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Cymric Cat Breed, a Semi-long-haired Variety of the Manx

The first cat was domesticated before 7500BC in Near East present-day Egypt and Turkey. From ancient times, animals’ domestication was more than a financial or status issue; people formed close relationships with their respective pets until they were part of their families. A cat is a perfect example of one of the most lovable animals, and today we are going to focus our attention on the Cymric cat breed.

Origins and History of This Feline Breed

Before the end of 2020, there were more than 70 breeds of cats. It is difficult to trace each of them back to their origin, but as a matter of fact, most cats originated from Near East. Cymric cats fall under the category of tailless Manx cats, which originated from the Isle of Man.

According to records from the Isle of Man, Cymric cats began evolving as short-tailed felines with semi-long hair before the 1960s. At the same time, they were deemed as an unwanted breed of cats; hence most people shunned them from their homes. Cymric cats were dubbed as Manx Mutants and Longhaired Manx by Canadian breeders before exhibiting their current name.

Pioneer cat breeders Blair Wright and Leslie Falteisek officially named the controversial Longhaired Manx, Cymric cat breed in the mid-70s. This official name finally brought down the curtains of doubts which made folks hate this fantastic feline. 4 decades later, many championship organizations were formed to defend Cymric cats’ interests; a perfect example is The United Cymric Association, formed in 1976.

Cymric Cat Breed

Though their fur and eye color patterns may differ from one cat to another, all Cymric cats fall under the same gene pool. There are no recorded subdivisions of Cymric cat breeds unless scientists provide new results sometime in the future.

The Physical Appearance of Cymric Cats

A male Cymric weighs more than 12 lbs. while a female stands at less than 11 lbs. which is the average weight for most pet cats. Most Cymric cats have a fluffy coat taking on a multitude of colors. Common colors include white, blue, silver, red, and brown, which form patterns.
The tailless dimple at the end of the spine is the most remarkable feature of this cat. It’s not only used to differentiate Cymric from other breeds but also it is the secret to its stunning body shape. Like the fur and taillessness, these cats have distinctive eye colors. Amber, copper, hazel, and green eye colors are not a rare sighting but, there are some in-betweens colors you might as well observe when you visit a cat breeder.

Cymric Cats’ Social Life

Cymric cats aren’t playful, but they keep their activities at a moderate level compared to other cat breeds. They are known for gentle disposition and loyalty. They are also extremely sociable with other pets, especially their canine counterparts, and they rarely get into trouble. Furthermore, they are easy to train and get along quickly with strangers. Just like dogs, Cymric cats don’t like to be left alone for long hours since they love attention.

There is no significant difference between Cymric and other cats as they share almost a similar decent social life. They are docile creatures and tend to avoid conflict while playing with dogs. But, each cat has unique personalities depending on training and environment.

Lifespan

A Cymric will clock a decade to 14 years if their social life is well taken care of and live in good conditions.

Note: Cymric cats have a gullible appetite, and if you don’t check their diet, they will easily become obese.

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The Complete Origins and History of the American Longhair Cat

The American longhair is often confused with its cousin the domestic long-haired, but they are different. An American longhair is a purebred while a domestic long-haired is a breed-less cat as they can be found in any breed as long as their fur is long. The American longhair was created by mixing some of the American shorthair ancestor cats and a Persian Cat Breed.

Their bloodline has to be traced back to American shorthairs and Persians to be a true American longhair, otherwise, it will be a domestic long-haired. They were trying to get the wide selection of colors that can be found in a Persian but with the hair and build of an American shorthair. Instead, they ended up with the American longhair that can be found in a wide range of colors that has as the name implies longhair.

What is the Appearance of an American Longhair Cat?

An American longhair cat has an average lifespan of between 12 and 16 years if they are healthy and kept taken care of properly. The average weight of an American longhair is around 12 pounds, and they tend to be about 11 inches in height. The head of an American longhair cat should be rather large in size, round, and broad.

The face should have a dished or concave look to it, and the muzzle should be more square in shape. The ears are not overly large and perfectly proportioned to the rest of the body. They are shaped with a broad base and has a rounded tip. The ears have a slight feathered look on the end that helps make them more desirable.

