American Longhair Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality

Overview

Characteristics

Compare Breed

Origin

United States

Height

10"-14"

Adult weight

8-15 pounds

Life Span

12-17 years

Temperament

Sociable, easygoing, playful, inquisitive

Group

Medium-to-large sized longhair

Price

$100 - $1,000

Affection Level

? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.

0 100%

80%

Activity Level

? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.

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50%

Pet-Friendly

? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.

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80%

Kid-Friendly

? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.

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80%

Sociability

? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.

0 100%

100%

Intelligence

? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.

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70%

Playfulness

? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.

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60%

Independence

? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.

0 100%

40%

Vocality

? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.

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40%

Grooming

? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.

0 100%

80%

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.

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

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.

Did You Know?

Although the American longhair cat has a friendly, mellow personality with adults and older children, they are often frightened of younger children and will make themselves scarce when young kids are present.

Did You Know?

American longhair cats are generally friendly toward other animals, with a noted preference for horses and friendly dogs. This doesn't mean they won't hunt smaller animals; in fact, their hunting instinct is quite good. Small pets, fish, and birds should be kept secure if they share a household with an American longhair cat.

Did You Know?

American longhair cats enjoy the great outdoors. If you've always wanted to walk a cat on a leash, this breed tends to appreciate such activities! Outdoor, on leash walks are a nice way to provide your cat with some exercise while allowing them to safely enjoy some fresh air.

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.

FAQ

How much does a American Longhair cat cost?

American Longhair cats cost between $100 - $1,000.

How big do American Longhair cats get?

American Longhair cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown American Longhair cat might weigh between 8-15 pounds or more and range in height anywhere from about 10"-14" inches tall.

How long do American Longhair cats live?

The Average lifespan for American Longhair is 12-17 years.

Do American Longhair cats shed?

American Longhair are long-haired cats, so you do have to expect a certain amount of shedding from this breed, but they don't shed as much as other cat breeds.

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American Longhair Cat: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

Personality and Temperament

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

History

Eyes

Legs & Paws

Tail

The Breed Standard

Body

Head

Ears

Coat

Color

Where to Find an American Longhair Cat or Kitten

FAQ

How much does a American Longhair cat cost?

How big do American Longhair cats get?

How long do American Longhair cats live?

Do American Longhair cats shed?

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