When you understand your cat’s breed, you’ll understand her personality. All cats have a range of different temperaments, so there is a breed to suit your particular circumstances. Some breeds have been derived from naturally distinctive local cat populations, a chance mutation, or selectively bred by crossings with other breeds. More recently, domestic cats have been mated with small wildcats, too, to create new coat patterns and felines with attitude.
Although they have a reputation for being rather independent, cats do appreciate companionship. A cat’s breed affects the kind of companionship it prefers. Some breeds are sedate and will be happy as indoor cats; others are more active and need room to roam. If you have children, you need a breed that will accept and play happily with them.
The following types of cats are just a few examples of the variety of personalities that you can encounter. Please refer to the breed tables on pages 100, 113, 118, and 142 for a much more detailed breakdown of the characteristics of the different breeds.
A non-pedigree cat is a rewarding and self-reliant friend.
The Affectionate Cat
Lively, entertaining, and affectionate cats with assertive natures, such as the Siamese, will be comfortable in a household where they will receive plenty of attention. Siamese, among the most vocal of cats, are not easily ignored. Teenagers especially will value the close bond they can establish with a Siamese. Short-haired cats like the Siamese require very little grooming.
The Tolerant Cat
If you want to be sure of a placid-natured cat, a safe choice is the ragdoll, a new breed noted for her tolerance. The ragdoll will enjoy being part of a family with young children, and she will be less likely to lash out if handled carelessly. This breed is named for the way her body becomes limp when relaxed. An amenable nature also means that she should not feel jealous of a new baby. She does require weekly grooming.
The Self-Reliant Cat
Your absence all day means that your cat deserves plenty of affection when you are home in the evening. Even so, since cats naturally tend to sleep during the daytime, they will adapt to this type of routine. Ordinary domestic cats will be content in this situation, because they are self-reliant and adaptable by nature.
The Companion Cat
The opportunity to have a single human companion will appeal to many cats: companionship will also influence your choice. If you are living alone, there are a number of breeds that would suit you well. Short-haired and easy to groom, the Russian makes a reliable companion cat. If she comes to live with you as a kitten, the bond formed between you will be even stronger.
Long-haired Persians (left) enjoy human attention and the playful Russian blue (center) forms close emotional ties. Relaxed and friendly, the ragdoll (above) is the ideal family pet.
The Attention-Loving Cat
A home-loving cat that will not display any marked tendency to stray is likely to enjoy owners who have plenty of time to spend with them. Persian longhairs are ideal in this respect, and thrive on attention. They are bred in virtually every color variant recognized in the domestic cat, ranging from single solid color “selfs” to tabbies and calicos. Persian cats, however, do need daily grooming.
Are Pedigree Cats More Affectionate?
Studies of the differences in reactions between humans and non-pedigree, Persian, and Siamese cats have found that Siamese cats spend the most time interacting with humans, followed by Persians. Both breeds of pedigree cat were found to be more dependent on their human owners than non-pedigree cats.
The stylish Siamese cat is affectionate and loyal.
Shorthairs And The Maine Coon
These breeds were initially developed by a process of natural selection from ordinary domestic cats, but later breed standards were set and certain attributes were specifically selected.
American, British, And European Shorthair
These breeds were descended initially from ordinary street cats, but were later crossed with Persians to improve their size. Initially they had variable tabby markings often combined with white areas on their coat, but breeders strived to remove such patterning and create solid-colored or “self” varieties. They also attempted to standardize the white and colored areas of fur, aiming to create cats with the distinctive appearance of Dutch rabbits—colored areas on both the head and hindquarters separated by a white area on the center of the body and a white blaze extending down the front of the face. However, the breeders were not successful.
There are a number of different shorthair breeds, but all of them evolved in a similar way. The British shorthair is the best-known example of the group, but the others—with a more regional distribution—are the American and European shorthairs.
British shorthairs are now bred in a wide range of color varieties, after crossings with Persians and Himalayans to introduce both oriental coloring and colorpoint patterning.
Maine Coon
A number of domestic cats arrived in the East Coast ports of the United States, carried in ships from all parts of Europe. These cats soon bred and increased in numbers around the ports, and it was here that the origins of the Maine coon lie. Unlike many subsequent breeds, it was shaped by its environment; a thick weather-resistant coat gave good protection against bitter winter weather and its large size meant it was a particularly effective hunter. Maine coons fell out of favor when more exotic breeds were developed, but they started to become fashionable again in the 1950s due to a growing awareness among cat fanciers of the breed’s heritage and the important role it played alongside the early settlers and homesteaders.
Maine coons are a native North American breed.
It is quite usual for Maine coons to have tufts of fur on the tips of their ears, which reinforce their wild appearance.
Maine coons still have a rather wild look—tabby and bicolor patterning is common, although there are “self” colors, too, such as black. They are friendly and self-reliant by nature, but they definitely prefer to explore the outdoors rather than be kept permanently in the home. They are at home in cold climates where the natural profusion of their fur is displayed to best effect.
Domestic Breeds
These are hardy, phlegmatic cats that enjoy a variety of situations and are playful by nature. Although they enjoy affection, they are not quite as strident as Siamese and will be very content in a family home. The range of colors and markings existing within these breeds represents virtually all those that have occurred within domestic cat bloodlines, and there are even color-pointed examples.
The Scratching Post How Many Layers In A Cat’s Coat?
There are normally three layers of hair in a cat’s coat. First are the outer guard hairs, which are relatively long, with the secondary guard hairs beneath them. The third layer of insulating down hairs, or awn, are shorter still and lie closest to the body.
Unusual Breeds
Some of the most striking breeds of today are the result of individual mutations that have occurred—often at first among stray cats. Careful breeding programs have developed these changes in appearance. In rex varieties the mutation has affected the cat’s coat so the normal fur structure is altered.
Cornish Rex
The oldest rex type is the Cornish rex, named after the county of Cornwall in the southwest of England, where in 1950 a strange-looking male kitten with a curly coat cropped up in a litter. His owner began breeding further examples, which she called rexes because of a similar mutation that she had noted in the rex breed of rabbits. In the Cornish rex, all the hairs in the coat are shorter, with the secondary hairs reduced to the length of awn hairs (see box, above). Collectively, this creates the distinctive rippled or wavy appearance evident in the coat. To compensate for this lack of insulation, the body temperature of these cats is slightly higher. These rexes are very elegant and have a more wavy coat overall than their Devon relatives. They may look quite tall, especially because of their long, straight legs.
Lively and inquisitive by nature, the Cornish rex will settle well in the home. They are athletic cats and will climb readily and leap over relatively long distances. Rex cats are ideal if you do not want to spend long periods grooming your cat but would prefer to play with her instead. To groom the Cornish rex you stroke smoothly from head to tail to keep the wavy coat in good condition.
The coloring of this attractive blue-cream and white Cornish rex is known both as dilute tortoiseshell and white and—particularly in North America—as dilute calico.
In spite of its relatively short fur, the Siamese patterning of this red-point Devon rex is clearly apparent.