The eyes are large in size and rounded in shape. They should be bright and clear in color, and they can come in any color. It is rare to find them with odd colored eyes, but it is acceptable as long as the cat is not also deaf. This breed is a medium to large-sized breed that tends to be longer then it is tall. The body should have a well-formed chest and a broad shape overall.

It is common for there to be a pad of fat on the chest of an American longhair. The neck of the American longhair cat should be short, and the legs are medium to large in length. There should be 5 round toes in the front with 4 round roses in the back. The tail will be plume-like and medium in length.

This breed of cat can be found in a wide range of coloring, but the gray tabby coloring is the most found coloring. They can be white, blue, black, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, cream, red, different shades of tabby, different shades of torbie, different shades of tortoiseshell, different shades of chinchilla, different shades of smoke, and so many other coloring options.
The Independent Personality of the American Longhair

The personality of an American longhair is very mellow, and they tend to be very independent breed. They are the perfect pick for both a busy household and a quiet one. They do not require someone who can give them a lot of attention, but they do often require their fur to be brushed at least once to twice a week.

Interesting Facts on the American Longhair Cat

Great friend for dogs and horses

They are a great breed for someone who has other animals to contend with. An example of this is that they love to be around horses, cows, and goats, but they also perfectly find being around dogs. It is even common to find an American longhair cuddling with your dog if it is a smaller breed.

The Cat with Extra Toes

It will sound very odd, but an American longhair might be born with extra toes.

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Why the Aegean Cat Breed is a Greek Treasure

There are cat-lovers, and then there are Aegean cat-lovers. What’s the difference, might you ask? The Aegean cat is considered a gem in Europe, more specifically, Greece, and is welcomed and fed everywhere they go. There are many breeds of feline, but the Aegean cat breed is multifaceted and has become a staple both in Greece and Turkey. Even though this cat has been around for centuries, and is one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds in the world, it’s only about three decades ago that people began investigating them.

Their origination

Aegean cats are a locally adapted breed found in the Cycladic Islands area of Greece. This cat is unique because it is not genetically modified or has any physical interference from humans. Rookie breeders started the advancement of the Aegean cat as an accepted species in the Greek feline organization. However, the cat is still not recognized by any primary fancier or other large breeder groups despite its popularity and adaptability. The Aegean is said to be the only cat originating in Greece.

Natives named the well-loved felines after the Aegean Sea, which lies between Greece and Turkey. It is quite befitting as both countries cherish the cat, which is found naturally in both territories. It may have taken long to breed the domesticated cats, but now, the Aegean cat breed is to Greece what pigeons are to Paris. Fortunately, though, you can feed the cats, and they revel in it.

Aegean Attributes

Compared to most cats, enthusiasts could describe the Aegean breed as being a moderate size. They are quite robust and have tri-shade, partially long hair, which wide-ranging. The primary color, though, is always white. A unique feature is also varying patterns. No two Aegean cats ever seem the same. As for their paws, they have a round shape and are a standard size. A main identifying feature is their long hook-shaped tail while their ears are curved at the top but broad at the bottom. The cat’s ear is also concealed by hair. As for their eyes, The eyes come in three shades, yellow, green, and blue, and are wedge-shaped.

Passion for Water and Other Interesting Facts

The Aegean cat breed is known for their passion for water and enjoy fishing. This is contrary to what is usually known about cats despising water. Their love for water could be attributed to their natural development, instead of human intervention. Aegean cats are known not to be susceptible to diseases that most feline breeds are, making people want to warm up to them even more.

In The Wild

History has it that the Aegean cat breed is among the oldest tamed feline breeds in the world. They are popular as outdoor cats in Turkey and Greece, where they roam freely, especially near waterways. Visit any harbor, and they are guaranteed to be seen in abundance. They are usually waiting for food, and the fishermen, residents, and tourists alike; enjoy feeding the Aegean cat. It’s truly a beauty to behold, especially with all the colors and patterns on display.

How Are They As Pets?

