Meow-Cats

The Affectionate and Loyal Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair is one of the most loyal and affectionate breeds of cat. They love affection and being near people. Unlike their Persian cousins, the Exotic Shorthair Cat is willing to have a bit of fun once in a while. It’s cute face and dense coat give it a teddy bear appearance that can hardly be resisted.

A New Star is Born

The Exotic Shorthair cat is a fairly new breed, having only been developed in the 1950s. Breeders of the American Shorthair sought to obtain the texture and color of the silver Persian, without the required grooming of the latter. In 1966, Jane Martenk proposed the creation of a new breed, which quickly became popular for its looks and personality.

Branching Out

At first, the only color was silver, but all colors were written into the Cat Fanciers’ Association breed standard right from the beginning. The standards were, for the most part, the same as for the Persians, except for that lovely medium-length coat.

No More Outcrosses

In the beginning, American shorthairs were crossed with Persians to obtain the desired look and coat. However, outcrosses haven’t been allowed for Exotic Shorthair breeding programs since 1975 because the gene pool was found to be large enough to reliably produce healthy cats of the type sought for by the breed standard. Today, Exotic Shorthair cats are only breed with Persians, and new colors can only be added if the CFA board and the Exotic board agree upon it.

Persians in Petticoats

Sometimes referred to as a “Persian in a petticoat,” the Exotic Shorthair cat has many of the physical characteristics of the Persian, but without the long coat that gets matted if not groomed regularly. Instead of the long coat, the Exotic Shorthair has a medium, dense coat with a thick undercoat which is nearly shed-free. The overly dense coat and undercoat make the Exotic Shorthair look larger than life, which is saying a lot because this is no small cat. The Exotic Shorthair cat can weigh as much as fifteen pounds. However, it has the short, stout legs of a Persian. With dense bones and a muscular physique, it is clear the Exotic Shorthair cat is compact, not fat.

Exotic Shorthairs Never Grow Up

Moving upward, one will find an impressively large head with short ears and a shortened muzzle. Large, round eyes complete the kittenish appearance of the Exotic Shorthair’s irresistible face. Behind, there is a short, thick tail. To add to all this, the Exotic Shorthair cat has a quiet, kittenish mew that is rarely heard.

A Rainbow of Colors

The Exotic Shorthair cat started with only a single color, silver, but it has branched out far beyond anyone’s expectations. The rainbow of colors includes white, black, grey tabby, red tabby, and so much more. There’s even a pointed coloration that looks similar to that of a Himalayan. The most popular colors today are black, tortoiseshell, red tabby, and brown tabby.

Exotic Shorthairs Love People

The Exotic Shorthair cat is by no means a loner. It loves human contact and is often a lap cat. However, it also requires time to find places to cool off, such as uncarpeted floor, brick, or tile, due to its dense coat. The Exotic Shorthair often enjoys following its owner around and then settling down for a nap when its owner settles into one place. More playful than the Persian, the Exotic shorthair cat enjoys the simple toys, such as a piece of string or the lights created by a prism, but its activity level is not as high as the American Shorthair. Their calm, easygoing nature makes them a great companion pet for almost anyone. With the Exotic Shorthair, there is no worry of jumping or running around the house, because this breed of cat is too gentle for that. Keep in mind, though, that the Exotic Shorthair does not like to be left alone for long periods of time, which is why many owners leave the radio or television on if they are going to be gone.

Best All-Around Cat

Because of its gentle nature and love of people, the Exotic Shorthair is truly the best all-around cat for just about anyone. These cats get along with children and dogs, live easily in urban or rural settings, and make the best companion cat to suit everyone.

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The History and Biology of the Japanese Bobtail Cat

The Japanese Bobtail is most well known for its unusual tail. The cat’s tail has a distinctive bobbed appearance which almost looks like that of a rabbit. This unusual bobbed look is where the breed gets its name.

A history of the Japanese Bobtail

Like many breeds of cat, the Japanese Bobtail has had a close relationship with farmers. In European countries this typically took the form of barn cats. They were used by farmers of all sorts in Japan as well. But the biggest difference came about in 1602. The surrounding years had seen damage to the valuable silk worms of the area. Various rodents had been causing serious problem to people involved with the silk trade. A new law was passed in an attempt to put a stop to the rodents.

