|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 12:44 pm
Russian Blue
Status: Current
History
The Russian Blue cat breed is also known as the Archangel cats, but not because of their looks. This cat breed originated from the Russian port of Arkhangelsk on the White Sea about 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle. These cats would board ships with sailors and so came to other parts of Europe. The first cat show in 1880 in England included Russian Blue cats.
All blue short haired cats competed in the same class but in 1912 the Russian Blues were assigned their own class of the Foreign Blue. After the war, breeders started to resurrect this cat breed and out-crossed to cats that resembled the original Russian Blue. To keep the pale coat, some English breeders used the blue British Shorthair whilst other breeders used blue point Siamese cats to ensure that the foreign body type was preserved. Scandinavian breeders out-crossed cats using a blue cat from Finland and Siamese cats. Their litters had short, tight dark coats and emerald green eyes. In the early 1900s the Russian Blue came to North America, but it would be much later that serious breeding programs were established. North American breeders imported cats from Scandinavia and England and combined the best features of both. Today, the modern Russian Blue cat breed has emerald green eyes and a pale blue coat tinged with silver.
Description
The Russian Blue cat breed is an elegant and graceful medium sized cat. The foreign body is muscular and athletic. The legs are long and fine boned.
The head is a wedge shape with high, wide cheekbones. The ears are large and frame the smiling face. The eyes are round and large and a stunning emerald green.
The coat of this cat is short and dense and comes in only one color is a bright blue tipped with silver. The silver tips reflect light making the coat shimmer.
Grooming is easy and a weekly brushing should keep the coat in top condition.
This is a truly beautiful cat that attracts your attention immediately.
Personality and Temperament
The Russian Blue cat breed is an intelligent and extremely affectionate cat breed. This is a cat that likes to observe people before making its presence known. This does not mean that this is a shy cat breed – it just likes to survey a situation before making a decision.
Once you have been approved, you will have to pile on the affection and love that this cat breed deserves as it will become totally devoted to you. They are equally happy to entertain themselves but will demand lap-time and a cuddle from you. They are playful and get along well with children and other pets.
Once you have been properly trained to play fetch, you will have a hard time trying to get away from a game with this magnificent cat breed.
Heath Issues
N/A
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 12:50 pm
Scottish Fold
Status: Current
History
The Scottish Fold cat breed had its origins in a barn cat named Susie. William Ross found her in 1961 in Scotland and took her in. Susie, a solid white longhaired female, was bred to other cat breeds such as the Persian cat, American Shorthair cats, Burmese cats and Exotic Shorthair cats.
All Scottish Fold cats today can trace their ancestry back to Susie and TICA allows breeders to use the British Shorthair and the American Shorthair in breeding programs.
Description
The Scottish Fold cat breed is a medium sized cat breed with a round body and medium boning. They come in literally all colors and patterns and in a long hair and a short hair variety.
Grooming is easy with a weekly brushing of the short hair Scottish Fold being sufficient and a brushing twice weekly for the long hair variety.
The eyes are round and all eye colors are allowed with copper being the most common color. The face is also round with little ears that fold forward and sit tightly on the head. This makes this cat breeds face look a little like an owl face. All Scottish Fold kittens are born with straight ears that start to fold between 18 and 24 days. This only happens if they are carrying the gene that causes the ears to fold. Usually about half of the litter of kittens will have normal straight ears and these cats are called straight eared Scottish Folds.
Personality & Temperament
The Scottish Fold cat breed is an intelligent and loyal cat breed. This is a type of cat that will learn tricks such as opening cupboard doors and exploring inside. Once a game of fetch is underway, you will have to confiscate the toy to end the game!
Scottish Folds are not shy cats and will follow you or any visitor all over the house. These cats are good with children and other pets. Some of the Scottish Folds like to drink running water and some can even pick food up with their paws to eat it.
One of the funniest things is when a Scottish Fold cat sits up like a prairie dog which they will often do if they hear something that catches their interest. Other Scottish Folds will sit like a human, looking like they are lounging on a sofa!
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:00 pm
Selkirk Rex
Status: Current
History
The Selkirk Rex cat breed originated from a kitten called Miss DePesto. In 1987 in Montana, a feral blue tortie and white cat had a litter of kittens with one kitten that had a bit of an unusual look about her.
