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Some people gravitate to large cat breeds, others to allergy-friendly ones, and still others are fans of the Domestic Long Hair cat. Also known as a DLH cat, domestic long-haired cat, or long hair domestic cat, these beautiful felines are renowned for their luxurious locks.
It’s important to note that the Domestic Long Hair isn’t a specific breed. Instead, this term refers to cats with long hair that are of mixed ancestry. Because of each cat's one-of-a-kind genetic background, Domestic Long Hairs come in a range of colors, sizes, and coat patterns. Of course, they all have one important feature in common: long, gorgeous fur!
Read on to learn why these long-haired cats are a popular choice for households around the world!
History and Origins
The first appearance of long-haired cats dates back many years ago. Most people consider Persian cats to be the first domestic long-haired cats in the world. Originating hundreds or even thousands of years ago in what is now Iran (previously known as Persia), the Persian cat of today is its own official breed. Around the same time, the Angora cat (another purebred) appeared in Turkey. These cats were later introduced to England in the late 19th century and immediately grew in popularity.
Over time, these cats bred with short-hair cats and thus the long-haired gene was introduced to the general feline gene pool. It’s worth noting that some people believe this beautiful long hair was a random genetic mutation, another theory for how long-haired cats came to be.
Many cats today show off their genetic lottery winnings with their full manes and impressive coats. Keep in mind that when people refer to “Domestic Long-Hair cats,” they’re not referring to just one breed but instead, simply a mixed breed cat that has long fur.
Characteristics of Domestic Long Hair Cats
Of course, the defining physical characteristic of the DLH is its long coat. Since the term is so flexible in what actually constitutes a Domestic Long Hair cat, there’s no exact length for the fur. However, most DLHs have double coats made of a fluffy, thick undercoat and a coarse topcoat.
Domestic Long Hair cats also range greatly in terms of their coat’s color and pattern. Some are solid colored (gray, faun, black, white, etc.) while others are bicolored (orange and white, black and white, etc.). These cats can also be tricolored, including calico or tortoiseshell coloring.
Others have tabby patterns with the “M”-like marking on their foreheads and stripes on their faces and backs. Cats with the tabby pattern may or may not have patches of colors on their coats in some places, too.
Domestic Long Hair vs. American Longhair
When you spot a long-haired cat, you might think there’s a good chance it’s either a Domestic Long Hair or American Longhair. But how can you tell the difference?
First, keep in mind that an American Longhair is a specific type of cat, one that’s a cross between an American Shorthair and a Persian. Both American Shorthairs and Persian cats are official breeds recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, but the American Longhair isn’t “officially” a breed in the same sense. Still, the term American Longhair only applies to one type of cat with a very specific lineage. You can identify an American Longhair by looking for:
Flat face, inherited from the Persian parent
Short nose, also inherited from the Persian parent
Typically have short, thick legs
Often have a “cobby” body shape (short and rounded)
However, note that the precise look of an American Longhair depends on which side’s genetics are more dominant, the Persian’s or the American Shorthair’s.
On the other hand, the Domestic Long Hair cat can refer to any type of mixed breed cat that has long hair. As you might expect, these cats can vary greatly in appearance. Long-haired cats of diverse ancestry could have inherited genes from Himalayan, Maine Coon, Birman, or countless other breeds somewhere down the line. The resulting Domestic Long Hair cat will have a unique look that proudly displays its varied ancestry.
Types of Long-Haired Cats with Mixed Ancestry
You’ll often hear people refer to different categories of Domestic Long Hair cats. Again, none of these designations refer to a specific breed but instead, describe a cat with certain basic physical features.
Long-haired tabby cat
While certain pure breeds can feature the tabby pattern (including the Maine Coon, Abyssinian, and Bengal), a long-haired cat with unknown ancestry and these markings is referred to as a long-haired tabby cat.
Long-haired tuxedo cat
Cats that feature a tuxedo pattern often have black masks, backs, and tails with a white chest and white paws. Turkish Vans and Persians are examples of long-haired pure breeds that can sometimes sport the tuxedo pattern, but otherwise, this type of feline is simply considered a long-haired tuxedo cat.
Personality and Behavior of Domestic Long Hairs
Because Domestic Long Hair cats have genetic backgrounds that are so diverse from one another, there is no one general personality or behavior pattern that stands out in this type of cat.
The Domestic Long Hair cat’s personality can range from playful and energetic to skittish and timid. Even cats that come from the same litter often have wildly different personalities, so only time will tell what kind of personality your DHL cat has!
Interestingly, at least one scientific study suggests that feline personalities are influenced by several factors including a cat’s breed, color, and environment. This same study found that mixed breed cats are generally less shy and less vocal than purebred cats. Furthermore, if you have a long-haired orange or white cat, there’s a good chance they’ll be especially friendly and calm!
Care Considerations for Owning a Domestic Long Hair Kitten
If you’ve just adopted a Domestic Long Hair kitten (or an adult, for that matter), you’ll need to make sure your home – and schedule – are ready for your new furry friend. Here are some tips for making sure you’re giving your cat first-rate care:
Schedule a visit to the vet. Your cat should be examined by a veterinarian to identify any health problems. Even if your cat is perfectly healthy, they will need several vaccinations to protect them throughout their life.
Groom your cat regularly. Most long-haired cats need to be brushed every day. Frequent brushing can prevent hairballs and matting while also giving you the opportunity to inspect your pet’s skin for any issues.
Litter train your cat. Luckily, most cats will understand what a litterbox is for right away! Make sure you clean the box daily and completely change out the litter every two or three weeks if using clumping litter. If you use non-clumping litter, you’ll need to do this about twice a week.
Slowly introduce your new cat. Moving to a new home can be overwhelming for anyone, including a feline! Introduce cats the best way by keeping your new cat in its own room for a bit. Let your other cats come up to the door (keeping it closed) so they can smell one another. Then, you can gradually let the cats see each other through a screen or other barrier for periods of time, working up until they’re comfortable enough to meet one another face to face.
Pet Insurance for your Domestic Long Hair
Adopting a Domestic Long Hair kitten is a big responsibility. Not only does pet ownership affect your schedule, but it affects your finances as well. To make vet visits more affordable, consider investing in pet insurance for cats. Even the healthiest cats need to visit the vet for checkups and immunizations. An insurance policy paired with a wellness plan make the financial planning for those visits easier than ever!
But remember, vet visits aren’t always just about fixing broken bones and getting vaccinations. Your vet is a great resource for learning how to take care of your new kitten, addressing any dietary concerns, and helping your cat navigate unexpected challenges like separation anxiety.
Get a free quote from Embrace Pet Insurance today to find an insurance plan that’s right for your new Domestic Long Hair cat!
Domestic Long Hair Cats Are as Lovable as Purebreds
Your cat doesn’t need a fancy lineage certificate to earn a place in your heart. Although Domestic Long Hair cats aren’t purebred, many people find they make exceptional companions.
While their beautiful and elegant coats are often what first draw people to this cat, it’s each feline’s unique personality and charm that make Domestic Long Hair cats special. No two cats look or act exactly alike!
Before adopting any kind of cat, though, make sure that you have the time, energy, and money to become a pet parent. Your cat will need to attend scheduled vet visits and unscheduled ones for the occasional unexpected illness or surgery. Pet insurance can make the medical side of pet ownership more affordable.
Finally, be ready to devote plenty of attention to your new family member. Before long, you won’t remember life before they came along!