In 1602 it became illegal for people to own house cats in Japan. The law had the intended effect, and a small army of cats was suddenly free to roam the streets. They made quick work of the invading rodent population. Eventually the law was revoked and people were free to keep cats within the home again. It’s theorized that this allowed people to select for some of the tamest and laid back cats. While nobody can be certain, it’s probable that people decided that cats with bobbed tails were particularly docile. This led to those cats with this unique mutation getting an early advantage over their peers.

This selection, and later selective breeding, might have been the origin of the Japanese Bobtail Cat. Because a hundred years later Kaempfer’s Japan gave Westerner’s their first description of the species in Japan. It reported the Japanese Bobtail as the norm in Japanese households. It also mentioned the fact that they were notable for their affectionate and laid back nature.

It would take a surprisingly long time to make its way out of Japan. No records exist of someone from the West owning a Japanese Bobtail cat until 1968. The first example of this import to the West came about from Elizabeth Freret. It didn’t gain full recognition as a competitive breed until the mid 70s. In 1976 the short hair Japanese Bobtail was accepted by the Cat Fanciers Association as a Championship breed.

Appearance of the Japanese Bobtail Cat

The Japanese Bobtail is, of course, most notable for its tail. It received its name because it has a distinctive bobbed tail. To qualify as a Japanese Bobtail the cat must have a tail which is both plainly visible and made up of curved articulations. The rabbit-like appearance is further accentuated by large and highly upright ears.

Biology of the Japanese Bobtail cat

On a genetic level, the breed is defined by a particular mutation in a recessive gene. This means that two Japanese Bobtails will always produce a kitten with the same body type. However, it’s very unlikely for a Japanese Bobtail to produce another of that type when mating with another breed of cat. It would be especially rare outside of Japan. Within that country the gene has propagated into more of the cat population as a whole. In Western countries it’s largely only present within the Japanese Bobtail population.

The propagation of the gene in Japan for such an extensive period has also led to an above average level of biodiversity. Many newer breeds come with associated illnesses. The Japanese Bobtail, however, is considered one of the healthiest and genetically diverse pedigree breeds. The only medical oddity that comes with the breed is a slightly higher level of heterochromia than other breeds. This means that the cats might have eyes of two different colors. However, this is a purely cosmetic trait and has no bearing on the actual health or eyesight of the cat.

Types of Japanese Bobtail cat

There’s little variation within the commonly accepted standards for a Japanese Bobtail cat. The biggest differences will be found with color. White calicoes are considered the ideal for the breed. But any combination of coat and pattern is acceptable within the breed.

Personality of the Japanese Bobtail cat

The Japanese Bobtail was originally selected for by Japanese homeowners looking for human friendly breeds. This might be why they have a strong tendency to take to various human centric activities. Most cats, for example, have a difficult time adapting to a leash. A Japanese Bobtail cat will typically take to walking on a leash far more easily. They also have other, similar, traits which are often associated with a more lengthy domestication. One of the more easily noted is a propensity for human audible vocalization. The breed usually enjoys making a variety of different meowing noises at people. The wide range of tone has actually led to popular folktales in Japan of the cat being able to sing.

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Thai Cat – Old-Style Siamese (Wichien-Maat)

The History of the Thai Cat (Old Siamese Cat or Classic Siamese)

In the early centuries, they wrote cat poems about the Thai cat and put into the book “Tamra Maew”. The history of the Thai cat dates back some 700 years to Southeast Asia. Commonly referred to as the Old Siamese cats they were known as Wichien-Maat in Thailand which means “moon diamond” or “diamonds and gold”. There is some controversy over the true nature of the Thai cat.

The controversy surrounding the Thai cat is that they are not a pure breed. Many consider them to be the old Siamese. The changes between the Modern Western Siamese and the new Thai cat took place, when the British brought the Thai cat to the UK with the expressed purpose of breeding a more appealing cat strictly for the purpose of showing.

