food & Diet Requirements
British Semi-Longhairs don’t require any specific diet, but they do need high-quality food that’s rich in protein. Cats are strict carnivores who gain all of their nutrients from animal protein in the wild. Domesticated cats are a little different these days, but protein is still the main staple.
Image Credit: HelloRF Zcool, Shutterstock
You can offer your cat dry kibble, wet food, or a combination of both. You can also try out homemade cat foods, but be very thorough in your research. Homemade cat food needs every major component included or your cat’s health could suffer.
British Semi-Longhairs are very prone to weight gain. If you notice that your kitty is starting to gain with no change in diet, you may have to adjust their portions accordingly.
Exercise 🐈
Kittens will expel energy without much motivation needed. You can chase them around, play with toys, and pull around strings for fun times. But since these cats are so relaxed, you might find it more challenging to entice play after a few years.
British Semi-Longhairs have heavy, stocky bodies that easily gain weight as they age. As they rack up a few years or once they get fixed, their lifestyle becomes a little bit more sedentary. You have to adjust their exercise regimen and your diet so they don’t pack on the pounds.
To have ultimate physical health, your cat should get between 15 and 20 minutes of exercise a day.
Training 🧶
Teaching your kitten to use the litter box should be relatively easy. Usually, once you introduce them to it, they catch on with minimal guidance.
For the first few days or weeks, you might have to keep them in one room so they don’t forget where it is. Kittens may have accidents elsewhere if they can’t hold it, so go by what works for each kitten as it comes to you.
If you want to teach your cat tricks, you’ll have to have some patience. Even though these cats are loving, they have a mind of their own and might not always want to learn. If you work with your British Semi-Longhair, they are definitely intelligent enough to catch on.
Grooming ✂️
British Semi-Longhairs are easy to groom, but you have to brush them at least once a week. Since they have such a lush, full coat, you have to brush out any tangles that can lead to matting. You might have to do it more often in the fall and winter months when the coat thickens.
Also, no special care is needed, but your cat—like others—benefit from nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing.
Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock
Health and Conditions 🏥
This breed is sturdy, healthy, and capable—having generous lifespans and muscle tone. However, certain conditions pop up more frequently than in other breeds.
To stay on top of these health issues, always take your kitty to regular vet checkups. Your vet can work with you to get ahead of any developing, onset, or upcoming issues.
Males and females share many of the same basic traits with minor differences. On a physical scale, males tend to be larger than females. This is common amongst all cats, but it isn’t the case in every scenario.
Females might be a little bit more reluctant to change. Females tend to be quiet and more reserved so you can find them off to themselves more often. Males tend to be a little bit more outgoing, seeking attention more by a slight margin.
Both males and females can spray to mark their territory or attract mates once they reach sexual maturity. However, it’s more common with male cats. To prevent this behavior, early spay or neuter can stop it before it starts.
Personalities will vary from cat to cat—and not necessarily by gender. So, any assumptions made about the character of a cat is a generalization, not a definite.
Final Thoughts
If you love the penetrating, round eyes and plushy fur of the British Semi-Longhair, does their potential personality and demeanor fit the bill, too? If you think this cat sounds like an all-around perfect fit for you or your family, let the search for your British Semi-Longhair begin!
If you buy from a breeder, make sure that they are reputable with a successful track record of healthy litters. If you find one at a local shelter, you can save a life and give a kitty a second chance.
Featured Image Credit: Wirestock Images, Shutterstock
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.