Devon Rex
A second rex mutation occurred about 10 years later in the neighboring English county of Devon. The founder of the breed was a stray tomcat, which lived near a tin mine. He managed to elude any attempts to catch him. Nevertheless, he is believed to have mated with one of the local queens, who subsequently gave birth to a litter containing a rex kitten named Kirlee. The coat of the Devon rex is different from that of the Cornish rex, because it is made up largely of awn hairs with few guard hairs present. Its face has been compared to that of a pixie, partly due to its large, broad ears. Outcrosses to various other breeds have given rise to a wide range of colors, including the so-called Si-rex, which displays Siamese patterning. The most important feature in this breed is the quality of the coat, since Devon rexes can be prone to bald patches due to their naturally thin fur.
A Cat’s Tale Devon Rex: A Doglike Cat
Some owners have suggested that the Devon rex is more doglike in character than most cats, since it is very playful. It can even prove to be an adept retriever, bringing toys back to its owner, while retaining its natural feline agility, which means that a climbing frame for these cats would be appreciated.
The Devon rex is a breed with real personality, possessing a highly playful nature. It will settle just as happily in a home with children and dogs as with an older person on their own, where it can be the center of attention. This rex again needs very little grooming, thanks to its thin coat, but is also more susceptible to the cold than other breeds. Its broad ears may need wiping occasionally, but never be tempted to poke anything down your pet’s ear canal because this could be painful and harmful to delicate ears.
Selkirk Rex
The third well-known member of the rex group is much less likely to lose hair simply because it is a long-haired mutation. The Selkirk rex has a rather tousled appearance because of the curly nature of its coat; the curl extends even to its whiskers. Again, it cropped up as the result of an unexpected mutation—it was first seen in a female kitten that formed part of a litter given to an animal rescue shelter in Wyoming in 1987.
This rex breed was named after the nearby Selkirk Mountains, following the established tradition of naming these cats after their area of origin. It has again proved to be very different from other forms of rex, and not just in terms of appearance—in this case, the mutation is the result of a dominant gene. This means that mating a Selkirk rex with an ordinary cat should result in a high percentage of rex kittens in the resulting litter. The kittens themselves undergo an unusual change in appearance as they grow up; they are born with a curly coat, which then becomes thinner and gains a wiry texture. The cat’s long adult coat emerges just before it reaches one year old.
The Selkirk is a hardy and friendly addition to the list of rex breeds that are available today. Playful and with a relaxed attitude to life, it makes an excellent companion.
The Selkirk rex is the latest addition to the rex group of breeds. This is a blue-cream or dilute tortoiseshell example, with highly individual patterning.
The Scratching Post Do Hairless Cats Occur In Different Colors?
Bicolor sphynxes are common, usually with a white area on the face extending onto the belly. It is possible to make out both the color and any patterning. This also applies to the Peterbald, a similar but rarer breed created by crossing a don hairless breed with Oriental-type cats in Russia in the early 1990s.
Sphynx
The most extreme member of this group of cats is the sphynx, also known as the hairless cat. Despite this description, it does have some fur, notably on the extremities of its body, as well as a very fine downy covering elsewhere. The mutation that gave rise to these highly unusual cats first occurred in Canada; some felines were then taken to Europe, where they became popular in France and the Netherlands.
The sphynx remains a rare breed even today, and needs special care. Its skin needs wiping regularly with a damp cloth or chamois leather to remove natural oily skin secretions, while its lack of fur means that it needs to be kept indoors. Otherwise, it will not only be at risk of becoming chilled in cold weather, but it’s also very likely to suffer from sunburn and skin cancer in warmer climates. People who keep these cats find them very affectionate in spite of their odd appearance.
Two examples of a bicolor sphynx. There is a distinctive difference in coloration between this black-and-white individual and the blueand-white bicolor on the far right.
Other spontaneous mutations have affected the tails and ears of cats, and some of these have been developed to create distinctive breeds. Cats with shortened tails have been recorded from various localities over the course of centuries and this particular mutation is also clearly evident in the case of the bobcat. There are also a few spontaneous mutations that involve the ears, leading to cats with ears that are folded or curled, rather than standing erect.
Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese bobtail is recognized by its fairly rigid, curved stumpy tail, which measures between 2 and 4 in. (5 and 10 cm) long. It is covered with relatively long fur and resembles a pom-pom in appearance. The origins of this particular breed are believed to lie on the Asiatic mainland, almost certainly in China, from where these cats were brought to Japan over 1,000 years ago.
Although traditionally the short-haired form was more favored, Japanese bobtails with long hair have started to become prominent over recent years. However, the coat in this breed is not significantly longer than that of their shorthair counterparts.
The Japanese bobtail has gained a reputation for being a friendly and affectionate cat, possessing very distinctive call-notes.
Manx
The best-known tail mutation in the West is that of the Manx cat, which is named after the Isle of Man off England’s northwest coast. Although Manx are often called tailless cats, there are actually three variants, all of which have a crucial role in the breeding process.
The completely tailless form is known as a rumpy, but two rumpies should not be paired together because of spine deformities associated with the tailless gene.
There are two other forms of the Manx: the stumpy, which has some evidence of a tail; and the longie, with a tail similar in length to that of an ordinary domestic non-pedigree. Manx are still rare cats today, partly because they tend to have small litters and only a percentage of the kittens will be a true example of the breed, lacking any trace of a tail. Manx are bred in a range of colors and patterns corresponding to those associated with ordinary cats. In Canada a further development in their history occurred in the 1960s, when a long-haired version was established and became known as the Cymric, after the Celtic name for Wales.
The Japanese bobtail is a stocky breed with a predominantly white coat, usually with a colored area on the top of the head. These cats tend either to be red and white as shown here, or red, black, and white—a tortoiseshell variant known in Japan as Mi-ke.
Manx are well-adjusted, friendly cats, and this makes them an ideal choice for a household with children and dogs. Despite concerns about their health, they are surprisingly hardy and long-lived.
This classic tabby is a stumpy Manx, showing a discernible trace of a tail. The way in which the back curves up toward the rump is very clearly evident.
Scottish Fold
The Scottish fold was another natural mutation, which in 1961 arose in farm cats living near Coupar Angus, a village in Perthshire, Scotland.
These cats have folded ears and were originally called lop-ears because of a similar mutation known in rabbits. The folded ears can be passed directly from one generation to the next, because it is a dominant genetic trait. The change in ear shape has not impaired the cats’ hearing in any way, but there is a potential problem associated with the mutation that may affect the legs and tail, which can become thickened, causing difficulty in walking. However, this problem is easily overcome simply by mating cats with folded ears to others with normal ears. Not surprisingly, given the wide variety of cats that have contributed to its bloodline, Scottish folds now exist in a wide range of colors and patterns, although Siamese markings are not encouraged by the breed registry.
A Cat’s Tale Legend Of The Manx
The origins of the Manx are unknown, although there have been some romantic suggestions to explain the presence of these cats on the Isle of Man. One theory is that they may be descended from cats that swam ashore from wrecked galleons centuries ago, following the sea battle between British ships and the Spanish Armada in 1588. Alternatively, it is proposed that their ancestors may have been brought by even earlier seafarers visiting the island. These stories may have some truth in them, but what probably happened is that the mutation developed because cats on the island were isolated from those elsewhere on the mainland.
