I would call Ed mid-length? His fur is not as long as a Persian but he definitely isn't a short-haired guy. He is originally from a colony of feral cats located above the San Fernando Valley, He was all of 3-4 weeks old when he came to me and, at that time, he was near-death from starvation, dehydration and illness - real touch and go for awhile. He is my buddy and he stays at my side 24/7 - he even climbs into the bath with me when I am not looking.
Kirby sounds absolutely wonderful! I keep trying to picture him and the tree - wow!