Cat Breeds: American Bobtail Cats

This breed is relatively new in that it began in the 1960's in the United States of America. Apparently, a couple found a male bobtail kitten, which they named “Yodie,” on an Indian Reservation. When the kitten reached maturity, it was bred to a seal-point Siamese female cat. All of the offspring had bobtails and looked like baby Bobcats (a wild feline described in my Sunday, June 28, 2009 entry titled, “Unusual Pets: Bobcats.)

As a result, a rumour started that “Yodie” was actually an offspring of a mating between a Bobcat and a domestic cat. However, scientists quickly countered this rumour with scientific evidence that showed that any mating between a Bobcat and a domestic cat would result in male offspring that were sterile. Since “Yodie” obviously wasn't sterile, this rumour regarding his ancestry quickly died.

However, if you look back in history, you will find numerous mentions of domestic cats that had been abandoned in the United States wilderness mating with other wild “domestic” cats and producing “mutant” offspring with bobtails. “Yodie” was probably the product of such a mating. Since the mutated gene that produces this type of tail is a dominant gene, most, if not all progeny, would have bobtails. Since “Yodie's” offspring had bobtails, this is probably the most logical origin for him.

“Yodie's” offspring were bred to Birmans, Himalayans, Siamese and Ragdolls (Cat breeds, the latter two of which I have previously covered. Friday May 22, 2009 titled “Cat Breeds: The Ragdoll Cat” and Tuesday May 26, 2009 titled “Cat Breeds: Siamese Cats.) Since the gene pool was relatively small, inbreeding lead to medical problems with progeny of the original bloodline. As a result, in the 1980's, breeders chose random bred domestic cats and mated them with American Bobtails. This created a much wider gene pool and eliminated most medical problems and also almost all traces of the original blood line.

The resultant American Bobtail cat is an affectionate, very intelligent, gentle, loving, kind, athletic, well muscled, medium to large cat. The males weigh 15 to 20 pounds (6 – 8 Kg), with the females weighing slightly less. Their average tail length is one to four inches long (2.5 – 10 cm), although some cats have shorter or longer than average tails.

Interestingly, those with shorter tails, or no tails at all, tend to have an increased risk of hip dysplasia, spinal-bifida, bowel and bladder issues.

The American Bobtail appears powerful with its strong, broad, wedge-shaped head, broad, deep chest, distinctive brow, large almond-shaped eyes, strong back legs, which are slightly longer than its front legs, large feet, sometimes with tufted toes, and tufted ears; in short, regardless of colour, it appears in stature, to be quite a bit like a Bobcat.

All cat eye and fur colours are available in this slow maturing cat, which takes two to three years to reach adulthood. The hair comes in two varieties, medium, semi-dense short-hair and medium-length long-hair. Both hair types are water resistant. The long-hair version appears more scruffy looking.

The short-haired varieties do not require much grooming. They usually only need to be combed during the shedding season. Long-haired American Bobtails should be combed at least two (2) or three (3) times a week to prevent tangles and matting of the hair. If started at a young age, most cats enjoy their grooming sessions.

The American Bobtail has a dog-like personality. It enjoys playing fetch and hide and seek and is very devoted to its owners. It can easily adapt to a busy or quiet environment, so will fit into most households. It is leash trainable, so can be taken for a walk. It enjoys climbing and discovering things, so do not let it outside unsupervised, or it will be at the top of the nearest tree.

Because these cats are very trainable, they can be taught to do simple tricks. They are excellent with children because they do not mind being lugged around like a sack of potatoes.

Unlike most cats, the American Bobtail gets along well with most dogs and other pets. They are fairly quiet cats, but will chirp, click and trill when they are happy.

The American Bobtail interacts with humans of all ages, so it is sometimes used as a therapeutic animal for distressed people.

These cats sound like the ideal pet, but one word of caution though. These cats are fascinated by shiny things so you must ensure that jewelry, coins, and small ornaments are always kept locked up, because if they spot something shiny, they will pick it up with their mouth and carry it away. Unfortunately, they sometimes swallow these things which means a quick trip to the veterinarian must occur to ensure that whatever was swallowed does not injure or kill the cat.

American Bobtail kittens usually sell for $400 to $900 (US) depending on their bloodline and what they will be used for. Show animals are, of course, more expensive than companion animals. Breeding rules are almost always part of the sale contract. Be sure to do a thorough check of the breeder before you decide to deal with them.

If you would like to own a bold, people oriented cat that is highly intelligent, somewhat demanding and whose cleverness and dexterity have earned it a reputation of being an escape artist, then an American Bobtail may be the cat for you.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds: The Polydactyl Cat

Polydactyl cats are also called mitten cats, mitten foot, thumb cats, boxers, boxing cats, six-finger cats, Boston Thumb cats, Hemingway cats and Hemingways. The latter two names originated from the fact that author Ernest Hemingway loved these cats and had several. After his death, his former Key West, Florida home became a museum and home for his cats, which now number about 50, half of which are Polydactyl cats.

