Oriental Longhair is a long and slender cat quite similar to the Siamese in its body structure. It is also known as British Angora. First recognition of this feline was in the late nineteenth century when it was found to be distinct from the Persian in its coat and physique. This recognition did not last long and it was only in the nineteen sixties that breeders in United Kingdom started developing this cat in earnest. It was named British Angora to distinguish it from Turkish Angora, a separate breed, and it was only recently, in 2002, that British cat fancies named it as the Oriental Longhair. A lithe and tubular body is the hallmark of this svelte but muscular cat. Coat is silky and long though single layered. It occurs in a variety of colors and patterns including apricot, blue, black, chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, lilac, red, tipped and tabby. Head is wedge shaped and the almond shaped eyes are usually green to blue in coloration. Odd-eyed cats are often seen as well. Ears are large and pointed. Legs are long and so is the bushy tail.

Though Oriental Longhairs are generally quite healthy there have been cases of liver and heart disorders in them. These include hepatic amyloidosis and dilated cardiomyopathy in some lines. There is also a somewhat increased incidence of dental disorders including plaque buildup and gum inflammation. On the whole though these elegant cats are healthy and live for over fifteen years in an indoor environment. Intelligent and playful by nature, Oriental Longhairs are very active cats. They can be mischievous and demanding at times and are quite inquisitive. Like their relative Siamese cats, the British Angoras are very vocal and expressive. Their fondness for high places is also famous. Even with their active lifestyles these felines take time to develop close attachments to their humans whom they will follow around everywhere.

Shorthair felines, British Shorthairs belong to Britain. The cats evolved centuries ago when Romans brought cats from their homeland and those cats mated with wild cats of Britain. With time the British Shorthairs came to being. However, it was not until the later half of nineteenth century that these felines started appearing in cat shows and began to be formally recognized.

British Shorthairs are somewhat large sized with a muscular physique. They have strong chest, shoulders and legs and are known to possess significant strength relative to their size. Body is stout overall. Head is round with chubby cheeks, big round eyes that are usually copper to golden in color, and short widely set ears. Well developed whisker pads give rise to a very sweet ”smiling” facial expression. Tail is tapering at its end and paws are rounded. Apart from blue, which is the most common color, other colors and patterns include black, chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, lilac, red, white, bicolor, colorpoint, tabby and tortoiseshell.

British Shorthairs are healthy and sturdy felines. They don’t suffer from any persisting health ailment in their lines. They are relatively heavy as a breed and not very agile. They are active though and have been reported throughout history to be quite capable hunters in their natural environment.

Easy going and calm, British Shorthair cats have a very good temperament. They are independent and playful and not very demanding. Their lustrous coat doesn’t shed nor require daily grooming. As kittens they are quite playful. As they age, taking nearly four years to reach their full size, they become relatively sedentary and overweight in some cases. Still they maintain their loyalty and affection towards humans.