Long-haired Cat

Abbreviation:

House Cat Longhair

FIFe:

HCL

Place of origin:

Ancestors:

Wild Cat

Breed type:

Semi-haired Cat

Body type:

Flexible, muscular

Weight:

2.5 - 7 kg

Colour variants:

All colour varieties

History: House Cat is probably a domesticated form of wild cat, specifically its subspecies of African Wild Cats, wild European cats and Asian Steppe Cats. This cat has been a guide of human during many millenniums. The oldest surviving records of the existence of vaccinated cats come from Turkey 8,000 years ago, but their domestication began with the first permanent human settlements, some 12,000 years ago. House Cat is following the humans all over the world. In many places, however, it has got wild. It has always used primarily as a rodent hunter. Gradually, it found its way home, and now it plays the role of companion and pet. Now most common cats are just from home cats. Its systematic breeding began in the Baroque period and in the 17th century when the long-haired cats already exist. House Cat does not have a pedigree and it does not belong to any breed. However, it is showing, and therefore a standard has been set for it.

Temperament: Unlike purebred cats, the nature of an individual depends on youth experiences, and individual cats can vary greatly from one another. But the wild ancestors do not dare themselves. They are very good hunters, although they mostly hunt only for fun. At home they behave mostly calmly, although they need more movement and fun than most purebred breeds. Some are able to enjoy themselves, others need stimulus to play. Similarly, their demands for human attention or the need of cuddling. This can also depend a lot on how well they were socialized or when they first came into contact with a person in childhood. In spite of their activity, most house cats will not mind living in the flat without access. Again, however, it depends on the individual and on where and how they were living in their childhood. But according to the standard they should have a friendly and kind nature.

Body: The appearance of individual House Cats may vary greatly, depending primarily on their parents. The general features of body construction are the same: a flexible and well-muscled body with shorter neck, broad and short head of reasonable size. Ears can be of any shape or size, but they cannot be tilted or turned. The length and shape of the body can be different, just like the length of the tail, the limbs and the shape of the paws, which, however, must be consistent with the legs.

Coat: The coat of a long-haired House Cat is usually short, semi-long or long. The density of the undercoat and the structure of the coat may vary.

Care: Caring for Long-haired House Cats is not difficult, just brushing once a week. At the time of moulting, a rubber brush or massage gloves can be used, but bad handling can damage the hair. If necessary clean the ears and cut claws.

Colour variants: The House Cat is recognized in all colours and patterns, even in combination with white spots. The eye of colour can be different, but it should correspond to the colour of the coat.