There was a well-known Manx in the United States called Nila-Blite Pola, who distinguished himself by winning a Best-in-Show award at the age of 13. There was also a Manx who regularly accompanied his bulldog companion to the South London Bulldog Show in Victorian times, with this seemingly odd couple attracting considerable attention at the time.
One reason for the popularity of these cats today is their friendly temperament, making them ideal companions around the home. They are quiet and affectionate, yet also instinctively curious.
Scottish Fold Longhair (Coupari)
The breeding program of the Scottish fold, originating from non-pedigree stock, meant that the long-haired gene was present in the bloodline from the start. In the early days, long-haired felines were not favored in this breed, simply because the length of the fur tended to mask the distinctive, tight fold of the ears. It was not until the 1980s—some 20 years later—that the long-haired form began to attract any attention and was developed, again in the United States.
The breed was soon accepted for showing, although it has been known under a variety of names. These include Scottish fold longhair, Highland fold, and longhair fold, although ultimately this breed has become known as the Coupari in the United Kingdom.
Like the short-haired form, the Scottish fold longhair is quiet and affectionate and very friendly. It is also very curious but has an easygoing temperament which makes it good with children. It likes company, either human or another cat.
A black-and-white Scottish fold shorthair. Long-haired kittens can crop up in litters even when both parents are short-haired—they are recognizable by their fluffier appearance at this age.
A Cat’s Tale Susie And Her Kittens
A shepherd named William Ross noticed that the ears of one of a litter of young cats were folded down at their tips rather than standing erect. Their owner offered him any other similar kitten born in the future, and although it was to be another two years before this promise could be fulfilled, this marked the beginning of the development of the Scottish fold breed. The timing was highly fortuitous because Susie, the original white cat who produced this kitten, was killed just three months later.
Scottish folds are quite stocky cats, having been developed with outcrossings to British and American shorthairs. The one shown left is a red classic tabby.
A black long-haired American curl. The founder of this breed was long-haired, but short-haired felines are now also recognized for show purposes.
American Curl
America was home to another mutation affecting a cat’s ears, which in some respects is the opposite of the Scottish fold. In 1981 a long-haired kitten with curled ears turned up on the steps of a cat-loving couple living in Lakewood, California, and later produced kittens with curled ears.
Interestingly, all newborn American curl kittens look as if they have normal ears. Only from the age of four to seven days do the ears start to change in those destined to be curls, with the tips turning back. Even then the change is gradual, and it may be up to six months before the curl has fully developed. The cat is able to move its ears, swiveling the tips so that they point toward each other, with the base of the ears quite firm. Tufts of hair are considered desirable at the tips of the ears.
At first, only long-haired forms of the American curl were recognized for show purposes, but subsequently, a short-haired form was developed. Since the breed developed from non-pedigree stock, there is a wide variety of colors available in this breed, including Siamese markings.
In terms of personality, these cats are very well adjusted. They are playful and yet also placid, making ideal companions, although care should be taken in homes with young children, who may be inclined to try to place their fingers or even objects into the cat’s ear canal.
Munchkin
The general conformity in the size of all breeds of cat helps to explain why the munchkin, named after the race of little people in The Wizard of Oz, proved to be such a controversial cat when it first appeared in 1983. It has greatly shortened legs, with its front legs measuring just 3 in. (7.5 cm) in length, compared with the more typical length of 7 in. (18 cm) in an ordinary cat.
The precise origins of the munchkin are largely unknown; the first was a stray called Blackberry, because of her black coat, found in the state of Louisiana. All of today’s munchkins ultimately trace their ancestry back to her. While still controversial, and certainly not everyone’s ideal cat, fears over the munchkin’s state of health have proved unwarranted. This breed is popular in many parts of Europe as well as the United States, and exists in a wide range of colors. There is even a long-haired form.
Munchkins have more difficulty grooming themselves than other breeds since they are unable to scratch in the same way as other cats, and they are unable to run or jump as well as their long-legged relatives.
Yet in some respects, munchkins are more agile than other cats, capable of turning around and running under furniture more easily. They are lively and curious by nature and can run fast, scampering along like a ferret. Munchkins are also able to climb, but cannot jump well because of their shortened legs. Their small size does not inhibit them, though, because they are not even intimidated when living in the company of large dogs. They are friendly, confident, and intelligent cats, and make great companions for children.
A munchkin kitten at six weeks old. This short-legged breed comes in both longhair and shorthair forms.
Short Or Tall?
Domestic cats show very little variation in height, although larger breeds, such as the Norwegian forest cat, are taller than smaller breeds, such as the Siamese. On the other hand, there is nothing like the variation in size within cat breeds as exists in dog breeds. The reason for this is simple—the size of the African wildcat, which is the ancestor of all cats, varies relatively little through its range, whereas individual populations of the gray wolf (Canis lupus), which is the ancestor of all domestic dogs, can differ very markedly in size.
The aim of breeding is to create new varieties and stable patterns. There are hundreds of different varieties that can be created within a number of breeds, especially when you consider not only color but also other characteristics, such as the range of tabby and tortoiseshell patterns.
In the case of some breeds, such as Orientals, breeders may not yet have created all of the possible variations. One of the trends of recent years among cat breeders has also been to create new breeds on the basis of their personalities rather than just their appearance.
The ragdoll is a large breed that has been developed for its gentle, lovable temperament. This cat is a lilac bicolor.
Breeds Less Likely To Hunt
The hunting abilities of domestic cats can frequently prove to be a cause of distress to their owners, and over recent years, breeders have sought to curb these instincts by developing breeds that are more placid and less likely to display this type of behavior. In parts of Australia, the ownership of such cats is now being encouraged by the authorities, too.
Ragdoll
The origins of the ragdoll are shrouded in mystery; what is known is that the breed descended from a white long-haired cat at some time in the 1960s, which may have been either a Persian or Angora. She was hit by a vehicle while pregnant, and this gave rise to the strange belief that her offspring would therefore not be able to feel pain. Although this simply was not true, the claim attracted much media coverage at the time and helped to generate considerable interest in what was to become a distinct breed.
The pointed appearance of the ragdoll is believed to be from the introduction of birman stock into the bloodline, and there may have been some Burmese as well.
There are three recognized patterns associated with the breed: colorpoint ragdolls display the typical dark extremities on legs, feet, face, ears, and tail, offset against a lighter body color; bicolor ragdolls are similar but lack dark areas on their legs and feet; mitted ragdolls have dark legs with white feet resembling mittens.
The glowing green eyes of the chinchilla Persian are very attractive. It takes some time for the eye color of cats to develop fully—all kittens initially have blue eyes.
All three breeds believed to have contributed to the ragdoll’s ancestry are well-known for their relaxed natures, so it is not surprising that the ragdoll is very docile. It even gained its name because of its easy-going behavior when handled, usually making no attempt to struggle. This can make the ragdoll an ideal family pet, although younger children may manhandle such cats, taking advantage of their gentle, trusting nature.