Actually, referring to the Polydactyl cats as a breed is really a misnomer, because a Polydactyl cat is one with a congenital abnormality. These cats have extra toes. This abnormality affects many animals, including humans, and is referred to as Polydactylism or Hyperdactylism.

A Canadian cat named “Tiger” is the current Guinness World Record holder with a total of 27 toes. However, “Mooch” owned by a couple in Maine, USA, has 28 toes. They have submitted documentation to this affect in the hope of having him declared the new official record holder.

Originally referred to as the American Polydactyl cat, because of the numerous ones on the American east coast, the word American has been dropped as it has been determined that cats with extra toes show up, from time to time, in many countries. They are very common in the Cardigan area of Wales and are called “Cardi-Cats.”

Normal cats have five toes on each front foot and four toes on each hind foot. A Polydactyl cat can have up to seven toes on each foot. One peculiar thing about this genetic mutation is that these cats usually have the same number of toes on each foot. (I said usually, but as you can see from Tiger's description above, it isn't always the same number on each foot.)

Some cats affected with this abnormality have difficulty learning to walk as kittens, however, others have no difficulty and some even show superior dexterity such as opening latches and catching thrown objects. These feats (no pun intended) are not usually found in “normal” cats.

Polydactylism most commonly occurs in the front feet of affected cats. The second most common occurrence involves all four feet and the least common occurrence involves the hind feet only.

At one time, in Europe, Polydactyl cats were considered to be “witches familiars” and were quickly killed. However, they were extremely popular with sailors, because their extraordinary climbing and hunting abilities kept the rat population in ships under control. In fact, many sailors felt that Polydactyl cats were good luck, so a large number of ships carried them. This probably is the reason that cities with ports ended up with more of these cats than land bound cities. It also explains why the United States east coast has so many cats with the Polydactyl abnormality. Many port cities exist there, particularly ones which catered to the sailing ship fleets.

If you get a Polydactyl cat, be sure to keep a watch on its toe nails. Since some of the toes stick out at odd angles, the nails do not get worn down by normal scratching. Therefore, these nails will need to be trimmed to prevent them from growing into the cat's flesh and causing an infection.

Until next time,

Teia

PS from Dad. I'd never heard of Polydactyl cats until recently. However, after reading about them, I have to say that the old adage, “Truth is often stranger than fiction,” holds true.

Cat Breeds: The Australian Mist

The citizens of Australia have always wanted an Australian breed of cat. As far back as the 1890's, attempts to create such a breed were started, but none were successful.

In the mid 1970's Dr. Truda Staede of Nintu Cattery in Australia submitted an idea to the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales (NSW) Cat Control (this body was later replaced by the Cat Fanciers' Association of NSW, which is a member of the Coordinating Cat Council of Australia) to develop a breed of cat that would be truly unique to Australia.

She submitted an Experimental Plan outlining her idea to use Burmese cats, Abyssinian cats and the common domestic cat or “moggy.” The Burmese was chosen for its relaxed nature, general size and shape, the colours brown, blue, lilac and chocolate and their pattern, particularly their ghost spotted pattern. The Abyssinian was chosen for its intelligence, colour pattern and to obtain the ticking (agouti) gene to develop the tabby pattern. By crossing them with domestic tabby cats, she ensured the tabby pattern and also their strength and rigour.

The breeding plan was very successful and in 1978, the new cats turned out to be what was planned. They were named the “Spotted Mist” cat. However, occasionally cats were born with a marbled pattern. It was determined that this pattern occurred when two cats with the masked classic gene were bred to each other. It was decided that both the spotted and the marbled patterns should be included in the breed, but the name “Marbled Spotted Mist” was too awkward a name, so the name was changed to “Australian Mist.”

The Australian Mist is a medium-sized, short-haired cat with a round head and large expressive eyes in shades of green. Its coat is either spotted or marbled. The base or ground colour is cream (any other base colour, including white, means that the cat is not a purebred Australian Mist). The delicate pattern colour is one of seven colours: blue, lilac, brown, chocolate, caramel, gold or peach. Random ticking in the solid colour areas gives it an appearance of being covered by a misted veil, hence the name. The nose, chin and whisker pads are broad, giving the face a generous open look, with delicate tabby markings. Legs and tails frequently contain rings of the pattern colour.

These cats are hearty eaters, so care must be taken that they don't overeat and become obese. Their short, dense hair is easy to care for and only requires a weekly brushing, They will shed their hair, and during this time, more frequent brushing is required.

The Australian Mist is a very healthy cat and it is very unusual for one to have a health problem. Their life expectancy is 15 to 19 years. Breeders of this species of cat keep meticulous records and every single cat's lineage can be traced back to the original base group. As a result, prospective breeders are thoroughly screened to ensure that they will keep the breed pure and that all documentation is factual and complete.

