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PUREBRED CATS R. Roger Breton Nancy J Creek ------------------------------ Longhairs, Shorthairs, and Nohairs There are several reasons for obtaining a cat of breeding. With a purebred cat it is possible to predict what a kitten will be like as an adult (assuming a loving environment). An Abyssinian, for example, can be counted upon to become a loving, affectionate cat, one who will not be afraid of strangers and who will be easily trainable to car travel, etc. A cat of breeding is required if you wish to show. Showing your cat can be a joyous and rewarding experience for both you and your cat (especially if you win), but should not become a business. Selecting a cat of breeding is much like selecting any cat, save that the number of dollars changing hands is often quite high ($300 and up is typical, and the "up" can become "'way up"). There is one reason for not getting a cat of breeding, and that is vanity. If your only reason for getting a Chinchilla Persian is to have a Chinchilla Persian when your friends all have American Shor- thairs, then both you and your Chinchilla Persian will be unhappy in the long run. A living cat is not an object d'art, to be purchased and admired. He is a living, breathing creature, who should be ob- tained solely as an object d'amour. It is love and devotion he will require and it is love and devotion he will return, and he won't care a whit if you are white, black, or chartreuse, or if you are descended from Mary Queen of Scots or Attila the Hun. In the following breed descriptions there are several things to ob- serve: Each description has a group of tabulated parameters followed by a thumbnail description. The tabulated parameters are: Coat: The character of the coat: shorthair, longhair, or extra-care longhair. "Shorthair" means a short- or medium-haired breed requiring no special care. "Longhair" means a long-haired breed requiring frequent brushing and grooming, but with (so-called) non-matting hair: no disaster if the cat gets a tangle or snag, as it can usually be brushed or combed out. "Extra-care longhair" means a long-haired breed that must be cared for daily, else its fur will quickly become one large mat. In general, short-haired breeds require less care and attention than long-haired. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 1 Environment: The living arrangements for which the breed is best suited: apartment, home, or rural. "Apartment" means an indoor-only environment and a breed suitable for city living. "Home" means an indoor-outdoor environment and a breed with small territorial requirements, one that would do well in the typical suburban home-and-yard. "Rural" means an indoor-outdoor or outdoor-only environment and a breed with large territorial requirements, such a cat may well pine if kept indoors all the time. Most cats are adaptable, and do well in differing environments. Disposition: The normal personality of the breed: affectionate or reserved, active or tranquil, and quiet or vocal. "Affectionate" means a breed that is very demonstrative in its affection. "Reserved" means a less demonstrative breed (but just as loving). "Active" means an animal always on the go, the typical overgrown kitten. "Tranquil" means asedate and dignified animal. "Quiet" means a non-talking breed. "Vocal," means a breed that won't shut up. These criteria, like all such opposing definitions, are only somewhat accurate: some breeds are very active, some moderately active, some slightly active, some slightly tranquil, some moder- ately tranquil, and some very tranquil, with all shadings in between: these variations have been arbitrarily distilled into "active" and "tranquil," and are only guides. Also please remem- ber that individuals may vary widely from the norm for their breed, depending upon how they are raised (we once met a mean Abyssinian, and the term "mean Abyssinian" is practically an oxymoron). Best With: The people with whom the breed does best: one-person, family, family with children. "One-person" indicates the breed does not do well with groups of people, but prefers the companionship and love of a single human being. "Family" indicates a breed that does well with groups of people, such as an entire family, but does not do well with small children (especially toddlers). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 2 "Family with children" indicates a breed that also does well with small children. Colors: The coat colors normally permitted for the breed. There are twelve color groups: standard solid (solid colors), standard (patched solid, tortie, calico, tabby, patched tabby, torbie, and torbico colors), shaded (smoked, shaded, chinchilla, chinchilla tortie, golden, golden tortie, and silver tabby colors), spotted (spotted tabby and silver spotted tabby colors), Abyssinian (Abyssinian and silver Abyssinian colors), oriental (oriental solid colors), Burmese (Burmese colors), Tonkinese (Tonkinese colors), Siamese (Siamese solid-point colors), colorpoint (Siamese tortie-, lynx-, and torbie-point colors), Van (Van colors), and white (dominant white). We wish to emphasize that the terms Abyssinian, Burmese, Tonki- nese, and Siamese when used under this heading, refer to colors, not breeds. For example, both the Himalayan and Siamese breeds come in Siamese colors: other than that, they are completely different. Breeds that have specific colors only will have those specific colors listed. Abyssinian Coat: Shorthair Environment: Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Abyssinian The Abyssinian, an ancient breed, is a medium-sized cat with a sleek intermediate body, long legs and tail, and a wedge head with a tapered muzzle and large pointed often-tufted ears. Often called the bunny cat because of its rabbit-like coloration, its all-agouti coat is short, close lying and soft. It has striking facial markings, reminiscent of some of the monocolor wild species, such as the Puma, which it strongly resembles (sort of a micro-puma). Active, intelligent and affectionate, it adapts well to family life and is easily trained. In competition with the Egyptian Mau for oldest breed, the Abyssinian also traces back to the Egyptian middle period, but via Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) and with less hard evidence. Be that as it may, it is definitely an older breed, with the same kind of primitive hair structure as the Egyptian Mau (less prone to cause allergic reactions in people). Regardless of the longevity of the breeds, the Abyssinian is ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 3 definitely more domesticated than the Egyptian Mau, being an outgoing and demonstrably loving breed. It is also exceptionally intelligent and is easily trained. The Abyssinian became popular in Britain in the Early 1900's, being descended from Zula, a queen actually imported from Abyssinia (hence the name of the breed) in the 1860's. The Breed virtually vanished during the First World War, only to make an amazing comeback during the inter-war period. In the 1930's several prize Abyssinians were imported from Britain into the U.S., forming the basis of the breed in this country. During the Second World War the breed did completely vanish in Britain (see the wartime comments under British Shorthair). During the post-war reconstruction period, the Abyssinian was re- introduced into Britain from the U.S., only to be decimated again in the late 60's and early 70's by a massive feline leukemia epidemic. Abyssinians were again re-introduced, from the U.S. and from the European continent, and are currently flourishing in Britain. A long-haired Abyssinian also exists as the Somali. American Curl Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The American Curl, a large cat with a muscular cobby body, medium legs and tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and a unique ear structure, there being a kink along the inside edges of the ear, causing them to bend inward and giving the face a comical and inquisitive appearance, has a short, thick, and smooth coat with a heavy undercoat. The American Curl is essentially an American Shorthair with mutated ears, retaining all that is good in the parent breed while adding a quizzical appearance. Playful, inquisitive and an excellent hunter, it adapts well to almost any environment. Its tolerance of the ways of children make it an excellent family cat. American Shorthair Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The American Shorthair, a large cat with a muscular cobby body, medium legs and tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and blunt ears, has a short, thick, and smooth coat with a heavy undercoat. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 4 The basic cat in the U.S., it is playful, inquisitive and an excellent hunter, adapting well to almost any environment. A composite of those cats brought on the Mayflower and by other early British and French settlers in New England and eastern Canada, the American short-hair has evolved into a hardy breed ideally suited to the New World. Slightly more lithe than its European cousins, the American short-hair is perfectly adapted to the slightly faster rodents found in the American countryside. A British Shorthair named Belle (though it was a tom) was imported into the U.S. in 1901 and, through cross-breeding with native American stock, formed the basis for the American Shorthair as a show breed. The first true American Shorthair show cat was Buster Brown, bred in 1904. Originally called simply Shorthairs by contrast with the then only other American breed, the Maine Coon, they were later called Domestic Shorthairs, a name that still clings to the unregistered Heinz~ variety. With its extraordinarily keen hunting instincts, its neat and tidy ways, and its ready adaptability to new environments, this is the quintessential work cat. Many American (or Domestic) Shorthairs may be found earning their keep in all walks of life across the country. Besides the obvious farm cat and ship's cat, working cats are to be found in such diverse places as firehouses, police stations, hardware stores, and libraries: anywhere the mouse or rat might decide to make his home. Such working cats are not really cats in the sense of this book, but are beloved and contributing members of their firms. With its short-but-thick coat, the American Shorthair can cope with all