All Cat Breed

Japanese Bobtail

2012-05-22T21:34:00.001-07:00

Alan Robinson, Animal Photography

Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is the good luck cat of Japan. When visiting Japan, one sees a ceramic cat with a raised paw beckoning in many doorways and it is the traditional symbol of good luck. The Japanese Bobtail is a natural breed originating in Japan with a chiseled head structure and stylized angular lines. It is an ancient breed that is portrayed in manuscripts and paintings for at least 1,000 years. Like the bright colors of the beckoning cat, it comes in many colors but the favored ones are rich, vibrant, and bright. The favorite color is the mi-ke or tri-colored cat. Vividly contrasting colors and bold dramatic patterns are preferred on all bi-colors.

The unique feature of the cat is its bobbed tail that consists of a variety of kinks and curves creating a pom-pom effect-like a fingerprint, no two tails are ever the same. If you're looking for an active athletic cat with elegant flowing lines, these porcelain-like cats may be just what you're looking for! Enjoy their rambunctious antics while admiring their structure all dressed in rich deep colors and bold patterns.

History

Written records and paintings document the existence of the Japanese Bobtail in Japan for at least 1,000 years in both coat lengths. A 15th century painting in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC shows two longhaired bobtails with their coats parted down their backs and a feathery pom-pom for the tail. There are also sketches of the Japanese Bobtail sitting next to geishas. As with other ancient breeds, there are many legends and traditions surrounding its origin.

In 1968 the Japanese Bobtail arrived in North America when breeder Judy Crawford sent the first cats to Elizabeth Freret in the USA. When Judy returned to the USA, she brought more of the cats with her and worked with Elizabeth Freret to get the delightful breed recognized. TICA initially recognized the shorthaired Japanese Bobtail for competition in June 1979. Even though the longhaired cats had also existed for centuries, TICA only recognized them for competition in March 1991.

Personality

These charming cats are very active and intelligent. They enjoy companionship and have loving, outgoing personalities and love to talk to you with a large vocabulary of soft chirps and meows. The Japanese Bobtail loves to play whether it is splashing in water, engaging in a game of fetch, or pouncing and dancing with a beloved toy. When not busy playing, these busy cats are off exploring every nook and cranny, whether it is investigating the contents of a cupboard or leaping to the top of the bookcase to get a better view of what is happening outside. These active cats are not lap cats-while they will settle for a short nap, they are too busy to stay still for long and are quickly off to the next adventure. They are loyal to their family and adapt well to other pets and children making them an excellent addition to any family.

Traits

The Japanese Bobtail is named for its distinguishing trait-the unique pom-pom tail composed of curves, angles and kinks. No two tails are ever the same and may be flexible or rigid but must be carried close to the body and be in balance with the body. The hair on the tail is longer than that of the body resulting in the pom-pom appearance. In the longhairs the pom-pom looks like one of the full-flowered chrysanthemums seen on the streets of Japan. The bones in the tail are often fused or may be jointed in one or two places so they can wiggle them expressively but they should only be handled very gently.

But the tail is not the only distinguishing characteristic. They have high chiseled cheekbones and large eyes set on a pronounced slant in the triangular head that is topped with large, high-set ears that accentuate their alertness and inquisitive nature. They are medium sized cats with parallel lines in the long slender body and powerful hind legs made for jumping. The deep Z shape of the hind quarters gives immense power to the leap allowing the Japanese Bobtail to spring to great heights with ease. They are extremely muscular cats with graceful flowing movements. Females weigh 5-7 pounds while males weigh 8-10 pounds.

The Bobtail comes in both long and short coat lengths and wide variety of colors and patterns. The traditional color is the tri-colored mi-ke (mee-kay) that combines rich red, deep black and pristine white in a package that is considered good luck. They can have any color eyes but those with two different eye colors (odd-eyed) or with blue eyes are especially prized and are found most often in cats with a lot of white.

The Japanese Bobtail coat is soft and silky as you stroke it with very little undercoat. Shorthairs have a medium length coat covering the powerful muscular body. Their coat lies flat against the body emphasizing the elegant stylized lines of the cat revealing a structure similar to a porcelain statue. The longhairs have a longer coat draping the body with a belly shag and definite britches on the hindquarters underneath the chrysanthemum-like tail. The lack of undercoat in both hair lengths mean there is little shedding other than at seasonal coat changes. The silky texture means the longhair is also less likely to mat or tangle. A regular light combing or brushing will keep your Japanese Bobtail's coat in top condition and the cats enjoy the extra attention.

Health Issues Common to Japanese Bobtails

Pet Insurance for the Japanese Bobtail

Pet insurance for purebred cats costs more than for mixed breed cats. This is because a purebred cat is more likely than a mixed breed cat to make claims for hereditary conditions that are expensive to treat.

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Himalayan

2012-05-22T21:32:00.001-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

Himalayan

The Himalayan is a gorgeous cat with the body and coat of a Persian but the color, pattern and stunning dark blue eyes of the Siamese. A man-made breed, it is named for the pointed pattern that is known as Himalayan in many other breeds. It is one of the most popular breeds and comes in a wide array of pointed colors.

History

Virginia Cobb and Dr. Clyde Keeler began an experimental breeding program in 1931 and produced the first Himalayan kitten named "Newton's Debutante" In the 1950's in Canada Ben Borrett began working on a similar breeding program to create a longhair colorpoint cat. In 1955 GCCF recognized the Himalayan as a Colorpoint Longhair. Marguerita Goforth received permission from a friend to use a longhaired cat with seal point coloring, named "Princess Himalayan Hope, " to begin her breeding program to create a Persian type cat with Siamese markings. She was a major pioneer in getting the Himalayan recognized for Championship and American associations recognized the breed in 1957 as the Himalayan.

Personality

The Himalayan is a poised, loving and sweet breed. It is a sedate and affectionate cat, that prefers to cuddle with you rather than climb up your curtains. The Himalayan is responsive to your moods and emotions. They are very intelligent. Some breeders say Himalayans tend to talk more, but nothing like the Siamese. They love to be petted but do not demand attention like some breeds. But if they are not getting enough attention they will let you know with their quiet meows and meaningful looks from their big blue eyes. They also love to play with toys whether it is the most expensive toy or a balled up scrap of paper.