Persian breeder Jeri Newman took this kitten and named her Miss DePesto. Jeri found out that this kittens mother had hair that was slightly kinked at the end. Miss DePesto had curly whiskers, a wavy coat and tightly curled hair in her ears. Like the Cornish Rex cat breed, her body had fine boning despite being heavy and her legs were long. All Miss DePestos littermates had normal coats and there were no other curly-coated cats in the region. This led Jeri Newman to the conclusion that she might have a kitten with a new mutant Rex gene.
When she was 14 months old, Miss DePesto was bred to Jeris black Persian male and this cross-breeding resulted in a litter of 6 kittens of 3 with the curly coat of their mom. This proved that the gene was dominant unlike that of the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex cat breeds.
The Selkirk Rex cat breed was accepted by TICA into their New Breed program in 1990 and obtained championship status in February 1994.
Description
The Selkirk Rex cat breed is a medium to large cat breed with heavy boning and a muscular body. The head is round with large round eyes that give this cat a sweet expression. Shorthair cats of this breed have dense, plush curls that make them resemble a teddy bear. The longhair Selkirk Rex cats have a tousled look about them that makes them look like woolly sheep – or like they are having a bad hair day! Both varieties come in all colors.
The curls are most noticeable on the underside and flanks and the neck. The coat is very soft and curls fall loosely. The shorthair Selkirk Rex needs a weekly brushing to remove any loose hair and the longhair Selkirk Rex needs a twice weekly brushing to keep the coat in top condition.
Personality & Temperament
These curly coated cats are laid-back and loving. They just love a cuddle and take it in their stride when people want to touch their unusual coats.
The Selkirk Rex is a playful cat breed and is good with children and other pets, provided they have been properly introduced.
They love playing and a game that involves chasing a toy mouse is greatly enjoyed by both owner and cat.
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:11 pm
Siberian
History
Siberian cats have been around for a long time with the earliest reference to them being made in 1000AD. These majestic cats appeared in the first cat show in the 1870s and there is reference made to Siberian cats at the cat show in the Madison Square Gardens in 1884.
In 1889 cat fancier Harrison Weir made mention of Siberian cats in his book Our Cats and in 1898 John Jennings made mention of them in his book Domestic & Fancy Cats. The first photo of a Siberian cat appeared in 1900 in Helen Winslows book Concerning Cats. Little information is however documented about the early Siberian cat breeds but in the 1980s in Russia, cat fanciers started keeping proper records. The first breed standard for the Siberians was created by Kotofei Cat Club in Moscow and a blue lynx point and white cat and a brown tabby and white cat were used as the models.
12 Siberian cats were entered into the All Union Cat Show in 1989 and in 1990 Elizabet Terrll imported three Siberian cats to the USA. In 1997 Dana Osborn imported the first colorpoint Siberians and in 1998 the first color point kittens were born.
In 1992 TICA accepted these cats into the New Breed program and in 1996 they were granted championship status.
Description
The Siberian cat is a large cat with heavy boning and powerful musculature. They have a rounded body type and gentle, rounded contours to the modified wedge head.
The eyes are round in shape as well. The hind legs of the Siberian cat are slightly longer than the front legs which make them powerful jumpers.
Siberians are considered to be semi-longhair cats, but their coats vary with the seasons. In winter, the coat is a thick, triple-layered coat designed to protect them from the harsh winter conditions. In summer time, the heavy winter coat is shed and a shorter, less dense coat makes its appearance. The coat of the Siberian cat comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Color point Siberians are also known as "Neva-Masquerade". The name is made up of Neva for the river where they are said to have originated, and masquerade, for the mask.
In January 2009 the colorpoint Siberian cat was accepted as a new breed known as the Neva Masquerade within the FIFe
During winter time a daily grooming session is required to ensure that the coat does not become matted and tangled. During the start of the summer time, you will also have to brush your Siberian cat daily to ensure that all the loose hair is removed and to keep it tangle free.
Personality & Temperament
The Siberian is an intelligent cat breed that has problem-solving skills. They can learn how to open cupboard doors in order to help themselves to food and will remember exactly where they have hidden a toy.
The powerful back legs of this different cat breed allows them to jump to great heights and great distances.
Games that involve running and jumping are a favorite and the Siberian enjoys an obstacle course that it can successfully and gracefully negotiate with acrobatic leaps.
