A relative of domestic short and medium haired cats, the domestic long haired cat is a sight to behold. These cats have a wide range of traits and are the second most popular cats in the United States, with their regal coat reaching anywhere from two to six inches.
Because the long hair gene is recessive, only about 10% of cats have it. Domestic long hairs may have a wide and mixed lineage because they are not a recognized breed. Domestic longhair cats with tufted ears may be connected to ear-tufted breeds such as the Maine coon and American bobtail, in addition to their long coats. Domestic long hair is considered to have developed 400 years ago in Persia, Russia, and Turkey, where long, warm clothes helped people survive.
Domestic long hair cats have a mixed heritage, so each will have their own personality—from stealthy to affectionate, the domestic long hair is a wonderful choice for any sized household looking to add a new member to the family.
Domestic longhair cats are excellent candidates for fur donation! Their thick, long fur is collected and used to create hair booms, which are used to clean up oil spills and keep our water clean and healthy.
Personality
Domestic long hair cats have personalities as varied as their coat colors, making each cat really unique. Learn about the likes, dislikes, and behaviors of domestic longhair cats if you’re considering about getting one. People with long hair are typically cheerful, affectionate, and easygoing. Others may require more time to warm up or prefer more space.
History
Domestic long hair is said to have originated in Russia, Persia, and Turkey’s northern winter regions. According to popular belief, some 400 years ago, a spontaneous gene mutation occurred that allowed cats to adapt to colder environments and survive better.
Domestic long hairs were then brought to America by the first immigrants as they sailed from Europe. They were on the ship to help with the rodent problem.
Physical Attributes
BODY
Despite the fact that many are of medium build, the body shapes of domestic long hair are heavily influenced by their unique history and DNA. Faces might be either lengthy or short. Some people have a more muscular body than others. Some of these cats may appear stouter with a flat face, but others may have an extended face with a pointed snout. The physical diversity of long hair provides it an often outstanding and unique attractiveness.
Long hairs weigh between 8 and 15 pounds on average, with males weighing slightly more than females.
Because of their diverse genetic pool, they have an advantage in that they are not more prone to health problems than any other cat.
COAT FOR LONG HAIR
Domestic long hair that is healthy and carefully kept frequently conveys elegance, but their wild nature can occasionally ruin any feeling of regality! In many aspects, they are identical to their short-haired cousins, including a medium physical build, and their distinguishing feature is their 2 to 6 inch fur.
These scrumptious coats come in a wide range of color combinations, from a single color like black to an elegant tuxedo look or even calico, torbie, and tabby.
A domestic long hair cat’s coat takes considerable maintenance to prevent matting. Cat owners should clean their cats every day or every few days, regularly check for matting, and trim claws once or twice a month. Mats should be removed by a competent groomer to avoid harming the cat’s skin. Any matted fur should be removed as quickly as possible because it can cause skin infection.
Some domestic short hairs have neck ruffs, which are fur that stretches beyond their heads to give the appearance of larger heads. Some may also have foot tufts and ear tufts, which are fur that spreads between the toes and out of the ears and lend a distinct, ultra-cute element to the long hairs.
Disclaimer
While the characteristics described below are prevalent in this breed, cats are individuals with distinct personalities and appearances. Please contact the adoption organisation for further information on a specific pet.
Wondering about Domestic Medium Hair? Check it out on our next post!