These cats were bred in the temples, and they were worshipped as saints. The true breeding of the Thai cat includes more than one breed. The problem is the breeding history of the Old Siamese cannot be traced back more than three generation before the paperwork is listed as, “parents unknown.”

This creates more of dilemma to an already difficult situation. In 2007, the Thai cat breed was created and appeared under the, “New Breed,” category. One great thing to emerge from this debate is as of May 1, 2010, The Thai cat has champion ship status. Now the breed can register and take part in competitions with other breeds.

All available information suggests the Thai cat is the oldest breed of cat. They are also, sometimes mistaken for the Korat cat and the Modern Western Siamese. Each of the breeds has similar appearance. However, there are some distinct characteristics upon close examination show them to be three distinct types of cats.

Appearance of Thai Cat

The Thai cat and the Siamese cat are similar, and they have a common ancestry. They share the pointed gene. The Thai cat is often referred to as the old Siamese cat. Even, though they may have that common ancestry, the Thai cat is broader in features than the modern Western Siamese cat with longer legs.

Thai cats have incredibly beautiful blue eyes. Some of the colors available include seals point, lilac point, blue point, and chocolate point. They are elegant, yet robust. Thai cats have close fur that is fine and strong. Thai cats have heavier, more rounded body, and rounded head that makes it a heavier cat than the other cats.

Personality vs. Temperament of Thai Cat

The Thai cat likes to be around people. They love being affectionate and close to their owner, and they are openly friendly with other people. However, they require lots and lots of attention. One of the interesting things about Thai cats are intelligence. They are extremely playful and full of curiosity.

Because they have such a calm temperament, they are quite suitable for any environment. The Thai cat displays patient with children, and they are suitable for older adults. This makes it a Thai cat a good choice for a family pet.

Like all cats, they have that air of independence that can make them appear a little willful. Thai cats are very vocal. They have a high voice that can sometimes be mistaken for a child crying. They are ingenious and clever, and they are guaranteed never to be boring.

Thai cats are quite sociable. They are affectionate and love to interact with their owner. They will follow their owners everywhere they go. There is no getting around it. They are friendly other animals, especially if they are raised with them.

The Final Analysis of Old Siamese Cat

The Thai cat is truly a beautiful breed, and it is wonderful that the breed has received championship status and a true breed name. There are still some, who feel the Thai cat has been robbed of the original breed. However, the result shows that a cat with presence will always have presence, and it can never be taken away. This cat breed demonstrates the true heart of a champion.

The Balinese Cat – An Epitome of Grace and Intelligence

History, Origin, and Traits of Balinese Cats

Originated from the Siamese cat, the Balinese cat is an American breed. During the 1920’s, longhair kittens were showing up in Siamese litters. They could not be used as a show cats and were sold as pets.

During the 1950’s, Helen Smith of New York and Marion Dorsey of California began a breeding program to produce longhaired Siamese. This began the evolution of the Balinese cat. Originally known as the longhair Siamese cat, Helen Smith felt the name didn’t flow well. Instead they were named for the graceful Balinese dancers.

As time progressed, breeders worked on breed variations. Today there are two types recognized. The Balinese and the Javanese. The Balinese male should weigh 12 to 16 pounds and the female should weigh 8 to 12 pounds. Its head is round (medium in size) with long pointed ears. Its eyes are almond shaped and deep blue. The Balinese’s body is long with a tall neck and long legs. The back legs are longer than the front legs. It’s coat is silky and about two inches in length. The Balinese has a long plumed tail. There are only four point colors recognized for the traditional breed. They are seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac.

The contemporary Javanese, carry many of the same characteristics as the Balinese. They differ in coat length and color. Other than the tale, the Javanese has a short coat and point colors of lynx, tortie, and cream/red. The average life span of both breeds is 10 to 14 years.

Beautiful, Intelligent, and Vocal

One cannot help but notice the Balinese cat’s immense grace and beauty. The Balinese cat’s gracefulness is topped only by their intelligence. On an intelligence scale of one to ten with ten being the highest, the Balinese cat is rated a nine. They have the highest intelligence of the longhair breeds.

