Technically the domestic longhair is not a certain kind of cat breed, but it is a mixed ancestry of long-haired cat. Although, the ancestry of this cat is still undetermined. One mutual feature found in all domestic longhair cats includes ear tufts.
Domestic Longhair History
The domestic longhair is well recognized globally, especially in the United States. The domestic longhair is far from being considered a pure breed, so it is commonly known as mutts. The clear history of the domestic longhair is still unknown, yet it is said that the domestic longhair ancestors were domestic shorthair cats.
A fascinating fact is that the fur of the domestic shorthair grew long due to mutation, providing ease for this cat to survive through the cold weather in areas like Russia, Persia, and Turkey. In this way, the domestic longhair came into existence.
The domestic longhair was carried to America by the early settlers. The domestic longhair cats were used to help the immigrants control rodents on their boats. With their instincts to hunt smaller animals and insects, domestic longhair cats make excellent home pets.
Domestic Longhair Key Facts
One thing that fewer people know about the domestic longhair cat is that it is not a pure breed but a crossbreed of various breeds. This mixed breed cat origin is very hard to find as it is uncertain which breed it is typically mixed with. However, the popularity of the domestic longhair cats will leave you stunned. It is known that every one in ten cats present in the United States is a domestic longhair.
The temperament of the domestic longhair is very wide. You can never judge or categorize domestic longhair cats into a particular personality cat group. These cats have a wider range of appearance, temperament, and health problems.
How Big Do Domestic Longhair Get?
The height of the domestic longhair cats varies from eight to ten inches, and the weight ranges from eleven to twenty-two pounds. These cats have a muscular and elegant bodies. However, the growth of the cats depends upon the environment they are raised in and their food intake.
Domestic Longhair Lifespan
The domestic longhair cats live about twelve to eighteen years. This lifespan is quite ideal for any cat breed. However, you can enhance the quality of lifespan of your kitty but providing it a loving home, friendly environment, and nutritious diet.
How Much Does A Domestic Longhair Cost?
Here comes two good news; firstly, the domestic longhair cats are not expensive. Secondly, these cats are very common, so if you are planning on getting one, you won’t have to face trouble at all. Buying the domestic longhair cat from a breeder will cost you about $500 maximum.
You can also get a domestic longhair cat from the shelter or adoption centers. Adopting will cost you about $50 to $300, as animal shelters are cheaper and welcome loving parents for their rescued animals. However, it would be best to consider monthly expenses while adopting a domestic longhair cat, including litter, cat food, cat treats, etc.
Domestic Longhair Personality
As mentioned above, domestic longhair cats don’t have a particular set of behaviors and personalities. Their personality completely depends upon the genes they have inherited from their parents. Being a mixed breed, we expect a wider range of temperaments from domestic longhair cats.
Despite these factors, the domestic longhair cats are adjusting and fit into the atmosphere they are raised in. Early socializing and sufficient management from the kittenhood can surely result in a lovable and friendly cat.
Independency is seen in every domestic longhair cat. This breed is intelligent, and training would help them behave well. Being a smart cat, the domestic longhair cat requires more stimulation such as puzzle cat toys etc., this will keep your kitten occupied and happy.
Caring For A Domestic Longhair
Like every pet, the domestic longhair requires optimal care. These cats require daily brushing and are inclined to get matts commonly. Providing healthy and high-quality food will sustain the improved life quality of your domestic longhair cat. Your cat’s mental health is as important as its physical health; make sure your domestic longhair cat gets a happy and affectionate environment to grow in.
Domestic Longhair Nutrition
The domestic longhair cats are low-maintenance and don’t have any particular food requirements. They can function well on high-quality and nutritious cat food, such as high-protein. Feeding appropriately throughout the life stages is necessary.
The domestic longhair cat needs to be fed only kitten food to ensure optimal growth in kittenhood. Otherwise, early deficiencies can lead to health complications later on. Similarly, overfeeding should be strictly avoided as your domestic longhair cat can end up being obese.
How To Groom A Domestic Longhair?
As the name indicated, domestic longhair cats need regular grooming due to their thick and long fur. Daily brushing is required to remove the dead hair and avoid tangles in the fur. Grooming the domestic longhair cat will not be easy, and you will need to engage your pet using cat treats and lots of praise.
Matts inspection needs to be done daily. If you find any matt closer to the skin, it needs to be removed instantly as it can lead to a skin infection. A monthly bath will be sufficient. Similarly, clipping its claws once a month is surely required. Clean its ear and eyes every week.
Domestic Longhair Activity Levels
Exercise and physical exertion are essential for every cat. However, you will witness your domestic longhair kitten being hyperactive at times and will probably be running around. In the early stages of life, the domestic longhair kitten will remain more active than in later life stages, and time will turn them into couch potatoes. Cat toys such as climbing equipment, ball, chasing toys, etc., will always be a good option to keep your domestic longhair engaged and vigorous.
Domestic Longhair Health Concerns
On the whole, the domestic longhair is a healthy cat, but large diversity is found in their genes. In simpler words, domestic longhair cats are prone to get various diseases. This includes UTIs, which are quite common. Kidney diseases are often seen as well. If your domestic longhair gets obese, there is quite a chance of getting diabetes, arthritis, etc.
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