Traits

The Himalayan is a medium to large cat with a short cobby body that is equally massive across the shoulders and rump. The head is large, round, and smoothed domed with great breadth of skull that is set on a short, thick neck. They must have perfect tooth occlusion and a strong, well developed chin. The boning should be heavy. The eyes are large, round and set far apart, giving the cat a sweet expression. The nose is short, snub and broad with a break centered between the eyes. The ears are small and rounded at the tip and set far apart and low on the head. Tail should be short and thick, but in proportion to the body. The Himalayan is solid, but not fat, with an overall appearance of soft roundness. The coat is long and flowing and requires constant grooming because of the undercoat that will mat if not groomed. This is a cat that demands a serious time commitment to keep the coat looking lovely and it takes knowledge and practice to do it properly.

The points consisting of the ears, legs, feet, tail and face mask should show the basic color of the cat. The body color should be uniform in color, but subtle shading and darker shaded areas on the coats of older cats is allowed, but there still must be a definite contrast between body color and point color. The Himalayan is accepted in TICA in all colors and divisions.

Health Issues Common to Himalayan Cats

All pedigreed cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Any breeder who claims that her breed or lines has no health or genetic problems is either lying or is not knowledgeable about the breed. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.

Himalayans have hereditary health issues that can be a concern, especially if you aren’t cautious about who you buy from. They include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), excessive tearing of the eyes and respiratory problems caused by restricted nasal passages. Responsible breeders take steps to avoid these problems. Himalayans should be healthy and vigorous, able to breathe normally and produce only normal amounts of tears.

Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition causing enlarged kidneys and kidney dysfunction. It usually shows up between 7 and 10 years of age, although it can appear as early as 3 years of age. Reputable breeders are working to establish PKD-free breeding programs. Because PKD is linked to an autosomal dominant gene, it is easy to identify and eliminate. Ask the breeder for proof that both of a kitten’s parents are free of kidney cysts, which can be detected on ultrasound. If one of the parents is PKD positive, which may be the case if the cat’s bloodlines are otherwise valuable, confirm that the kitten you are purchasing has tested PKD negative.

A hereditary form of progressive retinal atrophy occurs in Persians, including Himalayans, although its prevalence is unknown. In Persians, PRA causes vision problems early in life, at 4 to 8 weeks of age, and progresses rapidly. Cats become completely blind by the time they are 15 weeks old. You may have heard that PRA in Persian cats is limited to those from chocolate or pointed (Himalayan) lines, but in a recent study, no such associations were found. That means that PRA may be more widespread in the breed than is currently believed. A study is under way to determine which gene causes the disease and develop a genetic test to identify cats that are carriers of this recessively inherited disease. Because many other breeds use Persians as outcrosses, health problems such as PRA can spread quickly and widely to other breeds.

Even if Persians/Himalayans do not have any overt breathing problems, such flat-faced breeds are sensitive to heat. They need to live in air-conditioned comfort, protected from hot weather. Keep in mind that many airlines will not transport them in the cargo bay (which isn’t recommended for other reasons, as well) because of their potential for respiratory distress or even death in stressful conditions.

Pet Insurance for the Himalayan

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Havana Brown

2012-05-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

Havana Brown

The Havana is a striking cat with a rich mahogany coat showcasing brilliantly green eyes. The short, smooth rich red-brown coat reveals the graceful lines of this elegant cat while the expressive green eyes glow with intelligence. Some believe it is named for its resemblance to the rich color of the Havana cigar, while others think the name came from Havana rabbit. These gentle cats are playful members of the family and always curious about everything that is happening in their home.

History

While brown cats were shown in England as early as the 1800s, a group of British cat fanciers in the early 1950s developed the rich brown cat we call the Havana. Baroness Miranda Von Ullman (Roofspringer), Mrs. Anne Hargreaves (Laurentide) and Mrs. E. Fisher (Praha) used chocolate point and seal point Siamese bred to solid black domestic shorthairs and a dash of Russian Blue to create the self-chocolate cats. The first registered Havana was Elmtower Bronze Idol whose parents were a seal point Siamese (Elmtower Tombee) and a black shorthair (Elmtower Susannah). Praha Gypka was another early chestnut brown cat - a male that came from a chocolate point Siamese bred to a black shorthair. The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) recognized the new breed in 1958 as the Chestnut Foreign Shorthair, the name was then changed to Havana in 1970.

In the mid 1950s, Mrs. Elsie Quinn (Quinn) contacted Baroness Von Ullman and imported the first Havana cats to the USA to form the foundation for the Havana Brown breed in North America. Today, there is a significant difference between the English Havanas and those seen in TICA. The English cats are more oriental in type, following a development like other colors of Foreign (or Oriental) Shorthairs, with straight profiles, flared ears and wedge-shaped heads. In TICA and North American registries, the standard reflects the type of the foundation cats and preserves the original look with the upright ears, corn cob muzzle and angular profile lines. In 1983, TICA accepted the lilac Havana for championship competition and changed the breed name from Havana Brown to Havana.

Personality

The Havana is a curious, playful, people-oriented breed. They want lots of attention and return it with great affection. Expect a paw to reach out to engage your attention when you've been too busy to provide the attention the Havana thinks it deserves. That paw will also be used as the Havana investigates objects that engage its curiosity. This inquisitive, intelligent cat adapts to most situations and will come running to investigate a knock at the door or a crash in the kitchen. The richly colored Havana is an ideal companion if you're looking for an affectionate, intelligent cat who wants be part of everything you do.

Traits

The elegant Havana comes in two colors: rich mahogany red-brown and pinkish grey or lilac - with matching whiskers. Both colors provide a stunning setting for the brilliant green oval eyes sparkling with intelligence and mischief.

