One of the oldest recognised longhair breeds in Europe — a robust, gentle cat with a silky coat that mats far less than a Persian's, and a famously placid, people-oriented nature.
- Origin
- Germany
- Category
- longhair
- Lifespan
- 13–16 yrs
- Size
- Medium to Large
- Weight
- 4–7 kg
- Coat
- Long, silky, non-matting single-to-moderate coat
- Colours
- Wide range of colours and patterns
😺 Temperament
🏡 Best suited to
📊 Personality ratings
📜 History & origin
The German Longhair (Deutsch Langhaar) was among the very first pedigree longhaired cats described in Europe, with breeding records dating to the early 1900s and a written standard published in 1929. The two World Wars and the rising popularity of the Persian nearly drove the breed to extinction. From around 2012, German breeders began a careful reconstruction programme using cats matching the original standard, and the breed is once again recognised by several European registries.
🧼 Care & grooming
The semi-long coat is silkier and less dense than a Persian's and resists matting, so a thorough brushing once or twice a week is usually enough. They are sturdy, healthy cats that enjoy company; provide climbing space and interactive play, and they adapt happily to family life indoors.
🩺 Health notes
Reconstructed from a broad, healthy foundation, the German Longhair has no strong breed-specific disease predispositions. Responsible breeders screen for the general longhair concerns such as HCM and PKD. As with any cat, keep vaccinations, dental care, and annual check-ups up to date.