The Balinese cat is a friendly breed. They are good with children and other pets. They will not allow being mistreated and may moan, growl, or hiss to show dismay. They typically don’t scratch when they are irritated. They like to ride around on their owner’s shoulders, help to read the newspaper, and have been known to carry on conversations. An owner should listen to their Balinese cat. If they are vocalizing for no apparent reason, the owner should listen. The Balinese cat may be alerting the owner to an emergency situation.

Training and Playtime

Balinese cats are easy to train. The owner needs to show them what is good and what is bad. They can be taught to stay off of counters and tables. They can be taught to use a scratching post instead of the furniture. To teach them to stay off of counters and tables, aluminum foil can be used in these areas. They will not like the sound or feel of the foil and they will quickly learn to avoid the counters and tables. Another option is to use a small squirt gun or spray bottle. Hitting or yelling at the Balinese cat is not an option. Be kind and gentle when teaching them.

Teaching them to use a scratching post instead of the furniture may already be done. Respectable Balinese cat breeders will have already shown them to use the scratching post. If not, sprinkle some cat-nip on the post. This will attract the Balinese cat to the post and they will leave the furniture alone.
Exercise and play are just as important as training. You don’t have to break the bank buying expensive toys for your Balinese cat. In fact, they will be just as happy batting around a twist ring from a milk carton or a ping pong ball. They will also be happy with an empty box they can explore. A paper bag will entice their curiosity.

Grooming, Food, and Litter

Grooming for your Balinese cat is less stringent than other long-haired breeds. Since their coat is not prone to matting, daily grooming is not necessary. To promote good skin health, you should groom at least every other day. Grooming can be done as part of play time.

The Balinese cat can be fed either dry or canned food. The proper ingredients for nutritional health are present in both foods: dry and canned. For the majority of their life, dry food is acceptable. When the Balinese cat reaches its senior years, consider using canned food. Older cats are prone to dehydration and using canned food keeps them hydrated. Although food choice is a matter of owner preference, litter choice is a matter of cat preference.

You may need to experiment with litter types. Start with inexpensive clay litter. Clumping and odor reducing litters may not work for the Balinese cat. They may not like the smell or may have a hard time scratching the litter to cover their waste. The litter box should be cleaned daily. A clean litter box does not smell.

Vocal, intelligent, and graceful are just a few of the traits of a Balinese cat. With the proper care, exercise, and training, the Balinese cat will give any pet owner years of enjoyment.

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From The Jungle To Living Room: The Savannah Cat

A visitor may believe that a jungle cat escaped from the zoo and invaded a house if they spot a Savannah cat on someone’s premises. However, there is no need to be alarmed. This cat may look like its ancestor the serval or a cheetah, but Savannah cats are domesticated animals that may be more loving than a typical cantankerous cat. This friendly breed has a unique history and is beloved by many cat owners.

Mixing and Matching Creates The First Savannah Cat

The Savannah cat is a hybrid that was first produced in 1986. Judee Frank breed a Siamese cat with a serval. The serval is an African wild cat that has spots similar to a cheetahs. This medium sized, long eared wild cat was a key component in creating the Savannah. The other type of cat was always domestic but not always a Siamese. This blend of house cat and jungle cat created a beautiful breed that was instantly popular and sought after.

What Does A Savannah Cat Look Like?

Perhaps because of their wild cat lineage, Savannahs are a larger type of domestic cat. They have a tall build, which makes them look large, but these cats are lean and lightweight. Many Savannah cats have a spotted pattern, but the pattern and color of the fur can change depending on the breed the serval was crossed with. Savannah cats all usually share wide ears, small heads, black ringed tails and cheetah like markings on the face. The backs of the ears have an eyespot, a marking that resembles an eye. The cats also have hooded eyes to protect from harsh light.