The richly colored, glossy coat covers a medium-sized, semi-foreign body that is heavier than expected. The body has a firm, lithe muscular structure that ripples under the lustrous brown coat with a sense of powerful grace. Males tend to be larger than the females, weighing from 8 to 10 pounds where females weigh from 6 to 8 pounds.

While the rich tobacco color of the Havana is what we first see, the head is also distinctive. The erect, forward-tilted ears convey a sense of alertness. The cat's profile is composed of a series of straight lines that accentuate the prominent stop. The muzzle is often described as having a corn-cob look or a rolled cigar shape. This unique look is created by a pinch at the muzzle and full whisker pads that combined with the square chin create blunt rounded look to the muzzle.

Kittens are born brown or lilac but may have ghost tabby markings that will disappear when the cat reaches adulthood. These active cats retain their kittenish playfulness throughout life and will be cherished companions if you choose to share your home with one.

Health Issues Common to the Havana Brown

Pet Insurance for the Havana Brown

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Exotic Shorthair

2012-05-22T21:23:00.003-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

Exotic Shorthair

The gentle Exotic Shorthair is a Persian in its pajamas and is the ideal cat for those who love the look of the Persian but do not have the time or inclination to take care of all that hair. Sometimes called 'the lazy man's Persian', the Exotic Shorthair is bred to be just like the Persian-except with a short, dense coat instead of a long flowing one. Exotics have the same pansy-like sweet face and short nose with big eyes and the same short square body giving them a cuddly bear-like look. These affectionate cats have the quiet manners of the Persian but are livelier and more inquisitive thanks to their shorthaired ancestry.

History

The Exotic Shorthair grew from a different original desire. American Shorthair breeders bred to Persians to obtain their lovely silver color and green eyes. The kittens were pretty to look at but did not meet the true American Shorthair type. Jane Martinke noticed the effect the outcrosses had on the American type and coat as well as the attractiveness of the kittens. She proposed a new breed, called the Sterling because of their lovely silver color. These new cats were to look just like Persians but with a short, dense plush coat. Originally intended to be silver only, the new breed changed the name to Exotic Shorthair and accepted all colors. Only a few outcrosses were made to shorthaired but because the gene is dominant. In addition to the American Shorthair, some breeders chose to use the Burmese for its stocky body type, moderate head and short coat, while others went to the Russian Blue for the shorthaired gene because of its dense double coat. After the initial outcross to get the short coat, the offspring were bred back to Persians. At about the same time, Carolyn Bussey (New Dawn) crossed a Burmese and a red tabby Persian in an attempt to create a brown Persian. Brown is recessive so all the kittens were black and Carolyn also got the idea to develop a short-coated Persian.

Early progress was slow and difficult as Exotic Shorthair breeders tried to get Persian breeders to work with them. Gradually as the type on the new breed improved and it became more popular, an increasing number of Persian breeders were willing to help and some decided to work with the young breed as well. The goal was to produce a short-coated Persian so as Persian type changed so did Exotic Shorthair type. The early standard did not call for the Exotic to have a break like the Persian because of its shorthaired ancestry, however as the type came ever closer to the Persian this changed and the standards are now identical except for coat length. They have had championship recognition in TICA since June 1979.

Personality

The easy-going Exotic Shorthair is an affectionate, gentle cat with the quiet manners of the Persian. Quietly endearing, Exotics request your attention with an irresistible gaze and then hug you when you pick them up. They will follow you from room to room in order to be near you and then jump in your lap for a nap when you settle down to read a book. Their shorthaired ancestors have given them a love of play and they will jump to catch a toy or sit studying how to get the toy you put out of reach before they were finished playing. Simple things amuse them whether it is chasing paper balls around the house or watching water drip out of a tap. While seen but rarely heard, the Exotic has a soft voice and has a vocabulary of chirping sounds. Although sweet and peaceful, Exotics still have an intelligent curiosity that makes them a joy to be around and since they are so easy-going they get on well with children and other pets.

Traits

Exotic Shorthairs are heavily boned, massive cats with lines softened by the thick dense coat. They have broad round heads with low set ears and great big round eyes opening up the short face and giving it a sweet expression. Their round heads are set on robust, short, square bodies with little short thick legs balanced by a short thick tail. The plush coat adds an impression of soft roundness to these muscular cats making them look like plush toys you want to pick up and cuddle. They come in all the colors of the rainbow and a multitude of patterns including pointed for a shorthaired version of the Himalayan.

Grooming is easy with simple combing removing loose dead hair and a wipe of the eyes that can get irritated by dust because of their large surface. All the look of a Persian without the need to care for the long coat!

Health Issues Common to the Exotic Shorthair

All pedigreed cats have some sort of health problem, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Any breeder who claims that her breed has no health or genetic problems is either lying or is not knowledgeable about the breed. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.

Exotics have hereditary health issues that can be a concern, especially if you aren’t cautious about who you buy from. They include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), excessive tearing of the eyes and respiratory problems caused by restricted nasal passages. Responsible breeders take steps to avoid these problems. Exotics should be healthy and vigorous, able to breathe normally and produce only normal amounts of tears.

Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition causing enlarged kidneys and kidney dysfunction. It usually shows up between 7 and 10 years of age, although it can appear as early as 3 years of age. Reputable breeders are working to establish PKD-free breeding programs. Because PKD is linked to an autosomal dominant gene, it is easy to identify and eliminate. Ask the breeder for proof that both of a kitten’s parents are free of kidney cysts, which can be detected on ultrasound. If one of the parents is PKD positive, which may be the case if the cat’s bloodlines are otherwise valuable, confirm that the kitten you are purchasing has tested PKD negative.

A hereditary form of progressive retinal atrophy occurs in Persians, although its prevalence is unknown. In Persians, PRA causes vision problems early in life, at 4 to 8 weeks of age, and progresses rapidly. Cats become completely blind by the time they are 15 weeks old. You may have heard that PRA in Persian cats is limited to those from chocolate or pointed (Himalayan) lines, but in a recent study, no such associations were found. That means that PRA may be more widespread in the breed than is currently believed. A study is under way to determine which gene causes the disease and develop a genetic test to identify cats that are carriers of this recessively inherited disease. Because many other breeds use Persians as outcrosses, health problems such as PRA can spread quickly and widely to other breeds.

