There are numerous breeds of cats. There is the Pedigree or pure bred cats (a cat whose ancestry in a recognized breed has been recorded and registered through at least four generations) and the Non Pedigree or the cross bred cats. It was in the 19th century that the first pedigree (with a family lineage) breeds were developed. Among the pedigree ones itself, there are more than 300 breeds and varieties recognised now, with the main distinguishing characteristics being body type- head shape and the length of hair. The latter feature is, perhaps, the most straightforward method of categorising pedigree and non-pedigree cats.
Depending on their length of hair pure bred cats are classified into long hairs, semi long hairs and short hairs. There are two basic body types, one is 'cobby' with a compact sturdy body and a deep chest, broad shoulders and hind quarters, short legs and tail and a short, round head (eg. British short hair and the Persian) and the other non cobby type is slender and lithe with long legs and the head narrow and wedge shaped (eg. the Siamese). There are various intermediate types in between these two extremes. Classification of breeds differ in different countries. The number of cats in particular breeds also varies enormously.
Anyone venturing into the pedigree world as a new comer would be well advised to choose one of the older breeds as larger and longer a breed has been established, the more likely it is that any problems have been bred out. There are so many cats varying greatly in appearance and, to some degree, temperament-from which to choose. Some of the breeds and their features are given below.
PEDIGREE LONG HAIR CATS
Many people are attracted to these cats because of their stunning looks. They are undoubtedly very impressive.
Turkish Angora
Grace and flowing movement are the hallmarks of the Angora. Her fine silky fur, long elegant body, upright pointed ears and large brilliant eyes make the Angora highly prized for her beauty and grace.
Origin- North America
Colour- Pure white, most colors and patterns exist except those that indicate hybridization such as the pointed pattern and the colors chocolate and lavender.
Temperament- Alert, Intelligent loyal
Features - Their bodies are long, their ears large and pointed, and their eyes large and almond-shaped. Head shape is completely different. Large head and flattened face, the Angora has a small, medium-long wedge-shaped head set on a long, slim, graceful neck. The legs are long, the paws round and dainty, and the tail long and tapering. When in motion, Angoras move with the grace of small, furry dancers. A semi-longhaired breed, the Angora has fine, silky fur that is longer on the tail and around the neck.
Persian
These are the most popular of the long-haired breeds. Persians will happily take to life as indoor cats. They get on well with other cats other animals and children. Persians are tremendously responsive and become a constant source of joy and delight to their owners. Pleasurable as an unexpected sunbeam, their companionship is close and enduring.
Origin- Persia
Colours- Persians come in an astonishing number of patterns and colors, which are divided into seven color divisions for purposes of competition.
Temperament- Sweet, calm, and lovable. They are quiet cats and are well suited to apartment or city life where less vocal cats are appreciated.
Features - They have a broad, round head with a short nose, large eyes, full cheeks, and small round-tipped ears set wide apart and titling forward, low on the head with long ear tufts. The neck should be short and thick, and the body cobby, solid and rounded, deep-chested and broad across the shoulders and hindquarters. The paws should be relatively large, rounded and with good tufts. The coat is long silky, flowing and shiny. Rich ruffs and deep frill on and between the front legs, throwing the head in relief are especially prized. The tail should be short and carried behind, not above the body.
Persians have short heavily-boned legs to support their broad, short bodies. They like to have their feet firmly planted and are not given to high jumping and climbing. Their long flowing coats require an indoor, protected environment. Proper maintenance requires a daily grooming with a metal comb up to an hour to eliminate the potential drawbacks of tangles and hairballs.
SEMI LONG HAIR CATS
Turkish Van
Although independent, the Turkish Van is a feisty feline that is sure to be at home with any family. Their silky, beautiful coats are a pleasure to groom, and their playful love of water provides much entertainment.
Origin- Turkey
Colour- Van
Temperament- Intelligent, Soft, Active and playful.
Features- Coat is pure white with the only coloring occurring on the tail and head, in black, blue, cream, red or tortoiseshell. The face should have a blaze of white through the color. Semi-longhaired, the breed's fur has a cashmere-like texture, and has no undercoat. Thick, strong body. Large, round, slightly slanted eyes. Long, bushy tail. Large ears, resting on top of the head.
Birman
Known as the Sacred Cat of Burma, Strikingly handsome with its colour point pattern and its pure white toes. Birman is still a relatively uncommon breed. Sign up to receive monthly e-mail reminders for your flea and heartworm medication. The sweet, devoted personality makes the Birman a terrific companion.
Origin- Burma
Colour- Seal point, blue point, chocolate point and lilac point.