As kittens, Australian Mist cats are very lively, and even as adults they enjoy playing. They can be trained to fetch and walk on a leash. Nothing much perturbs them as they are very laid back in temperament. They love people and will plunk themselves down on any empty lap, whether they are invited or not. They prefer company, so make excellent pets for invalids and house bound seniors. They make perfect pets for children of any age, even very little ones, as they enjoy being handled and are not inclined to scratch.

The Australian Mist is very easy to show as they enjoy all the attention. Because of their mild manner and fantastic appearance, they frequently win the coveted “All Breeds Supreme in show awards.”

At the current time Australian Mist cats are being bred in Australia and Great Britain. There are some neutered/spayed Australian Mist cats in the United States and several breeders there are attempting to sign agreements so they can breed these fabulous cats.

So, if you want a loving, beautiful cat that can be taught tricks, you may want to consider the Australian Mist as your next feline companion. One word of caution though, they are very pricey and you will have to undergo a rigorous interrogation by the breeder to ascertain if you would be a suitable owner. You should also know that if you are purchasing a companion cat, that it will be spayed or neutered prior to being sold to you. This prevents any unauthorized breeding from taking place. As noted above, very strict rules apply to this particular breed of cat.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds: The Aegean Cat

This breed of cat originated in the Cyclades Islands in the Aegean Sea and it is the only native Greek cat. It is quite prolific in Greece, but very few seem to have been removed from that country. There are several references to a fledgeling Greek Cat Fancy Association attempting to commence proper breeding techniques on these semi-feral cats, but extensive research fails to actually find such an association. Perhaps photographer Hans Sylvester's famous photographs of the cats of the Greek Islands prompted such a group to form, but if it did, it appears to be non functioning at present. At any rate, there is a large colony of these cats spread though the islands, and for want of a better name, they have been called the Aegean Cat. This breed of cat is noted for keeping the rodent population under control as they are excellent predators. Most of them live outdoors and obtain their food from handouts given by visiting tourists and cat loving locals. These cats love fish and line up on the shore when the fishing fleet returns each evening. The local fishermen have taken to tossing them fish that are not merchantable.

They are very social cats and get along well with humans. If taken into a home, they adapt well, even to apartment living. They are intelligent, active, lively and communicative, not being afraid to vocalize to get attention.

Their coat is semi-long-haired in winter, but sheds to a lighter coat during summer months. Their coat is either bi-colour or tri-colour with true white always being one of the colours and covering 1/3 to 2/3 of the body. Other colours can be blue, red, black or cream, with or without stripes.

The Aegean Cat is medium sized with a sturdy muscular build. The body is relatively long with strong, round, medium-size feet. The tail is moderately long and straight. Hair covered ears have a wide base and rounded tips and sit widely spaced on a medium-size head that is wide from side to side. Their eyes are Oriental in shape and are always a shade of green.

The Greek Cat Welfare Society (http://www.greekcatwelfare.moonfruit.com) formed in 1992, is attempting to care for these cats with various programs including spaying, neutering and feeding programs. It is not known if any of these cats are available for adoption.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds: The Burmese Cat

Originally only sable (brown) in colour, selective breeding has produced a wide variety of colours, however, only sable, champagne, blue and platinum are recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). This cat is longer-lived than most purebred cats, with an average lifespan of 16 to 18 years. It is small to medium sized, but much heavier than it appears, weighing 4 to 6 Kg (8 ¾ to 13 ¼ pounds).

The Burmese cat has eyes which are either yellow or gold in colour, and which are large and very expressive. They use these eyes to hypnotize their human family into loving them for a lifetime. They are very intelligent animals and as they mature, they take over running the household. They use their large eyes and velvet paws to aid them in this endeavour. Female Burmese cats take a very active role in managing the house, getting involved in everything that is going on. They frequently voice their opinions on the way things are being done. The males are more laid back in nature and prefer to supervise, occasionally vocally, but more quietly than the females. They like to do their supervision from a laying position, preferably from someone's lap.

The Burmese cat has a short-haired coat which is glossy, with a satin like finish. The only grooming required is a daily petting.

Burmese cats are very affectionate and love human company, often following family members around like a dog. They will “talk” but are not as vocal as Siamese cats and they have a softer and sweeter “meow.”

Because they enjoy human company, these cats are not suited for being left alone for long periods of time. As kittens they are quite clumsy, often landing on their backside with a thump. The usually maintain kitten energy and interests throughout their life. They can be taught to play fetch and tag, again demonstrating some dog-like characteristics. If introduced to vehicle rides as a kitten, they are comfortable travelling in vehicles. They are seldom aggressive, but if attacked by another cat they will vigorously defend themselves. They get along well with children and dogs.

If you would like an intelligent, affectionate cat that displays some dog-like characteristics, then a Burmese cat would be a very good choice.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds: The Abyssinian

The origin of this cat is unknown, although many stories exist about it. Unfortunately, none of them have any hard evidence to back them up, so they just remain stories. In fact, one story has it originating in Egypt, but DNA testing has revealed that it likely originated near the Indian Ocean.