Even if Exotics do not have any overt breathing problems, such flat-faced breeds are sensitive to heat. They need to live in air-conditioned comfort, protected from hot weather. Keep in mind that many airlines will not transport them in the cargo bay (which isn’t recommended for other reasons, as well) because of their potential for respiratory distress or even death in stressful conditions.

Pet Insurance for the Exotic Shorthair

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Egyptian Mau

2012-05-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau's impression should be that of a colorful cat of elegant type, having a very alert appearance that gives the cat what could be best described as a regal bearing. There are five unique physical features of the breed that should be apparent at a glance. One is the brow line and characteristic eye set that gives the breed a naturally worried look. The eye color of the Mau is described as gooseberry green. Another is a flap of skin extending from the posterior end of the ribcage to the hind leg, which lends the Mau an uncanny leaping ability and makes the breed capable of great bursts of speed. The final unique attribute is the "tiptoe" stance given by the hind legs being proportionally longer than the front legs. This stance lends a grace look of elegance to the Mau.

History

There is little doubt that Ancient Egypt was the birthplace of the domestic feline we call the Egyptian Mau. Their ancestors are highly visible in the artworks of the Ancient Egyptians. Many of their pictures were of heavily spotted cats bearing the distinctive mascara marking and barring seen on today's Mau. Recent findings in research studies lead by feline geneticist Leslie Lyons, PhD has confirmed that cats first originated in Egypt. There is archaeological and genetic evidence to show that cats first originated in the fertile crescent. The Egyptian Mau arrived in the United States in 1956 when Russian Princess Nathalie Troubetskoy, with help from Richard Gebhardt, imported three Maus from Italy: Two silver females, Baba and Liza, and a bronze male called JoJo. The Mau was granted recognition in The International Cat Association in 1979.

The origins and history of the Egyptian Mau are important to understanding the ideal cat to which Mau breeders aspire. Through the years it has been challenging to meet the standard while maintaining the distinctive qualities and characteristics of the breed. This was especially difficult due to our very limited gene pool. Recent imports have broadened this gene pool and helped improve the overall quality and uniformity of our cats. This has all been a challenge to our breeders and judges, but we have met it and now the Egyptian Mau is beautiful, it is healthy, and it is winning in the show ring!

Personality

The Egyptian Mau has often been thought of as aloof and shy. To a certain extent, the breed can be, but the breed has a special affinity with its people. It is a close bond that is so different than with other breeds. A typical Mau will command your attention. It will not allow you to push it away, as it craves the touch of the special person(s) that are his and his alone. It is the center of your world, and the Mau knows that by this he takes over your life with his incredible, but gentle persistence of being the sole factor that has any reason for existing. The breed is intensely loyal and yet happy to go about his business of being a cat. But when it is ready for you, there is no stopping the love, attention, and adoration of the Egyptian Mau is going to bestow upon you.

The Mau has an extraordinary power of scent, hearing, and sight. They are a shy sensitive cat that is easily upset by sudden loud, unpleasant noises. If you plan to show them you must start working with them at birth so that they will accept sounds and handling of the ring.

Traits

The Mau is the only natural spotted breed of domestic cat, showing good contrast between the background color and pattern. The pattern is random with any size or shape of distinct spots. They have an "M" on the forehead, often referred to as the mark of the scarab, and a dorsal stripe travels the length of the spine to the tip of the tail. Legs, tail, neck and upper chest are barred with at least one broken necklace. The haunches and shoulders show a transition between spots and stripes.

The eyes are large and alert, shaped like a slightly rounded almond, with a slant towards the base of the ear. This eye set contributes to the characteristic "worried" look of the breed. The eye color of the Mau is gooseberry green. If you have never seen a gooseberry, a green grape comes close but isn't quite the same.

Its head is a slightly rounded, wedge-shape of a medium length. The profile has a gentle concave rise from the bridge of the nose to the forehead, not to be dishy or arrow straight. The slightly flared ears are medium to large, alert, moderately pointed and broad at the base. The hair on the outer ear is very short and close-lying that results in an almost transparent look when combined with the delicate shell pink inner color.

The Egyptian Mau is a statuesque breed that often strikes poses on the judging table. The muscular, elegant body of this graceful feline athlete is hard and lithe. When standing, the Mau has a characteristic "tiptoe" stance, with hind legs longer than the front. The body rises gradually from the back of the prominent shoulder blades to the hips. The medium-length tail tapers slightly towards the dark tip. The hair displays a lustrous sheen on all three accepted colors: silver, bronze and smoke. Its coat is medium in length; in the smoke color the coat texture is silky and fine. In the silvers and bronzes the coat is dense and resilient to the touch.

Health Issues Common to the Egyptian Mau

Pet Insurance for the Egyptian Mau

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Devon Rex

2012-05-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

Devon Rex

Devon Rex are the pixies of the cat fancy with their impish looks and mischievous personalities. The Devon Rex have large low set ears and big impish eyes set in a head with a short muzzle and high cheekbones. It is a small to medium sized cat with a muscular body covered with a short, velvety soft coat that ripples with waves. They are often described as resembling the Gremlins from the film Star Wars while the waif-like tousled curls of their coats are reminiscent of Little Orphan Annie's tousled mop.

History

Buckfastleigh, Devon, England is the ancestral home of the Devon Rex where a feral tom cat with a curly coat lived in an abandoned tin mine. In 1960, a tortie & white stray adopted by Miss Beryl Cox had a litter of kittens sired by the feral tom. One of the kittens was a brownish-black male with a coat just like his sire's. Miss Cox kept the kitten and named him Kirlee. Aware of Kallibunker (the first Cornish Rex) and the work to preserve that new gene, she wrote to Brian Sterling-Webb thinking her Kirlee could contribute to that program. However it turned out that the gene creating Kirlee's curly coat was different to the one producing Kallibunker's marcelled waves. There were a number of differences in the coat between Kirlee and the CR. While Kalli had whiskers that were bent and curled, the gene from Devon resulted in missing or stubby whiskers. Kirlee had tight curls but not as uniform as those of Kallibunker giving them a windblown appearance. And Kirlee had huge, low-set ears giving his head a pixie-like look that was accentuated by the large, inquisitive eyes and short nose.