It would have been shocking to hear that the Aegean cat breed is not a common household pet. People are so drawn to them on the outdoors. Therefore many would imagine that the Aegean cat would make excellent pets. The domesticated cat has adapted to human interaction both indoors and outdoors. They are great entertainers and will be comfortable in a single-family home setting or an apartment. It’s essential to create a high place for them or have a tree nearby because when it comes to sleep time, these climbers still like their independence. Overall, the Aegean cat breed is vibrant, intelligent, and makes the perfect pet.

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Ancient and Magnificent – The Somali Cat Breed

Ancient Origins of the Somali Breed

The Somali cat breed is the long-haired version of the Abyssinian cat, one of the world’s oldest cat breeds. The history of the Somali breed stems from several Abyssinian cats being shipped across the globe from Egypt and into the West. Somali’s were initially shipped to New Zealand, Australia, and more in the 1940s. By 1963, a Canadian woman by the name of Mary Mailing bred several Abyssinian cats, which produced a long-haired version. Judges at a local cat show liked this new cat breed and quickly bred their own cats with it. Thus, creating the new Somali cat breed.

Somali Cat Breed Variations

The Somali cat breed has up-to 28 different colors, which some would say count as variations. However, the cat community does generally agree there are at least seven variations. From the Ruddy Somali female who offers a long majestic coat to the Lilac Somali that resembles a fox, the Somali cat breed is quite expansive in its variations.

Physical Appearance

Most commonly described as a long-haired cat breed with African origins. The Somali breed comprises a recessive gene from the Abyssinian cat breed, which was prevalent throughout Egypt. The Somali breed, therefore, stems mainly from Somali.

Somali cats are also generally a medium build, quite firm in appearance and toned in muscle mass. Although some variations have longer hair than others, the Somali cat is a generally well-built cat capable of athleticism. This likely stems from the origins in which these cats needed to be well adapted for hunting game and surviving with little human intervention. Somali cats also generally have almond-shaped eyes with ears that are set wide apart. With long legs and toned muscles, the fur of this cat breed is very dense and soft. Interestingly, the Somali breed also generally has up to 6 shades of colors per strand of hair and appears as a brown or “sand-like” color.

Personality and Habits of Somali Cats

Somali cats are very active and fit cats who love to play all day long. Along with the high energy and desire to play, Somali cats are also very pro-social. This means the Somali breed loves to interact with other cats, humans, and potentially other species of house pets. Along with the agility and desire to be around others, Somali cats are also highly intelligent. This is likely why Somali cats seek out social interactions so often. That being said, if you get a Somali cat, you’ll likely need to get them a companion and numerous toys to play with throughout the day. Otherwise, your Somali cat could get bored and depressed.

Lifespan and Health

With a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years, the Somali cat is generally healthy breed all-around. In fact, the Somali breed has no known major health issues besides complications related to nearly every cat breed on earth. That mostly includes tooth issues.

Ancient and Magnificent

This breed originates from ancient loins and, therefore, has been found to be mummified along with ancient Egyptian remains. Interestingly Somali breed also has the ability to hold objects in their paws. Although most cats knock over things and open things, this breed can take this a step further. By literally holding objects, a Somali is capable of picking things up. So watch out, Somali cats can be quite sneaky!

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The Javanese Cat – Silky, Beautiful, and Rambunctious

Origins and History of the Javanese Breed

The Javanese, which is also sometimes known as the Colorpoint Longhair (or Colourpoint Longhair), is a domestic, Oriental cat breed that originated in North America. The Javanese cat breed was created by crossing Balinese cats with Siamese and colorpoint shorthair cats. Because of this, the Javanese cat is sometimes considered to be a variety of the Balinese cat instead of its own distinct breed.

The Javanese cat gets its name from the tradition of naming Oriental cat breeds after places in Asia. The term “Javanese cat” was first used in 1950 by a breeder named Helen Smith, but Javanese cats as we know them today weren’t called by that name until 1978 when the cat was accepted for registration by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. The Javanese gained full status in that organization in 1986, but in 2008, the breed was once again merged with the Balinese and is now considered to be a sub-breed.

