As it turns out there are dozens of cat breeds, some more popular than others,
but each bringing something unique to the realm of cats... and something very
special to those who have the pleasure of working with them.
ABYSSINIAN
The cat breed called Abyssinian may or may not have been derived from
cats that actually came from this region, but there can be no doubt that this
animal reflects the exotic beauty and riches of ancient Abyssinia. Lithe and
athletic, the Abyssinian is universally admired among cat enthusiasts, and
definitely looks as if it is a direct descendant of the African wildcat. This
medium-sized breed sports a short, ticked coat, usually a ruddy or reddish
color, but sometimes fawn, blue or other color. The Aby has large upright
ears, a fine, thin neck, lion-like tail, and usually gold or green
almond-shaped eyes. It is a lively and intelligent breed that makes a very
loyal companion.
AMERICAN BOBTAIL
"The cat with only one life left" is how one person humorously
described the American Bobtail, which can at times appear to have survived
some hair-raising experiences. Start with the breed's unique short tail...
what misadventure conspired to cause that? The American Bob's overall chunky
and sometimes wild-looking physical structure actually camouflage a real
charmer on the inside. This medium-to-large breed is for the cat-connoisseur
who is looking for an exotic sweetheart.
AMERICAN CURL
As distinctive as the American Bobtail's rear end is the American
Curl's front end. With ears that gently curl backwards, this breed is one that
is instantly recognizable even though it comes in a wide variety of coat
colors. A medium-sized cat, the American Curl is fast gaining popularity due
not only to its unique look but also in great measure to its steady and
friendly disposition.
AMERICAN SHORTHAIR
This is the oldest recognized all-American cat breed, and one which
has earned great admiration all around the world. The American Shorthair is
the classic "tabby"... a well-built, rodent-chasing machine. Because it comes
in a multitude of colors and patterns, this medium-to-large sized breed is
often confused with a typical alley cat, but actually is a much finer-bred
animal. The American Shorthair makes for one of the very best pets due to its
sturdiness and laid-back charm.
AMERICAN WIREHAIR
This cat type is one of the newest officially recognized breeds,
having been developed a scant three decades ago when a litter of very unusual
kittens was born in upstate New York. These kittens sported a completely
unique coat, wiry and hard... and became the base stock for a brand new breed,
the American Wirehair. Their size and proportion closely resemble the American
Shorthair, and they are also similar to their American cousins in quiet and
loving personality.
BALINESE
Although not very appropriately named, given the fact that this cat
definitely did not come from Bali, there is no doubting that the Balinese is
an otherwise outstanding breed. Actually, the "Balinese" is a Siamese with
longer hair. This breed shares most of the characteristics of its ancestral
stock, including a lively and fun-loving personality. Its beautiful long hair
is easy to maintain and comes in a variety of colors, including blue,
chocolate, lilac and seal-points. Eyes are blue.
BENGAL
The name "Bengal" conjures images of the man-eating tigers of India,
and while few Bengal breed cats have been known to eat anyone, they do have a
definite look about them that suggests their wild forebears. This breed sports
leopard-like spots that supposedly are engendered by actual wildcat ancestors.
But the wildness is only coat-deep... underneath is a playful, trustworthy
pet.
BIRMAN
Generally acknowledged as one of the most beautiful of all cat
breeds, the Birman's trademarks are blue eyes, a luxurious, color-pointed coat
and white slippers. This is a medium-large breed, stocky and well-built,
definitely a cat that will turn heads. Yet beauty alone could not provide the
popularity that this cat enjoys. The Birman is also a gentleman or gentle lady
as the case may be, making a wonderful pet choice for its lucky keepers.
BOMBAY
If ever there was a cat breed that seems to have jumped straight out
of a Halloween fright flick, it is the eerily beautiful Bombay. With its
short-haired, jet-black coat and gleaming gold eyes, the Bombay definitely
cuts a fine figure. This breed is closely related to the Burmese, from which
it was developed in the mid-1960s. This medium-sized, lithely-built cat is
quite friendly, cuddly, and usually very self-confident.
BRITISH SHORTHAIR
If you know you want a cat, but a teddy bear would be nice also, the
British Shorthair is for you. With a face somehow suggesting a hint of
Churchill, the Brit is a favorite on both sides of the Pond. Though the most
common coat color is blue, this affable fellow comes in other colors as well,
all plush as plush can be. Another distinguishing characteristic of the breed
is its overall "roundness", a physical trait that only adds to its teddy bear
quality.