Breeders started developing a program to conserve the gene discovered in Devon too. The gene discovered in Cornwall was designated Gene 1 and that discovered in Devon Gene 2. Sterling-Webb (Briarry) now worked to conserve this gene as well along with Mrs. Agnes Watts (Du-Bu) and Mrs. Madge Shrouder (Hassan). All Devon Rex trace their ancestry back to Kirlee who was sadly killed in a car accident in 1970.

Personality

Devon Rex are intelligent, mischievous and highly active. They are very playful and want to be involved in everything - and they are powerful jumpers no spot goes unexplored! Expect to find them perching on the top of doors or climbing to some previously unexplored spot. Although they are interested in everything going on around them, Devons are very people-oriented and prefer to share their investigations with you so expect their company no matter what you are doing. They will perch on your shoulder watching you make supper (food is another of their favorite things!), curl in your lap while you read a book, and snuggle under the covers to sleep with you at night. They aren't particularly talkative but do chirp when they feel they absolutely need you to look at something that has caught their interest. These busy little pixies work well in an active household as they thrive on company but should not be left alone for long periods as they can become destructive if they get bored. They are great with children and get along well with other family pets.

Traits

Devon Rex are well-muscled, mid-sized cats weighing on average from six to nine pounds, with males being heavier than females. Their soft, short, curly coats vary from cat to cat - the ideal show coat is an even, full coat of loose curls but individual cats will have coats ranging from a tousled mop of curls to a thin suede-like coat. Some cats may also have almost bare patches as well. The coats often vary over the life of the cat and when molting the coat will often break off so no curl is apparent until the new coat grows back. Kittens often go through this stage. The whiskers and eyebrows are also short and crinkled like the coat.

One of the startling things when you pick up a Devon is how warm they are to the touch - they feel like soft hot water bottles and are ideal to snuggle up to in winter. They have the same body temperature as other cats but their coat does not provide as much insulation and so they feel warmer. They also love heat and will be found basking in the windows or seeking other sources of heat like the top of the television.

They are easy to care for because there wavy coats do not shed very much and dry quickly when bathed. Their large ears can attract dirt, though, so these should get a weekly cleaning with a soft cotton swab. Other than that a quick shampoo with a towel dry will keep your wash-and-wear Devon curls in top shape. And a quick nail trim to keep the claws short is the only other grooming required.

Contrary to popular opinion, Devon Rex do shed just like all other cats however the structure of the coat makes the shedding less obtrusive than in some other breeds. For some reason, there is a perception that the Devon Rex is hypo-allergenic however they do produce allergens like every other cat. Some people with allergies to cats are able to tolerate Devons but others are not depending on their personal allergies. If you are allergic and are considering a Devon, you should make arrangements to spend some time in the company of a Devon before acquiring one. Visit with one and wait at least 24 hours to see if they do elicit an allergic reaction and ideally visit more than once. Pixie-like in appearance, the Devon Rex is a small- to medium-sized cat that retains the appearance of Kirlee, the foundation cat. Its sturdy body is muscular, with hind legs longer than the forelegs. It has a modified wedge shaped head with large, inquisitive eyes, broad cheekbones, strong chin and a short muzzle. The ears are large and low set. The compact, supple body is covered with loose waves and curls. These little minxes are friendly, intelligent, curious companions and will make a playful addition to your household.

Health Issues Common to the Devon Rex

Pet Insurance for the Devon Rex

Pet insurance for purebred cats costs more than for mixed breed cats. This is because purebred cats are more likely than mixed breed cats to make claims for hereditary conditions that are expensive to treat.

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Cymric

2012-05-22T20:59:00.002-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

Cymric

The mature Manx with all its rounded contours reminds one of a bowling ball. It is a round, heavy cat of medium size. Its primary feature is its lack of a tail. Not all kittens are born tailless. The ideal Manx has a rounded rump with just a dimple where the tail would have been however some have short stubby tails and some are born with full length tails. But the intelligent Manx is far more than just a cat without a tail! Its hind legs are long than the front legs so the rump is raised in the air. In days gone by, some people thought they saw a hopping gait and this, combined with the longer hind legs and lack of tail, gave rise to the moniker of 'bunny cat'. These charming cats claim an origin from the Isle of Man and come in two coat lengths: the shorthair known as the Manx and the longhair known as the Cymric.

History

Several colorful tales surround the origin of the Manx including the one where Noah cut off its tail as he closed the Ark door as the rain began. The records show the breed originated on the Isle of Man. The first cats may have come from nearby England and Wales or they may have come from further afield however the initial population arrived by ship on the Manx shores. At some point, a mutation occurred so kittens were born without the vertebrae of a normal tail. The first picture of one appears in a painting from 1810 however linguistic evidence suggests an earlier date around 1750 as the English word 'stubbin' is used for the Manx whereas prior to 1750 only the Manx language was used. A small island, the Isle of Man is an isolated area so inbreeding of the island population resulted in the lack of a tail becoming a common trait. Manx were among the original breeds at the dawn of the cat fancy in the late 1800s as we find them in the show records from that era. Tailless longhairs also appeared on the Isle of Man, however they did not achieve mainstream recognition until later. Today, the longhair is known as the Cymric with an identical standard to the Manx. TICA recognized both the Cymric and the Manx for championship competition in June 1979.

Personality

These gentle cats are generally playful and their powerful hindquarters make them excellent jumpers able to get to the highest corner to investigate something that has attracted their interest. They are intelligent cats quickly learning how to use their paws to turn a door handle to get to a room containing something they want. Manx and Cymrics quickly learn to retrieve and sometimes bury their toys like a dog. While they have a relatively quiet voice, they can be quite talkative and often use a unique trilling sound. They are people-oriented cats who form strong bonds with their families. They get on with children and other pets when properly introduced. These even-tempered, calm cats have a lot of affection to share and prefer not be on their own for long periods of time.