Affectionate and people-orientated, these cats are great with children and other pets. Your Siberian will love to talk to you in chirping sounds and will always come to greet you at the door at the end of a long day.
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:22 pm
Siamese
Status: Current
History
The Siamese cat breeds origins are not exactly known, but it is almost certain that it is Eastern in origin. Manuscripts found in Ayudha have writings of their native cats. Ayudha was the ancient capital of Siam, now Thailand. The Cat Book Poems, or Tamra Maew (dating back to 1350) has a drawing of a pale-coated cat with a black mask, tail, feet and ears.
The Siamese was first shown in Europe in 1871 at the Crystal Palace Cat Show in London. In 1879 the first Siamese made its way into the USA as a gift to the wife of President Rutherford Hayes from the US Consul in Bangkok. Originally, the Siamese cats that were shown were seal point cats, but chocolate, lilac and blue colors started to appear and were accepted for show.In the 70s, red and cream points and tabby points made their appearance and in 1989 the silver tabby and the smoke points were accepted for shows. Particolor pointed Siamese cats were also accepted around the same time. TICA accepts all colors and patterns of the pointed category for show.
Description
I think this quite aptly describes the Siamese cat breed:
"The Siamese cat combines the grace of the panther, the fleetness of the deer, the softness of down, the strength of the tiger, the affection of the dog and the courage of the lion...they are a continual study in symmetry, grace and elegance."
Extract from the book "This is the Siamese Cat" by Marge Naples, 2nd edition 1978.
The Siamese is the parent breed for the Siamese Breed Group which includes the Oriental Shorthair and Longhair and the Balinese which is a longhaired Siamese.
The Siamese cat breed is quite literally poetry in motion. It is an elegant and muscular cat with a long tubular body. The legs are long and the body ends in a long tapering tail. (Yes, almost everything on this different cat breed is long and graceful.)
The head is triangular in shape with big triangular ears. One of the distinctive features of the Siamese is its eyes – they are almond-shaped and expressive and come in a deep, rich blue. The Siamese Breed Group is the only breed of cat that has the oriental slant to their eyes. The looks of the Siamese immediately attracts your attention because of the contrasting colors. The points (ears, mask, legs and tail) are all a darker color with the body being paler.
To keep the coat in perfect condition, you will have to brush your Siamese once a week. To keep the coat glossy, you can run a chamois cloth over the body once you are done with the brushing.
Personality & Temperament
The Siamese cat breed is perfect for you if you are looking for a cat that is constantly by your side. They are loyal, affectionate, highly intelligent and social cats that are known “talkers.The voice of a Siamese does not lend itself to being ignored when a Siamese speaks, you listen.
This is not a cat that can be left on its own, even for a short while. If you are not able to give your Siamese the attention that he deserves, make sure that you get a companion Siamese cat.
A Siamese will quickly learn to play fetch and as long as you are willing to throw a mouse or a piece of crumpled paper, they will play.
Siamese cats love to cuddle, whether it is with each other or on your lap.
Health Issues
In general, Siamese cats are a healthy cat breed, although there are a few health issues that could come up.
Kittens seem to be very susceptible to respiratory infections and they should be kept out of drafts as far as possible.
Cardiomyopathy (feline heart disease) is a concern but is not a rampant disease in the Siamese cat breed.
Siamese cats seem to be more sensitive to anesthesia than other cat breeds and can have severe allergic reactions to the medications used for anesthesia. Your veterinarian should be able to answer any questions you might have about the precautions that can be taken to minimize the risks.
Siamese cats are also prone to agenesis of the upper eyelid, a condition in which the upper eyelid fails to develop in the womb.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:27 pm
Singapura
Status: Current
History
The name Singapura is Malaysian for Singapore, which is where the Singapura cat originates from. In South East Asia the ticked coat pattern and dark brown color are a common local combination and it is recognized as being the original gene pool for ticked tabbies.
In the early 1970?s, Hal and Tommy Meadow brought these ticked cats to the USA and in 1971, Hal, who was working in South East Asia, sent more cats home to Tommy who was in the US. Tommy proceeded to breed with these cats and in 1974 Hal and Tommy moved to Singapore. Three ticked cats that went with them were the grandchildren of the original cats that Hal had sent to Tommy in 1971.