The mitted feet of the ragamuffin are very similar to those of the ragdoll: both have white areas on their paws. They share a common ancestry, but the ragdoll is better known.
The Scratching Post What Is The “Flop” Factor?
The way in which ragdolls relax in their holder’s arms has been dubbed their “flop factor” by the California breeder who developed the breed. The relaxed character of these cats extends outside the home as well, so they are generally not interested in hunting. As such, ragdolls have become an increasingly popular choice with owners who want a breed that will not prey on the local wildlife.
Ragamuffin
There have been several other variants developed from ragdoll stock over recent years, of which the best known is the ragamuffin. This breed was developed in the mid-1990s, with the aim to retain the tolerance of the ragdoll but expand the available range of colors. While ragdolls had been restricted to the four traditional point colors—seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac—the ragamuffin introduced new colors, such as red points, and other variants as well, including tortie points, Persian, and Burmese colors.
This seal point ragdoll is the darkest color variety in this breed. Kittens are pale at birth, but they develop their points as they grow older.
Beauty Breeds: Western
Different dark shading on the coat has given rise to a range of Persian varieties. The silver shaded shown here has much more extensive dark tipping on the individual hairs than a chinchilla, so the cat is darker in overall color.
Like the ragdoll, the ragamuffin is docile and relaxed and an ideal family cat. It is not a noisy cat, and can be quite self-contained.
Persian
The development of the Persian longhair marked the start of the selective breeding of cats. Such individuals were very prominent at the first cat shows in Britain in the late 1800s, and soon established a strong following in the United States. Persians have altered significantly in appearance since then; their coats have become even more profuse, while their faces are now broader and more rounded in shape. These cats have also been bred in an ever-increasing range of color varieties and patterns, with even Oriental colors, such as chocolate and lilac, transferred into the breed. Their brilliant colors have helped to ensure their continued popularity, although all Persians need a considerable amount of daily grooming to maintain their exquisite appearance.
The individual hairs can measure up to 5 in. (12.5 cm) long, with the coat being more profuse in winter than summer. This is believed to be a legacy of their Turkish Angora relative. The coat length does affect their markings, too, so that tabby patterning in particular is not as evident in Persians as in short-haired breeds.
However, this characteristic does enable the distinctive appearance of the smoke Persian to emerge very clearly, in a way that would be impossible with a sleek-coated cat. The effect is like watching smoke rising from a fire, as the name of this variety suggests, thanks to the way in which the coat parts as the cat moves, revealing its paler undercoat.
Spotted Mist
Australia is the only inhabited continent without an indigenous population of wildcats. Unfortunately, domestic cats have tended to fill this niche and proved to be a significant problem in some areas, where they have reverted to a feral lifestyle, preying on Australia’s unique bird and animal life. During the late 1970s, Australian breeders created the spotted mist by means of a breeding program involving Burmese, ordinary tabby, and Abyssinian cats. The spotted mist has a strong following in its native country, although it still remains largely unknown elsewhere.
The spotted mist is a small, friendly cat, happy in the home and not tempted to wander into the bush.
Asian Cats
The Asian Group was created to encompass those breeds that resemble the traditional Burmese in appearance but differ in the markings. The actual temperament of the Oriental breeds, such as the Burmese and the Siamese, is different from that of Western breeds. Siamese in particular are very playful extroverts and are relatively noisy by nature, too, calling loudly in their distinctive voices when they want their owner’s attention.
Note the relatively triangular face of this seal point Siamese kitten, which is characteristic of the breed today. The so-called appleheaded form (see page 117)—the more traditional type that is now being recreated—has a rounder face.
This Siamese has the distinctive triangular head that is a characteristic of the modern breed.
Siamese
Early Siamese brought over from Asia to the United Kingdom in the late nineteenth century were frowned upon, not just for their appearance but also because of their delicate constitution. They were particularly susceptible to respiratory viruses, in an era before vaccination. Yet the Siamese ultimately became one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, perhaps peaking in numbers between the 1950s and 1980s.
Originally, Siamese had a body shape and size similar to an ordinary domestic cat, but selective breeding modified its characteristics to the distinctive triangular head profile and the lithe, athletic body associated with the breed today. Some breeders are now concentrating on reverting back to the traditional form, described as applehead Siamese. Outcrossing to other breeds means that Siamese are available in a wide range of colors.
Siamese, as well as Orientals, are highly active cats by nature and can be sexually precocious. In fact, these cats may breed successfully when just four months of age. They become especially demonstrative and call very loudly when in breeding condition, in contrast to the much more subdued behavior that is usually displayed by Himalayans and Persians.
Balinese
Breeders overlooked the occasional occurrence of long-haired kittens in early Siamese litters, but thanks to the efforts of cat fanciers in California and New York during the 1960s, these cats have now become established, along with their Oriental counterparts. It is thought that the gene responsible for their semi-longhair appearance—which is most clearly evident on the well-plumed tail—may have been introduced originally from Turkish Angora cats.
Long-haired Siamese may be known by different names depending partly on their coloration and on the cat registry, and this can sometimes lead to confusion. Traditional Siamese colors—seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac—may be deemed Balinese, with other color varieties called Javanese. Friendly and lively, Balinese are bred in a wide range of colors, but their points may not appear as dark as those of Siamese. The fur of these cats has an attractive, fine, silky texture. The lack of a thick undercoat helps to prevent the coat from developing mats, although daily grooming will still be essential.
Bred from Siamese stock, the Balinese is similar in appearance but is easily recognizable by its plumelike tail, which reflects its longer coat. The lack of undercoat means that the coat appears relatively sleek despite its length.
Burmese
The contrast between the points and the body color of these cats is less marked than in their Siamese close relatives. The traditional color associated with the Burmese is sable, which is dark brown, with the mask and ears being a slightly darker shade than the body, and the underparts paler. Other coat colors may be known as Malayan.
These cats have been developed on slightly different lines in North America and Europe, so there is a noticeable variation in appearance between the two types. In fact, at North American shows there are often separate classes for European Burmese, which are recognizable by a less stocky appearance than their American relatives.
Playful and lively by nature, Burmese make excellent companions.
Burmilla
Show cats are judged by their overall appearance, as well as by markings, colors, and similar features. Judging standards generally do not focus on the cat’s temperament, although show cats need to be tractable so they can be assessed; aggressive felines are likely to be disqualified. Nevertheless, it was quite revolutionary when the burmilla breed came into being in the early 1980s in the United Kingdom. For the first time the temperament of this friendly breed (and other members of the emerging Asian Group) was incorporated into its show standard.
Not all cat associations recognize this cat as a red Burmese. Some regard it as a red Malayan, which can create confusion.
The traditional form of the Burmese is known as the sable in North America, but is better known simply as the brown in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Such cats are seal brown in color, slightly paler on the underside of the body, as shown here.
The burmilla is a very striking breed—its exact appearance depends on the extent of dark pigmentation on the tips of individual hairs.
The burmilla arose by chance after an accidental pairing between a Burmese and a chinchilla Persian. The result is a stunning short-haired breed, displaying either darker tipping or shading on its coat, with tabby markings on its legs.