The Abyssinian cat has a very distinctive ticked coat as exhibited in the above picture. The Abyssinian is one of the most popular short-haired cats in the United States. This cat's body is medium in length and lithe, with well developed muscles. Its tail is broad at the base and slowly tapers almost to a point. The legs are slender and fine boned; the paws small and oval shaped. Its eyes are nearly almond shaped and can be green, gold, copper or hazel in colour. The head is broad and wedge shaped. If you view a profile of this cat, you will see that the nose and chin form a vertical line. The Abyssinian's ears are broad and cupped at the base, tapering to a rounded point at the tips. Most Abyssinians have hair tufts on their ears, a must have feature for show animals. A “M” shaped marking often appears in the forehead hair, above the cat's eyes, which has led to it being referred to as “frown lines.”

All Abyssinians have a darker shade on the backs of their hind legs and the pads of their paws. The original Abyssinian's coat was a warm, reddish-brown with black ticking, however, over the years, other colours have been developed. New colours are Sorrel, which is a cinnamon (yellowish-brown) base with chocolate brown ticking, paw pads and the back of hind legs. Fawn Abyssinians have a light-cream base with darker cream ticking, pads and backs of hind legs. Blue Abyssinians have a light-beige base colour with blue ticking, paw pads and backs of hind legs.

A separate group among Abyssinians is the Silver Abyssinian, which is not recognized by the Cat Fancier's Association, even though this colour has be around for a long time. Silver Abyssinians have a silvery-white base colour, with tickings of black, blue, warm dark cream or cinnamon.

Rare colours include Red, Cream, Tortoiseshell, Lilac and Chocolate, which are bred on a small scale in Great Britain and Holland.

Abyssinians are very active and playful. They can become depressed without daily activity and attention. As a result, Abyssinian cats should not be considered as “lap cats,” because they have to be doing things. If allowed outside, they are great hunters as they are physically capable and intelligent animals.

If you are interested in a cat that is active, good looking and loves to play games, then an Abyssinian is a cat that you should consider.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds: The Manx Cat

Long-haired Cymric



Nearly Tailless Manx




1900 Manx Silverwing cat

The Manx (Kayt Manninagh or Stubbin) is a cat that originated sometime before the 1700's on the Isle of Man. Their exact origin is unknown, but folk lore claims that they got onto a Spanish galleon in the Far East and came ashore when the ship foundered on the cliffs at Spanish Head on the coast of the Isle of Man.

These cats either have no tail, or just a small stub of a tail, and hind legs that are longer than the front legs, which gives it the appearance of always walking down hill. Many stories have been started about this short-tailed or tail less cat including one that suggests that it comes from a cross between a cat and a rabbit. This supposedly explains the long hind legs and the short tail. However, it is just a story, because scientists have determined that the short tail, or lack of a tail comes from a genetic mutation. The longer hind legs compensate for the curvature of the animal's spine and provide better balance to compensate for the lack of a tail.

When my dad was a young boy living on Vancouver Island, he got a Manx kitten from a farmer who brought back a pair of Manx cats when he returned from a visit to the Isle of Man prior to the start of the second world war. Dad's cat was named “Taffy” and she was a magnificent rat hunter. She looked similar in appearance to the Manx cat from the 1900's in the picture above, being a kind of Tortoise-shell colour. She had a stub of a tail and a very aloof looking manner about her, although she was very affectionate to, and protective of, my dad. She liked to play “boats” with my dad. They'd both stand in the creek and push a small homemade wooden boat back and forth to each other. She had one or two litters of kittens a year until the age of 13 years. These kittens were in great demand as the rural area where dad was raised had a rodent problem. “Taffy” died of old age when she was 16 years old.

One of “Taffy's” offspring, a male, belonging to dad's younger brother, liked to spend time hanging around the local pub, where he was given the odd brew. He grew to an enormous size and looked just like a Bobcat.

Apparently, completely white Manx cats are fairly rare and as a result, they can fetch prices of $4000 or more at sales.

As well as having long hind legs, the Manx has small slightly rounded ears, a round head, large round eyes and a small nose. They have two coat lengths. The short-haired Manx has a double coat with longer, coarse outer hair, featuring guard hairs, over a short, thick undercoat. The long-haired Manx, which is often called a Cymric, has a silky textured double coat of medium length hair, with britches, belly and neck ruff, tufts of fur between the toes and lots of hair inside the ears. The Manx cat can come in Tortoise-shell, Tabby, Calico and all solid colours.

So, if you would like to get a Manx cat, be advised that they are rather rare and quite pricey. However, they are even tempered, affectionate and good with children if raised from a kitten in the presence of children.