When they returned to the US in 1975, they had 5 brown ticked cats with them. In 1980, Barbara Gilbertson imported another brown ticked cat from Singapore. When Hal and Tommy returned to the USA, they started a breeding program to establish the Singapura cat breed. They consulted with a British geneticist on their concerns about inbreeding.
In some litters solid brown kittens occasionally made an appearance and in 1985 it became clear that some Singapuras carried a recessive gene for solid color. A test-mating program was established to try and identify the cats with this gene. This was done in order to eliminate these cats from the official breeding programs. In 1988 only 7 cats had been identified and these cats were adopted as pets.
Singapura breeder Gerry Mayes went to Singapore in 1987 to find more of the foundation cats and the cats he brought back with him was registered with TICA. The Singapura breed is still a rare cat breed but has a dedicated group of breeders and owners committed to its existence. The Singapura was accepted for championship competitions in 1979 by TICA.
Description
The Singapura cat is the smallest breed of cat and only reaches their full size when they are 2 years old. There is little size difference between mature males (6-8 pounds) and mature females (5-6 pounds).
This rare cat breed has a compact body type that is powerfully built with strong legs made for jumping. The head is rounded with large ears that give the Singapura an alert look. The eyes are one of the outstanding features of the Singapura cat breed ? brilliant, deep shades that range from hazel or gold to copper to celadon green. The eyes are offset by mascara-like markings.
The Singapura cat breed comes in only one color. A rich warm sable brown ticking that is set against an ivory background. Yellow tones are often seen that fade on the undersides to a color similar to sepia photographs.
A tabby M appears on the forehead with bars on the knees of the back legs and on the inside of the front legs.
A weekly brushing is sufficient to keep the Singapura?s coat in top condition and to remove loose hair.
Personality & Temperament
The Singapura cat is an extrovert that will follow you everywhere and will insist on inspecting everything that you do. They are curious and intelligent and like to be in the middle of any activity.
Singapuras love being up high, whether it is on a cupboard or on your shoulder, making sure that they are not missing anything.
This small cat breed is affectionate and people-orientated and get along well with other cats.
They are active and enjoy interactive games, but are equally at home snuggled in your lap, purring softly.
The Singapura likes to talk in a soft voice, making its presence known.
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:33 pm
Snowshoe
Status: Current
History
In the early 1960’s Dorothy Hinds Daugherty from Philadelphia found three kittens with four white feet each in a litter of Siamese. This unique color combination appealed to Dorothy and she began the process to establish a new breed. Dorothy bred the kittens to a domestic American Shorthair cat that had tuxedo markings and eventually the popular white V facial markings were developed as well. This breeding produced a new breed of cat that did not look like its ancestors but had a combination of the personalities of both the Siamese and the American Shorthair.The history of the Snowshoe cat was lost due to poor record keeping. Between 1960 and 1977, interest in this new breed of cat declined and in 1977 there was only one breeder left. Surprisingly though, by 1989 there were almost thirty registered breeders and in 1994 TICA accepted the Snowshoe as a championship breed.
Description
The Snowshoe cat is medium sized cat breed with mature males weighing between 9-12 pounds and mature females weighing between 7-10 pounds. This rare cat breed is muscular, powerful and agile. The body is moderately long and almost rectangular in shape. The head is triangular and the ears are medium to large.
All Snowshoe kittens are born snow white. About 2-3 weeks later the point coloring will begin to develop and the head, ears, tail and legs will darken as the kitten ages.
The body of the Snowshoe is a light cream color that darkens with age. The most common colors found are blue point and seal point. Due to specialized breeding, the lighter colors such as chocolate and lilac are less common.
The eye color of the Snowshoe cat ranges from a pale blue-gray to a stunning blue. The coat of the Snowshoe is a single layer short hair coat. A weekly brushing is all that is needed to remove loose hair and to keep the coat healthy and shiny.
Personality & Temperament
The Snowshoe cat has the personality and temperament of both its ancestors – the American Shorthair and the Siamese. This means that you have a cat with a unique look that is both curious and aloof.
A Snowshoe cat bonds strongly with a particular human and will talk to this special person in a soft, melodious voice. They do however get along well with other people and other cats.
This is a cat that demands attention and loves to be cuddled and pampered, but do not mistake the Snowshoe for a lazy cat. Games that stimulate their intelligence and inquisitiveness are appreciated.