The Large Savannah Family

Since the Savannah cat can be created with any domestic breed, there are many varieties of the cat. In today’s society, the Domestic Shorthair, Ocicat, Oriental Shorthair, and Egyptian Mau are the only permissible crossbreeds. However, some people use illegal breeds, and some Savannahs may still come from lines created with different breeds. A classification system has been initiated to differentiate between the generations of Savannah cats. An F1 denotes a Savannah cat that was bred from a serval and a domestic cat. An F1 is rare because servals will not always mate with domestic cats and complications often arise during pregnancy. F2 cats are descendants of F1s and have a serval grandparent. An F3 has a serval great-grandparent. These three types of cats are usually expensive to purchase. The price can range anywhere from $900 to over $20,000. The majority of Savannah cats are SVs. They were bred by two Savannah cats. This type may cost less but can still be priced for around $1,000. Kittens are usually most expensive and prices will change based on the availability of the cats.

A Cat With A Dog’s Brain

Despite their jungle origins, Savannah cats are arguably one of the friendliest breeds. Their temperament and loyalty often remind owners of a dog. These are one of the few breeds that will play fetch and walk happily on a leash. Savannah cats can be great for families and active households. They enjoy new people and excitement. The only wild cat tendencies they possess are their ability to pounce and jump while they explore. Savannah cats are unique because they will play in water and are not afraid to get wet. Those who want a lap cat or a lazy companion should not purchase a Savannah. These cats require lots of exercise and interaction or they will become bored. The right owner will be fascinated by this intelligent cat.

savannah cat

Health Concerns

Savannah cats have no specific health needs, but the liver of these cats are usually smaller than average. Doctors need to be mindful when prescribing certain prescriptions. Breeders may have specific requirements for the diet and well being of their breed.

Summing Up The Savannah Cat

The Savannah cat has an unusual history and is still rarer than many other breeds. This breed is a sight to behold and has a personality that is sweet and inviting. A Savannah cat may not be the king of the jungle, but they are the perfect companion for the king or queen of any home.

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The Exotic and Inquisitive Singapura Cat

The History of Singapura Cats

Singapura cat is the smallest cat breed. Their name comes from the traditional Malay name for Singapore. These cats are also sometimes called Drain Cats or Kucintas. The breed was originally thought to have come directly from Singapore, but there has been some controversy around this fact. The original story is that Tommy and Hal Meadow, who established the breed in the United States, had found the three kittens in Singapore and then later brought the kittens home with them in 1975. Some feel that the cats actually started life in the United States, then went to Singapore, only to return to the United States later with the Meadows. Since the breed was established though, many people have traveled to Singapore and found similar looking cats. One such cat, in fact, was found in 1981 at the Singapore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The Singapura was accepted for registration by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1982, despite its controversial history, and granted championship status in 1988.

Types of Singapura Cats

The Singapura is officially recognized in only one color and type, the sepia agouti. This name means each individual hair has two shades. Ivory is the color at the base of Singapura hair and the hair color goes toward dark brown at the tip. The only real variation within the breed comes from a recessive gene that has been traced back to one of the original three cats. This recessive gene causes solid colored kitten in some cases. Many breeders have begun testing for this gene in order to prevent the solid colored kittens and to remove this trait from the gene pool.

Physical Attributes of Singapura Cats

The Singapura is a stocky breed of cat that is small in size. A fully grown female Singapura weighs 5 to 6 pounds (2-2,5 kg), while the male is a little larger at 6 to 8 pounds (2,5-3,5 kg). These cats don’t reach their full size until 15 to 24 months of age, causing some veterinarians who are not familiar with the breed to become concerned about the cats growth.

Singapura have large, dominate ears that are slightly pointed and give them an alert expression. Their eyes are almond shaped and come in colors ranging from a pale green color to hazel or gold and copper. Their eyes are also offset by dark mascara like markings. A traditional tabby M appears on the forehead of Singapura. singapura cat

Their coat, in looks, is described as being similar to that of a cougar. There are bars on the inside of the front legs of the Singapura and on the knees of the back legs. These bars underscore the delicate coloring of the cats. Singapura coats are very short and fine. The legs of the Singapura end in small, delicate feet. The tail is slender and slightly shorter than the length of their body and it has a blunt tip.

Do Singapura Cats Make Good Pets

The Singapura is described as active, curious and playful, all attributes that are thought to make them good family pets. These cats are intelligent and have very interactive personalities. Singapura will seek out the attention of their families. The Singapura also have a very curious nature which leads them to perch on high places, in order to fully take in their surroundings. Singapura have a soft, gentle voice and they tend to get along with other cats in a family.

