Domestic Longhair Cat: The Fluffy Everyday Cat and How to Care for It

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Soft, flowing and often photogenic, domestic longhairs are the fluffy side of the everyday cat world. Like their shorthaired cousins, they are not a breed, but a type: cats of mixed ancestry that happen to have a longer coat. They are common in shelters, and many owners find that a domestic longhair is exactly the loving, adaptable companion they wanted.

What is a domestic longhair?

A domestic longhair carries a recessive gene for long fur. Both parents must pass it on for a kitten to have a long coat, which is why longhairs are less common than shorthairs. Cats described as domestic longhairs, or sometimes domestic mediumhairs, have no pedigree, and may have ancestors from several breeds. Their size, color and personality vary widely. See the domestic shorthair profile for its short-coated counterpart.

Appearance

Coat length ranges from semi-long to long. Some have silky, light coats that rarely tangle, while others have thick, double coats like Maine Coons or Norwegian Forest Cats. Most have a ruff around the neck, feathering on the ears and legs, britches on the hind legs and a plumed tail. Colors and patterns include every kind found in shorthairs. See cat coat colors and patterns. Weight is usually eight to fourteen pounds.

If you wonder whether your cat is a purebred such as a Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest Cat, only a pedigree or DNA test can tell, but looks alone do not make a breed.

Personality

Because there is no breed standard, each domestic longhair is an individual. Many are gentle, relaxed lap cats, while others are playful and independent. Shelter staff and foster carers can tell you about a cat's personality. See cat personality types and adopting a cat from a shelter.

Most are adaptable and fit well in families. Introduce them to other pets slowly. See how to introduce a new cat to your cat.

Grooming

Long fur needs regular attention.

• Brush several times a week, and daily if the coat is thick or the cat is shedding. Use a wide-toothed comb and a slicker brush. See how to brush a cat and grooming longhaired cats.
• Check for mats behind the ears, under the legs, in the armpits and on the belly. See how to remove mats from cat fur.
• Hygiene trims around the rear, if needed.
• Hairballs. Brush regularly to reduce them. See hairballs in cats.
• Baths are occasionally useful. See how to bathe a cat.
• Teeth, ears and nails. See how to clean a cat's ears and how to trim cat nails.

If you cannot keep up, ask a professional groomer.

Health

Mixed-breed longhairs share the general health of domestic cats, with a few coat-related considerations.

• Matting and skin problems if not groomed.
• Overweight. Fluffy coats can hide weight gain, so feel the ribs. See how to help an overweight cat lose weight.
• Heat intolerance. Keep cool in summer. See keeping cats cool in hot weather.
• Fleas and ticks can hide in thick fur. See fleas on cats and ticks on cats.
• Dental disease, kidney disease and heart disease as in any cat. See cat dental disease.

See cat vaccination schedule for routine care.

Is it the right cat for you?

A domestic longhair suits anyone who enjoys grooming and wants a fluffy, loving cat. It is a good match for families and singles, and it costs less to adopt than most longhaired breeds. It is not the best choice for people with severe allergies or no time to brush. See living with cat allergies.

Where to find one

Shelters and rescues often have longhaired cats and kittens. Many longhaired cats are surrendered because owners could not manage grooming, so ask about the cat's coat and care history. See adopting a cat from a shelter and how to choose a kitten.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat has mats close to the skin, skin sores, weight loss or changes in appetite. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.