A Striking, Elegant Appearance

The Javanese cat breed often looks very similar to Siamese cats, with a white coat and darker colourpoint markings at the ears, face, paws, and tail, but unlike Siamese cats, Javanese have long, silky fur. The Javanese can also often display colors or patterns that the Siamese breed does not. These cats are sometimes not white but tan, sandy, red, dark brown, or even tortoiseshell. They may display cream point, tortoiseshell point, or even lynx or tabby point markings, which are stripes. Unlike most cats, Javanese do not have an undercoat but only a single coat, which lies close to their slender bodies and gives the cats a very sleek appearance.

These cats generally weigh between five and ten pounds when they are fully grown.

Playful and Curious Personalities

Javanese cats are very similar to Siamese and Balinese cats in personality. They are vocal and will often call out or talk to their owners. These cats are also very intelligent and energetic and enjoy a great deal of space to roam and play. This also means that, when they are bored, Javanese cats can often get into trouble and may even be destructive.

Javanese are considered to be very friendly and are often a good choice for families with children. These cats enjoy a lot of attention and will enjoy having multiple people fawn over them. The Javanese cat also tends to get along well with dogs and may even learn to play fetch with them.

A Long Lifespan

How long the Javanese cat lives depends largely on any pre-existing genetic issues and the care the cat is given. Generally, owners of Javanese cats can expect to have them for between 10 and 15 years. However, when the cat is cared for properly, many of them live to be about 20 years old.

Close Cat Cousins

Javanese cats are closely related to Siamese cats and, because of that, have inherited some of their more interesting traits. Like Siamese cats, these cats are smart enough to be trained and will often perform tricks for treats. These cats have also inherited some of the Siamese and Balinese cats’ genetic traits. For example, like Siamese cats, all Javanese cats have blue eyes. In addition, some Javanese may have kinked or crooked tails. This kink is a small, painless bend or bump at the end of the tail.

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The Small Tiger Breed: Toy Tiger. Toyger

For cat lovers, they may wonder about the origins of their cat and what breed of cat they own. There are many breeds of cats. Some are well known like the Maine Coon, Tabby, Ragdoll, Siamese, and Persian. One of the not well-known breeds is the Toyger cat breed.

“Toyger” means a combination of two words: “toy” and “tiger”, it is a breed of domestic cats that look like small tigers. No, they are not real small tigers, these cats don’t even have an orange tiger coat, but they have beautiful tiger-like stripes on their coats.

The Origins of the Toyger cat

In 1980, a cat breeder named Judy Sugden had noticed one of her tabby cats had a tiger-like pattern upon its forehead instead of the striking “M”. She paired a tabby named Scrapmetal with a broad Bengal named Millwood Rumpled Spotskin. Later in 1993, Ms. Sugden happens upon and adopts a street cat from India named Jammie Blu. During that year, The International Cat Association recognized the Toyger cat breed in the register. Ms. Sugden created the Toyger Cat Society which helps finds the breeders of the Toyger cat which The International Cat Association (TICA) says there are only a few globally. In 2000, TICA advanced them to the new breed exhibition classes, finally granting them full recognition as a championship cat in 2007. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognized Toygers in 2015 and they progressed to preliminary status in 2016.

Judy Sugden’s mother was Jean Mill. Jean Mill had made the Bengal cat a breed. She unexpectedly bred a leopard cat with a black cat which produced a female kitten named Kin-Kin in 1970. Usually, a mixed breed wouldn’t be able to kittens, but surprisingly she did. The wildness calmed down after breeding four generations of the mixed breed. The breeding was hindered a short while because the males were futile. In 1983, The International Cat Association (TICA) approved the Bengal breed and made the breed a championship status. In 1997 The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognized the Bengal breed. The Fédération Internationale Féline, The Cat Fanciers’ Association, and The Australian Cat Federation had recognized the Bengal cat as a breed in their registry in 1999.

The Appearance of the Toyger Cat

What does the Toyger Cat look like?

Besides the beautiful stripes, the Toyger cat has a long and broad body that not like other domesticated cats. Its head is a normal oval shape that looks a heart shape that is inverted. The ears of the Toyger cat are small and round. The length of the Toyger cat is about 18 inches from head to tail. Speaking of the tail, it is long, but not thick. The males of the Toyger cat breed tend to be more muscular than females. The coat of this breed is soft and short. The coloring of the coat can vary from black to tan. The stripes are like the mackerel tabby, but they have more of a sharper edge pattern. The weight of the Toyger cat breed ranges from seven to fifteen pounds. The eye color ranges from dark brown to hazel.