BURMESE
The Burmese is a load, both physically and in the personality
department. Its hard musculature gives it a weight that is surprising
considering its medium-sized appearance. Meanwhile, the breed is notoriously
nutty... delighting in fun and games that many cats couldn't imagine. Its
growing segment of fanciers greatly appreciate their cats' playfulness, but
most are initially drawn to the breed by its sheer beauty. The traditional
sable, and newer colors -- blue, champagne, platinum, etc. -- are gorgeous.
CHARTREUX
This breed, of French origin, has a long history, only the most
recent parts of which have been particularly satisfying for the cats
themselves. You see, the Chartreux has one of the most luxurious coats of any
cat, and it was prized by 17th and 18th Century Frenchmen not as something to
hug and cuddle, but as a nifty thing to wear. Fortunately, being turned into
pelts is not a fate awaiting these wonderful, sturdy cats today. The Chartreux
comes in strictly a bluish-gray color, with gold to copper eyes.
COLORPOINT SHORTHAIR
This breed, first developed in the late 1940s in Great Britain from
Siamese base stock, remains a close off-shoot of the Siamese; indeed, some
consider the Colorpoint Shorthair simply a different-colored Siamese. But
others (particularly those sticklers to the traditional Siamese color schemes)
insist that the Colorpoint be considered a different breed. The Colorpoint
Shorthair colors are beautiful, whether in red and cream, tabby or tortie
points. Otherwise this breed matches the Siamese in size and personality.
CORNISH REX
Now, if the Bombay is the prototypical Halloween cat, the Cornish Rex
is an image straight out of Saturday morning cartoons. This elongated guy with
the wavy coat, curly whiskers and big ears looks like no other, that's for
sure. The C.R.'s coat is very unusual in that shedding is kept to a minimum.
This breed has a distinctive personality, too., being a very inquisitive,
smart and loyal companion. It comes in a wide variety of colors.
DEVON REX
The Devon is seemingly a moderate version of the more austere Cornish
Rex, though they actually are entirely separate breeds. The Devon coat is a
bit less wavy, and more fluffy, and the body as a whole is a tad less angular,
though still quite elongated. Like its Cornish cousin, the Devon is curious,
some would say downright nosy... having to be involved in all activities in
its household. Also like the Cornish, the Devon Rex sheds very little.
EGYPTIAN MAU
From the land of the cat goddess Bast -- ancient Egypt -- came the
original stock of this exceptional cat breed, one of the oldest in the world,
and the only "naturally-spotted" domestic cat. While spots have been achieved
on the coats of other cat types by selective breeding, the Mau proudly wears
its direct lineage back to its African wildcat ancestors. Inside, however,
lurks not the heart and soul of a predator, but of a sweetheart, a great
family cat.
EXOTIC SHORTHAIR
This breed was developed by crossing Persians with various types of
shorthairs, including the American, but it definitely retains much of its
Persian lineage. The breed comes in a wide range of colors, and sports the
Persian face. The coat is the major difference, being of much shorter length
and a lot easier to care for. Temperamentally, they are also very similar to
Persians, quiet, calm and unassuming, but still very affectionate.
HAVANA BROWN
This breed is another fairly recently developed type, having been
systematically derived in the late 1940s in Great Britain. The Havana Brown is
a medium-sized cat with a lustrous chocolate coat as its primary calling card.
It has rather large ears and a slightly protruding muzzle, and usually
glistening green eyes, all of which render it quite unique amongst the cat
tribe. The Havana is typically rather quiet, but also ever-playful in wanting
to be right in the middle of all the household activity.
HIMALAYAN
Is there no end to the breeds of cats that are almost assuredly not
from the lands for which they are named? The Himalayan is another of such
breeds, actually a close relative of the Persian. The major distinguishing
factor here is the Himalayan's pointed coat, which run to blue, chocolate,
seal, red and cream, tortie, lilac, and lynx versions. The Himalayan shares
most of other attributes with the Persian, including its winning personality.
JAPANESE BOBTAIL
Well, it seems this breed does actually hail from Japan, and it does
have a bobtail, so it is one of the cat breeds that is very accurately named.
Bold and striking patterns of white, red and black are the preferred colors
for this medium-sized, athletic cat. Though solid colors are also permissible.
The bobtail is a naturally-endowed trait, though the tails do vary a bit in
size and functionality between individuals. The Japanese Bobtail is a lively
companion, usually quite "talkative."