Not only is the burmilla beautiful; it also makes an excellent companion, being attentive and very responsive by nature, thriving on company.
Exotic
Although the look of the Persian longhair appeals, you may not want the responsibility of having to comb and groom its coat consistently every day. This was exactly the thinking that led to the development of the exotic, which has now become one of the most popular breeds in North America. It was created by crossing Persians and American shorthairs, while in Europe, British or European shorthairs were used in a similar way, also paired with Persians.
Cute and cuddly, the exotic is available in a range of colors. It is a friendly, home-loving cat that has been compared to a teddy bear, thanks to its plush, easy-care coat.
Exotic kittens (below right) have inherited their flat faces from their Persian ancestor. This breed has become very popular over recent years.
Himalayan (Colorpoint Longhair)
This large breed was created as the result of an experiment in feline genetics during the 1920s. It represents the fusion of the pointed characteristic of the Siamese with the type and coat length of the Persian longhair. The so-called Himalayan gene causes the body extremities to develop darker fur, in contrast to the fur on the body itself, and explains the breed’s name—although in the United Kingdom these cats are better known as colorpoint longhairs. Just as the number of Siamese varieties has grown significantly over recent years, there is now a much wider range of color varieties in this breed.
In terms of their temperament and general behavior, Himalayans resemble Persians much more closely than Siamese.
Havana And Foreign Lavender
A breeding program has also been used to re-create the green-eyed strain of Siamese, which became extinct in the 1920s. In the 1950s, a chocolate-point Siamese mated with an ordinary black non-pedigree, giving rise to green-eyed chocolate kittens with a decidedly Siamese appearance. They were originally called foreign browns, and later became known as Havanas. At this same time, the foreign lavender, was also introduced, with the term “foreign” simply indicating that the appearance of these cats did not correspond to the round-faced, cobby appearance of British shorthairs. They now tend to be known as lavenders, with the description of “foreign” having mostly fallen out of favor.
These two breeds were among the earliest examples of the rapidly expanding group now known as Oriental shorthairs, which tend to share a similar temperament.
The relatively long and slender body—which is characteristic of the Oriental breeds—is very evident in the Havana.
The lavender (below left) and the Havana (below right) are two original varieties from what is now known as the Oriental Group. The lavender is better-known as the lilac in the United Kingdom.
Orientals have a body shape that clearly corresponds to that of the Siamese, but they are not colorpointed. The depth of coloration can vary slightly between individuals, as seen in these two examples of an Oriental lavender—or lilac, as this color is known in the United Kingdom.
Oriental Shorthairs
What sets Oriental shorthairs apart from Siamese is that they are bred in solid colors with many other combinations—such as bicolors, tabbies, and torties. The group is so extensive in terms of the possible varieties that it offers tremendous potential for breeders interested in feline genetics. There have been attempts to create an Oriental longhair category—corresponding to the Balinese, which is the longer-coated form of the Siamese—but these cats have not become very popular. The description Oriental is now used for all the cats in this group, while the term Siamese serves to identify only those with pointed patterning.
Since they have descended mainly from Siamese stock, Orientals have a very similar temperament; they are lively and demonstrative and demand attention from their owners on occasion. Orientals have identical requirements to Siamese. Their sleek coats need little grooming, thanks to their relative lack of undercoat, and they are likely to prove sexually precocious, with queens maturing early—sometimes when just four months old. Early neutering to prevent unwanted kittens is advisable.
A pair of young Korat kittens playing together. Although such games may appear quite rough, they very rarely result in injury.
Korat
There has been a long tradition of keeping cats in Thailand, often in association with the monasteries. The Siamese originated here—its name is based on Siam, the old name for Thailand. The Korat is named after its home province in the northeast of the country, where its ancestors may have lived for over 750 years.
A Cat’s Tale Why Are Korats Quite New To The West?
There was once a fairly widespread tradition in Asia that some breeds of cat or dog could not be bought—they could only be given as gifts to outsiders to mark a particular honor. The first Korat recorded outside its homeland was a single cat brought to London in 1896. The breed then remained totally unknown in the West until 1959, when a pair was given to the American ambassador to Thailand.
The traditional color of these cats is blue, with the coat itself having pale tipped hairs that give a silvery sheen, although lilac examples are now seen occasionally, as are chocolate. The Korat’s fur, in common with the Siamese, is very short and fine in texture as well as sleek, outlining the body shape of these cats. Korats have a very distinctive heart-shaped head with large, stunning green eyes that possess a decidedly luminous quality.
Alert and playful by nature, this home-loving breed was traditionally given as a wedding gift to young couples in its native province, since it was believed to bring prosperity. If you are searching for an exotic breed with a long history, and a quiet, friendly nature, then you may want to consider the Korat. With a short, fine coat, its grooming needs are very modest, and regular stroking of the fur will contribute to the coat’s gloss.
The Korat has an unusual facial shape, which sets it apart from other cats of Oriental origin. It is purebred, with a history dating back many centuries.
Birman
Although most breeds from southern Asia are short-haired, there is a long-haired pointed breed from this part of the world that is now widely recognized as the birman. It is believed that the ancestors of this breed were temple cats from Burma, although similar cats are known in Tibet. A pair was given in 1919 as a gift to two Western explorers who had helped the monks repel an attack on their temple. The tom died on the long journey back to France, but the female gave birth to a single kitten and thus founded the birman breed outside its homeland. A number of other breeds subsequently contributed to its development.
The birman’s markings are unique, with white areas known as gloves on the front paws and more extensive white areas called laces extending up to the hocks on the hind legs. Birmans exist in a wide range of color varieties, although some breed registries only accept the traditional point colors of seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac. The eyes are the vivid blue associated with cats of this type.
Quiet yet outgoing by nature, the birman has proved to be an affectionate and tolerant breed by nature. Few other breeds develop such a strong bond with their owners.
The birman is a composite breed, developed from just two felines brought to France. The Himalayan was one of the main breeds used in its later development.
The Changing Face Of Popular Breeds
The Turkish Angora is believed to be the original ancestor of the Persian longhair, in spite of the fact that they no longer resemble each other. By selectively breeding over time for particular features such as coat length, it is possible to create a breed with a completely different appearance. Persians have actually changed dramatically over the past 100 years or so. The earliest photographs of prize-winning Persians highlight felines with coats that were much shorter overall than those seen today. Their faces were also significantly different, too, at that stage—relatively narrow and elongated, rather than broad and flat. In contrast, the facial shape of the Siamese has become modified in a completely different way, again as the result of selective breeding. The very distinctive triangular-shaped face associated with the contemporary breed is unlike that of the first Siamese seen in the West, which had much more rounded faces and larger, less slanted eyes.
Some breeders are now working to reestablish the original appearance of the Siamese, describing their cats as apple-head or old-style Siamese, to avoid confusion with those more commonly seen today.
Farther to the west in Asia, Turkey was home to the Angora breed for many centuries, which in turn is believed to be the ancestor of the Persian longhair. These cats were originally named after the ancient capital city of Angora. They are traditionally white with blue or orange eyes, but there is also an odd-eyed form, called Ankara kedi, which has one blue eye and one orange.