Traits

Together, the Manx and the Cymric comprise the Manx breed group. They differ only in coat length with the shorthairs known as Manx and the longhairs as Cymrics. They come in all traditional colors and patterns often with bold colors and dramatic markings. They have a thick coat that gives a padded feal to the body and adds to the rounded look. The shorthaired Manx has a double coat and the somewhat hard guard hairs tend to have a gloss appearance. The longhaired Cymric has a silky texture to the plush, medium-length coat with fluffy breeches and neck ruff.

While lack of a tail is the immediately obvious features of these breeds, they are also known for the roundness. These medium-sized cats have short, rounded bodies with a deep flank to the strong hindquarters, arched back and a round head with round cheeks. In fact, everything about these cats is round, making them resemble bowling balls! The eyes are also round but set on a sliight tilt and the ear set resembles the cradle of a rocking chair giving the cats a sweet expression. Manx/Cymrics take 5 years to reach their full maturity and then males will weigh 10-12 pounds on average and the female 8-10 pounds.

While the lack of tail is the most striking characteristic, it is important to keep in mind that the nerve endings are still present but are not protected so care should be taken when handling the area where the tail would have been or the stubby tails. Pressure in this area can cause the cat pain. Children should be cautioned to be careful when petting the cat and not to poke at the missing tail area. Also, because of the structure of the cat, the cat's hindquarters should always be supported when it is being picked up or carried to ensure there is no additional pressure on the spine.

Health Issues Common to the Cymric

Pet Insurance for the Cymric

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Cornish Rex

2012-05-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

Cornish Rex

The energetic and elegant Cornish Rex bounces through life and into your heart with undaunted enthusiasm. They are a natural breed originating from a mutation first recognized in England. Often referred to as the Greyhound of the cat world because of their long legged body complete with tuck-up, the Cornish Rex is easily recognizable by its wavy marceled coat. These curls go from their eyebrows to their whiskers and all over their body.

There is NO hypo-allergenic cat, but the Cornish is considered a good choice for people with allergies as they do not seem to aggravate them as much as other cats. Their large tall ears and soft, big oval eyes blend into their egg-shaped head giving them a wonderfully expressive appearance. Smart, social cats, they know their place... right in the middle of everything!

History

The story of the Cornish Rex begins in Bodmin Moor, Cornwall. On July 21, 1950 a tortoiseshell cat named Serena, owned by Mrs. Nina Ennismore gave birth to a litter of five kittens. One red & white coloured kitten in this litter had an unusual curly coat. The kitten was named Kallibunker (Kalli) and was to become the founder of the Cornish Rex breed. Nina's veterinarian suggested she contact geneticist A C Jude. He advised she mate Kallibunker back to his mother. This breeding produced three kittens. One was a straight coated female the other two curly coated males. Sadly, one male died at 7 months of age, the second male named Poldhu (along with Kallibunker) went on to sire further litters.

Due to the gene pool being very small in the 1950s-1960s the Cornish Rex was an endangered breed. They were out crossed to domestics as well as Siamese, Russian Blues, American Shorthairs, British Shorthairs and Havana Browns to create great genetic diversity and a strong, healthy foundation for the breed. In 1956, Life magazine published an article on the Cornish Rex that generated a lot of attention worldwide. The following year Frances Blancheri of California imported Lamorna Cove. She was pregnant by her father Poldhu at the time. She went on to have a litter of 4 kittens...the start of the Cornish Breed in North America.

Personality

The Cornish Rex has an outstanding enthusiastic personality. They are highly social cats, not at all reserved, liking to be right in the middle of everything and thrive on attention. They are extremely intelligent, very acrobatic & clownish, and retain their kitten-like personalities throughout their adult life. They are a very lively, energetic breed that loves to play and will entertain themselves for hours. One of their favorite games is Fetch, retrieving toys like a dog, and if no one is available...they will even throw the toy for themselves with their little paws that they use like hands.

Cornish Rex love attention and make wonderful pets, although can be demanding at times. They do not like to be alone for long periods so it is a good idea for them to have a companion if the family works long hours. The Cornish is definitely a lap cat and ANY lap will do, they get along well with other animals and make an ideal children's pet. They are usually quiet, but can express themselves quite well with a pat on the cheek, a kiss on the cheek or a turned back & flip of the tail.

Traits

The Cornish Rex has a racy slender, body which stands tall on its legs. Do not be fooled though, while these cats appear fine boned and elegant they are actually hard bodied and muscular for all their dainty appearance. They have a natural arch to their back that matches a tuck-up to their waist that flows into a long tapering tail. The Cornish have dainty oval paws and tend to walk high on their nimble toes. Their head is often said to look like an egg on its side with high cheekbones. They have tall ears that sit high on their head, but not so high as to give it a donkey-like look. Cornish Rex have oval expressive eyes with a slight upward slant and a patrician roman nose.

Of course, the most unique feature of the Cornish Rex is their coat. Unlike most cats, Cornish coats do not have guard hairs and the hair lays in marcel waves that can be tight or loose--they are often compared to a washboard in appearance and to Chenille in touch with its incredibly soft and silky texture. The curls even extend to their whiskers, which are foreshortened and curled. They require little grooming, although they have a tendency to get greasy ears and toes. Females, on an average, weigh 5-7 pounds while males weigh 8-10 pounds. They come in all colors and patterns from pointed to solid to tabbies, with or without white. Their bodies often appear to be warmer to the touch, then the average cat and actually have a slightly higher than normal temperature. They love warm places, be it a heat vent, sunspot, warm lap or under the blankets in bed.

Health Issues Common to the Cornish Rex

All pedigreed cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.

The Cornish Rex is generally healthy, but his coat offers little protection from the sun’s rays, so don’t let him bask outdoors. He may also be prone to hereditary baldness. It is always wise to buy from a breeder who provides a written health guarantee.