Until next time,

Teia

PS. For additional information on these great cats, go to http://fanciers.com/breed-faqs/manx-faq.html

Cat Breeds - Bengal Cats

Bengal cats are a hybrid variety of cats which are friendly, very intelligent and alert, but they have a very wild appearance. Their distinct features include markings such as spots and rosettes. This type of cat closely resembles the Asian Leopard Cat and from its taxonomic name the word “Bengal” was derived. Although breeders around the world are attempting to make them look like little tigers, they have no actual relationship with the Bengal Tiger.

Bengals have an average build. Males weigh up to fifteen pounds and females weigh up to ten pounds. The two horizontal lines on the sides of their face, which start from above and below the end of their eyes and go up to the back of their neck, are known as mascara. Their bodies have spotting which is usually rosette in shape, although some have a marbled pattern. Bengals with spots and with more than one colour are the ones which are in greater demand. The colour of spots varies from rust to chocolate brown to cocoa to gray and to black. Their tail, hind legs and fore limbs have symmetrical stripes. Bengal cats win championships in most of the competitions held to award the most exotic pet, because of their looks, intelligence and friendly nature.

Bengals are the result of years of selective crossbreeding techniques. Jean Mill of the United States developed Bengals in the 1970s. They originated by crossing the small Asian Leopard cat with several different types of domestic cats. This gives them the wild and exotic look and the friendly nature. Breeders are still working to develop more qualities in this breed. They are attempting to do this by crossing them with other breeds of domestic cats like the American short-hair, Egyptian maus, Ocicat, Abyssinian and other short-haired cats.

The foundation generations of the filial are the first three generations of Bengals. Most of the males of these generations didn’t have the ability to reproduce. However, the females were able to. The fourth generation produced fertile males and after the fifth generation, they was no need to crossbreed. Instead, breeding was done between two Bengal cats.

Currently there are three kinds of Bengal cats available as pets, the Cheetoh, the Toyger and the Serengeti cat. The Cheetoh is a hybrid cat derived by crossing Ocicat and Bengal, to get a breed of spotted cats. The Toyger is a hybrid cat which is produced by crossing Bengals with domestic cats that have stripes. (The hope here is to develop a cat that resembles a tiger in its markings). The Serengeti cat has been produced by crossing Siamese or Oriental cats to get a cat that looks like an African Serval.

Based on their patterns, Bengals can be named as brown-marbled tabby, brown-spotted tabby, seal mink-marbled tabby, seal mink-spotted tabby, seal sepia-marbled tabby, seal sepia-spotted tabby, seal marbled lynx point and seal spotted lynx point. Other than the aforementioned colours, Bengals also come in blue, grey and black, but these colours are still awaiting worldwide recognition.

Unlike other domestic cats, Bengals are fascinated by running water and are easy to bathe. They are attracted to showers and will instantly jump inside bathtubs.

Bengals are quite vocal so they can “converse” with their owners. They are good at sports and play hide and seek and also learn other games easily. Young ones need human attention and can become bonded to you if you spend at least an hour each morning and evening playing with them. Bengals are attention seekers and always try to be involved in human activities. They will follow you around, but do not like to be placed on laps.

People who have decided to keep Bengals as pets should be aware that they have to spend lots of time with this cat, otherwise it will get bored. And, if the cat gets bored, it can get into a lot of trouble. Bengals have a very high energy level so they need a lot of activity to burn this energy off. Owners who do not have a lot of time to spare should certainly keep Bengals in pairs, so that they can play with each other.

If you do have two Bengals, then ensure that both of them are given equal attention, otherwise the neglected one tends to become jealous of the other and fights can develop.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds: Siamese Cats

The Siamese cat has been in existence for hundreds of years, making it one of the oldest established cat breeds. Even though the precise origins of these cats are in dispute, it is generally suggested that they come from Southeast Asia. A plausible speculation is that they are distant descendants of the King of Siam's revered palace cats. In the late 1800's the first pair of Siamese cats was transported from Siam (now called Thailand) to Britain. Since then, their popularity has increased so much that they are one of today's most admired cat breeds.

There are two very distinct varieties of Siamese cats. The first one is the Traditional or Apple head type. These cats have a circular head with proportionate rounded ears. Their eyes are also more rounded. They are normal-sized cats with stockier athletic bodies. This type maintains the original characteristics of the early imports from Siam.

The second variety is the Modern or Wedge head Siamese. In comparison, they have elongated wedge or triangular heads with obviously large pointed ears. Their eyes are almond shaped and somewhat slanted. Their agile bodies are long, slim and graceful with whip-like tails. This type was refined by breeders and is the kind you will see competing in cat shows.

In the past, Siamese cats had unusual traits, such as kinked tails and crossed eyes. While these tendencies can still be found in the Siamese, they are considered flaws and through breeders using discriminating breeding practices, occur much less frequently. All Siamese cats are shorthaired and have brilliant blue eyes, except for albinos.