Unfortunately, the breed had become very scarce by the beginning of the twentieth century, so the Turkish government mounted a conservation breeding program at the Ankara zoo in the 1960s. Some of these cats were later sent to breeders elsewhere around the world.
Meanwhile, other breeders had set out to re-create the Angora using Oriental shorthair crosses. The confusion created by these two different strains of the Angora led to the original Angora being described as Turkish Angora, while the recreated breed was simply called the Angora to distinguish between them. Although similar in appearance, the separate bloodlines are not mated together and some breed registries do not recognize both strains.
The Angora has a slightly longer head and bigger ears than the traditional form. In both cases, the fur is soft and silky with no dense undercoat. The Angora matures earlier and has larger litters than the Turkish Angora, as well as tending to be much more vocal.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, in view of its ancestry, the Angora also more closely resembles the Siamese in terms of its temperament. Turkish Angoras, in contrast, are not generally as extrovert as the modern Angora, having a more aloof nature. They will nevertheless prove to be highly affectionate and loyal companions.
The Turkish Angora (opposite and below) is believed to be the forebear of today’s Persians; some early photographs reveal a very close similarity in appearance. However, since then the coat of the Persian has become much more profuse and its facial shape has been altered by selective breeding.
The Siberian (above) has evolved over centuries with very little deliberate human interference.
Russian
From much farther north in Asia comes the Russian. This very distinctive breed is traditionally blue in color, although over recent years both black and white felines have emerged so it is now known simply as the Russian rather than as the Russian Blue. These cats originated near the port of Archangel in the far north of Russia, within the Arctic Circle. In spite of being short-haired they are well protected against the cold due to their double-layered coat, which is similar to the fur of a seal. Despite being thick, the coat is short and silky.
Friendly by nature toward people whom they know well, Russians can prove rather aloof toward strangers. They are quiet cats by nature.
The blue form of the Russian (below right) is the traditional color variety. The vivid emerald green eye color is a characteristic feature of the breed.
Siberian
Another native Russian breed that has become much more widely known outside its native land since the 1990s is the Siberian. It was also called the Siberian forest cat for a period because of its similarity in appearance to another northern breed, the Norwegian forest cat.
The Siberian arose in a very inhospitable climate and its appearance has been shaped largely by natural forces rather than by selective breeding. There is always a danger that these distinctive features will be lost once such cats become more widely kept for show purposes. Siberians normally display tabby markings on their coat and tend to be bicolor, reflecting their non-pedigree origins. They have a glossy, water-repellent topcoat with a very thick undercoat beneath, which provides good insulation in the cold.
Although friendly by nature, the Siberian retains an independent streak to its character, often displaying a tendency to roam in a similar way to its ancestors, even when the weather is bad outdoors. As a result, they are not suited to an urban environment, where they will be at risk from traffic. The Siberian is not a good choice as a pet that will be kept permanently restricted indoors.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Another very hardy breed, the Norwegian forest cat is well protected against the elements, thanks to its double-layered coat. The woolly undercoat provides good insulation against the cold, while the glossy topcoat serves to prevent the cat from becoming chilled by rain and snow. These cats have been kept in their Scandinavian homeland for centuries, but their exact origins are obscure.
Active by nature, Norwegian forest cats are ideally suited to being kept in a more rural environment rather than being confined to an urban one. Their fondness for going exploring means they may be at greater risk of getting hit by cars. Their coats are usually dark colors combined with white and tabby markings. They have a friendly temperament and enjoy a busy household with lots of children.
Well-equipped to thrive outdoors in the cold climate of its homeland, the Norwegian forest cat likes to roam. It is therefore not a good choice if you are looking for a cat to live indoors permanently.
Surprisingly, breeds from Egypt and the adjacent area of Africa are rare, although it is said that the Egyptian mau may have an ancestry that extends back to the early days of the cat’s domestication. Cat breeds of African origins are essentially unknown, with the exception of the Sokoke and the Abyssinian.
The Scratching Post Are All Blue-Eyed Cats Deaf?
Most blue-eyed white cats are likely to be less responsive than other varieties, simply because they suffer from a congenital deafness. Odd-eyed whites are likely to be afflicted by deafness on the side of the face corresponding to their blue eye.
It has also been suggested that blue-eyed white queens, in particular, may be rather nervous by nature, but this may simply be related to their disability.
The white cat seen right is an odd-eyed female, with a part-Bengal ancestry.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian mau is similar in appearance to cats represented in Ancient Egyptian tombs. The founder of the breed was a street cat taken from Cairo to Italy, where she mated with a non-pedigree tom in the early 1950s. The spotted tabby breed was later developed in the United States, where it remains scarce even today.
The spots on the Egyptian mau’s coat are mostly randomly distributed, although they may run in stripes down the spine. The spots vary in size and shape, but are quite distinct against a paler background.
A well-balanced temperament is a characteristic feature of the Egyptian mau, reflecting its basic non-pedigree roots. This breed has an adaptable and affectionate nature, but is not likely to prove extroverted by nature, as is the Siamese for example. Its innate intelligence means that it learns quickly, and it will soon adapt to new surroundings as a result.
The roots of the Egyptian mau (left and opposite) lie in Egypt, but essentially it is a tabby that has been styled to resemble representations of early domestic cats, rather than being a breed of true antiquity.
Although the Abyssinian was originally an African breed, virtually all of its development occurred in Europe. A single feline was supposed to have been brought back from Abyssinia—now known as Ethiopia—by a soldier in 1868 and is said to have shaped the breed. The range of colors that exist in this breed has expanded significantly over recent years, with the original color described as “usual” in the United Kingdom, but better known as ruddy in North America. The coat of the Abyssinian consists entirely of hairs with alternating light and dark bands, which is known as ticked tabby patterning. They have a dark tip to the tail, but selective breeding has removed the rings and bars on the legs, which are a feature of most tabbies. Abyssinians retain the characteristic M-shaped marking on the forehead, while the presence of ear tufts transforms these cats into a semblance of miniature wildcats. The long-haired version of the breed, called the Somali, is similar in all respects to the Abyssinian, apart from its coat length, although this is not as profuse or long as in many other long-haired breeds.
Careful selective breeding has shaped the Abyssinian breed. Its subtle patterning is known as ticked tabby.
A Cat’s Tale The Somali Name
The longhair form of the Abyssinian is known as the Somali; the name was chosen because this country lies next to the former Abyssinia.
The Somali was considered undesirable by breed registries until the 1970s.
The Somali—the long-haired form of the Abyssinian—has no direct links to Africa; it was developed in the West. How the long-haired gene entered the Abyssinian bloodline is not clear, but it may be the result of early crossings with Turkish Angoras. Somali kittens tend to be slightly darker in color than adult cats, such as this chocolate example.
Abyssinians and Somalis are full of character, and very friendly and affectionate. They also tend to have an adaptable nature, and are content to live in a home alongside children and other pets, including dogs.
Breeds of this type are becoming increasingly popular today. Their personalities are influenced by their wildcat ancestry.