Caring for a Singapura Cat

Singapura cats don’t need a lot of specialized health care, but they do have one major health problem due to their limited gene pool. This problem is uterine inertia. Uterine inertia is an inability to expel the fetus during birth due to weak muscles. This condition was passed down from one of the original three cats and has not yet been removed from the breeding stock. This disorder means that some of the cats will need to have their kittens delivered by Caesarean Section. There are no other major health concerns, though some breeders are concerned regarding the narrow gene pool the breed comes from and are looking at ways to expand this to fortify the breed without losing the desired characteristics.

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Bombay Cat – The Panther in the Parlor

History of the Bombay Cat

In 1943 Nikki Homer began breeding cats at the age of 16. Siamese were the first cats bred at her Shawnee Cattery, but it was her work with Burmese and American Shorthairs that led to the establishment of an entirely new breed, the Bombay cat. Her inspiration was the black leopard of India and she decided to name the breed after the Indian city of Bombay. In 1953 she began by breeding a female sable Burmese cat with a male American Shorthair black cat with the copper eye color she wanted. The first attempt at breeding a Bombay cat resulted in black kittens since black is dominant to sable, but each black cat carried the recessive gene for sable. It took many more litters of line breeding and cross breeding to achieve the breed standard glossy black cat with gold to copper eyes. By 1958 she was consistently producing what we know today as the Bombay cat. The Cat Fancier’s Association was the first to recognize the Bombay cat as a new breed in 1976.

Types of Bombay Cat

There is only one type of Bombay cat. This breed must be a true a black cat. The coat must must be black from root to tip and all pads and nose leather must be black. The only variation is in eye color. Eyes may range from gold to deep copper in color. The Bombay cat is known as “the patent leather kid with the copper penny eyes”. In England black cats of the Asian body type are known as British Bombay. In Great Britain the eyes may also be greenish in color in addition to the American standard of copper to gold.

Physical Qualities of the Bombay Cat

The Bombay cat is a muscular medium sized cat with well proportioned legs and a rounded chest. They are often heavier than they appear. Males generally weigh between eight and eleven pounds and females usually weigh between six and nine pounds. These cats have a medium sized round head and short muzzle. Although the muzzle is short and the nose is slightly rounded, it should never be snubbed. The ears are medium sized and set wide on the head. Their round head and large eyes give them a sweet expression. The Bombay cat’s most arresting feature is it’s eyes. They can range from gold to copper, with copper being the preferred color. For show purposes, the coat is always black, short and fine with a satin-like feel and a patent leather sheen. However, since this is a hybrid breed, there are occasionally sable colored kittens in a litter. They are not allowed in the show ring, but still make excellent pets.

The Personality of the Bombay Cat

Bombay cats are highly intelligent and can often even be leash trained. They love to play fetch and some are quite talkative. They get along well in households with other animals, but do have a tendency to dominate other cats. The Bombay cat is extremely affectionate and when not nestled in the lap, often likes to ride on the owner’s shoulder. Much like the Burmese, the Bombay cat is a heat seeker and when not nestled on someone’s lap, they can often be found snuggled under the bed covers. They are not shy or timid and are frequently the first to greet guests. The Bombay cat has been described as the perfect pet for someone who wanted a panther, a dog, or a monkey. The Bombay cat combines the look of a panther with the loyalty of a dog mixed with the agility and playfulness of a monkey to create a delightful companion.

Caring for a Bombay Cat

This black cat rarely sheds and it’s short, tight coat needs almost no maintenance. Since they love human interaction, brushing is always welcome, but seldom necessary. A Bombay cat will do well on high quality dry food, but will appreciate an occasional treat of canned food or raw meat. The Bombay cat is known to have a hearty appetite and although most do well free-feeding, some have a tendency to gain weight. This can be handled by rationing food or by switching to a low calorie feed.

