Cats- Part I Breeds

Most breed pictures from www.cfa.org

Cat breeds

• Differ in color and color patterns, length of hair, shape of ears, shape and color of eyes, head shape, body conformation, size, and disposition

Shorthair breeds

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

http://www.cfainc.org/breeds.html

* Three recognized breed colors- ruddy (orange-brown), red and blue, all ticked with darker colors at tips of each hair

* Medium sized muscular cat with almond shaped eyes

* Cat is very active, fond of water, and can be taught to retrieve

Came to U.S. with English settlers

34 recognized color patterns with tabby the most common color

Medium to large sized cat that is affectionate and makes a great lap cat

(Domestic Shorthair)

Relatively new breeding resulting from a cross between Burmese and American Shorthair

Medium sized cat is a jet black color with copper or gold colored eyes

Are graceful, charming, gets along well with others, even strangers

• Oldest natural English breed

• Larger and taller than American Shorthair with large rounded head and big, round copper or gold eyes

• Quiet, easy going, docile nature that likes to sleep a lot

Originated in the U.S.- 1930’s by crossing a Siamese and Burma

Medium-sized cat that is sable-brown in color with gold eyes

Have a sweet disposition and enjoy being held, but may become bossy, stubborn, and angry

• Small to medium sized cat with oval eyes and curves or rippling hair coat

• Must be kept indoors because it lacks guard hairs to protect it from the elements

Resulted from feral (wild) domestic cat crossed with cared-for stray

Medium sized cat with wavy hair coat

Large, wide based ears are set low and distinctive to this breed

Known for calico (tortoiseshell or 3 colors). Calico is some shade of black, orange (red), and white

Cat has a distinctive “short” (bob) tail is kinked to form a “pom” or “bunny tail”

The tail is sensitive and care must be taken to prevent injury and pain when handling the cat

Protective of family members and reserved with strangers.

Medium-sized cat with silver blue fur tipped with silver that produces a halo effect

Among earliest European Breeds and is a result of a genetic mutation

Medium-sized affectionate but tends to be better in one-on-one relationships

The BEST show Manx cats do not have a tail (rumpy), others have a short tail (stumpy), and others have a long tail (longy)

Eye color is always deep blue and head forms an equilateral tirangle from the nose to the tips of the ears

Very little pigmentation in color pattern, but pigmentation is darker at the points and color is restricted to the points: mask, ear, foot and tip of tail

Medium sized cat that is very long and refined

Are very unpredictable; however, they are described as talkative, loyal, fearless cats of extraordinary intelligence

Particularly sensitive to vaccinations and anesthetics

Small breed known for its quiet, shy disposition

Males weigh at most 6 pounds

Females usually weigh less than 4 pounds

• Medium to large size cat similar to American Shorthair named because of its white feet

• Bright blue eyes are large, oval; ears are large and broad at the base; modified wedge shaped head

• The mask, tail, ears and legs are usually defined seal or blue with the masking colors covering the entire face, except for inverted white V shaped pattern over mouth and nose

• White tipped front paws and white hind legs up to the hock with a white chest, chin and muzzle

Cat of Canadian origination in the late 1960’s. Known for its tough, wrinkled hairless skin

Indoor cat that cannot survive outdoors and depends on people for survival

Constantly purrs and adores body contact and is very affectionate

Body temperature is 4 degrees F higher than most other breeds

Unable to store body fat and must eat more frequently to maintain its body temperature

Longhair breeds

                                     

http://www.cfainc.org/breeds.html

• Body style of Siamese except long hair

• Warm, vocal, and persistent

• Eyes are deep vivid blue

Sturdy cat of medium to large size with long, silky coat that does not mat and requires little care

Very sociable cat that needs company of others

White paws are characteristic

Eyes are round, ears are medium with rounded tips

• Alert and sweet natured cat that is excellent with other pets and children

• Large cat that is tailless

http://www.acfacats.com/cymric_synopsis.htm

• Siamese x Persian x Birman

• Medium to large size Persian type cat

• Long, flowing hair coat with Siamese patterns

• Oldest natural breed in North America, Native American origin

• Large sized cats that reaches 12-18 pounds

• Brown tabby is the best known color

• Lovable and friendly with a tiny voice that squeaks and chirps

One of the oldest and most popular breeds

Medium to large size with a short, compact body, large head, and small, rounded ears

Well-mannered, easygoing, quiet cats that make good apartment cats and excellent companions

Require daily grooming to avoid tangles and knots in their fur and regular bathing to remove excess oil from the coat

Originated in U.S. in 1960’s

Exceptionally large and heavy breed with blue eyes

Are docile, quiet, and composed

Get their name because they show little signs of fear or pain and take a floppy posture when handled

• Himalayan x Burmese• Medium size oriental

style that is essentially a long-haired Burmese

• Follows owner like a puppy

• Few exist in the United States

http://www.kittykondo.com/chantilly.htm

Small to medium sized cat

Polite, intelligent, very responsive, and easily trained to perform tricks

Prefers a clean, almost spotless environment

THE END