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:35 pm
Somali
Status: Current
History
The Somali cat breed is the semi-long haired descendant of the Abyssinian cat breed. It has the same beautiful looks but has a shaggy ticked coat with a fox-like tail and ear tufts.
Description
Both the Abyssinian and the Somali cats are bred in chocolate, blue, cinnamon, ruddy, fawn and lilac colors.
Personality & Temperament
The Somali cat is a loyal and affectionate cat breed that loves to be around their humans. This highly intelligent cat will explore every part of their home and will make sure that you have constant supervision and assistance with all your chores. The Somali is great with children and other pets and love to engage the entire family in their antics. Games that involve running, jumping and lots of activity are highly appreciated by the Somali cat breed.
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:46 pm
Sphynx
Status: Current
History
In 1966 a black and white cat gave birth to a hairless kitten in Ontario, Canada. This kitten was given the name of Prune and she was the foundation cat of the Sphynx cat breed.Prune was bred to other cats in an attempt to create more hairless kittens. Some of the kittens that were born had hair whilst others were as hairless as their mother. This is due to the fact that the hairlessness is a recessive gene. The hairless kittens were called Canadian Hairless Cats whilst other people referred to them as Sphynx cats because of their similarity to the Egyptian cat sculpture.
Several natural mutations of hairless kittens were found in Toronto and Minnesota between 1975 and 1978. These kittens were bred to the Devon Rex, which is another cat breed that has almost no body hair.
The Sphynx cat breed has been recognized by TICA for more than 20 years and currently there are several thousand Sphynx cats registered world wide.
Description
The Sphynx is a medium sized and very muscular cat breed that comes in a variety of colors such as tabby, tortoiseshell, parti-color and solid. TICA recognizes all four the color categories – pointed, mink, sepia and traditional.
The other distinctive feature is their huge ears that can be more than 2 inches in height. The large, lemon-shaped eyes of the Sphynx further enhance its open expression.
Although the Sphynx cat breed is described as a hairless cat breed, it is not really hairless. The Sphynx has a very fine down that covers the skin and gives it the feeling and the appearance of suede. Fine hair is sometimes visible on the backs of the ears and the nose.
Sphynx Cat Care
The Sphynx lacks an absorbent coat and their skin often gets oily, making it necessary for you to bath your Sphynx cat. During cooler periods and the winter season it is very important that you provide adequate shelter for these hairless cats as they do not have the fur coats necessary to protect them from the elements. Fur beds can be purchased at any pet supply store. It is also very important to use a veterinary sun block as the Sphynx can get sunburned easily.
Even though the Sphynx appears hairless, this does not mean that they are hypo-allergenic and will not cause any allergic reactions. The saliva of cats often contain the same protein that the dander does that is responsible for allergic reactions. Before getting a Sphynx, spend time with one to see if you are allergic or not.
Personality & Temperament
This unusual looking cat breed is highly intelligent, inquisitive and affectionate. You will often find the Sphynx snuggled under the blankets with you, not just for warmth, but also to be as close as possible to you. Sometimes dog-like in their loyalty, the Sphynx makes a loving companion.
Most Sphynx cats get along well with children and other pets and they love introducing themselves to your visitors.
This hairless cat breed does not have to be entertained the whole time, but will be perfectly content to play with a piece of crumpled paper for hours.
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 1:57 pm
Tonkinese
History
The Tonkinese cat breed originated from a cross between the Burmese and the Siamese. A cat by the name of Wong Mau was the first Tonkinese and arrived in the US in 1930.
The Burmese cat breed was well established by the 1960s but was a completely different cat breed to the Siamese. Jane Barletta wanted to recreate the Tonkinese from ancient times and set about developing the breed. Around the same time, Margaret Conroy in Canada bred a Burmese to a Siamese. The kittens from this breeding had tan coats and aqua eyes and Margaret decided to further develop this color.
Jane and Margaret started to work together and developed the Tonkinese breed as we know it today.
Description
The Tonkinese is a medium sized cat breed that is neither svelte nor cobby where the body type is concerned. Mature males weigh between 8-12 pounds and mature females weigh between 6-8 pounds. The head is a modified wedge shape with a blunt muzzle and medium sized ears.