Siamese cats are recognized for their point color pattern, which means the body coat is lighter in color, while the points are darker. The points are the cat's face, ears, lower legs, paws and tail. Siamese kittens are born entirely white. Slowly but surely, the color points begin to appear and improve until one year of age, when most color points are totally developed. Siamese come in four basic color points. The first is the well-known Seal Point. The body color is fawn with dark brown points. Next is the Chocolate Point. As the name suggests, the points are a chocolate color and the body is off-white. After that, comes the Blue Point, which has a white body color with a bluish tint. Its points are a deep bluish-gray. Finally is the scarce Lilac Point that has a white body and pinky gray points. Later, crosses with other breeds developed Siamese-mix cats with points in other cat colors and patterns, including red point, lynx (tabby) point and tortoiseshell ("tortie") point. In the United Kingdom, all pointed Siamese-style cats are considered to be part of the Siamese breed. In the United States, the major cat registry, the Cat Fanciers' Association, considers only the four original colorations as Siamese: seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point. Oriental cats with color points in colors or patterns aside from these four are considered “Colorpoint Shorthairs” in the American Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Along with a curious nature, Siamese are regarded as extremely intelligent. They are a social animal that is very loyal and loving to “their people.” They can form a strong bond with their owner. In fact, they require a fair amount of attention from their humans or they may become lonely if not given their proper affection. If that becomes the case, the owner may hear what these cats are famous for, which is their ability to communicate vocally. Their yowl is very loud and frequently sounds like the cat is hurt and in pain.

It is very easy to care for a Siamese cat, since they are able to groom themselves quite well. However, your cat will certainly appreciate an occasional brushing. Generally, it is a healthy breed, although there are a few genetic diseases that they are susceptible to as with most purebreds. By keeping inoculations up-to-date, spaying or neutering and not allowing the cat outdoors, you can have an enduring friendship. This cat is tolerant of smaller children and its usually calm temperament is perfect for seniors, making it a terrific all-around family pet.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds: The Ragdoll Cat

Are you thinking about buying a Ragdoll kitten? These cats are renowned for their laid-back character and they are pretty to look at, but before you acquire one you should know a few things about them.

Breed Characteristics

Ragdoll cats belong to the larger cat breeds with their body weight ranging from 8 to 20 pounds. The breed came into existence in California in the 1960's by crossbreeding Persian, Birman and Burmese cats. Kittens are born with a white coat that later develops into various colors: seal, chocolate, lilac, blue and less common lynx, tortoiseshell and flame. Their coat is thick, semi-long and does not require any “special” grooming care, as it doesn't tend to form mats.

Ragdoll cats are very affectionate and good-natured pets. They are so placid that you can manipulate and pull them into almost any position. When picked up, they go floppy and their body sags.

Their trusting and easygoing nature makes them an ideal family pet. They are great companions with almost dog-like affection. They are very gentle with children. However, their lack of aggression works against them, as they seldom defend themselves. They simply lack fighting instincts. The means that Ragdolls, when left to go outside, will become victims of any aggressive cat or dog that they encounter. Your cat could suffer severe injuries or even become a fatality if left unattended outdoors. I recommend that you keep your Ragdoll cats indoors!

Actually, it is a good idea to keep all cats indoors as there are a lot of dangers outside. In addition, your cat could become annoying to your neighbors. Cats love to do their “business” in gardens and as a result, your cat could get into the neighbor’s yard where its presence is not appreciated. Having your cat messing in a neighbor’s yard has created many neighborhood squabbles. When mom and dad lived in an Ottawa, Ontario suburb, they had a cat that loved to go outdoors and particularly loved to go camping. When he had to remain indoors, he became very depressed. Mom and dad were continually getting complaints from the neighbors and the board of directors of the condominium development that they lived in. They decided that they would give the cat to an older couple who had a summer cottage at a lake where mom and dad kept their trailer. The cat loved it there. Interestingly enough mom and dad continued to get complaints from the neighbors and the board of directors. It turned out that the cat in question wasn’t their's at all. However, since the old boy loved his new family and living at the lake, they left him to finish out his years in happiness.

As stated, cats need some stimulation so they don't become bored and depressed. Just like dogs, they need exercise to prevent them from becoming obese and sickly. Therefore, to keep her fit and happy you should get your Ragdoll used to walking on a leash. Just remember to keep your ragdoll away from other cats and dogs while it is walking on a leash.

Ragdoll cats are intelligent and can be easily trained. They love human company and respond well to rewards, so it is quite easy to teach them many tricks.

It is not always a good idea to acquire a Ragdoll kitten if you already have other cats and especially cats displaying aggressive behavior. In this case you would need to keep them separated. However, the Ragdoll will not look for conflicts, so if your other cats have an amicable nature it may not be a problem bringing a Ragdoll into the family.

Ragdoll Care

They don't require any special care or intensive maintenance. The breed doesn't suffer from any special medical conditions and they live to a good age. Many people are hesitant to acquire a Ragdoll because of its long haired thick coat. Compared to Persians and other long haired breeds, they are easy to care for because their coat can be easily maintained by brushing it once a week to remove dead hair.