The Personality of the Toyger Cat

The Playful Toyger Cat

Before getting any pet, you should know the temperament of the pet breed. Through the temperament may vary from pet to pet, it’s good to know how much energy they have, and how kid-friendly they are. The Toyger cat is a medium kid-friendly cat and they can be around other pets. They have high energy and very playful which means this cat breed will need lots of exercise. The Toyger cat breed is very intelligent. They do speak their minds a lot and very affectionate.

The Longevity of the Toyger Cat Breed

How Long Does The Toyger Cat Live?

The longevity of this cat breed is 10 to 15 years. This does depend on if the cat is an indoor-only cat or an indoor/outdoor cat. It is said that indoor cats live longer than indoor/outdoor cats. It also depends on how healthy the cat is. Obesity does shorten longevity.

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Oriental Shorthair: Not Siamese, If You Please

Oriental Shorthair cat

The Oriental Shorthair is a specific breed of domestic feline that is related to the Siamese. It resembles the Siamese head and elongated body, with eyes shaped like almonds, and has a slightly shorter age span age span (10-15 years), but has a wide variety of colors and patterns, (around 300).

A Little History Repeating

Orientals represent a very diverse group of felines that find their origins within the Siamese breed. The first Siamese, was imported to the United Kingdom from Siam (present-day Thailand) in the late 19th century and spread abroad, becoming one of the world’s most popular breeds. In 1997, Oriental Shorthair was recognized as a breed for championship contention in the Cat Fancier’s Association or CFA. In 1985, the CFA recognized the two color (bicolor) variant, which was common in the breed. Approximately twenty years later, the breed was eventually recognized by the Governing Council(based in the United Kingdom), of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 1997, but with a few variations from the CFA. The GCCF issues a different series of breed registration rules for a number of certain Oriental Shorthair variations today. The World Cat Federation (WCF) recognizes the breed, but with color requirements that are not as restrictive. Although Oriental shorthairs come in both solids and variant colors, not all organizations accept all patterns. The World Cat Federation (WCF), for example will not accept white in this particular breed.

I See Your True Colors

Oriental Shorthair cats come in many different colors. They are by no means confined to the familiar cream and black coloring typical of their more familiar Siamese cousins. The Oriental Shorthair cat can be many different solid colors and patterns such as shaded, smoke, tortoiseshell, bicolor, and tabby. Any of the above colors can also be seen with white. Interesting fact about this breed that this breed of cats has more colors and patterns than any other cat breed.

You’ve Got Personality

Their personalities are similar to Siamese. Oriental Shorthair cat breeds tend to be social butterflies, friendly, intelligent, and rather vocal for felines. They have a dog-like personality and absolutely demand interaction. They are very active and playful even as adults. The Oriental Shorthair cat breeds are slender, very athletic, and possess superior leaping ability. They prefer to pair up or hang in groups and also love interacting with humans. As pets, they are extremely loyal and can even show jealousy if you are giving attention to another cat, or not giving them enough tender loving care. If they feel unappreciated, they can become unhappy. You should rain affection upon your Oriental, and you will have them eating out of your hand.

These cats are very intelligent and curious, they can easily open a drawer and even doors. There is an opinion that they are the smartest of all cat breeds.

Appearance and Characteristics of Oriental Shorthair Cat Breed

Oriental Shorthairs have a triangular wedge-shaped head with tall bat-like ears. Those ears are excellent at hearing, but may need to be cleaned more frequently than those of other cats, because they tend to attract dirt. Their bodies are sleek but toned. Oriental Shorthairs have a very exotic look because of very slender and long body with a unique head shape and ears. Most of them have striking green eyes.

Orientals are medium-size cats that typically weigh 5 to 11 pounds (2-5kg).

Types of breed

There is a long-haired breed of Oriental Shorthair. It is the Oriental Longhair, which has been acknowledged since 1995 by CFA. It is similar in nearly every way to the shorthair version, but carries a recessive gene for long hair.