Pet Insurance for the Cornish Rex

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Chartreux

2012-05-22T20:54:00.004-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

Chartreux

The Chartreux is an old breed that is a balance of contrasts. With its sturdy, robust body and fine-boned legs, the Chartreux is often described as a "potato on toothpicks". It is one of the few breeds to come in blue only and its medium length coat has a woolly texture to it. It has a hard top-coat which is water-repellent and a soft, dense undercoat to keep it warm. The rounded head tapers towards the muzzle creating a smile and the medium-sized ears are set high on the head. But the eyes are one of the first features to leap out at you—the large orange eyes light up the whole face.

History

Reputed to be great mousers, references to Chartreux cats are found in French literature as early as the 16th century. There are 2 possible ways the Chartreux may have received its name. The first, as a companion to the Carthusian monks protecting the grain stores for the monastery and perhaps the ingredients for the famous Charteuse liqueur. The second, as a cat with a coat similar to a well-known Spanish wool from the 18th century. There are no records in the monastery that refer to the cats however the term Chartreux for these cats was being used as early as the 17th century which predates the Spanish wool and appears to be more connected with the monastery. French literature has references to the Charteux cat though the 1880s and it is known considered the national cat of France. As with many other breeds, the Chartreux suffered through WWII and after the war other breeds were introduced to help preserve a solid genetic base. In the case of the Charteux, blue British Shorthairs and Persians were used but breeders stayed focused on preserving the overall look of the cat.

Personality

These are cats that want their feet firmly on the ground. While playful and intelligent, these engaging cats are not one for hi-jinks flying through the air. They have quiet voices and sometimes seem to chirp to each other and to their owners. While they are somewhat reserved, these are calm placid cats that are devoted to their owners. They like to climb and have a reputation of being great hunters—these aspects of their personality may be directly connected to their earlier role of hunters.

Traits

These cats have a solid robust body often referred to as "primitive". They are a study of contrasts: heavy body supported by medium-fine legs; medium erect ears over very large orange eyes lighting up the face; a rounded top-head narrowing to a tapered muzzle with the corners pulled upward to give the cat a smiling expression; a thick, dense coat with a hard, water-repellent outer layer and a soft, warm undercoat. They are solid, muscular cats and mature adults weigh from 12-16 pounds.

Health Issues Common to the Chartreux

Health Issues Common to the Bengal

All pedigreed cats have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Any breeder who claims that her breed or lines has no health or genetic problems is either lying or is not knowledgeable about the breed. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, who tells you that the breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her kittens are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons.

Bengals have hereditary health issues that can be a concern, especially if you aren’t cautious about who you buy from. They include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Responsible breeders take steps to identify or avoid these problems. A cataract is an opacity or cloudiness of the lens of the eye. Cataracts can develop in old age, but sometimes inherited cataracts occur in young cats. Sometimes cataracts can be successfully removed surgically.

A hereditary form of PRA has been identified in Bengals. The disease causes progressive blindness, and there is no treatment. Kittens as young as 12 weeks have been diagnosed with PRA. It’s thought that PRA in Bengals is caused by a recessive gene, but currently there is no test that would allow breeders to identify carriers.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in cats, and it has been diagnosed in Bengals. It causes enlargement (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. You may have heard that it is caused by poor nutrition, but that isn’t true. The disease is hereditary, and researchers are working to identify which gene or genes are involved in the development of HCM in the Bengal. Until then, breeders should have breeding stock tested for heart murmurs annually, ideally by echocardiogram, but at least by a veterinary cardiologist listening to the heart with a stethoscope. Cardiologists are specially trained and may detect murmurs that go unheard by general practice veterinarians. If your veterinarian detects a heart murmur in your Bengal, an echocardiogram conducted by a veterinary cardiologist can confirm whether he has HCM. Cats identified with HCM should be removed from breeding programs. Avoid breeders who claim to have HCM-free lines. No one can guarantee that their cats will never develop HCM.

Pet Insurance for the Bengal

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

Balinese

2012-05-22T20:35:00.001-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

Balinese

In a nutshell, the graceful, majestic Balinese is a Siamese with a long coat. But they are so much more than this! The long coat of this affectionate cat flows over the long body without obscuring any of its elegant lines as it seeks its next adventure with eyes glinting with mischief. The fine-boned, slim Balinese has the grace of the dancers of Bali and its muscular body is covered with a long, silky ermine coat. Its sapphire blue eyes sparkle with intelligence and curiosity as it surveys its kingdom but at a moment's notice the Balinese discards its regal bearing to engage in a game clowning around with a toy mouse. Its princely bearing and fluid grace constantly remind one that its ancestors were considered sacred in Siam surrounding it with an air of royalty.

History

The early history of the Balinese is unknown although sporadic references to it occur from early on. Some say there is a Chinese tapestry depicting a longhair, an 1871 Penny Illustrated magazine contains a reference to a longhaired Siamese, and we find a CFF registration record for one in 1928. While the longhaired kittens were showing up sporadically, the history of the Balinese starts with the first breeding programs in the 1950s. Two Siamese breeders, Marion Dorsey (Rai-Mar) in California and Helen Smith (MerryMews) in New York, both fell in love with the beauty of some longhair kittens that appeared in their Siamese litters and decided to develop more of the lovely cats. Helen Smith coined the name Balinese to reflect their grace and elegance that reminded her of Balinese dancers.

The Balinese was originally recognized in four colors: seal, blue, chocolate and lilac. In 1979, red and cream along with the tabby pattern were also accepted rounding out the color palette to include red, cream, tortoiseshells of all color combinations as both solid color points and tabby points. More recently, these colors in combination with white were accepted widening the color spectrum to include bicolor points. TICA recognized the Balinese for competition in 1979.