but the most extreme of weather, and is often found happily roaming outside in conditions that would frighten a brass monkey. Being a naturally peaceful and loving breed, tolerant of abuse at the hands of small children, it makes the ideal all-around cat. American Wirehair Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Reserved, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The American Wirehair, a large cat with a muscular cobby body, medium legs and tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and blunt ears, has a short, course, wiry coat with a thick undercoat, similar in texture to that of the Wirehair Terrier dog. The American Wirehair is essentially an American Shorthair with a ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 5 mutated coat, and retains all the hardiness, skills, and devotion of the parent breed, being playful, inquisitive, an excellent hunter, adapting well to almost any environment. Being tolerant of the ways of small children, it makes an excellent cat. Balinese Coat: Longhair Environment: Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Siamese The Balinese, a medium-sized cat with a long oriental body, long legs and tail, and a triangular head with a pointed muzzle, bright blue eyes and large pointed ears, has a medium-long, fine, thick, and silky solid-pointed fawn-to-ivory coat without a ruff. Originally bred in the late 1940's from Siamese stock carrying a recessive longhair gene, the Balinese is like the Siamese in every way save its long coat. Being, like the Siamese, active, loving, playful, intelligent, curious, and sensitive, the Balinese does best with an owner who will understand its capricious ways. Bengal Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Spotted The Bengal is a large cat with a muscular cobby-to-intermediate body, short legs and tail, and a large round head with a square muzzle and small round ears. Its spotted coat is thick and silky. Tranquil and loving, it adapts well to family life. The Bengal is a new breed, still in the experimental stage. It is a true hybrid, in that it's immediate ancestors are the domestic Ocicat and American Shorthair and the wild Leopard Cat (felis bengalensis). The breeding program, executed by Jean Mill of Millwood Cattery in Covina, California, involved several generations of crossbreeding until the proper coloration and temperament was achieved. With the basic body structure of the Ocicat, the loving disposition of the American Shorthair, and the beautiful coat of the Leopard Cat, the Bengal is indeed a striking and unique cat. Primarily bred for the ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 6 home, it is wild in appearance only, being somewhat less of a roamer and hunter than either its Ocicat or American Shorthair forebears: it is in essence a lover, not a fighter. It does well with children, even small children, and spreads its devotion among the whole family. Birman Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Reserved, Tranquil, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Siamese with Birman Spotting The Birman, the Sacred Cat of Burma, is a medium-sized cat with a massive oriental body, medium legs and tail, and a broad round head with a short muzzle and rounded ears. Its Birman-spotted Siamese coat is fairly long and silky, thick on the neck and tail. Developed in France in the early 1900's the Birman superficially resembles the Himalayan at first glance. Close examination, however, reveals many differences, the most obvious of which is the white boots of the Birman-spotting gene. It also sports an oriental rather than cobby body, and its coat has more the texture of the Turkish Angora than the Persian. Burmese legend has it that, before the time of Buddah, in the beautiful Khymer temple of Lao-Tsun high in the Himalayan mountains, there was a sapphire-eyed golden statue of the goddess Tsun-Kyan-Kse. The statue was watched over by an old priest, Mun-Ha, who's beard was as golden as the statue, and was said to have been braided by the god Song-Hyo himself. Mun-ha had 100 pure-white cats, one of which was Sihn, his especial companion. One night raiders attacked, killing Mun-Ha as he knelt in prayer before the figure of the goddess. Immediately Sihn jumped upon the body of his beloved master and faced the statue, and the soul of Mun- Ha passed into his cat. Sihn's fur suddenly became as golden as the old priest's beard, while his eyes became as the sapphire eyes of the goddess. His face, ears, tail, and legs were burned brown by the passage of the soul, except for his feet, which rested directly upon his master's body: they remained the purest white. This sudden transformation so inspired the other priests that they were able to drive off the raiders. Seven days later, Sihn died and carried the soul of his master to paradise. On the following morning all the remaining 99 cats had also undergone the same transformation. Since that time, the priests of Lao-Tsun have cared for their sacred cats, believing them to be the guardians of their souls. The original Birman, a pregnant queen, was a gift to France from the priests of a new Tibetian temple of Lao-Tsun. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 7 There are those with no romance in their souls who say the Birman was developed by crossing Siamese with various black and white longhairs. Whatever their origins, the Birman virtually disappeared from France during the Second World War (see the wartime comments under British Shorthair), and had to be rebred from a pair of surviving kittens. In the 1960's, a pair of "Temple Kittens" was given to an American while working in Tibet. They were accompanied by the same legend, down to the 100 cats. These kittens formed the basis of the breed in this country, and their offspring have been sent to Britain and France, where they have been used to strengthen the existing Birman line. Tranquil, sociable, and intelligent, the Birman does best with quiet people and may mope if left alone. Bombay Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Reserved, Tranquil, Vocal Best With: Family Colors: Ebony The Bombay, a medium-sized cat with an intermediate body, long legs and tail, and a round head with a short muzzle, large round eyes, and round ears, has a satiny and close-lying deep ebony coat. Its coat is so satiny as to give the appearance of patent leather. Bred by crossing the Burmese with the American Shorthair, the Bombay is often referred to as a mini-panther or "plastic cat" because of its unique coat. The reason behind the unique coat texture is still being argued, but is believed to be caused by a spontaneous mutation to the texture of the hair itself. These cats are "black to the bone," sporting a black-on-black coat. When this coat is coupled with exceptionally large bright-copper-penny eyes, a truly beautiful cat is formed. Quiet, sensitive, reserved and intelligent, the Bombay does best in a quiet home, where it is affectionate to the whole family. British Blue Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Blue The British Blue is a blue British Shorthair, making it a large cat with a muscular cobby body, short legs and tail, and a round head with ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 8 a square muzzle and small wide-spaced round ears. Its blue-gray coat is short and dense with a heavy undercoat. Like other British Shorthairs, it was decimated during the Second World War, but has been recreated by careful breeding. Playful, inquisitive, and an excellent hunter, it adapts well to almost any environment, and makes an excellent cat. British Shorthair Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The British Shorthair, a large cat with a muscular cobby body, short legs and tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and small wide- spaced round ears, has a short, dense coat with a heavy undercoat. Bred over almost 2000 years from cats originally brought by the Romans (Julius Caesar came, saw, conquered, and brought cats), the British Shorthair is more a native of Britain than any Anglo-Saxon and has evolved into a strong cat with a dense coat capable of withstanding the worst of British weather. Quick and alert, this is the basic cat in all of Great Britain and Ireland. During the First and Second World Wars all breeds of cats suffered drastically in Britain and, to a lesser degree, on the European continent. Because of the drastic food shortages during the Blitz, "cat" became known as "roof-rabbit," and filled many a stewpot. This is perhaps best considered as merely another way in which the beautiful cat contributed to the betterment of mankind. Of all the breeds of cats decimated by the wars, the beautiful British Shorthair suffered perhaps worst of all. As a result this breed, native to the isles, all but vanished. After the war, efforts were made to restore the breed by crossing those few survivors with American and European Shorthairs. This produced a somewhat less cobby cat. Attempts were made to correct this by breeding in the exceptionally cobby Persian. The result is the current British Shorthair, about the same body type and disposition of its pre-war forebears, but with a slightly flatter face and thicker, more luxuriant coat from the Persian influence. This latter is the result not of the longhair genes, but of the polygene influence carefully bred for in Persians to make the coat thick and silky as well as long. There are some purist breeders now rebreeding the original British Shorthair from cats recently discovered in Scotland and Ireland. Time will tell whether the original breed will be restored, or whether there will eventually be two breeds of British Shorthair. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 9 Regardless of the details of the breed, the disposition is the same: playful, inquisitive, and an excellent hunter, the British Shorthair is fond of children and an excellent cat. It adapts well to almost any environment. Burmese Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Sable The Burmese, a medium-sized cat with a solid muscular oriental body, long slender legs and tail, and a round head with a tapered muzzle and blunt ears, has a fine, thick, shiny, and very silky coat of a rich sable-brown color. If an identical cat has a coat of any color other than sable (the British standard also allows chocolate) it is classed as a Malayan. With a body style similar to the turn-of-the-century Siamese, the Burmese is a gorgeous cat, with an acrobats body: well muscled but not cobby. All modern Burmese are descended from Wong Mau, a walnut-brown female imported from Rangoon in the 1930's. Wong Mau's owner, U.S. Navy doctor Joseph Thompson, was attracted to her by her unique coloring, but most other breeders were unimpressed, considering her to be a poorly colored Siamese. Cross breeding of Wong Mau and her kittens with Siamese and back to Wong Mau herself established a definite pattern of three phenotypes: normal Siamese, darker "Siamese" (now called Tonkinese), and solid-color cats like Wong Mau herself. Her unique genetic coding, caused by the Burmese allele of the albanism gene was discovered and a new breed was born. Affectionate and intelligent, the Burmese does best with one person who will return its affection and talk to it. Chartreux Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Blue The Chartreux, derived from the European Shorthair, is a large cat with a muscular cobby body, medium legs, short tail, and a slightly squarish head with a square muzzle and wide-spaced large, blunt ears. Its thick blue coat is short and fine, with a heavy undercoat. As the Romanov's had their Russian Blues, so the Bourbons had their ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 10 Chartreux. Bred from original European Blue stock, the Chartreux now has an entirely different coat texture, soft and silky, while keeping its thick undercoat. The slate-blue of the European Blue has become an almost iridescent silver-blue, producing a striking animal. This cat even looks French. Playful, inquisitive, reserved, and an excellent hunter, it adapts well to almost any environment. It loves children and is an ideal cat. Colorpoint Longhair Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Colorpoint The Colorpoint Longhair, a large cat with a short cobby body, short legs, medium tail, and a round head with a very short muzzle and small round ears, has an exceptionally long, thick, and silky colorpoint coat with a definite ruff. It is essentially a Himalayan pointed in other than solid colors. Like the Persian, the Colorpoint Longhair is a quiet, tranquil, and very reserved cat that does best in a quiet home free of noise, children, and other pets. Colorpoint Shorthair Coat: Shorthair Environment: Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Colorpoint The Colorpoint Shorthair, a medium-sized cat with a long oriental body, long legs and tail, and a triangular head with a pointed muzzle, bright blue eyes and large pointed ears, has a fine, thick, glossy, and close lying colorpointed fawn-to-ivory coat. Identical with the Siamese in every way except the patterns present in the points, the Colorpoint Shorthair is an outgrowth of the basic Siamese breeding program. Being, like the Siamese, active, loving, playful, intelligent, curious, and sensitive, the Colorpoint Shorthair does best with an owner who will understand its capricious ways. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 11 Cornish Rex Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Standard Solid, Standard The Cornish Rex is a small cat with a slender oriental body, long legs and tail, and a triangular head with a pointed muzzle, a long straight nose, large eyes, and large blunt ears. Its has an unusual face, giving it a mischievous and pixieish appearance. Its coat is very curly and wavy, composed only of down hairs, making it unusually short, fine, soft and silky. The original rex cat was the German Rex, observed in a semi-feral hospital cat in East Berlin in 1946. What with the post-war chaos and reconstruction, this mutation was not actively followed up until the late 1950's. Meanwhile, a curly kitten named Kallibunker was born on a farm in Cornwall, England, in 1951. Kallibunker's owner contacted a professional breeder with an interest in genetics and the rest, as they say, is history: the Cornish Rex was born, and is perhaps one of the strangest-looking of cats, with its pixieish face and curly coat. Two of Kallibunker's descendants were sent to the U.S. in 1957, and formed the basis of the breed in this country. Meanwhile, a curly-coated feral cat was observed to be living near a tin mine in Buckfastleigh, Devonshire, England. A calico semi-feral female cared for by a nearby resident mated with the curly-coated feral (the two cats were probably related) and produced a curly kitten, which was adopted and named Kirlee. Attempts to breed Kirlee into the Cornish Rex line proved futile, no curly kittens resulted. It was then realized that Kirlee was a distinctly different mutation, and she was placed in her own breeding program to produce the Devon Rex breed. In 1960, three German Rexes were sent to the U.S., where crossbreeding quickly determined that the German Rex and Cornish Rex were the same mutation, distinct from the Devon Rex. Agile, affectionate, intelligent and tranquil, the Cornish Rex adapts well to family life and becomes an ideal lap cat for a quiet owner. A delicate and quiet cat, it cannot tolerate rough handling, hence children. Lacking guard and awn hairs (running around in its underwear, as it were), it sunburns easily and must be an indoor-only cat. It is a non-shedding cat (no outer coat), making it ideal for people with cat allergies. In Siamese colors, the Cornish Rex is known as the Si-Rex. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 12 Cymric Coat: Longhair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The Cymric, a medium-sized cat with a very short cobby body, medium forelegs and long hindlegs, no tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and small wide-spaced round ears, has a medium-long, thick coat, with a distinct ruff and a heavy undercoat. First bred in the U.S. in the early 1960's, it is simply a long-haired Manx, with the unique taillessness (and attendant problems) of that breed. In recognition of the fact that the people of the Isle of Man are Celts, as are the Welsh, it was decided to name the new breed Cymric (pronounced "kumrik") after Cymru, the Welsh name for Wales. Playful, inquisitive, and an excellent hunter, the Cymric adapts well to almost any environment. See the special notes under the Manx. Devon Rex Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Standard Solid, Standard The Devon Rex is a small cat with a slender oriental body, long legs and tail, and a moderately triangular head with a pointed muzzle, a long stopped nose, large eyes, and exceptionally large blunt ears. Its has an unusual face, giving it a mischievous and pixieish appearance. Its coat is very curly and wavy, composed only of down hairs and a very light outercoat of awn hairs, making it short, fine, soft and silky. Not related to the Cornish Rex, its history is nonetheless linked and is described under that breed. Agile, affectionate, intelligent, and tranquil, the Devon Rex adapts well to family life and becomes an ideal lap cat for a quiet owner. A delicate and quiet cat, it cannot tolerate rough handling, hence children. Lacking awn hairs it sunburns easily and must be an indoor-only cat. It is a non-shedding cat (no outer coat), making it ideal for people with cat allergies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 13 Egyptian Mau Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Reserved, Active, Vocal Best With: Family with Children Colors: Spotted The Egyptian Mau, a medium-sized cat with a sleek intermediate body, long legs and tail, and a wedge head with a tapered muzzle, large pointed ears, large distinctive eyes and exceptionally long vibrissae, has a short, close lying, moderately soft spotted coat. This is the only naturally spotted breed. Active, very fast, a good hunter, affectionate and reserved, it adapts well to apartment living, especially when neutered, and gets along with everyone, though it will establish a favorite person. Introduced into the U.S. from Egypt in the 1950's, this breed should not be confused with the "Egyptian Cats" or "Maus" formerly bred in Great Britain. This pseudo-Mau is now known as the spotted Oriental Shorthair, and has been bred from Siamese stock. The first pair of Egyptian Maus, Gepa and Ludol, were brought to the U.S. in 1953, but it was some years before the cat clubs came to recognize the breed. It is now recognized throughout the U.S., but not in Britain. It might be pointed out that the first true Egyptian Maus were imported to Britain from Egypt in 1978, so recognition should be forthcoming. This is perhaps the oldest of all breeds of domestic cats, with the possible exception of the Abyssinian, traceable back to the Egyptian Middle Period (about the time of the Israelite Exodus). Its body structure and fur are less sophisticated than the more-recently bred varieties, and it is pound-for-pound the fastest of all the domestic cats: individuals have been clocked at 36 mph, as contrasted to 31 mph for the fastest American Shorthairs. There is an interesting trait to this cat: when pursued by a larger animal, such as a dog, it will sometimes decide to turn and fight even when it is easily escaping. When it makes such a decision, it pivots and charges in one clean springing movement, causing much surprise to the pursuing dog. It usually wins such fights against other domestic animals, but is really no match for a truly wild animal (like a coyote), since it is domesticated and has lost the fine edge to its fighting and hunting abilities. A few generations of feral life, though, and it'll defeat anything twice its weight or better. The Egyptian Mau ("mau" is old Egyptian for "cat") is a good cat for people who are allergic to cats. Its older, less sophisticated fur seems to not cause as many allergy problems (the original hypo- allergenic kitty?). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 14 European Blue Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Blue The European Blue is essentially a blue European shorthair, being identical in every way except color. It is a large cat with a muscular cobby body, medium legs, short tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and wide-spaced blunt ears. Selective breeding has produced a luxurious slate-blue coat, short, thick and fine, with a heavy undercoat and an outercoat that may be somewhat bristly. Playful, inquisitive, reserved, and an excellent hunter, it adapts well to almost any environment. European Shorthair Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The European Shorthair, a large cat with a muscular cobby body, medium legs, short tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and wide- spaced blunt ears, has a short, thick, and fine coat, with a heavy undercoat and an outercoat that may be somewhat bristly. This thick and somewhat shaggy coat allows it to survive the rugged European winters. It is possible (perhaps probable) that there is some European Wildcat, felis sylvestris, in the bloodline, producing the slightly rough outercoat and extra-thick undercoat. Derived from basic stock brought to Europe from Egypt by the Romans, the European Shorthair is the basic domestic cat on the European continent. With many individuals becoming feral throughout history, this cat is practically another wild species alongside the European Wildcat. Indeed, in some areas it or breeds derived from it (such as the Norwegian Forest Cat) outrange their wild cousins. Throughout Europe and Britain, the tabby pattern-of-choice is the classic or blotched rather than the mackerel. This is probably the result of confusion between large brown mackerel-tabby toms and European Wildcats. The former would usually snuggle and purr when caressed, while the latter would remove a finger or two! The European Wildcat also has difficulty distinguishing between, say, a wild pheasant and a domestic chicken. As a result, many farmers and villagers started driving away or even killing mackerel-tabbies on sight: the result, a tendency for classic-tabbies to flourish despite the recessiveness of their genes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 15 While affectionate, the European Shorthair is slightly more reserved than its British and American brothers, possibly the result of generations of persecution by the peasantry under the auspices of the Church. Once deceived, it is virtually impossible to regain its trust. For those who will love and cherish it, however, it is an excellent cat, being playful and inquisitive. Being an excellent hunter and adapting well to almost any environment, and makes an excellent work cat and is the quintessential ship's cat. Exotic Shorthair Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded, Siamese, Colorpoint The Exotic Shorthair, a large cat with a short cobby body, short legs, medium tail, and a round head with a very short muzzle and small round ears, dense, soft, silky, and very plush coat, slightly longer than that of other short-hairs, not lying too close to the body but rather springy and alive. Bred by crossing the Persian with the American Shorthair, the Exotic Shorthair is essentially a shorthaired Persian. Its extremely plush coat is a result not of the longhair gene but of various polygenes emphasized in the Persian to produce the thick, plush undercoat. Like the Persian, the Exotic Shorthair is a quiet, tranquil cat, and does best in a quiet home free of noise, children, and other pets. Havana Brown Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Reserved, Active, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Brown The Havana Brown, a medium-sized cat with an intermediate body, long legs and tail, and a wedge head with a long tapered muzzle and large pointed ears, has a soft, silky, close-lying coat of a rich tobacco- brown color. This cat has a unique coat, so much so that in this breed only the coat is called "brown," instead of the usual "chestnut" or "chocolate." It is, of course, still caused by dense and dark-brown alleles, b*D*. In the early 1950's, two breeders in Britain set about to create a ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 16 Siamese-type cat with a brown coat, distinct from the Burmese sable. This was achieved in 1952 by crossing a seal point Siamese with a black British Shorthair, then crossing the result, an all-black "Siamese," with a seal point Siamese known to be carrying the recessive chocolate (dark-brown) gene. The resultant cat was called the Havana after its tobacco-brown coat (cigars come from Havana). By 1956 the breed was ready for recognition, but controversy arose over the body type and the similarity of the color to the Burmese. The result was that the breed was bred to be like the Siamese in body conformation, and now belongs to the Oriental Shorthair class of cats, though it is still called the Havana in most circles. In the mid 1950's a pair of Havanas were imported to the U.S., where they were crossed with American Shorthairs to lessen the extremity of body shape, and renamed the Havana Brown. The Havana Brown of the U.S. is by now a totally different cat than the Havana of Britain. Active, playful, affectionate and lordly, the Havana Brown does best in a one-person home. It is a very attentive parent and, while not especially vocal, talks constantly to its kittens. Himalayan Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Siamese The Himalayan, a large cat with a short cobby body, short legs, medium tail, and a round head with a very short muzzle and small round ears, has an exceptionally long, thick and silky Siamese-pointed coat with a definite ruff. It is exactly like the Persian except for the color and pattern of the coat. Like the Persian, the Himalayan is a quiet, tranquil cat, and does best in a quiet home free of noise, children, and other pets. Honeybear Coat: Longhair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Standard The Honeybear is a large cat with a short cobby body, short legs, medium tail, and a flattish head with a square muzzle and small round ears located on the sides of the head. Its coat is exceptionally thick and silky, with a definite ruff, but ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 17 is non-matting. It may be found in any of the standard patterns except solid, the pattern of choice being black with a white teardrop on the forehead and white spotting on the top of the tail, sometimes becoming a skunk-like stripe. Extremely tranquil and seemingly immune to pain, it does best in a quiet home. Closely related to the Ragdoll, this is a slowly-maturing breed, taking a full two years to reach maturity. It is somewhat ungainly in appearance between kittenhood and maturity. It should not be bred until at least 18 months old. The original breeder claims the Honeybears were created by genetic manipulation of the genes of a skunk, which were then "infused by injection" into the bloodstream of the parent Honeybear. We find this incredulous at the least, since genes simply don't work that way (we would sooner believe that Nessie is a 65-million-year old plesiosaur, it is far more likely). As proof the technique works, the original breeder cites the famous (or infamous) cabbit, which appeared to be the front half of a cat and the back half of a rabbit, and "ate like a cat and gave pellets like a rabbit." However, a rabbit leaves the kind of pellets it does because it eats grass and other high-cellulose plants, it would be impossible for an animal that "eats like a cat" to "leave pellets like a rabbit." The cabbit has long since been placed into the same category as the circus "unicorn," which was proven to be a surgically-altered goat. We believe the Honeybear to be simply a mutated Ragdoll. See the special notes under Ragdolls. Japanese Bobtail Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Standard Solid, Standard The Japanese Bobtail, a medium-sized cat with a slender intermediate body, short legs, a 2-3" tail, and a high-cheekboned triangular face with a tapered muzzle and small wide spaced pointed ears, has a short, close-lying, very silky coat, with the tail hair often flaring to produce a rabbit-like tail. The preferred color is Mi-Ke (pronounced "Mee-Kay," and meaning "three-fur"), which corresponds to the calico in other breeds, though the black and red patches are almost as popular. The Mi-Ke has been a Japanese symbol of good fortune for centuries. A truly unique breed originally brought from China or Korea, the Japanese Bobtail has been bred in Japan since at least the eleventh century, and is now thoroughly identified with the Japanese culture. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 18 There are three unique characteristics to this cat: the first and most obvious being its short tail, which is somewhat curled. This tail is typically 4-5 inches in length if fully extended (which the cat cannot do), but is about half that in a normal curled, relaxed position. This shortness, coupled with the hair on the tail tending to grow strait out in all directions, produces a very rabbit-like fluffball or pom-pom. The second unique characteristic is the extremely high cheekbones. This causes a distinct tilting of the large oval eyes and a turning-up of the corners of the mouth, producing a distinctly oriental or "Japanese" appearance with an exaggerated smile when in repose. In the west the cat would probably have been labeled "smug" (or "inscrutable," a favorite western term for the little-understood Chinese and Japanese) and then persecuted. In Japan it was believed the cat was content because it was surrounded by good fortune, hence a blessing to have around. This attitude, far superior to the western persecutions of the same period, is best understood if it is remembered that Japan is a land of many earthquakes. Since cats can predict earthquakes (yes, really!), a peacefully resting cat means all is well. The third unique characteristic is the unusual habit of "forgetting" to put its paw down after cleaning. It may actually sit perfectly still for five to ten minutes with one paw raised, as though in blessing. This habit has been merged into Japanese folklore as a sign of good luck: there are countless statues and pictures of short- tailed calico cats with one raised paw and a smile on their face. Curiously, even with its close connection to Japanese culture, the Japanese showed little interest in the Japanese Bobtail as a breed until relatively recently. Little was known about the Japanese Bobtail until the occupation of Japan after World War Two. An American cat lover was among the occupying forces and she took an immediate interest in the breed, taking in large numbers of cats, especially Mi-Kes. Even though the Japanese were establishing their own cat clubs and were extraordinarily interested in the various American breeds, they initially showed little interest in their own cats. In 1963 several American judges