Caring for your Oriental Shorthair Cat

Oriental Shorthair cats have a silky fur, which, because it is short, doesn’t require nearly as much maintenance as longer haired versions. Usually all you need is a comb to stroke it, and a soft cloth a few times during the month, to keep it in great condition. Remember, grooming your Oriental shorthair is as much about bonding with your cat as it is maintaining their hygiene. Grooming is an important way to give them your attention. You and your cat will come to mutually enjoy these special moments, and will look forward to each other’s company, as the Oriental shorthair seems to be bred for companionship.

Interesting facts

* The Oriental Shorthair is reported to trigger almost little to no allergies for those who are said to be allergic to cats.

* They have more colors and patterns than any other cat breed.

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Looking For A Unique Pet? Meet the Peterbald Cat, One of the Rarest Cat Breed in the World

A very unique type of cat, is the Peterbald Cat Breed. This cat looks like what the name infers, a bald hairless cat. However, upon close examination, you will see very fine and short hair. The Peterbald cat, is unlike many other breeds, truly loving people, and will very much be a part of your family.

History of the Peterbald Cat. Where did they come from?

The Peterbald cat breed came from a unique experimental breeding in Russia (St. Petersburg). In 1994, Olga S. Mironova bred a male Don hairless, or Don Sphynx, with a female Oriental shorthair, and the first four Peterbald kittens were born. So, this is a relatively new breed of cat. Three years later, in 1997, this type of cat was classified as a breed of its own by The International Cat Association (TICA) and only in 2003 it was placed in the World Cat Federation (WCF) with the abbreviation of PBD. In 2009 it was accepted for entrance into Championship class competition and this breed became a very popular breed.

The appearance and the unique distinctions of the Peterbald Cat

A Peterbald Cat is a very unique cat. First, as the name implies, they have hair loss genes, and tend to have either short hair or no hair at all. Second, they have slenderness and gracefulness of the Oriental cat breed which Sphynx cat breed doesn’t have. Peterbalds have triangular shaped heads with long face and long nose, huge wide apart bat-like ears, almond-shaped eyes, long legs and tails, slender and muscular body. Its coat, or better to say, the skin has variety of colors. They can weigh from 7-14 pounds (3-6 kg). The uniqueness of the Peterbald is, moreover, in its lifespan, it is shorter than in most feline breeds: Peterbalds live from 10 to 15 years.

The Peterbald is also known for its oval, and webbed shaped paws. It enables them to maneuver toys, and, with much determination, they can jump up and open doors, making them escape artists. You may have to buy childproof door handles to keep your kitty safe.

Comparing to Sphynx

Major differences between these two breeds:

Despite the fact that both breeds are hairless, the genetic reasons of that are different. The Peterbald’s “hairless” gene is a dominant gene, whereas the Sphynx’s gene is a recessive gene. They have a completely different look too.
Sphynx feel like warm peaches or chamois, Peterbalds can have a variety of coats from sticky bald to a brush coat.
Peterbald’s body type is refined and elegant with elongated face and almond shaped eyes, the Sphynx is pear shaped medium sized cat with a much shorter, wider face and lemon-shaped eyes.
The Peterbald’s ear set is lower than on Sphynx.
Many Peterbalds have curly whiskers, Sphynx cats are usually have none or have broken whiskers.

Are there varieties? Five types of Peterbald Cats

Bald, as implied. No hair, whatsoever, not even whickers, or eyebrows, and can seem sticky to the touch. This type of cat never grows hair, but can have a small degree of hair on the points (tail, ears, feet). Some kittens can born with curly hair and then become very bald with the time.
Chamois, or Flock: so named for Chamois leather, as it feels like this. It is 90% hairless version.
Velour: is the 70% hairless breed, with just the slightest bit of hair, about 1mm, and feels just like velour, hence the name.
Brush coat: has short hair, about 5mm, and is a bit wiry and curly. The hair feels like felt. You can pet them in either direction, and it will feel the same. The brush coat breed is unique, and only seen in this one variety of any cat known.
Straight: This one closely resembles its ancestor the sphinx since it is the only one of the breed that has a short luxurious coat of hair. The straight coat, has short hair, and whiskers as well. There is no hair loss gene in this variety.