Early Wildcat Breeds
Cat fanciers in the first half of the twentieth century concentrated on developing breeds without any reference to wildcats, but from the late 1950s onward breeders began to reassess the appearance of domestic cats alongside that of their wild relatives. Some embarked on breeding programs to create miniature versions of larger wildcats.
Bombay
The Bombay, which resembles a black panther, was initially created in the United States, thanks to the efforts of a Kentucky breeder named Nikki Horner. She chose a Burmese to create the desired appearance or “type,” and a black American shorthair to give the desired coloring. The fur of the Bombay is short and sleek with a distinctive sheen. The eyes of adult cats are a bright shade of gold or copper, although, as with all kittens, these are blue in color at first and subsequently change to gray before assuming their distinctive coloration.
A similar breeding program was carried out in Britain, but the British Bombay differs slightly in appearance from its North American relative; the British form of the Burmese has a lighter build, and British rather than American shorthairs were used in the breeding program.
Since it is bred from existing domestic cat bloodlines, the Bombay’s temperament is very similar to that of its Burmese ancestor, but slightly more placid, given the American shorthair input into its ancestry.
The Bombay (below) is defined by its black color as much as its type. This reflects the original inspiration behind its development.
Ironically, Scottish wildcats (opposite) are now an endangered species, partly because matings with domestic cats are common, creating hybrid kittens.
Spotted patterning has become very popular in recent years. The ocicat is one breed that has been developed with patterning of this type.
The ocicat has spots roughly the size of thumbprints in a spotted tabby pattern over the body. The distinctive lines at the corner of the eyes are known as “mascara lines.”
Ocicat
Other breeding programs have led to the development of domestic cats that display wildcat markings on their coats. The first breed of this type was the ocicat, although this was not created deliberately—it came about in 1964 as the result of an attempt to breed a Siamese with Abyssinian patterning. Its breeder, Virginia Daly of Michigan, neutered the first kitten that displayed this patterning, but then decided that she liked its pretty spotted appearance so much that she repeated the original mating. Several spotted kittens were then born; their patterning is similar to that of the American wildcat called the ocelot (Felis pardalis). Originally, these cats were known under two names—ocellete, meaning “small ocelot,” and accicat, because of the fortuitous nature in which the breed came into existence; these were then combined to create the name ocicat. Once again, a separate strain of ocicat was created in Europe, but not until 1984.
Combining the Siamese and Abyssinian together in this way has resulted in a highly affectionate breed that interacts wonderfully with people, but hates to be left alone in the house. They can be trained to play fetch or walk on a leash, and are wonderful with children.
After being horrified by the level of poaching of leopards (Panthera pardus) in Africa in 1971, Hollywood scriptwriter Paul Casey bred the California spangled in the image of a wildcat to raise awareness of the plight of all wildcats around the world.
Working over 11 generations to reach his goal, he used purebred, nonpedigree, and even feral cats for his ambitious program. He traveled more than four continents to locate the cats he needed, including Siamese, British shorthair, Manx, and a street cat from Cairo, among others. To guarantee maximum publicity for his campaign, the first California spangled kittens were offered for sale in an exclusive mail-order catalog in 1986.
The California spangled’s obvious spotted patterning and dark tail tip really do mirror that of a wildcat, especially when it is seen in profile with its long body and low-slung back. Paul Casey’s campaign struck a chord with cat owners, and soon there was a waiting list for these cats in spite of their high price tag.
Although it may look like a wildcat, the California spangled has proven to be an excellent companion breed, affectionate but not demanding of attention. Its easygoing nature reflects its varied ancestry. However, these are athletic, active cats, as suggested by their muscular appearance, so they will not be happy if kept indoors.
A Cat’s Tale Are They Friendly?
Relying on domestic cats to create new breeds that resemble wildcats is a simpler process than using real wildcats, and the kittens have a better temperament. The introduction of wildcat genes initially creates offspring that do not enjoy close contact with people—and will actively try to avoid humans, even if the cats are reared in domestic surroundings rather than in a kennel (cattery).
The California spangled remains a rare and exclusive breed, even today. Kittens display their characteristic patterning at birth.
The use of wildcats themselves to introduce attractive new patterning into domestic cat bloodlines is controversial. Already this type of breeding program has created the Bengal, whose vivid patterning has helped to give it an international following. The resulting breeds of this type also tend to be larger in size than typical domestic cats, because of their wildcat ancestry.
Bengal
As breeds with the appearance and markings of wildcats were being developed, there were people thinking about the possibilities of deliberate hybridization to achieve a similar goal. In 1963 a geneticist named Jean Sugden mated an Asian leopard cat (Felis bengalensis) with an ordinary black domestic cat to see if it was possible to transfer the striking markings of the Asian leopard cat into the domestic cat bloodline. Crossings of this type are difficult to achieve, even under carefully controlled conditions, because of both fertility problems and a lack of compatibility between the cats themselves.
In this case, a single kitten named Kinkin resulted, but in due course, when paired back to the Asian leopard cat, both spotted and plaincoated kittens were born in another litter. Later Sugden also introduced stray tomcats into her breeding program, but other breeders attracted by this concept subsequently used a variety of purebred cats, including the Abyssinian and the Egyptian mau. Siamese blood was introduced to the Bengal bloodline early in its development, and this has resulted in the creation of the stunning snowmarbled variety, which has marbled patterning on a whitish background and blue eyes. The Bengal now ranks as one of the most popular of all breeds worldwide, and is available in an increasing number of color varieties.
The Bengal started something of a tradition in the naming of wildcat hybrid breeds—its name is derived from the scientific name of its wildcat ancestor. This practice continued with the chausie (see page 140).
Bengals still possess sharp hunting instincts and have very powerful feet, but they are now just as friendly as more traditional breeds.
Early Bengals were much shyer and less temperamentally stable than a typical domestic cat, but are now as friendly as any other domestic cat although likely to be reserved with strangers. Like their Asian ancestor, they often display a fondness for water—even jumping into a bath or having a shower. Bengals are large cats and tend to be active by nature compared with other domestic breeds; they especially enjoy games where they can leap onto make-believe prey. A climbing frame for them will be well used, since their wild ancestors sometimes hunt in the trees. Bengals often sound different from other cats, vocalizing just like Asian leopard cats.
It is virtually impossible to tame young wildcats, even if they are handreared from an early age, because they are instinctively shy and wary. The flattened ears of these young felines reveals their uncertainty.
Chausie
The stunning appearance of the Bengal has subsequently led to a number of other attempts to transfer wildcat markings into domestic strains, creating further new breeds. One is the chausie, a result of hybridization with the jungle cat (Felis chaus), which has a naturally golden or sometimes pure black (melanistic) coloration rather than spots. First attempts at crossbreeding began in the late 1960s but chausies only really became prominent in the 1990s, and they still remain better known in North America than elsewhere. They are only bred in three varieties corresponding to that of their jungle cat ancestor: a brown ticked tabby and two black varieties, one of which has silver tipping to its fur, making its coat sparkle when it moves. Ideally, chausies also have distinctive tufts of fur sticking up on the tips of their ears.
As befits their wild ancestry, chausies are highly active cats, but are generally smaller than the jungle cat. Male chausies weigh 20 pounds (9 kg) on average, tending to be larger than females—a typical characteristic seen naturally in most wildcats, and larger breeds of domestic cat, too.