Temperament- Intelligent and lively, they have a quiet charm and mix well with children and other animals
Features- The Burman is large cat with long, silky hair which tend to wave on the stomach and does not mat or tangle. There is a thick, heavy ruff at the neck. The body should be medium long but stocky, the legs sturdy and medium in length and the paws round, firm and very large with the toes close together. The tail should be medium in length and bushy, and is often displayed as a plume. Their china blue eyes are particularly striking. The broad, rounded head has a flat area in front of the ears, which are wide, rounded at the tips and spaced well apart. The nose is Roman and the cheeks are full. The body colour should be even, with the point colour confined to the face, ears, legs, a and tail. The white markings on the feet should be symmetrical.
SHORT HAIRS
Abyssinian
One of the most popular cat breeds. The Abyssinian with a regal bearing, were possibly worshiped by the ancient Egyptians. This cat has also gained significant popularity in cat shows, mostly due to its unique ticked coat colors. They usually mix well with children and other pets and like to join in family activities.
Origin- Ethopia /Egypt
Colours- Ruddy, red, blue and fawn.
Temperament - Intelligent, inquisitive active, playful and companionable cats.
Features - The Abyssinian with lithe and muscular body shape has a modified wedge-shaped head, large, alert, pointed ears, and large, expressive, almond-shaped eyes. A ring of dark color on the eyelids accentuates the eyes, making the cat appear to be wearing black eyeliner. The body is long, hard and muscular, with slim, fine-boned legs and feet. Another trait that sets the Abyssinian apart is the ticked or agouti coat pattern, characterized by alternating bands of color on the hair shafts. Each individual hair is decorated with light-colored bands contrasted with dark-colored bands. The lighter or ground color lies closest to the skin, and the hair shaft ends with a dark tip. This gives the coat a distinctive stippled appearance. The coat is medium in length, long enough to accommodate two or three bands of ticking.
Egyptian Mau
This fascinating cat is the only natural breed of spotted domestic cat. The black and the blue Maus, make excellent pets.
Origin - Egypt
Temperament- Very active, intelligent, compassionate.
Colours- Silver, bronze, smoke, black and blue
Features- The distinctive feature of this cat is its spotted coat, sharply contrasting with the ground colour. The dark spots should ideally be rounded and evenly distributed, although they are often random and run together to form broken stripes. The legs and tail are banded with the darker colour. With expressive gooseberry green eyes, distinctive mascara lines, a worried expression on the face, and a graceful cheetah-like stride.
Bengal
The Bengal, is a large wild looking spotted coat with short glossy fur. While still rare worldwide, their popularity is growing rapidly. Bengal is domestic in temperament but has retained its exotic, feral look. The Bengal is the most numerous and popular of the spotted domestic breeds.
Origin- United States
Colours- Brown tabby, seal lynx point, seal sepia tabby, seal mink tabby blue, silver, peach and red
Temperament: Bengals that are at least fourth generation are usually friendly and confident with their family members.
Very athletic, Like being in water.
Features - The Bengal is an athletic frame. The body is long and very muscular, resembling the leopard cat. The head is a broad modified wedge-shape and is longer than it is wide. Large almond-shaped eyes, set wide apart, and short rounded ears enhance the feral look. The spots can be black, brown, tan, chocolate or cinnamon and contrast with the background color. Vivid markings with sharp contrast of colors is the mark of a show Bengal. The coat is short with a thick, luxurious, unusually soft texture. Large feet with black paw pads.
American Bobtail
Their bobbed tails vary in length; a perfect tail should be long enough to stand up over the cat's back, about 1/3 to 1/2 the length of a full tail. Most breeders will clip the kittens' tails at birth.
Origin-unknown
Temperament: Domesticated and loving. Pleasing disposition. While livelier than many other breeds, these cats are not overly so. Friendly, inquisitive and watchful.
Features- Coat length varies from medium to moderately long. Longer coats include a heavy ruff (thick fur) around the neck and haunches, and silky tufts on the ears and nose. The longer fur tufts may appear 'shaggy', but it does not mat easily. Tail is fluffy and may be slightly curled.
Ragdolls
One of the most docile of all cat breeds. Ragdolls are named for their unusual habit of lying limp in your arms. These cats are very loving and make excellent pets.
Colours- Seal (dark brown) and blue, followed by chocolate and lilac (pinkish gray). The mitted pattern (white chin, mittens and boots) is desirable, but less common.
Temperament: Very calm, Sociable and tend to bond with their owner. Intelligent. Very well-mannered and are excellent with children.
Features- Large, thick-boned, heavy cats. Very broad shoulders, chest and paws. Long, thick coat, especially around the neck area. Large, oval eyes are always a deep blue color. Ears are set to the side. Fur on the hind legs is longer than the front.
it's most likely an American Bobcat
how cute!
good luck with them!
have fun! : )
2006-07-26 08:58:17
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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