Personality

Balinese have extremely loving temperaments and bond closely with their families. They will be your best friend and want to be involved in everything you do from helping you make the bed to working on the computer (surely you really meant to send those cryptic messages of love your Balinese typed in for you?) to joining in all kinds of games. These gregarious cats will chat with you about any and all subjects while calling your attention to something you may have missed. They demand lots of attention and get into mischief so should not be left alone for long periods. They love to play and can make a toy out of anything-that little toy mouse, a leaf that blew indoors, a piece of paper, a teaser toy-that will amuse them for hours. Balinese get along well with children and other pets, fitting easily into the family.

Traits

The Balinese has a single coat that lies close to the long, slim body. The lack of undercoat reduces the likelihood of matting. The soft coat is fine and silky and is half an inch to two inches long over the body. There is no ruff at the neck but the tail carries a magnificent plume where the hair can be up to 5 inches long. They have the same stunning deep sapphire blue eyes as the Siamese. The Balinese also has the pointed pattern where color is restricted to the mask or face, ears, legs and tail with a contrasting creamy white body. It comes in a wide variety of pointed colors and patterns from the commonly known seal point to the rare lilac tabby & white point.

Balinese are sleek, dainty cats with long tubular bodies and fine boning. In fact, the Balinese is the epitome of long-long svelte body, long tail fringed with long hair, long fine-boned legs, and a long straight profile. From the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail and down to the tip of its toes the dancing Balinese is long and graceful. The head is a long tapering triangle that flares out from the nose to the tips of the ears. While dainty and elegant, it is all muscle giving it the feel of silk-covered steel. It is a medium-sized cat with males weighing from 6-8 pounds and females ranging from 5-7 pounds.

The Balinese is a vocal cat that enjoys conversing with you. Its voice is a bit quieter and softer than that of the Siamese and it is not quite as insistent as the Siamese. If you are looking for an interactive vocal cat, the graceful Balinese may well be just what you are searching for.

The silky single coat makes the Balinese an easy longhaired cat to keep in perfect condition. It rarely tangles or mats and a quick combing easily removes any loose dead hair while keep the spectacular plumed tail at its very best. Other than that, all that is needed is a quick wipe of the ears with a cotton swab to remove any wax and a quick nail trim to keep your cat perfectly manicured.

Health Issues Common to the Balinese

Pet Insurance for the Balinese

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)

American Wirehair

2012-05-22T20:31:00.003-07:00

Tetsu Yamazaki, Animal Photography

American Wirehair

Like its counterpart the American Shorthair, the American Wirehair is one of the most adaptable breeds for any type of household-from being the lap cat curled up with the senior citizen to the energetic cat joining in to play with the children. One of the natural breeds, the American Wirehair is a medium size cat, muscular with a firm, well-balanced body. The wirehair gene originated as a spontaneous coat mutation in upstate New York and changes the hard coat of the American Shorthair to the hard, dense, springy coat of the American Wirehair.

History

The first American Wirehair was found in a litter of 6 kittens born on Council Rock Farm in Verona, New York. The kitten was a red-and-white male with a sparse, wiry coat-every hair, including his whiskers, was crimped and springy. His parents, Bootsie and Fluffy, were normal-coated domestic shorthairs who lived on the farm owned by Nathan Mosher. Local cat breeder Joan O'Shea saw the kitten and, recognizing him as unique, was able to acquire him. She named him Council Rock Farm Adam of Hi-Fi. He was bred to a female belonging to O'Shea's neighbor and produced kittens with a wiry coat. The female had also come from Mosher's farm so could have carried the wirehair gene. A second breeding to an unrelated female also produced wire-haired kittens thereby establishing it as a dominant gene.

O'Shea sent hair samples for analysis to noted British cat geneticists A.G. Searle and Roy Robinson. Robinson replied to her that the samples of Adam's hair showed the coat was unique and not related to the Cornish or Devon Rexes. All three hair types (down, awn and guard) were twisted and the awn hairs were also hooked at the tip. The cat was closest in type to the American Shorthair and this was the breed used to develop the American Wirehair. Today the only difference between the two breeds is the coat.

Personality

American Wirehairs are good-natured, easy-going cats, popular with families, as they are known to be very tolerant of children. They are calm but can also be playful even into old age. Female cats tend to be busier than the males; males are more easygoing. In general they are intelligent cats and quite interested in everything around them. Many American Wirehairs retain their hunting instincts with any insects that should venture into the house. They also like to watch birds and other activity from a windowsill. They enjoy the company of their people but retain their independence. Many are lap cats, while some prefer just to be nearby.

Traits

The American Wirehair is a medium sized cat with no exaggerated features. It is not a large, heavy boned cat as is the British. It is a very balanced medium size, medium boned cat, with a firm muscular feel to the body, well proportioned in all parts. The head is slightly longer than wide and with an open, sweet expression. Eyes are wide-set, medium to large in size proportionate with the size of head, rounded, which means the upper lid is shaped like half an almond and the lower lid is a fully rounded curve. The muzzle is medium-short with a full strong chin giving it a squarish appearance like a matchbox; ears are medium in size and slightly rounded at the tip set twice the distance between eyes. There are a number of different looks found in the Americans that are acceptable by the standard. Females are smaller than males with the balance of the cat being of most importance. Americans do not mature until they are around three or four years old. The features of the breed are then at their best.

The wiry coat like steel wool defines the American Wirehair as distinct from all other cat breeds. It comes in all colors and patterns but the wiriness itself has several degrees varying from spiked to curly with the individual hairs being crimped, hooked or bent. The ideal coat, including the whiskers, is dense, coarse and crimped over the whole body. Some coats are completely wired but very hard and sparse making them break easily. The coat is relatively soft to the touch but springs back into place when stroked.

Some American Wirehairs have sensitive skin that can be susceptible to outside influences resulting in an allergic reaction. To reduce any potential problems, the skin and coat should be kept clean with regular bathing to remove loose dead hooked hairs that could initiate some irritation. The coat can be a little greasy from the oil secreted by the skin and regular bathing removes this grease too. Gently clean earwax out with a cotton swab when bathing the cat.

Pet Insurance for the Abyssinian

: Breed information provided by The International Cat Association (TICA)