🐈 Cats

Domestic Longhair

The fluffy mixed-breed shelter favorite.

Domestic Longhairs are mixed-ancestry cats with long coats in every color. Personalities vary widely, and shelters have many wonderful ones.

Lifespan12–18 years
SizeMedium · 8–15 lb
Care levelEasy
Typical cost$45–85 / month
Great for
AdoptersFamiliesApartmentsVariedAffectionateAdaptable
Domestic Longhair

Photo: Holly Cheng · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

Indoors with scratchers and perches.

Complete cat food; hairball formulas can help.

Daily play.

Brush several times weekly to prevent mats.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Hairballs
  • Matting and skin issues
  • Dental disease
  • Obesity
  • Kidney disease (seniors)
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual exams; twice yearly for seniors.

Find a vet near me

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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.