The behavior of the Peterbald Cat Breed. Peterbalds are great pets

The Peterbald is very gentle in nature. These cats love their humans and will stick by your side constantly. They crave attention and love to play all day. A Peterbald also loves to “talk” to you. They have very unique sounds. Sometimes they hiss like a snake, and other times they have a wild animal sound like a tiger growl. They are extremely fun to be around. The Peterbald also is great around other animals including other breeds of a cat as well. As for its nature, in general, it is quite loving and wants to be loved. It absolutely loves attention and enjoys the pampering.

Caring for the Peterbald Cat

They are virtually maintenance free, as you do not need to bathe them as often due to their very short hair. However, because of this, these cats get cold very easily and must kept indoors, where it is warm and cozy. This breed of cats is very vulnerable to temperature extremes, so you have to keep your little friend warm every time to avoid any health issues. Peterbalds also need sunscreen if you are going to expose them to the sun outdoors because they have no fur to protect them from the sun. As for feeding this breed tends to be quite active which means that its metabolism burns quite a bit of fuel so the Peterbald cat may need to be fed more than other feline breeds.

How much does a Peterbald Cat cost? Why do they cost that much?

The Peterbald cat breed is a highly sought out breed in the U.K. This greatly increased the cost of the particular breed. Everyone loves them because of their unique features and relatively ease of care. Prices start at about $1000 (American dollar) and can go quite a bit higher. It all depends on the breeder and the unique qualities of the particular type of Peterbald cat.

In Conclusion

If you are looking for a one of a kind cat, or even just one that will unconditionally love you, this is the breed. Please note that if you suffer from allergies, these cats are not hypoallergenic, so you may not be able to get one, even though they don’t have much hair. Try to find one to check yourself before acquiring your own new feline friend, or consult with your doctor. Good luck, and enjoy!

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Selkirk Rex: A Cuddly and Playful Breed

The Selkirk Rex is a naturally occurring curly cat breed that looks like a stuffed animal you’d love to pick up and snuggle. The breed is medium-sized with solid, sturdy bodies and plush coats. These cats come in both long-haired and short-haired versions. Selkirk Rex cats may make good family pets, as they are generally playful, loving, and patient.

Breed History

The Selkirk Rex cat breed originated in Montana in 1987 when an unusual-looking kitten was discovered in a litter born to a rescued cat. The kitten was given to Persian breeder, Jeri Newman, who named her Miss DePesto. She was bred with Jeri’s black award-winning Persian, which produced a litter of six kittens – three with curly hair and three with straight hair. This litter showed that the Selkirk Rex coat gene is dominant, unlike the genes for Cornish Rex and Devon Rex cats.

Jeri named the breed after her stepfather, “Selkirk.” To date, these cats are the first and only breed to be named after a person. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) accepted the Selkirk Rex for recognition in 1992, and the breed achieved Championship Status in 2000. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the breed in 1992.

The Types of Selkirk Rex Cats

Selkirk Rex cats come in both shorthair and longhair. The shorthair cats have a plush, dense curl to their coats, similar to that of a teddy bear while the longhair cats have a more tousled look, resembling that of a woolly sheep.

Breed Appearance

Selkirks are medium to large in size with strong, heavy boning. The breed’s head is round, containing no flat planes.

When they’re born, Selkirks have curly whiskers. The whiskers are brittle and may break as they get longer. A Selkirk’s hair and whiskers do not change as they mature; if they are curly when they are kittens, they will also be curly as adults. The breed has the most curl on its flanks, stomach, and around its neck. A Selkirk’s back contains the least amount of curl. These cats come in any and all possible solid and combination of colors.

Selkirk Rex Personality

In general, Selkirk Rex cats are relaxed. These cats get their cuddly nature from their Persian and British Shorthair ancestors. However, Selkirks are more active than either of these breeds.

Selkirks like people and other animals. Given its social nature, this breed doesn’t enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. They are affectionate and tolerant, but they may not necessarily be lap cats. They love to play and they will demand your attention if they feel they’re being ignored.

Lifespan of the Breed

A Selkirk Rex generally lives between 10 and 15 years. As with any cat, a feline’s diet, genetics, activity level, overall health, and environment can affect how long it lives.