Savannah
Undoubtedly the most controversial breeding program of this type involved another African wildcat, the serval (Felis serval). The serval is much larger than the ordinary domestic cat, weighing about 40 pounds (18 kg), and has a spotted coat, long legs, a slender body, and bat-like ears, which foster extremely acute hearing.
The first attempts to create a breed by mating servals with domestic cats began in the mid-1980s by a Pennsylvanian Bengal cat enthusiast named Judy Frank. Domestic breeds that contributed to its subsequent development include Oriental shorthairs, the Egyptian mau, and the Bengal. Named after the grasslands of Africa where the serval is relatively common, savannahs are rare even in the United States.
Savannahs have proved to be agile and playful cats and their distinctive appearance is eye-catching, with their spotted patterning extending over their bellies, and striped legs. Just like their wild ancestor, they also have relatively large ears, long legs, and powerful paws, but in other respects they do not differ significantly from other breeds. Regular cat food suits them well, and they can be littertrained without difficulty.
A Cat’s Tale The Two Types Of Wildcat, African And European
There are two forms of wildcat, which are regarded as separate species. The European wildcat (Felis silvestris) is found both in Europe and western parts of Asia. It is a particularly shy and secretive species. Its African cousin (Felis lybica) is typified by a sandier coat coloration and a bolder nature. Not surprisingly, today’s domestic cats were originally bred from the African wildcat, but once they were brought into Europe, matings with the European wildcat probably occurred.
Natural Cross: Wildcat and Domestic
The free-ranging nature of cats, especially feral felines, means that they are likely to come into contact with their wild relatives. However, there are no confirmed cases of breeds that have developed from such matings. The low success of this crossbreeding may be due to the small litters born as a result. In addition, young cats in the wild, just like other creatures, often do not survive to maturity and male hybrid offspring are likely to be infertile.
Pixiebob
The pixiebob, a rare American breed, was thought to be the result of mating between a domestic cat and a bobcat (Lynx rufus). A successful mating of this type seems highly unlikely, given the wide variance in size between the cats concerned and the fact that the bobcat belongs to a completely separate group. Nevertheless, there is no denying the fact that the pixiebob does resemble a bobcat, with its spotted coat and shortened tail. On the other hand, these features are also sometimes seen in domestic cats.
“Wild” Domestic Breeds
The pixiebob (above) may look wild but is a friendly breed. These cats sometimes have extra toes on their feet.
The pixiebob has a reputation for its great sense of curiosity, readily exploring its environment, and having favorite retreats around the home. It is also very playful.
The Cat Pack
In various parts of Asia and Africa there are cat populations that have grown up in relative isolation, and interbreeding has led to the development of individual characteristics within these groups. Although initially such cats tend to behave and display the instincts of wildcats, it can be possible, over several successive generations, to domesticate them again, especially by outcrossing to domestic breeds.
Singapura
The diminutive Singapura was the first breed of this wild-domesticated type to be recognized over the past century. Its ancestral origins are thought to lie in the harbor area of the Asian city of Singapore, on the northeast of the island, where the cat was discovered in 1974 by an American couple, Hal and Tommy Meadow. Singapura is the Malaysian name for Singapore. These cats resembled Abyssinians with their ticked tabby appearance—from a combination of light and dark banding extending down each hair—but also have distinctive tabby barring on the inside of their legs and a dark tip to the tail. They exist in a single light color known as sepia, with pale ivory on the belly, chest, and lower face.
The Singapura is the smallest breed of cat in the world, weighing under 6 lb. (2.7 kg).
Tabby patterning in its various forms is a feature that unites the wild-style cats, simply because this type of marking is present in many different species. The pattern may just look attractive to our eyes but it has a function for the cat—it breaks up the shape of its body and thus helps to conceal its presence.
The Meadows obtained three felines and returned with them to the United States, where Tommy developed the breed. The Singapura is the smallest domestic breed of cat and, although it still remains rare, its future seems relatively secure.
These small cats are quite social with each other, and seem to associate readily in groups. They are generally placid, and also tend to be very inquisitive by nature. They like company so they are not the ideal pet if you plan to spend long periods of the day away from home.
Wild Abyssinian And Ceylonese
The other breed that has descended over recent years from cats living semiwild in Singapore is the wild Abyssinian. Examples of this variety are now coming into the United States. It is also a ticked tabby breed, but unlike the Abyssinian itself, it retains tabby barring on the legs, with solid dark necklaces also evident around the neck. It appears to be a throwback to the ancestral form of the Abyssinian itself, which first became popular in Victorian Britain in the late 1800s before these areas of color were removed by selective breeding.
Farther west in Asia, the island of Sri Lanka, which used to be called Ceylon, is home to the Ceylonese. These cats are virtually identical to the wild Abyssinian but typically display a more sandy gold coloration known as manila, although several other color variations are known. First introduced to Italy in 1984, the Ceylonese remains popular there, although the wild Abyssinian has tended to fade from the scene in the United States over recent years.
Family groups of these cats will again display a strong bond, reflecting the way in which they first lived in their homeland. They also have an very strong independent streak in their natures.
Sokoke Forest Cat
It is not just island populations of cats that display unusual color or coat variants. The Sokoke forest cat, which originated in Sokoke Arabuke forest on the coast of Kenya in eastern Africa, has a unique tabby patterning quite unlike that associated with other breeds. It is essentially a version of the classic blotched tabby pattern, but looks more like wood-graining. The coat is very short and shiny and lies close to the body. The lighter areas of the coat are a warm caramel and the darker markings vary from dark brown to almost black—there are no white hairs at all.
The first record of these cats dates back to 1977, when a litter of kittens was discovered in an area of forest being cleared. They were rescued and hand-reared, and then started to breed. Ultimately, some of these cats were sent to a Danish breeder, and they are now starting to appear elsewhere in Europe.
No one is sure about their origins—it is thought they may have been the result of a mutation occurring in cats that had strayed into this area, since the original kittens were too friendly toward humans to be of true feral stock.
Lively and active, these cats are avid climbers, reflecting the wooded area in which the breed evolved. They are very affectionate, too, and not generally shy. Although they can be quite independent, they bond closely with their owner and can be very sensitive to human moods. Although still rare outside Denmark, they are gradually gaining in popularity.
A Cat’s Tale Tabby Patterns
There are four well-established tabby variants, although all such cats display a characteristic M-shaped or “scarab” marking on the head.
The oldest recorded form of tabby marking is the so-called classic, blotched, or oystershell pattern, which has stripes and is distinguishable by the presence of a black blotch on the flanks. Mackerel patterning consists of a series of stripes running down the sides of the body, rather like a fish’s skeleton. In the case of the spotted tabby, the pattern of blotches, or stripes, is broken at regular intervals to create a series of spots. The ticked tabby is a subtle diffuse pattern—all the hairs are banded in alternate light and dark and there are no solid areas of color.
The Sokoke forest cat is a variant of the classic pattern—without the characteristic flank blotches, but with striped markings that are very similar to wood-graining.