The eyes are almond shaped and most Tonkinese cats have stunning aqua colored eyes, although this is not the only eye color of the Tonkinese cat breed. The pointed Tonkinese has the brilliant blue eye color of the Siamese whilst the solid pattern cats have the charteuse eye color of the Burmese.
Tonkinese cats come in a variety of colors – chocolate, cinnamon, seal, blue, lilac, fawn and red with tortoiseshell counterparts. Patterns range from Mink (medium contrast most associated with this cat breed), Solid (low contrast and closest to the sepia Burmese) and Pointed (high contrast and closer to the Siamese pattern.)
The coat is short and lies close to the body. It has a luxurious silky feel and is easy to groom. A weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hair and to keep the coat in its glorious condition.
Personality & Temperament
The Tonkinese cat breed loves to be close to you, whether it is perched on your shoulder or cuddled on your lap. This cat tends to be in the middle of everything that you do and will talk to you and expect you to respond. They are however not quite as vocal as the Siamese.
A game of fetch is a firm favorite and running through your house at full speed is another pastime. Tonkinese cats get along well with children, other cats and even dogs and will engage all of them in a game of chase.
This intelligent cat breed will greet you and any visitor at the door and will act as entertainment for any guests.
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 2:01 pm
Toyger
Status: Current
History
The foundation cats for the Toyger cat breed was a big-boned Bengal cat and a striped domestic shorthair cat. In the late 1980s, Judy Sugden was working to improve the clarity of the markings of mackerel tabby cats. She noticed that one of her own cats had two spots of tabby markings on his temple which is unusual for a domestic tabby cat. Judy realized that this would be the breakthrough she needed to develop a domestic cat breed that would have the patterns and marking of tigers in the wild. In 1993, Judy imported a street cat from Kashmir (India) that had spots between his ears rather than the regular marking of a tabby. Judy was later joined by Anthony Hutcherson and Alice McKee to establish a proper breeding program for the Toyger. In 1993, TICA accepted the Toyger for registration and this different cat breed advanced to New Breed status in 2000. In February 2007, the Toyger gained full recognition as a championship cat breed.
Description
The Toyger resembles a tiger in the wild in more ways than just its coat. It has a long, low slung powerful body with high shoulders and big bones. It is a very muscular cat that has the rolling gait and grace of a large wild cat. Mature males can weigh between 10-15 pounds and mature females can weigh between 7-10 pounds.
Judy Sugden had a very clear idea for the kind of domestic cat that she wanted to create it had to have circular head markings not found in any other domestic cat, the colors and patterns had to be as vivid and bold as that of wild cats and the body had to be large and long. The most important factor to her though was that this different cat breed had to have a friendly and relaxed temperament. So it came about that the Toygers coat pattern is the most unique of any domestic cat breed. Where mackerel tabbies have vertical stripes and spotted tabbies have rounded rosettes, the Toyger has bold, branched vertical stripes that appear in a random pattern. The facial markings have a circular pattern and some of the stripes look like rosettes that are stretched vertically.
The colors of the Toyger cat breed range from a striking orange background with dark markings on the top parts of the cat and a white color on the insides and the undersides. These markings are all further intensified by the gold glitter that is scattered over the top of the coat.
A weekly brushing is required to remove loose hair and to keep the coat in beautiful condition.
Personality & Temperament
The Toyger cat breed is highly intelligent and can be easily trained to walk on a leash and to play games of fetch. It has a very laid-back temperament, which makes it a great addition to any family as they get along well with other pets and children.
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 2:04 pm
Turkish Angora
Status: Current
History
The Turkish Angora cat breed originated in Ankara (formerly known as Angora) and the earliest reference to these silky long-coated cats are found in 16th century France. Reference is also made by European cat fanciers in the late 1800/early 1900’s. In the early 1900’s Persian breeders used the Turkish Angora in their breeding programs and this different cat breed basically disappeared as a separate breed.