JAVANESE
Back to the fantasy names... the "Javanese" does not come from Java,
rather it is a close relation to the Balinese (which, as you recall, doesn't
come from Bali), with color schemes very similar to those of the Colorpoint
Shorthair. The silky long hair of the Javanese is its principal calling card,
though this breed... like all of the Siamese-derived breeds... makes for a
wonderful companion as well as a beauty-contest winner.
KORAT
This breed hails from Thailand, where it is respected as a "good luck
charm" amongst many natives. It is strikingly handsome cat, shimmering a dark
silvery-blue, with piercing golden-green eyes. The hair is not long and does
not come off as easily as on some breeds. The Korat will usually develop a
very close bond with its immediate family, but often does not enjoy intrusions
or interruptions by others.
MAINE COON
The "State Cat of Maine" actually does sometimes resemble a raccoon
in coat coloration and with its long, bushy tail. This large and
heavily-furred breed is well-suited to the rugged winters of New England. Its
water-resistant coat is unusual in texture, and is delightful to the touch.
The Maine Coon is one of America's oldest cat breeds, originally a
mouser-extraordinaire, but now usually a faithful house companion.
MANX
The Manx is a very old English breed, distinguished by its stub tail,
or in some cases no tail at all, which actually is preferred for show
purposes. Aside from its rare rear, the Manx is a medium-sized cat with
usually short (though sometimes long) and dense fur. The breed sports an
overall rounded appearance and a family-friendly personality. It is generally
not a highly active cat, nor is it extremely vocal. The Manx comes in a very
wide range of colors and patterns.
NORWEGIAN FOREST CAT
The lynx-like Norwegian Forest Cat is another large and
heavily-furred cat, which sports a range of coloration and a generally
delightful personality. It is sometimes compared to the Maine Coon, which it
superficially resembles. This breed did (surprise!) develop in the forests of
Norway, but it is far from feral now. The long hair of this breed is not as
much trouble as one might expect; with just a bit of help the cat keeps it in
good shape all on its own.
OCICAT
Though the patterning on the coat definitely sometimes rings true to
its wild Mexican and Central American distant cousin, the Ocicat is really not
part Ocelot! In reality, the spots of this cat were achieved through selective
breeding of Abyssinian, Siamese and American Shorthair stock. Despite not
being a real jungle cat, the Ocicat is definitely a real fine pet.. quite
outgoing and friendly, and an excellent family member.
ORIENTAL LONGHAIR & SHORTHAIR
These breeds, almost identical except for the length of coat, are
variations upon the Siamese theme, with a dose of Balinese, Javanese and
Colorpoint Shorthair thrown in for good measure. It makes for a beautiful
animal, and quite a nice personality package as well. The Shorthair has become
one of America's favorite cat types, while the Longhair is one of the newest
"official" cat breeds (though not all registries recognize it), having been
adopted by the CFA in 1988. Both breeds are generally demonstrative and
loving.
PERSIAN
Speaking of popularity, here is Number One insofar as pure-bred cats
in the United States are concerned. Persian registrations dwarf all other
breeds, and have for what seems like ages. Lovers of these cats just shrug and
ask, "why wouldn't they be tops?" Definitely the Persian is a beauty, with a
luxuriant coat (that comes in many colors and patterns) unmatched in catdom,
and that cute little pinched face. Of course, the coat requires almost daily
brushing to keep tidy... this is not the self-cleaning coat of the rugged
Norwegian or Maine Coon. The Persian's affable, low-key personality also is a
winner. It is the ultimate lap-cat, and its legions of fans are ecstatic with
them right there.
RAGDOLL
This breed, originally developed in the 1960s in California, was
created from the crossing of Persian, Burmese and Birman base stock. The
Ragdoll (along with another "rag-type" cat, the Ragamuffin) is fast gaining
followers, who are drawn to this breed's unique looks and very sweet
temperament. Ragdolls are a color-pointed breed, and come in four colors --
blue, seal, chocolate and lilac, and three patterns. The Ragdoll is typically
a large cat, but very laid-back and people-oriented.
RUSSIAN BLUE
Supposedly an export of Russia, and very definitely always
blue...whether it be a dark tone or silvery. The coat is plush but not long,
and does not require constant grooming. This is a lithe and
athletically-built, medium-sized cat, with large ears and usually golden-green
eyes. Though curious, playful and loyal, it can be somewhat shy around
strangers or in unfamiliar situations.
