Persian Cat vs. British Longhair Cat?

The British Longhair cats look like the Persian because they are a cross between the Persian cat and the British Shorthair. Unlike the British Shorthair, the British Longhair cats are not recognized as their own breed. However, each breed of these cats has its characteristics that set them apart. This article will look at what sets these cats apart.

Persian and British Longhair Cat Facts

Persian Facts

• Persian cats live anywhere from fifteen to twenty years.
• They are medium-sized cats, ranging from twelve to fifteen inches long. However, some adults may be as long as eighteen inches.
• They weigh from seven to twelve pounds.
• They come in sixty-one color combinations.
• Their coat is long, silky, and prone to shedding. It requires daily grooming.
• Persians are mild-mannered and friendly.

Persians have a long life expectancy, which is good because you know they’ll be with you for a long time. The unique thing about Persians is their color variety. There are sixty-one color combinations for this breed. Persians require daily grooming to keep their coat smooth and silky.

British Longhair Facts

• British Longhair cats can live anywhere from fifteen to seventeen years.
• They are medium-sized cats, ranging from twelve to fourteen inches long.
• They weigh between nine and eighteen pounds.
• British Longhair cats come in a variety of colors, including points.
• They are best suited for any cat-loving family, individuals who work a lot, families with kids and other pets.
• They are friendly, affectionate, independent, laid-back.

The British Longhair’s unique features make it a lovely cat. They are a medium-sized breed with a short, muscular back and a broad chest. These cats also have solid round feet and legs that are straight and short. And they have a thick tail that can be medium or short in length.

Another feature of this breed is the round head and full cheeks and the broad skull and thick, short, muscular neck. Unlike their Persian cousins, they don’t have flat faces. The ears on these cats are small and short, with a broad base. Their eyes are large, round, and come in different colors, including blue, green, deep gold, and copper, depending upon the coat color and pattern. They are adorable cats.

They are a lot like the Persian cat with their long coats. They need to be brushed at least once a week up to several times a week during shedding seasons. However, they don’t need the care for tearing like the Persian cat does at they don’t have the smushed face that can cause this type of issue.

What About Personalities?

British Shorthair and Persian cats’ personalities are similar because they are from the same genetic line in the cat family. So, whether you adopt a British Longhair or Persian cat, you can usually anticipate that you will get an intelligent and loving kitty.

Persian Cat Personality

• Persian cats are highly affectionate.
• They are also intelligent problem solvers.
• Persian cats are friendly and playful. 
• They get on with even those they don’t know well.
• They are good with toddlers, infants, and other pets.

British Longhair Cat Personality

• British Longhairs are affectionate cats.
• They are calm, easy-going, patient, and affectionate cats.
• British Longhairs cats are very social and adapt well to most situations.
• They are independent and are well suited to being alone while their owner goes off to work.

Persian cats and British Longhairs are similar in personality to each other. However, the British Longhair may be the more adaptable and independent cat breed.

What About Health Issues?

Persian and British Longhair cats are prone to certain diseases like most cat breeds.

Persian cats are prone to these issues:

• Eye conditions include eyelid protrusion or cherry eye, congenital ankyloblepharon, feline epiphora, or excessive tearing. 
• Brachycephalic Syndrome
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders 
• Progressive retinal atrophy.

British Longhairs are prone to these issues:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
• They tend to put on weight
• Neonatal erythrolysis.

Even though these cats can suffer from these issues, they are rare. For the most part, these cat breeds are healthy.

Conclusion

These two cat breeds are similar in some ways. British Longhair cats may have Persian heritage, but they don’t have a flat face like the Persian. Thus, they don’t suffer from Brachycephalic syndrome or excessive tearing. They come in many combinations of colors. British Longhair cats are very adaptable, lovable family cats. We’d love to hear from you, so please leave your comments below.