American Longhair

American Longhair
Origin
United States
Height
25 - 36 cm
Adult weight
4 - 7 kg
Life Span
12-17 years

Personality and Temperament

The American longhair is not a specific cat breed, although aficionados are encouraging cat fancy associations to recognize this unique feline. For now, the term American longhair is used to indicate a cross between a Persian cat and an American shorthair cat.

American longhair cats are typically medium-sized, reflecting the size and weight of their parents. Their coats come in a variety of colors and patterns and in varying degrees of thickness. There is sometimes confusion concerning the American longhair cat vs the Maine coon cat. This stems from the description of the Maine coon as America's original longhair cat.

About the American Longhair Cat
American Longhair Cat Care

Care

Nutrition

<h3>Nutrition</h3>

Grooming

Grooming

Exercise

Exercise

Health

Health

American longhair cats have no special nutritional needs. Their only requirement is a high quality meat-based diet.

Like their Persian parent, the American longhair cat often has a very fine undercoat that requires frequent brushing to prevent mats from forming, and to prevent hairballs.

Regular ear cleaning might be necessary, and you will probably want to clip your cats claws, too.

American longhair cats are playful, but less active than high-energy breeds such as the Abyssinian. These cats need scratching posts and toys, and they will almost certainly appreciate window seats and cat trees.

The average American longhair cat is a healthy, robust individual without any specific health problems. Since these cats are of mixed heritage, they tend to display the best of both breeds.

History

The first American longhair was the result of a breeding between a Persian cat and an American shorthair cat, with the intention of infusing the offspring with the brilliant silver color of the Persian.

The resulting cats, now known as American longhair cats, had pleasant but not clingy personalities and soft coats in different colors.

All American longhair cats have pedigreed parents; each can be traced back to a Persian parent and an American shorthair parent. Some cat fancier associations allow American longhair cats to be registered, however larger organizations do not yet recognize the American longhair as a distinct breed.

American Longhair Cat History
About the American Longhair Cat

The Breed Standard

Eyes

The eyes are rounded and alert, with one eye space distance between them. Eye colors typically corresponds to coat colors.

Legs & Paws

The legs should be shapely and well formed. The paws are rounded and proportionate.

Tail

The American longhair cat has a long, graceful tail with ample plumage. The tail is typically held at an alert angle.

The Breed Standard

Body

The body is medium-sized, well muscled and robust.

Head

The head is typically rounded, with a slight snub nose.

Ears

Ears should be wider at the base and rounded at the tips. Furnishings are desirable.

Coat

American longhair cats have thick double coats that shed profusely.

Color

The coat may be of any color or pattern. Gray and silver tabby colors are prevalent. Nose leather and paw pad colors typically correspond to coat colors.