In conclusion, this blue-eyed beauty will make a perfect pet if you have nothing against keeping cats indoors. Give it enough attention, an occasional brush, a walk on a leash and your Ragdoll will be a happy pet that will give you all the affection you can handle.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds - Persian Cats

The exotic and majestic appearance of the Persian cat captures the attention of cat lovers everywhere, making it one of the most desirable breeds of cats today. Their dense and lush long-haired coat, short legs and broad head with round eyes and flat muzzle faces are distinct physical traits that make them easily identifiable to just about everyone.

According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, (website http://www.cfa.org/) there are seven main categories of Persians. You can visit their web site for specific information on each group and to view pictures.

1. Himalayan

2. Solid Colors

3. Silver and Golden

4. Calico and Bicolor

5. Smoke and Shaded

6. Tabby

7. Parti-color

Within these categories, there are many colors and variations. The many different kinds of Persians that are available permit anyone to pick the perfect companion. However, before running out and snatching up the first Persian you see, there are several factors for purchasing a Persian you ought to consider.

First, give some thought on how this new addition will get along with any pets you already have. Then assess if you are able to take the time to groom this cat properly EVERY day. The next issue might be the hardest thing to decide. That is, narrowing down which of the seven types of Persians you like the most. Once that is resolved, you can determine which color you would prefer. After that, you may have a partiality for the specific sex of your pet. A significant issue to consider is if you intend on entering your cat in show competitions or if you are just looking for a buddy. A show quality Persian will generally cost more than one that you want just for a pet. As a side note to this, many Persian breeders will require you to sign an agreement not to breed any cat purchased from them and others will also request that you not enter your cat into shows, even local ones. Getting a Persian cat that you are allowed to enter into shows and breed can become quite expensive.

Show-quality Persians have an extremely long thick coat, short legs, a wide head with the ears set far apart, large eyes and an extremely foreshortened muzzle. As a result, it is fairly common for Persians to have moderate discharge from their tear ducts. This is easily cleaned and should be maintained consistently by you or another member of your family.

The breed was originally established with a short muzzle, but over time this feature has become extremely exaggerated, particularly in North America. The extremely short muzzle was not recognized by the Persian Breed Standard for some time. Howerver, in 2007 the Persian Breed Standard was altered to reflect the flat face and it now states that the forehead, nose and chin should be in vertical alignment.

Persian cats can have any color or markings including pointed, golden, tortoisehell, blue and tabby. Tipped varieties are known as Chinchilla. Point varieties are called Himalayan in the United States and Colorpoint Persian in Europe.
Since Persian cats have long, thick dense fur, as mentioned above, they need daily grooming. Persian cats need to be bathed regularly, dried carefully afterwards and then brushed thoroughly. Their eyes also need to be checked for problems on a regular basis because some animals have trouble keeping them clean. Likewise, Persians are particularly susceptible to a genetic disease, Polycystic kidney disease, PKD, which causes kidney failure. However, cats can now be DNA screened for the gene that causes PKD, so affected cats can gradually be removed from the Persian gene pool by responsible breeders. Persian cats usually live from 10 to 19 years on average. The Persian cat is the most popular breed in the United States.

If you decide that a Persian cat is going to be your next pet, you have to make another decision. Depending on your personality and time constraints, do you want and are you able to raise a kitten? If you do, then you will want to locate a reputable breeder. This is an important matter because the better the breeder, the better your chance of acquiring a strong and healthy kitten. See if the kitten appears to be properly taken care of and is being raised in clean surroundings. Has a veterinarian done a complete checkup for health problems and is it up-to-date with shots? Is the breeder aware of any genetic conditions that may run in this kitten's pedigree lineage? Remember to obtain a health contract or guarantee from the breeder. An honest breeder will have no problem supplying you with one. Additionally, you will need the vaccination certificate. If the kitten is registered or you are planning to register it, you will need these papers from the breeder too.

Perhaps you are leaning toward an older cat. Adopting from a shelter or rescue group could be a rewarding experience, not to mention saving a life. Just realize that this cat might have been abandoned due to a major health or personality problem. Ask a lot of questions and spend as much time with the cat as you can to determine if it will be a good pet for you.

No matter what cat you ultimately select, by doing your homework and being honest with yourself on your particular personality and situation, picking the perfect Persian can be a fun experience that later grows into a long loving relationship.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds – The Maine Coon Cat

A great American breed of cat, Maine Coon cats, are rich in history. Following are ten things to make you a little more familiar with this interesting cat.

1. Maine Coon cats are actually the stuff of legends! Some tales have it that this breed is a mix of cat and raccoon, hence the bushy tail and brown striped coat. Another tale proposes that Marie Antoinette sent the ancestors of the breed to Maine in preparation for her flight from France, during the French Revolution. (We all know that she “lost her head” and thus never came to America, but there is no record one way or the other concerning her cats.) What is more likely is that they are a mixture of pre-existing short haired cats and long-haired varieties introduced to America by British, Spanish or Portugese sailors, or even the Vikings. (Fairly recently discovered records indicate that Lief Ericson and Erik the Red visited North America centuries before Columbus sailed.)

