Long-haired cats — Maine Coons, Ragdolls, Persians, Norwegian Forest Cats, Siberians, Birmans, and Domestic Longhairs (DLH) — are well suited to Calgary's climate. Their dense double coats keep them warm through winters and shed seasonally as the weather warms. They're generally calmer and more lap-oriented than short-haired breeds, though personalities vary.
The trade-off is grooming. Long-haired cats need brushing 2 to 3 times per week to prevent matting, with daily brushing during seasonal sheds in spring and fall. Cats with extreme coats (Persians especially) may need professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, or you can keep them in a “lion cut” — shaved body, fluffy head and tail — to reduce maintenance.
All cats listed below are long-haired or have heavy long-coat ancestry, sourced from Calgary rescues including MEOW Foundation, Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, FRFA, and Cochrane Humane.
Showing 9 cats
COZETTE
5 years 4 months • Domestic Long Hair
AARCS
Fluffy
7 years • Domestic Shorthair/Mix cat
Calgary Humane Society
GOOSE
3 years 1 months • Domestic Long Hair
AARCS
GUPPY
2 years • Domestic Long Hair
AARCS
HELEN
7 years 9 months • Domestic Long Hair
AARCS
KODAK
1 years 6 months • Domestic Long Hair
AARCS
Mickey
10 years • Domestic Longhair/Mix cat
Calgary Humane Society
Shamu
Unknown • Domestic Shorthair
Pawsitive Match
Smokey
Unknown • Domestic Shorthair
Pawsitive Match
Long Haired Cat FAQ
How much grooming does a long-haired cat need?
Plan for 2 to 3 brushings per week minimum, daily during spring/fall sheds. Persians need daily brushing. A slicker brush and metal comb are essential. Mats develop fast on long coats — once formed, they often need professional removal.
Are long-haired cats better for Calgary winters?
They're built for cold — many long-haired breeds (Siberian, Norwegian Forest, Maine Coon) originated in northern climates and thrive in Calgary winters. They still need to be indoor-only due to coyotes and traffic, but they'll appreciate cooler indoor temperatures than short-haired cats.
Do long-haired cats shed more than short-haired?
Not necessarily — they shed about the same amount, but longer hairs are more visible. Regular brushing dramatically reduces loose-hair buildup around the house. A Furminator or similar de-shedding tool is essential.
Are long-haired cats more expensive to maintain?
Slightly. Add $300-600/year for grooming supplies, occasional professional grooms ($60-120 per visit if needed), and slightly more litter due to fur tracking. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs — daily brushing minimizes this.