Black Cat Folklore – The Positive

black cat / bombay The Bombay cat is the quintessential black cat. The black cat is the subject of folklore around the world. In ancient Egypt all cats, including black ones, were revered and those who could afford it had their cats mummified in order to be together throughout eternity. In the south of France the black cat is known as the Matagot. This spirit can take many forms, but is most often a black cat. This magician cat is said to bring the family good luck and prosperity as long as it is given the first bites of every meal and treated with the proper respect. In Ireland the black cat is often the helper of those who are healers. On the Yorkshire coast of England a black cat was kept by fisherman’s wives to ensure their safe return from sea. It is said that whoever finds a single white hair on an all black cat and pulls the hair without getting clawed will be both wealthy and lucky in love. A black cat in the theater on opening night assures the play will be a success. In Scotland, if a strange black cat comes to the house, it will bring prosperity. If a black cat walks onto a ship and then walks off, the ship will sink on its next voyage. In Asia a black cat is considered lucky. If a black cat walks towards you, it brings good luck – if it walks away, it takes the good luck back.

Black Cat Folklore – The Negative

During the middle ages people came to associate black cats with witches. Superstition and paranoia were rampant in Europe during this time. Some people believed that the black cat was the witches servant or familiar spirit, sent out to do her bidding. Some people believed that the black cat was the witch herself taking another form. There were even those who believed that a black cat was a magic cat and had supernatural powers of their own. In Finland it was believed that black cats carried the souls of the dead to the other world. In Germany it was believed that if a black cat jumped on the bed of someone who was sick, death was imminent. Practitioners of the occult believed that every black cat had one bone somewhere in its body that could make its owner invisible. The cat was boiled alive and each bone was placed in the mouth while an assistant watched. When the right bone was placed in the mouth, the owner became invisible. The assistant would alert the practitioner when they saw them disappear and this is the bone that would be kept in a secret place until needed.

Black Cats Today

In areas of the south where hoodoo and voodoo are still practiced the black cat is still used today. In hoodoo tradition, the black cat is seen as good luck. A black cat mojo bag is filled with good luck herbs and roots and carried on the person for good luck. These bags either have a black cat charm attached, or can be sewn from black cloth in the shape of a cat. In voodoo, these good luck bags are called black cat juju dolls. Some are plain and some are adorned with buttons, good luck charms, feathers, and ribbons. Even today some people believe that it is bad luck for a black cat to cross your path. In 1969, the Cubs baseball team may have inadvertently proved this theory. The Cubs were having a great year until September 9th at Shea Stadium when a black cat ran across the field and circled the Cubs batter. Not only did they lose the game, they finished the season with a losing record! Sadly today black cats are the most euthanized and least adopted from shelters even though they make wonderful pets.

Bombay Cat Ownership

The Cat Fancier’s Association currently ranks the Bombay cat as 39th in popularity. The Bombay cat is also recognized by The International Cat Association. Both the CFA and TICA have lists of reputable breeders where both kittens and retired adults are available. When a Bombay cat is sold as a pet it will either already be altered or the purchaser must sign an agreement to have the cat altered. In addition, most breeders will want a deposit for those looking to buy a kitten. The Bombay cat combines good looks with a great temperament. Those who choose to become owners will find their investment is well worth while.

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A Sweet-Natured Burmese Cat

History of the Burmese Cat

Burmese Cat is a domestic cat breed. It is not to be confused with the Birman Cat which is a quietly separate breed.

The Burmese cat is a common pet found in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. History indicates that the Burmese cat came from Thailand, then known as Siam. Based on 17 illustrated poems written in Siam during the period of the Siamese Kingdom, Ayutthaya, there were three breeds of cats mentioned: the Si-Sawat (Korat), the Thong Daeng (copper, known now as Burmese cat), and the Vichien Mat (Siamese). When Burma invaded Thailand in the 18th century, the Burmese soldiers brought the cats with them.

In 1930, a female cat named Wong Mau was imported to the US from Asia by Dr. Joseph C. Thompson. She was bred with Tai Mau, a sealpoint Siamese from Thailand. The offspring was unique enough to be granted its own breed of Burmese in 1937 by the Cat Fancier’s Association.