Interesting Facts About the Selkirk Rex Cat Breed

Because the gene for curly hair in the Selkirk Rex cat breed is dominant, curly and straight-haired kittens can be born in the same litter. Selkirk Rex kittens actually temporarily lose their curly hair around six months of age. They grow sparse, straight hair from around six months of age until they fully mature at the age of two years. Selkirk Rex cats are one of four breeds that have curly hair. This breed has three layers of hair, whether it is long-haired or short-haired, and each layer of hair is curly.

Selkirk Rex Grooming Needs

You don’t want to brush these cats too frequently because doing so may make its coat appear less curly. Combing these cats a couple of times each week is sufficient for preventing and untangling mats. Regular combing also helps remove dead hair and skin cells from the cat’s coat.

Some Selkirk Rex cats have a tendency to get a greasy coat. If this is the case, the cat may need regular baths with moisturizing shampoo. Allow the cat to air dry as using a hair dryer ends up making the feline look like a poodle.

Selkirks are unique cats with plush, curly coats and loving and affectionate personalities. The breed’s gentle personality makes it a good family pet. With proper nutrition, care, and a loving home, a Selkirk may live into its teens, providing many years of companionship to its humans.

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The Arabian Mau Cat – The Alley Cat

A History of the Arabian Mau Cat Breed

The Arabian Mau is a short-haired breed of domestic cat, originated from the desert cat that is native to the desert regions of the Arabian Peninsula (particularly Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates). This cat breed lives on the streets and adapted to the extreme temperatures.

The Arabian Mau descended from the African wild cat living in the desert of the Middle East, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. The descendants have been around for over 1000 years, making the Arabian Mau one of the oldest natural breeds of cats. Also this breed related to Egyptian Mau, one of the oldest breeds of cats as well.

As the human population grew and the wild cat found it harder to find food in the desert, it began searching for food in towns and cities.

During the twenty-first century, the director of the Middle East Cat Society, Petra Muller, organized a selective breeding program after taking an interest in these “alley cats”. It was Muller who gave the wild cats their name of Arabian Mau. In 2008, the cat gained recognition as being a pedigreed breed at the Annual General Meeting. In 2009, the Arabian Mau cat breed was permitted to participate in cat shows and it has been acknowledged by the Middle East Cats Society as a formal breed.

Types and Characteristics of Arabian Mau Cat Breed

It is a medium-sized short-haired cat with a medium-length tail, muscular body and long legs. The head appears to be round, but it is slightly longer than broad with well-defined whisker pads and oval eyes. The Arabian Mau naturally occurs in a wide array of patterns and colors, but the most recognized as a solid red, black or white, or a combination of these colors. This breed typically has the stripes of a tabby. Depending of color of coat, the Arabian Mau normally has green or yellow eyes (color of eyes matches the coat color). The Arabian Mau has large ears which are pointed so as to release heat from its strong body. This comes from its descendants living in the hot desert for so long and needing a way to cool down. Fur without undercoat, short, tight fitting to the body, the fur of adult cats to the touch is not very silky, more rigid. Weight ranges from 8-16 pounds (4-7 kg), depending on if the cat is male or female. The lifespan of an Arabian Mau is typically 12-14 years, unless it lives in extremely comfortable conditions. A domesticated cat living in the house could live up to 20 years. This breed generally has good health and a good immune system.

Loving and Devoted

This cat’s number one characteristic is its devotion to its owner. It is a loving, and territorial cat that will follow its owner anywhere. It will circle and guard its territory from other cats and animals. The Arabian Mau gets along with older children and other animals. It is a quiet cat unless insisting something. Then it is a very vocal cat with a high demanding meow. The Arabian Mau loves to play. It is a very social and energetic cat. It requires a lot of attention to keep it entertained. This cat is very intelligent and can become mischievous and curious. It also loves to eat. The desert wild cat had to search all over for its food. As a result, the domesticated Arabian Mau will still eat almost anything and has not given up its love of the hunt. It is a terrific hunter and jumper.

Low Maintenance

This is a very neat cat. It takes good care of itself and does not require much maintenance. Brushing is only required once in a while to make the coat shine and get rid of excess hair. The Arabian Mau cat breed has little to no shedding which makes it considered a hypoallergenic breed.

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