were invited to participate in a cat show in Japan. These judges were struck with the uniqueness and beauty of the few Japanese Bobtails exhibited (by the American cat lover). This sparked the interest of Japanese breeders, and the breed is now flourishing in Japan as a pedigreed line. The American cat lover and breeder sent three Japanese Bobtails (two Mi-Kes and one black and white male) to the U.S. in 1968, only to return home herself a year later bringing 38 more cats with her. From these 41 cats, an exceptionally large gene pool, the breed has been established in this country. Outgoing and affectionate, the Japanese Bobtail adapts well to family ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 19 life. Javanese Coat: Longhair Environment: Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Colorpoint The Javanese, a medium-sized cat with a long oriental body, long legs and tail, and a triangular head with a pointed muzzle, bright blue eyes and large pointed ears, has a fine, thick, and silky colorpointed medium-long fawn-to-ivory coat without a ruff. The Javanese is identical to the Balinese in every way except the color and pattern of its points. Being, like the Siamese, active, loving, playful, intelligent, curious, and sensitive, the Javanese does best with an owner who will understand its capricious ways. Kashmir Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Chocolate or Lavender The Kashmir, a large cat with a short cobby body, short legs, medium tail, and a round head with a very short muzzle and small round ears, has an exceptionally long, thick, and silky chocolate or lavender coat with a definite ruff. It is exactly like a Persian except for color. Like the Persian, the Kashmir is a quiet, tranquil cat, and does best in a quiet home free of noise, children, and other pets. Korat Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Reserved, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Blue The Korat, a medium-sized cat with a roundish intermediate body, long legs and tail, and a unique heart-shaped face with a tapered muzzle, large eyes, and large blunt ears, has a short, soft, close lying silvery-blue coat. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 20 Known in its native Siam (now Thailand) as the Si-Sawat or Royal Cat, the Korat (from the province in which it is believed to have originated) dates back to before the mid-fourteenth century, when it was described as having a coat with "roots like clouds and tips like silver." It is but one of three native Siamese breeds: a brown cat, the Burmese; a pointed cat, the Siamese; and a blue cat, the Korat. Unlike the Burmese and Siamese, the Korat has been carefully bred to maintain the original characteristics. Comparisons with various ancient manuscripts shows that, indeed, the modern Korat is identical to its medieval counterpart. First shown in Britain in 1896, the Korat was disqualified as "blue instead of biscuit-coloured," despite the owners claims that it was indeed a "Siamese," imported directly from Siam, where there were many other blue cats just like it. Although there were constant references in the cat club literature to the blue cats of Siam, there was no official recognition until 1959, when Nara and Darra were imported into the U.S. from a Bangkok breeder. They were later joined by others, and by 1965 the Korat was a recognized breed in this country. Britain finally recognized them in 1975. Alert and affectionate, the Korat stays active well into old age and is an ideal apartment cat. While vocal, it has a quiet, rather pretty voice, unlike the howling voice of the Siamese, and loves to carry on "conversations": if talked to it will answer back. It is somewhat prone to upper-respiratory viral infections, so adequate vaccinations are a must. Maine Coon Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Standard Solid, Standard The Maine Coon, a large cat with a strong well-developed moderately- cobby body, long and powerful legs, a long tail, and a wide head with a wedged muzzle and wide-spaced blunt ears, has a long, silky coat with a pronounced ruff and a heavy undercoat. The largest domestic cat, the Maine Coon often runs over 25 pounds, with some individuals reaching well over 30 pounds: one exceptional individual was slightly over 35 pounds of solid muscle (we're talking big here, not fat). According to legend, Marie Antoinette had three long-haired cats, which she dispatched to America when the throne fell, so they would not be put to death along with her. Upon arrival in Maine, the cats escaped and mated with raccoons, resulting in the Maine Coon. In actuality, it is a cross between 18th-century Persians (not much like today's Persians except in being large and having a long coat) and the rugged short-haired New England farm cats. The resultant breed is a massive, strong, rugged, cat with a thick coat easily capable of withstanding the most severe Maine winters. This is a prime example ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 21 of natural selection among domesticated animals, as man's only part in the evolution of this breed was the importation of the parent stock. First recognized as a specific breed in 1861 with a 22 pound male called Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines (no more ridiculous a name than Jonathan's Pasha Sulemon of Ranjipoor, III, a Persian exhibited a few years back), the Maine Coon has become a popular contestant in New England and New York cat shows, often taking top honors. All coat colors and patterns are permitted except the Siamese pointed coat (in Britain chocolate and lavender are also disallowed), but the preferred coloration is the patched brown classic tabby, B*ooD* A*C*tbtb iiS*ww, which strongly suggests the legendary raccoon/cat mix. The Maine Coon is active and affectionate, firmly attaching itself to one member of the home. It loves to roam, but adapts easily to apartment life, especially when neutered. It does require lots of exercise, being so large, and if kept indoors must be engaged in active play on a regular basis. The Norwegian Forest Cat is similar to the Maine Coon in size and appearance and often mistaken for it, but is a different animal altogether. Malayan Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Burmese The Malayan, a medium-sized cat with a solid muscular oriental body, long slender legs and tail, and a round head with a tapered muzzle and blunt ears, has a fine, thick, shiny, and very silky coat available in all the Burmese solid colors except sable (and chocolate in Britain). The Malayan is simply a Burmese in other colors. Like the Burmese, it is affectionate and intelligent, and does best with one person who will return its affection and talk to it. Manx Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The Manx, an old breed related to the British Shorthair and similar in coat and temperament, is a medium-sized cat with a very short cobby ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 22 body, medium forelegs and long hindlegs, no tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and small wide-spaced round ears. It has a short, dense coat with a heavy undercoat. These cats were bred for centuries on the Isle of Man, from whence they get their name, from ships' cats that swam ashore during the sinking of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Legend has it that the Manx was the last animal to board Noah's Ark, and got its tail caught in the door (the unicorns, alas, missed the boat altogether). While such is a beautiful tale [no pun intended], in reality the Manx' attributes are caused by a firmly identified genetic mutation, with the associated problems caused by polygene interaction. These cats are grouped as the rumpies (no tail at all), bumpies or rumpy-risers (less than one vertebra), and stumpies (one or more vertebrae). The gene causing this taillessness is non-beneficial, causing also a shortened, distorted spine and a tilted, deformed pelvis. Fatal if homozygous, and often causing spinal bifida, imperforate anus or poor anal sphincter control even when heterozygous, this mutation would be disallowed today. Playful, inquisitive, and an excellent hunter, it adapts well to almost any environment. Norwegian Forest Cat Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment, Home or Rural Disposition: Reserved, Active, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Standard Solid, Standard The Norwegian Forest Cat, a large cat with a strong well-developed moderately-cobby body, long and powerful legs, a long tail, and a round head with a wedged muzzle and wide-spaced blunt ears, has a long, silky coat with a pronounced ruff and a heavy undercoat. Almost identical to the Maine Coon in appearance and size (the Norwegian Forest Cat is slightly smaller, running a maximum of 25 pounds or so, and has slightly longer hind legs, relative to the forelegs), the Norwegian Forest Cat, or Norsk Skaukatt, is not related to it, and may be considered an example of parallel evolution. It evolved its long, thick coat through a spontaneous mutation centuries back: definitely a beneficial mutation in light of those "brisk" Scandinavian winters. Many Norwegian Forest cats have become feral over time, and this cat can literally be found in Norwegian Forests, as well as Swedish and Finnish forests, surviving quite nicely far above the Arctic Circle. Feral Norwegian Forest Cats are the most northerly ranging of all "wild" cats. Being a large breed, it can hold its own against the ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 23 equal-sized European Wildcat, felis sylvestris. Interbreeding centuries back may be responsible for the woolly undercoat, almost identical to that of the Wildcat, but the two species no longer interbreed even when sharing the same territory. A very old breed, the Norwegian Forest Cat is mentioned in Norse mythology as living in Asgard (the home of the gods), and was often used as ships' cats by the Vikings (around 1000). It was later mentioned in various Norwegian fairy tales put down in 1837 and again in 1852, where it was called the "Fairy Cat." Recognized as a distinct breed in the early 1930's, it was first exhibited in Oslo before World War Two. There are many Norwegian Forest Cat associations all over Scandinavia and Finland, but the breed is just now becoming popular elsewhere. The Norwegian Forest Cat is active but reserved, firmly attaching itself to one member of the home. It is definitely a one-person cat, and will often go into mourning if left alone. It loves to roam, but adapts itself easily to apartment life, especially when neutered. Like the Maine Coon, it requires lots of exercise. Ocicat Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Spotted The Ocicat, a large cat with a muscular cobby body, medium legs and tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and blunt ears, has a short, thick, and smooth spotted coat with a heavy undercoat. The coats of some championship Ocicats are truly spectacular. Playful, inquisitive, and an excellent hunter, it adapts well to almost any environment. The original Ocicat, Tonga, was a hybrid formed by the mating of a chocolate point Siamese and a hybrid queen, herself derived from an Abyssinian and Siamese breeding program. The breeder thought Tonga resembled a little Ocelot, hence the breed name. Since the days of Tonga, the Ocicat has been crossbred many times in order to strengthen the breed and created a unique spotted breed. The result is that today's Ocicat is genetically essentially a spotted American Shorthair, and is indeed a unique and special breed, its early frailty completely gone. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 24 Oregon Rex Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Standard Solid, Standard The Oregon Rex, a large cat with a muscular cobby body, medium legs and tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and large blunt ears, has a soft and close-lying curly coat lacking guard or awn hairs. The Oregon Rex is essentially a curly American Shorthair, the curly gene having spontaneously occurred in a litter of Domestic Shorthair (Heinz~) kittens in the mid 1960's. Careful breeding with "clean" American Shorthairs has produced the current breed. As the Oregon Rex gene, distinct and separate from the Cornish (German) and Devon Rex genes, is recessive to almost everything and is easily masked by polygene influence, this breed is all but gone. There is some current effort being made to revive and strengthen the line: only time will tell. Like the American Shorthair, the Oregon Rex is playful and inquisitive, adapting well to home and family life. Since it has only an undercoat, the guard and awn hairs being absent, it must be protected from cold or wet weather. This uniqueness makes it non- shedding, and ideal for people with cat allergies. Oriental Shorthair Coat: Shorthair Environment: Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Oriental, Standard, Spotted The Oriental Shorthair, a medium-sized cat with a long oriental body, long legs and tail, and a triangular head with a pointed muzzle and large pointed ears, has a fine, thick, glossy, and close lying coat. Identical to the Siamese in every way except its solid-color coat, the Oriental Shorthair is an outgrowth of the Siamese breeding program. Many other breeds that are crossed to "Siamese" are actually crossed to Oriental Shorthairs. There are two Oriental Shorthair standards, the American and the British/European. The American standard allows the solid Oriental colors, while the British/European standard also allows Standard and Spotted coloration (color names are as in the Oriental colors: ebony and white, rather than black and white). Several American cat clubs are in the process of shifting to the British standard (after all, we need some name for a spotted tabby "Siamese"), and eventually the ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 25 standards will merge completely. The chestnut Oriental Shorthair is also known as the Havana in Britain, but is a distinctly different cat than the Havana Brown, which is peculiar to the U.S. Similarly, the spotted tabby Oriental Shorthair was formerly called the Egyptian Cat or Mau, and should not be confused with the true Egyptian Mau, which is an entirely different breed. Being, like the Siamese, active, loving, playful, intelligent, curious, and sensitive, the Oriental Shorthair does best with an owner who will understand its capricious ways. Peke-Faced Persian Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The Peke-Faced Persian, a large cat with a short cobby body, short legs, medium tail, and a round head with almost no muzzle and small round ears, has an exceptionally long, thick, and silky coat with a definite ruff. The Peke-Faced Persian is essentially a Persian with virtually no muzzle, giving it a flat Pekingese-type face, complete with bulging eyes and constant snuffle. These cats are prone to problems with the sinuses and tear ducts and tend to weep. In our opinion, breeding or overbreeding cats to this extent is not good for the cat and should be disallowed: it creates problems for the poor cat and large vet bills for the owner. We are, however, a minority voice, and the breed will not go away. Most clubs do not recognize the Peke-Faced Persian as a separate breed and class them as Persians. Others recognize only solid red and red tabby varieties. This will change with time. Like the Persian, the Peke-Faced Persian is a quiet, tranquil cat, and does best in a quiet home free of noise, children, and other pets. Persian Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The Persian, a large cat with a short cobby body, short legs, medium ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 26 tail, and a round head with a very short muzzle and small round ears, has an exceptionally long, thick, and silky coat with a definite ruff. Originally referred to as Asiatic cats as recently as 1876, the Persian-type cat was introduced to Europe from Asia Minor about 400 years ago. By the early 1900's, the Asiatic cat had commenced to be bred away from the lithe, graceful body of the Turkish Angora (the original long-haired cat) and towards the more massive and cobby body of the British Shorthair. Early cat clubs referred to the new breed as simply Longhairs. Eventually the breed has achieved a body style far more cobby than the British Shorthair and come unto its own as the Persian of today, bearing little resemblance to the Persians of a century ago. It has become one of the largest breeds, running typically 20-25 pounds for an adult male, with some individuals even larger: only the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest Cat are larger. The current Persian is somewhat aloof, as though it knows it's the showiest of show cats (perhaps it does). It is strictly a one-person cat, requiring lots of love and care, especially in the maintenance of its long, silky coat: daily brushings are definitely required. Curiously, though the Persian has been bred in a wide range of colors and patterns, those with Siamese coloring have been classed as separate breeds, the Himalayans and the Colorpoint Longhairs. Even more curiously, solid chocolate and lavender (lilac) Persians have also been classed separately as the Kashmirs, sometimes called Solid- Color Himalayans. There are no real differences in the breeds other than coloring. A short-haired version, the Exotic Shorthair, is also found. When overbred (which happens all too often), the Persian can become nervous and temperamental. This usually shows in erratic behavior and misplaced toilet activities (like the middle of your bed). In this event, all that can be done is to love the cat, but neuter it to terminate the overbreeding. It is a common practice for the uneducated to claim that their long- haired cat is part Persian. Most long-haired Heinz~ are just that, long-haired Heinz~ and nothing else. When a persian undergoes a random mating, the kittens are far more likely to be shorthaired than long-haired. Such is the way of genetics. The Persian is a quiet, tranquil cat and does best in a quiet home free of noise, children, and other pets. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 27 Ragdoll Coat: Longhair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Siamese, (Standard Solid, Standard) The Ragdoll, a large cat with a short cobby body, short legs, medium tail, and flattish head with a very short muzzle and small round ears, has an exceptionally thick, silky, non-matting coat with a definite ruff. The original Ragdoll and Genuine Ragdoll may be found in the standard Siamese, Siamese with particolor spotting, or Siamese with Birman spotting patterns, while the Miracle Ragdoll may be found in these same colors and patterns plus any of the standard solid and standard colors. Extremely tranquil and seemingly immune to pain, this cat does best in a quiet home. It does not do well with small children, as its insensitivity to pain makes it easy for it to be hurt, even quite seriously, without crying out. The primary physiological difference between the original Ragdoll and its relative, the Honeybear, versus other breeds is the length of time for maturity. The original Ragdoll and the Honeybear mature slowly, taking a full two years to reach maturity, being somewhat ungainly in appearance between kittenhood and maturity, and should not be bred until at least 18 months of age. The Miracle Ragdoll and the Genuine Ragdoll mature at a normal rate. The original breeder and creator of the Ragdoll claims that the cat is a phenomenon created by an automobile accident to an alleycat, that her kittens were subsequently "a different animal in a cat's body," and that the original Ragdolls, and her subsequent breeds, Honeybears and Miracle Ragdolls, are not of the species felis cattus, but what she calls "Cherubim Cats" [felis cherubinus?]. She cites various skeletal differences and their unique dispositions as grounds for her claim. Our personal and careful investigation has shown that the parent cat was herself most likely a mutation and that the accident, if it occurred, had nothing whatsoever to do with the behavior of the kittens. The radical behavior pattern evidenced in the kittens and subsequent cats probably did not show up in the mother because of recessive polygene masking inherent in the original mutation, which was "washed out" by mating with normal toms. We have been led to the conclusion that the original mutation probably involved a change in the response of those nerve cells concerned with esthesia (the sensations of feeling and pain), probably a simple thickening or extension of the myelin sheaths that surround the nerve cells, thus producing a cat that is effectively mildly anesthetized: if it can't feel it, it won't object to it. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 28 In addition to the apparent absence of a sensation of pain, kittens tend to be a little "twitchy," as though they were experiencing paresthesia (false sensations of feeling, such as the sensation of a bug crawling on your arm when there is none there). This would follow logically if the neurological mutation theory is correct. As for the skeletal differences of the breeds, especially the Honeybears, we found them to be well within standard norms and considerably less extreme than those of the Manx, for example. As an aside, when asked why she called her cats "Cherubim Cats," she replied it was because they were non-fighting. We find this curious in light of the fact that, theologically and scripturally, the Cherubim are God's guards and warriors (see Genesis 3:24 and Ezekiel 1 and 10): her choice of the name was probably influenced by the cherubs found on Valentine's Day cards. While the singular of both "cherubim" and "cherubs" is "cherub," there is no other similarity between them. Besides which, all cats fight as part of the mating ritual, for territorial dominance, and for clowder status: Ragdolls are no exception. The rapid mutation of the original Ragdoll into the Honeybear and Miracle Ragdoll, in spite of (or perhaps because of) the unique breeding program, indicates to us that the breed may be genetically unstable, and the complex polygene interaction might be causing rapid radial evolution (evolution into several distinct and differing breeds at the same time). It is a shame that the breeding program, or a parallel program, is not in the hands of competent geneticists, as much valuable knowledge about the workings of genetics and evolution could be gained. Any Ragdoll not bred under the auspices of the original breeder's somewhat unique program is called a Genuine Ragdoll for legal reasons, and is recognized (usually as a simple Ragdoll) by most of the various cat clubs in the U.S., while the original Ragdoll, Honeybear, and Miracle Ragdoll are recognized only by the IRCA (International Ragdoll Cat Association), a private association of which the original Ragdoll breeder is president and founder. Russian Blue Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Blue The Russian Blue, a large cat with a muscular body midway between cobby and intermediate, medium legs, short tail, and a squarish head with a square muzzle and wide-spaced blunt ears, has a thick, short, fine, silvery-blue double coat. Like its cousin the European Shorthair, the Russian Blue has the ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 29 exceptionally thick undercoat, reminiscent of the European Wildcat, required to withstand the harsh Russian winters. The outer coat, however, is smooth and silky, possibly as a result of the breeding program carried out under the Romanov czars. The breed first showed up in Archangel, on the White Sea (off the Actic Ocean near the Finnish-Russian border), in the mid-1800's. By the 1900's the breed was already competing in Britain and elsewhere, and had been made more streamlined by crossbreeding with Siamese. The breed effectively stabilized by the time of the Russian Revolution into a European Blue phenotype with a leaner body and smoother coat. It has changed little since, resisting the attempts of some breeders to exaggerate the body conformation. The Russian Blue was imported to the United States as the Maltese in 1900, but has since established its identity and was formally recognized in 1947. As an aside, the Australians recognize an identical cat in dominant white, calling it the Russian White. Playful, inquisitive, reserved, and an excellent hunter, the Russian Blue adapts well to almost any environment. Scottish Fold Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Shaded The Scottish Fold, a medium-sized cat with a muscular cobby body, short legs and tail, and a round head with a square muzzle and a unique folding of its small ears, causing them to lay close to the head like a pair of small caps, has a short, dense coat with a heavy undercoat. In 1961 one William Ross, a Scottish shepherd, noticed a lop-eared British Shorthair mix kitten, Susie, belonging to his employer. Her ears were small and folded forward, like a puppy's. Being an alert individual, William realized that this was unique. Thus when Susie had a litter two years later in which two of her kittens were also lop-eared, he obtained one of them. He named his kitten Snooks, registered it as an experimental, and undertook a breeding program in collaboration with professional breeders and geneticists. Thus the Scottish fold came to be. Breeding and testing has shown that the folded ears is controlled by a single dominant gene (Fd), so the kittens need only be heterozygous to have folded ears. The degree of fold is controlled by polygene influence, and is independent of the folded-ear gene itself. When the gene is homozygous, there is sometimes a thickening and rounding of ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 30 the tail. At first this was bred for as part of the uniqueness of the breed, but it developed that there is also a thickening of the limbs as well, inhibiting the cat's movements. Cats are now disallowed if they have this thickening, thus homozygosity is discouraged. The British cat clubs, led by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, decided in the early 1970's to disallow Scottish Folds. The reasons given were a fear of ear mites and reported deafness. Both these reasons are false: normal hygiene is sufficient to prevent ear mites, while several of the early Scottish Folds were dominant white, and dominant white cats are often deaf regardless of breed. The real reasons are believed to be that the Scottish Folds were winning awards and drawing attention away from the British Shorthairs, a breed that has always been the favorite of the GCCF. Whatever the reasons, the result of this blackballing has been a shift in Scottish Fold breeding from its homeland to the U.S., where its uniqueness is appreciated. Being basically a British Shorthair, the Scottish Fold has a playful and inquisitive nature. It is not overly fond of small children, and tends to attach itself to one member of the household. It is demonstrative in its affection and loves to snuggle, making it an ideal cat for an invalid. Since its folded ears do partially cover the auditory canal, it cannot hear quite as well as a cat with pricked ears: it sort of wears earmuffs, there's nothing wrong with its hearing per se. Because of the reduced hearing, it is not as good a hunter as other cats. It adapts well to almost any environment. Siamese Coat: Shorthair Environment: Home or Rural Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Siamese The Siamese, a medium-sized cat with a long oriental body, long legs and tail, and a triangular head with a pointed muzzle, bright blue eyes and large pointed ears, has a fine, thick, glossy, and close lying solid-pointed, fawn-to-ivory coat . There are some differences between the American and British/European standards for the Siamese and related breeds: Balinese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Javanese, and Oriental Shorthair. The American standard is considerably more exaggerated than the British/European, which is closer to the original Siamese in build. This is a ancient breed, with records at least as far back as 1350, and is truly a Siamese cat, having been bred in the temples of Siam (now Thailand). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 31 There are many legends about the Siamese, especially concerning its crossed eyes and kinked tail. One story goes that the cats were given the task of guarding an especially sacred urn, which they did by watching it so closely that they became cross-eyed. Another legend says that the royal princess assigned the cats the task of protecting her rings. She placed the rings on their tails, and the cats then bent the tips over so they couldn't fall off. In these ways, the cats became cross-eyed and kink-tailed. The Siamese was imported to Europe sometimes in the mid 1800's, and was already popular in the cat shows of the 1870's. The initial reaction to the Siamese was that it was unnatural and nightmarish, defying all that was then thought to be the norm for the domestic cat, but its beauty and personality soon overcame this bad press. The Siamese is, perhaps, the most popular of all breeds. It is extraordinarily curious, investigating absolutely everything in its domain. Extremely intelligent, the Siamese and its cousins train well to the leash and to car travel, and can be taught to do tricks. The modern Siamese has an exaggerated oriental body and a long triangular face, created by breeders from the original stock of basic Siamese brought to England and the U.S. in the past century. This exaggerated body structure bears little resemblance to the original Siamese body, which was more like that of the modern-day Burmese. This breeding program has attempted to alleviate the crossed eyes and kinked tail, but has only been partially successful: there still being a lot of crossed eyes and the occasional kinked tail. Legends aside, the crossed eyes are due to the partial albinism of the Siamese gene causing irregular nerve connections between the eyes and their controlling muscles, producing crossed eyes and double vision: the cat squints to compensate for this. This cat is extremely vocal, loudly proclaiming its displeasure at the slightest provocation. It loves to "converse," and will answer back when spoken to. Active, loving, playful, intelligent, curious, and sensitive, it does best with an owner who will understand its capricious ways. Singapura Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Brown-Ticked Ivory, Tabby-Ticked with White The Singapura is a small cat with a muscular intermediate body, medium-long legs and tail, and a round head with a short tapered muzzle, a distinctive stopped nose, strong chin, large eyes, and large pointed ears. Its coat is soft and silky, somewhat springy to the touch, and is only allowed in two unique colors: brown-ticked ivory ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 32 and tabby-ticked with white, which are very similar. This is the smallest of the domestic cats, with full-grown males barely making six pounds. The basic street cat in its native Singapore, the origins