Types of Burmese Cat Breeds

There are two types of Burmese cat breeds: an American and a British. The American type has four colors that are well known. These include champagne (honey), sable (brown), platinum and blue. The American Burmese are bred in two types: traditional and contemporary. The later breed has a rounded look. The British Burmese cat is brown (sable), blue, chocolate, lilac, red, cream and tortoiseshell.

Physical Attributes of Burmese Cats

Due to a separate breeding program, Burmese cats have divided into British or European and American types. The British or European type is more Oriental in appearance, with a triangular face, small oval feet and a blunt muzzle, while the American type is stockier and rounder in the body, head, eyes and feet. It has markedly full cheeks and a short muzzle or “pug-like” face.

The Burmese cat is strong, athletic and elegant. This cat is short haired and well known as a “brick wrapped in silk.” The breed has a fine, close, even and glossy coat that is satin-like in texture. The typical Burmese tail is of medium length, medium thickness at its base and tapering to a rounded tip.

An adult male Burmese is large, while the adult female is more delicate and graceful. The difference in weight between males and females is about two or three pounds. The breed has large and expressive eyes that are slightly slanted. Their eye color is usually yellow and gold.

burmese cat

Personality of Burmese Cats

The Burmese is a person-oriented cat and they love to be around you. They are very friendly and inquisitive, and outgoing, loving nature cats. They like to be near their owners, greet them at the door from work. The strong and loyal bond that forms between a Burmese cat and their owner is dog-like due to their devotion.

Burmese cats are very affectionate and very social. They love humans and other felines as company. When you sit down, they will climb on your lap and start purring. They love to talk and will meow softly and sweet to their owner to get an attention.

This type of breed is also known as a clown, with a complete repertoire of stunts – from tumbling and somersaults – to laying sprawled out on the sofa on the back with four paws in the air. Burmese cats are excellent hunters. They often return with a lizard, a small bird, mouse, or a rat – proudly presented as a gift to their owner.

Caring of Burmese Cats

Despite the distinction between American and British/European Burmese cats, the lifespan of these beautiful felines is considerably longer than other breeds. They have been known to reach an age of between 16 years to 18 years. Their long lifespan is partly due to their size which ranges between nine to 13 pounds, making these Burmese cats a small to medium size.

Burmese cats require little grooming. Due to their short fur, Burmese cats do not shed much. Burmese cats do not like to stay home alone for a long period of time because they are very social animals. If you are not able to entertain your Burmese cat, it is wise if you get similar breed of cat, or you can arrange your neighbor to visit. Your Burmese Cat will be happy to have another cat or a person around.

Burmese cats have a very energetic lifestyle. They act very much like kittens, but as they grow older, this breed will slow down. They also sleep longer. It is very important to play with your Burmese cat no matter how old it is: playing with your cat makes the feline happy.

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Turkish Angora Cat

History of Turkish Angora Cats

The Turkish Angora Cats have descended from the African wildcats. Traders from Egypt brought cats into Eastern Anatolia, where through natural selection and inbreeding, the Turkish Angora was developed along with the Turkish Van. The Turkish Angora was brought into Europe where it was brought almost to extinction in trying to improve the coat of the Persian cat. Today, the Turkish government runs a breeding program to preserve their national treasure.

Types of Turkish Angora Cats

There are no specific types of Turkish Angora Cats.

Physical Attributes of Turkish Angora Cats

The Turkish Angora have a silky longhaired coat, originally white. Today, there is a large variety of colors in Turkish Angora cats including black, red, blue, lavender, smoke, etc. The eyes of the Turkish Angora cats are blue, green or amber. Some Turkish Angora cats, however, may be odd-eyed- i.e they have one blue eye and the other green or amber. Their eyes are almond shaped and their ears are long and pointed. Their tail is plumed and they usually carry it upright, perpendicular to their backs.

Personality of the Turkish Angora Cats

The Turkish Angora cats are considered dog like in many aspects. They are outgoing, friendly and people-friendly. They are also playful and like the attention of people.

Caring for Turkish Angora Cats

Turkish Angora Cats need minimal grooming, except regular brushing since they are longhaired. It is important to ensure regular brushing especially during summer months when they are shedding. Also, Turkish Angora cats are prone to deafness and genetic diseases like Ataxia and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

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