SCOTTISH FOLD
The very unusual folded-forward ears of this breed originated from
what is called a "spontaneous mutation" in a Scottish cat back in the early
1960s. Subsequent line-breeding was successful in reproducing the ear-folds.
Just a few decades later, the Scottish Fold is one of the rising stars of the
cat world. Scottish Folds come in a wide array of colors, but, guess what? Not
all have folded ears. It seems that kittens either inherit the folds, or they
don't. By the age of four or five weeks, the folds should have appeared, if
they are going to.
SELKIRK REX
Like the two other "Rex" breeds, the Selkirk has a very unusual coat
of very wavy or curly, almost sheep-like hair. But this is about all the
Selkirk has in common with the other two. Otherwise it more closely resembles
the American Shorthair in body type. This is a very new breed, that is not yet
recognized by all registries. It usually comes in solid colors, and is
typically an affable companion.
SIAMESE
The fabled Siamese cat deserves a nod of special recognition for its
grand contribution to so many different breeds available today. Yet the
Siamese is holding its own, as well, even in the face of stiff modern
competition. Still perhaps the ultimate "people-cat", the beautiful Siamese is
the essence of the communicative cat... never failing to explain exactly how
it feels about a given situation. Two types seem to have developed -- the
"original", elongated shape, and the "traditional", more rounded shape. Both
carry the inimitable Siamese personality.
SIBERIAN CAT
Another Russian import, this breed has only just arrived on American
shores, but is already winning converts. A large, well-furred cat akin to the
Norwegian and Maine Coon, the Siberian is adapted to a cold, harsh climate,
but also shares the other Northern breeds' tractable temperament. Brown tabby
is perhaps the most common color scheme, but many others are available as
well. Look for this breed to continue to move upwards on the popularity scale.
SINGAPURA
This very pretty breed apparently developed in Singapore from the
melange of Asiatic breed types available there. In size and conformation it is
reminiscent of the Abyssinian, though coloration is somewhat different. It is
usually a grayish-cream, with a white chest and brown ticking on the back. A
very outgoing and involved breed, the Singapura rarely encounters someone it
doesn't like.
SNOWSHOE
This interesting breed, which in perfect form sports a white mask and
four "snowshoes," is derived from crosses between the Siamese and American
Shorthair. It is a medium-sized cat with smooth coat, and often blue eyes.
This is a well-proportioned cat with a friendly disposition that probably is
going to rise quickly in popularity.
SOMALI
Somalis are often referred to as the "longhaired version of the
Abyssinian." But in reality, they are not really that longhaired... not in the
sense, anyway, of a Persian or Manx. The most striking asset of the Somali is
its beautiful, bushy tail, which seems more pronounced because the body hair
is not that long. Coloration includes a ticked coat along the same color
schemes as the Aby. Somalis share the playful, exuberant personality of their
Abyssinian cousins, and can generally be counted on to be loving family
members.
SPHYNX
The winner, hands down, in the "Most Unusual Cat" category, is the
Sphynx, the hairless breed (though it is actually covered with a very soft,
fine down). No mistaking these guys, who do look as if they stepped right out
of a Pyramid hieroglyph. Despite being relatively hairless, the breed does
show coloration of various types and patterns. Though very unusual-looking,
the Sphynx is as dependably loving and friendly as one would expect of any of
those "other"cats... you know, the ones with fur.
TONKINESE
This breed is closely aligned with the Siamese, with a strong dose of
Burmese as well. Tonks are sometimes said to have "mink"-like coats, in
texture and color. The come in a range of colors that fit nicely in-between
the Siamese and Burmese schemes. Likewise, Tonkinese are very similar in
temperament to their twin ancestral lines... communicative and self-confident,
they make excellent pets.
TURKISH ANGORA
This breed has an interesting history that trails back to Turkey and
forward to the brink of near-extinction. Fortunately, the breed was rescued
from that fate and now is again delighting cat fanciers worldwide. The breed
sports a very luxurious coat, often pure white. These still relatively rare
cats have an intelligent and pleasing nature about them as well.
TURKISH VAN
Quite similar to the Turkish Angora is this breed, which is
differentiated mainly by "van" markings on the head and tail. The breed
normally appears in white, with a somewhat longhaired coat. The van markings
are usually red, blue or black. Inquisitive and social, the Turkish Van is yet
another in the long line of excellent pure breeds available to satisfy any cat
lover.
