american-longhair
Sociable, easygoing, playful, inquisitive
Overview
Origin
United States
Life Span
12-17 years
Height
10"-14"
Weight
8-15 pounds
Group
Medium-to-large sized longhair
Price
$100 - $1,000
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.
Care
Nutrition
American longhair cats have no special nutritional needs. Their only requirement is a high quality meat-based diet.
Grooming
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.
Exercise
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.
Health
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.
Breed Standard
Body
The body is medium-sized, well muscled and robust.
Head
The head is typically rounded, with a slight snub nose.
Eyes
The eyes are rounded and alert, with one eye space distance between them. Eye colors typically corresponds to coat colors.
Ears
Ears should be wider at the base and rounded at the tips. Furnishings are desirable.
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.
Coat
American longhair cats have thick double coats that shed profusely.
Tail
The American longhair cat has a long, graceful tail with ample plumage. The tail is typically held at an alert angle.
Legs & Paws
The legs should be shapely and well formed. The paws are rounded and proportionate.