In Turkey however, the Turkish Angora cat was considered a national treasure and a breeding program was established at the Ankara Zoo. This program concentrated mainly on white cats with blue eyes, gold eyes and odd eyes. Proper records were kept of the genetics and the progress of the breeding program.These cats were not allowed to be exported anywhere but American servicemen in the 1950’s told people at home about these gorgeous cats and eventually in 1962 the Ankara Zoo allowed two cats to be sent to the USA. The odd-eyed white male and the amber-eyed female belonging to Colonel and Mrs. Walter Grant became the foundation cats of this breed in the USA. A pair of Turkish Angora cats were brought to Arizona in 1964 by Sergeant and Mrs. Ivan Leinback and Mrs. Ray Porter brought a pregnant odd-eyed white female home with her. In 1996 the Grants were allowed to import another pair and soon other cats followed, thus firmly establishing the Turkish Angora cat breed in North America.
Description
The Turkish Angora is described as being the ballerina of cats. The legs are long and fine-boned and the head is an elegant pointed wedge. Large eyes and large, pointed ears round of the look and the tail flows out behind the cat in a long plume of silky hair.
Even though this cat is the embodiment of grace, it has a powerful, muscular body that enables it to perform graceful acrobatics.
The semi-longhaired silky coat rarely mats and a brushing once a week will remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny and silky. Traditionally, white is the only color associated with the Turkish Angora cat breed but they come in a range of colors.
In the winter the coat is medium length with a fully plumed tail, a fine, silky mane and britches. In the summer the coat is shorter with only slight britches and a fluffy tail.
Odd-eye color is common amongst Turkish Angora cats and the one eye will usually be blue whilst the other can be green, brown or yellow. This is a feline form of complete heterochromia, which is a condition that commonly affects white colored cats.
This condition occurs when the dominant white gene or the white spotting gene prevents melanin granules (melanin is a pigment) from reaching one of the eyes during the cats development.
Personality & Temperament
Just like the graceful dancers they are said to resemble, the Turkish Angora is an agile and powerful cat breed. They love to race around the house chasing toys and will often perform acrobatic leaps that leave you breathless.
This is an affectionate, people-orientated cat that loves to be around you helping you with anything and everything. Your Turkish Angora will make its presence known and will demand your attention in subtle ways. They are good with other pets but need to stay dominant.
Health Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2011 2:07 pm
Turkish Van
Status: Current
History
The Turkish Van cat breed is an ancient breed that has existed in the mountainous area of the Eastern Anatolian region since the Middle Ages. It was only discovered in the mid-1950’s when Laura Lushington and Sonia Halliday were on tour in Turkey. On their travels they came across white cats with auburn markings on their heads and tails.
Two unrelated kittens were given to them and these kittens continued traveling with them. One day the two ladies stopped at a stream to cool down and rest and to their surprise, the kittens started splashing and playing around in the water. Returning to England, they took the kittens with them and started a program to promote this different cat breed. Even in its homeland the Turkish Van cat breed is rare and there are not many cats available for export. Breeders around the world worked together to preserve this beautiful cat breed and in July 1979 TICA granted championship status.
Description
The Turkish Van is a large cat breed that has a substantial, powerful body. Mature males weigh between 10-20 pounds and mature females weigh between 7-12 pounds.
All Turkish Van cats have what is called the “Van pattern” which is a combination of white and colored patches with the colored patches restricted to the tail and the head and the white being a gleaming chalk-white. The exception is the solid white Turkish Van, often referred to as the Van Kedi.
The colored patches can be any traditional solid color, but the first Turkish Van cats had a very rich red/auburn color. The tail is a flowing plume that the cat will hold erect when it is running. The eyes range from amber, blue or odd-eyed colors.
The coat of the Turkish Van cat is semi-longhaired and there is no undercoat. As the cat gets older, the coat becomes even more luxurious with the unique cashmere-like texture repelling water and dirt.
In the winter the Turkish Van grows tufts of hair between its paws and the coat become longer and fuller. In the summer it sheds its long coat for a shorter one. The coat does not mat and tangle easily but it is important to brush the cat once a week to remove loose hair and to keep it in top condition. As these cats enjoy water and swimming, they enjoy a bath as well.
Personality & Temperament
The Turkish Van cat breed is an affectionate and loyal companion that love to play games and can easily be taught how to play fetch. This is a highly intelligent and curious cat that will insist on helping you with your daily tasks.
As long as their dominance is respected, they get along well with other pets. A Turkish Van will cuddle on your lap for a short while but will not be overbearing and attention-seeking all the time.
Turkish Van cats simply adore running and water sports and you should create a place in your garden for you cat where he can run whilst splashing and jumping through puddles of water.
Heath Issues
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
