The domestic longhair cat

It’s tough to categorize the domestic longhair cat as a breed simply because this coat length is universal across numerous cat breeds. Whether you’re a first-time cat owner bringing home a mixed breed, or a seasoned cat guru adding a Himalayan to your home, it’s good to know the role that long haired cats have played throughout history.

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The origins of longhaired cats are as many as the hairs on their fluffy bodies, but one thing is for sure — these fantastic furry felines have had a big part in our history. Keep reading to see how your feline’s ancestors shaped the world.

A Middle Eastern origin

The Crusades Trusted Source History A multi-media platform that covers historical events. Go to source were a darker part of history, but some historians theorize that one positive did come as a result of Europe’s failed attempt to subjugate the Middle East: the spread of domestic longhair cats.

One such example is the Turkish Angora, Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source a beautiful, typically solid white cat. Originally from Turkey, historians believe that they are a natural, ancient breed. Soldiers may have brought back these exotic, longhaired cats with luxurious coats, as well as a variety of others, when returning home. In Europe, they flourished and caused new populations to fall in love with their luxurious locks.

The Middle Ages, epidemics, and cats

Forget the plague doctors, the real heroes of the Middle Ages were the cats. The long and short of it is that all cats had a paw in reducing the severity — they slowed the spread of the plague by hunting the most popular carriers: mice. Mice carried fleas that helped spread the plague, and cats controlled the mouse population.

Humphrey the street cat

No. 10 Downing Street is the official residence of Britain’s prime minister. In 1989, it also became the home of 1-year-old Humphrey, a domestic longhair cat with back and white markings. As “Mouser to the Cabinet Office,” Humphrey was paid £100 a year (mostly in cat food) — for cats taking notes, that works out to about $342 USD today.

Cold climate origins

Not deterred by the matters of men, it’s also very likely that the domestic longhair cat simply evolved to tolerate colder climates. Longer and thicker coats are a natural result of colder weather, so even cats with thick, short coats (like the Russian Blue) can trace their origins back to harsher climates. Take, for example, the Maine Coon.

The domestic longhair cat isn’t a true breed, but rather a coat that applies to many breeds. Because of this, most long haired cats have unique personalities (although a love of hunting is fairly universal). Some breeds, like the Maine Coon, do tend to have certain traits that separate them from other breeds. But, for the most part, every domestic longhair kitten will have their own unique, fabulous personality.

Socializing and training domestic longhair cats

Teaching your cat to be friendly to other cats, or training a cat to do something has more to do with the cat than their coat. Some cats, like Maine Coons, might be easier to socialize due to a friendly predisposition. Training may be easier for some breeds as well, although studies are ongoing regarding how cat intelligence can impact the training process.

One way to enrich your cat’s environment, or help cats socialize, is with cat toys or furniture, like a cat tree or comfortable cat bed.

While cats are very self-sufficient, there are some things that they just can’t do for themselves, even if we wish they could. Here are some basic care tips and tasks to help your favorite furball.

• Grooming. Typically, cats are meticulous groomers and don’t need help, but for longer-haired cats, they may need things like a bath or detangling from time to time due to mats.
• Nail trims. When provided with scratching posts, cats are good about keeping their nails in tip-top shape, but it’s still helpful to get your kitten used to trimming their nails.
• Brushing teeth. Cats can develop dental diseases, like gingivitis, just like we can. It’s important to keep those fangs pearly white.

Some domestic longhair cats are prone to matting more than others. For owners who aren’t able to detangle matted cat fur, it may be best to seek out help from a professional. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that there are disadvantages concerning going to a groomer vs at-home grooming. And, it isn’t due to a drastic change in looks.

In addition to basic care tips, it’s also important to keep your cat’s coat in mind. Longer, thicker fur makes them ideal for colder climates, but also prone to overheating. Watch for rapid breathing, and pay attention to your cat’s body language for signs of stress.

And, for cats that like to adventure to the great outdoors with their owners, a cat harness is the best way to keep them safe.

Bringing home a domestic longhair cat isn’t hard. For some cat parents, it’s as simple as a walk around the neighborhood and being followed home by a new friend. For those that want to buy or adopt, though, domestic longhair cat prices vary.

For pet parents looking to buy a purebred cat, like a Maine Coon, expect to pay up to $2,500 for a healthy kitten. For those open to adoption, though, adopting from a shelter or rescue can range from less than $100 to around $500.