2. Maine Coon cats are well suited for the harsh climates of New England. They have thick, glossy coats that are water-resistant, which makes them the perfect cat for cold and snow. And, although their fur is long, it requires very little maintenance. A weekly combing is generally enough.

3. Maine Coon cats are great companions for humans. They tend to be good-natured playful characters, who love to be with human companions. They do not demand a lot of attention, they just like to hang out with their human family. They are relaxed and easy-going cats which retain their kittenish, clown-like playfulness most of their lives. They are probably as close to a dog in personality as a cat can get and still retain its “dignity?” (The quotes and question mark are mine. I don't think cats are dignified, some of them just have a natural aloofness, unlike us dogs who love companionship.)

4. Maine Coon cats are not your average cats, when it comes to appearance. Besides their long coats, this breed is also large and muscular, with a broad chest and long tail. Females grow to about nine to 12 pounds and males are 13 to 18 pounds, on average. The tufting on their heads and ears gives them a lynx-like appearance at times. Their eyes are large, round and expressive, and set at a slightly oblique angle.

5. Maine Coon cats are easily trained and some will even accept walking on a leash if you spend the time with them. They train easily as long as they associate the activity with something they enjoy, such as spending time with you.

6. Maine Coon cats come in all the colors of the rainbow. OK that is a bit of an exaggeration, but they can be found in most colors except chocolate, lavender, ticked tabby and the point-restricted Siamese pattern.

7. Maine Coon cats use their front paws extensively. They can curl their paws around objects to pick them up and even like to play in their water bowls with their toys at times. They can easily learn to open cabinet doors and turn on water faucets with their flexible paws.

8. Maine Coon breeders can be found throughout the world. Attending local cat shows is a great way to find one in your area. You can also contact the national breed organization, the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) at http://www.mcbfa.org. Or, look in the ads in the back of Cat or Cat Fancy magazines for breeders.

9. A great way to learn about Maine Coon cats is the book, ““That Yankee Cat, The Maine Coon,”” by Marilis Hornidge. It has great sections containing breed stories, the history of Maine Coon cats, their genetics and breed health care. It also contains many wonderful photographs.

10. The Maine Coon cat’s popularity has had its ups and downs. For instance, in the 1800s, it was a very popular breed and won quite a few honors at cat shows. But, when Persians became more common in North America, the Maine Coon lost many of its supporters. However, since the 1950s, it has steadily regained its popularity. It is an intelligent loving cat which gets along well with both children and dogs, making it an ideal family pet.

You now have 10 interesting facts about Maine Coon cats. Keep them in mind when searching for a new or additional pet.

Until next time,

Teia

Cat Breeds - The Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is a striking cat with gooseberry green eyes. This cat is the only domestic cat that is naturally spotted and it has spots that vary in size on both sides of the body.

This breed originated in Egypt and, in fact, the word Mau is Egyptian for "cat.” Seen in Temple paintings that date back to 1400 B.C., this cat’s muscular physique is a tribute to its ancestors who hunted along the Nile River. One can almost picture this cat looking like a miniature cheetah stalking its prey in the grass. The Egyptian Mau was first imported into the U.S. in 1953.

A reserved breed, the Egyptian Mau can be somewhat aloof with strangers. Some of these cats love to be handled, while others hate it. This trait mostly depends on which bloodline your cat came from. The Egyption Mau is a quiet cat that has a low-pitched, melodious voice.

A medium-sized cat, the Egyptian Mau has a wedge-shaped head. The ears are sometimes tufted, and usually stand upright. The cat has almond-shaped eyes,and as previously mentioned, they are gooseberry green in color. Their coat is fine and silky. The body is well balanced, with the hind legs being longer than the front.

The Egyptian Mau comes in smoke, silver or bronze colors and is characterized by distinctive spots. The nose and paws are colored according to the coat color. The forehead has frown lines and what looks like the letter M. The lines continue over the head and back of the neck and then turn to spots along the back. The tail is ringed and has a dark tip. Mascara like lines highlight the eyes.

The Egyptian Mau has an average of four kittens in a litter. The kittens are spotted at birth with the exception of those that are smoke colored. The kittens have an interesting eye color that is green when they are happy, but they turn amber when the kitten is disturbed. Once they are about two years of age the eye color stabilizes to green.

This is a fairly hardy breed of cat with no genealogical health problems associated with it. Grooming consists of routine brushing and bathing as needed. Feed your Egyptian Mau a balanced diet, the same way you would any cat.

Most Egyptian Maus make great pets. You really need to choose your breeder well. Make sure you get a cat from a good breeding line. Some lines can be unpredictable and excitable. Most of this breed are affectionate to their family and love children, but can be wary of strangers.

Until next time,

Teia