of this breed are obscure. Some say there has been a recent influx of some wild species. While this is certainly possible, it doesn't show in the temperament. Many colors are found in the Singapuran street cats, but as yet only two special colors are recognized in the breed. The people of Singapore are generally not cat lovers (except as food) and the Singapura has learned through countless generations to be wary of people. This has resulted in an exceptionally quiet and shy cat: Singapuras often won't meow even when injured, lest they attract attention and wind up in the stewpot. For quiet, reserved people in a quiet and peaceful lifestyle, this is an ideal cat, giving all of its love and affection unreservedly to someone who has gained its trust. Si-Rex Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Siamese, Colorpoint The Si-Rex is a small cat with a slender oriental body, long legs and tail, and a triangular head with a pointed muzzle, a long straight nose, large eyes, and large blunt ears. Its has an unusual face, giving it a mischievous and pixieish appearance. Its coat is very curly and wavy, composed only of down hairs, making it unusually short, fine, soft and silky. The Si-Rex is simply a Cornish Rex with Siamese coloration. Like the Cornish Rex, the Si-Rex is agile, affectionate, intelligent, and tranquil, and adapts well to family life, becoming an ideal lap cat for a quiet owner. Lacking awn hairs (running around in its underwear, as it were), it sunburns easily and must be an indoor-only cat. It is a non-shedding cat (no outer coat), making it ideal for people with cat allergies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 33 Snowshoe Coat: Shorthair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Reserved, Tranquil, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Siamese with Birman Spotting The Snowshoe, a medium-sized cat with a massive oriental body, medium legs and tail, and a broad round head with a short muzzle and rounded ears, has a short and glossy, but not too fine, Birman-spotted Siamese coat. Created by crossing Birmans with Siamese and American Shorthairs, the Snowshoe is essentially a short-haired Birman. Like the Birman, it is tranquil, sociable, and intelligent, and does best with quiet people and may mope if left alone. Somali Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family with Children Colors: Abyssinian A medium-sized cat with a sleek intermediate body, long legs and tail, and a wedge head with a tapered muzzle and large, pointed, often- tufted ears, the Somali has several bands of ticking, sometimes as many as a dozen, on its extremely soft, long, and ruff-less all-agouti coat. It has distinctive puma-like facial markings. The Abyssinian sometimes carries a recessive longhair (l) gene, which was to be found in some of the original stock imported from Britain during the 1930's. For many generations, breeders quietly neutered or destroyed long-haired kittens, but in the 1960's a group of breeders set about to create and perfect the long-haired Abyssinian. The beautiful Somali is the result: a very striking cat, and certainly one of the most beautiful. Like its brother the Abyssinian, the Somali is active, intelligent and affectionate. It adapts well to family life, and is easily trained. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 34 Sphinx Coat: Shorthair (Hairless) Environment: Apartment Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Quiet Best With: Family Colors: Standard Solid, Standard, Siamese, Colorpoint The Sphynx, a small cat with an intermediate body, long legs and tail, and a wedge head with a short square muzzle, stopped nose and large wide-spaced ears, is a hairless cat, with a slight fuzz of down hairs present on some individuals. Color is carried in the skin itself. Bred from a hairless Oriental Shorthair kitten born in Ontario, Canada, in 1966, the Sphynx is not recognized by all cat clubs. Some people feel that its hairlessness removes all that is beautiful about a cat. Such people only see beauty on the outside, but the Sphinx, like all cats, is beautiful all the way through. For a person with severe allergies, the Sphinx provides the ideal solution: there is no cat hair or dander to be allergic to. The Sphinx loves to receive and show affection, but is not especially wild about being cuddled. It loves cat beds, pillows, etc. made of soft fabrics like cotton flannelette (used to make baby sleepers). A sociable and affectionate cat, the Sphynx must, because of its hairlessness, be kept indoors at all times and protected from drafts, as it catches cold very easily. It adapts well to family life. While we don't normally recommend Kitty Koats and other such wearing apparel (why hide a beautiful cat?), they are perhaps a good idea in the case of the Sphinx. Tiffany Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Sable The Tiffany, a medium-sized cat with a solid muscular oriental body, long slender legs and tail, and a round head with a tapered muzzle and blunt ears, has a medium-long, very silky coat of a rich sable-brown color with a lighter brown ruff. Bred by cross breeding the Burmese with various long-haired cats, the Tiffany is essentially a long-haired Burmese. Kittens are born short- haired with an interesting cafe-au-lait color. Both long-hairedness and the sable color develop slowly. The color is seldom as rich as the short-haired Burmese itself, probably due to some polygene interaction. Nonetheless, the Tiffany is essentially a long-haired Burmese. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 35 Like the Burmese, the Tiffany is affectionate and intelligent, and does best with one person who will return its affection and talk to it. Tonkinese Coat: Shorthair Environment: Home Disposition: Affectionate, Active, Vocal Best With: One-Person Colors: Tonkinese The Tonkinese, a medium-sized cat with an oriental body, long legs and tail, and a moderately triangular head with a tapered muzzle and rounded ears, has a soft, shiny, and close-lying medium-dark, Siamese- pointed coat. Genetically both a Burmese and a Siamese, it is by definition heterozygous and cannot breed true. If a homozygous Burmese (cbcb) is mated with a homozygous Siamese (cscs), all kittens will be Tonkinese (cbcs). If one Tonkinese is mated with another, the Mendelian pattern of four kittens will be one Burmese (or Malayan) (cbcb), two Tonkinese (cbcs), and one Siamese (cscs). The Burmese and Siamese will be as purebred as if they had Burmese or Siamese parents. The originators of this breed got carried away with naming the colors, calling them "minks": natural mink, blue mink, honey mink, champagne mink, cinnamon mink, fawn mink, red mink, and cream mink. Curious, active, and fond of company, the Tonkinese does best with an owner who will provide lots of affection. Turkish Angora Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: White The Turkish Angora, the original long-haired breed, is a medium-sized cat with a slim intermediate body, long legs and tail, and a wedge head with a tapered muzzle and pointed ears. Its pure white coat is long, silky and very soft, thinning and shortening in warm weather almost to the point of become a shorthair, but with the tail remaining full. This is perhaps the most elegant of all breeds, being very clean-lined and graceful. When in its "short" phase, it is exceptionally beautiful. Eye color is always golden orange, pale blue, or odd (one of each). Blue-eyed cats are often deaf, but can still make excellent indoor-only cats. There is some discussion that the Turkish Angora descends from Pallas' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 36 Cat, felis manul, rather than the African Wildcat, felis lybica, but most zoologists agree that there are significant objections to this theory. It is most likely that the longhair gene is the result of a spontaneous mutation sometime before 1000, and that the cats being in a restricted area, central Asia Minor, allowed the mutant recessive gene to become firmly entrenched. The result was that over time the longhair gene spread both northward and southward, into Russia and Persia (now Iran). In the 16th century, Angora cats (Angora is the former name of Ankara, the capital of Turkey) were brought from Turkey to France, where they were an immediate hit. In the late 19th century, however, the Angora cats had to compete with the relative newcomers, the long-haired Russians and Persians, and the Persians won out. The Russians and Angoras disappeared from Europe, the Russians never to rise again. In its native Turkey the Angora not only didn't disappear, it proliferated. The Ankara Zoo, in recognition of the Angora being a native Turkish animal, undertook a long-term breeding program which was very successful. The Angora can be found throughout Turkey, in many colors and patterns. In the 1960's the beautiful dominant white Turkish Angora was imported into the U.S. from its native Turkey, and became an immediate hit. It received full recognition in 1970, and has been the aristocrat of cats ever since. A black variety is also being bred, but has not yet gained recognition, while a chocolate variety is recognized in Britain. Tranquil and affectionate, the Turkish Angora (simply Angora in Britain) is ideally suited for a one-person apartment. Turkish Van Coat: Extra-Care Longhair Environment: Apartment or Home Disposition: Affectionate, Tranquil, Quiet Best With: One-Person Colors: Van The Turkish Van, a modified Turkish Angora from way back during the Crusades, is a medium-sized cat with a moderate intermediate body, long legs and tail, and a wedge head with a tapered muzzle and pointed ears. Its white van coat is long, silky and very soft, thinning and shortening in warm weather almost to the point of becoming a shorthair, but with the tail remaining full. The van markings may be any color, but the preferred color is red, called auburn in this breed only. This cat has one very interesting and unique characteristic: it loves ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 37 water! It loves water so much that many owners report that they turned on the water to draw a bath, left the bathroom for a few minutes, and returned to find a tub full of cat! Tranquil and affectionate, the Turkish Van is ideally suited for a one-person apartment with a bathtub. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Purebred Cats Page 38