Recognized by the CFA, FIFe, TICA, ACFA/CAA, CCA-AFC
Origin: Turkey
Antiquity: Prior to the 18th
Character: Owner of himself
Weight: 3 to 8,5 Kg
The Turkish Angora cat remains the national animal of Turkey today.
Photo: Wilkipedia
Content
History
The Turkish Angora cat It, as the name reflects, a breed of cat native to Turkey, where she was prized for her long hair and fur. Angora is the ancient name of the capital of Turkey, currently Ankara. This breed of cat has a long history, since it is estimated that it can be traced back to ancient Egypt.
In XVII century, the Turkish Angora cat It was introduced to Europe by an Italian explorer named Pietro Della Valle and by a French named Nicolas de Peiresc, who brought several copies to their respective countries. It was a success, since it was the first breed of long-haired cat, since the other European domestic cats were short or semi-long hair. The Swedish naturalist Linnaeus called it Cattus Angorensis to distinguish it from the domestic cat and Chartreux cat, and the French biologist Buffon called it "Angora cat with long hair and completely white.".
Such was the popularity of the cat's fur color that it served as a "royal gift", being appreciated by the entire European aristocracy, especially the court of Louis XV. Painters of the time even chose her as a model to represent their cats in their paintings, for its elegance and beauty.
In the 19th century, the Turkish Angora cat contributed to the birth of Persian cat, to the one who transmitted the gene responsible for long hair. But with the passage of time and the dangerous crosses with other breeds of cats, the Turkish Angora lost the characteristics that had made it famous. At the same time, the dazzling success of the Persian, chosen as a breeding base by the English in Victorian times, caused a disinterest in the Turkish Angora cat as dazzling as its success, to the point that it almost disappeared after WWII. The Turkish government decided to protect the remaining specimens to ensure the survival of the breed, so he decided to prohibit its export.
Finally, The breed was saved by American cat breeders who managed to obtain them from the Ankara Zoo in 1959 a couple of Turkish Angora Cats llamados Star (What does "Star" mean?) y Yıldızcik ("Little Star"). The current Turkish Angoras were born from this couple. Interest in the breed was rekindled in 1963, when the breeders in question presented her to the rest of the world. La C.F.A. (Cat Fanciers’ Association, one of the leading American feline organizations) recorded the first animals in 1970 and recognized the breed in 1973. La F.I.Fe (Fédération Internationale Féline) did the same in 1988.
Despite its beauty, the Turkish Angora cat it is not yet widespread in the world and is still protected in Turkey: some zoos continue to breed to ensure the survival of this breed, which is still considered "fragile". But, the Turkish Angora It is one of the favorite feline breeds of the French, and is often featured at feline shows.
Physical characteristics
Turkish Angora cat at the Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo in January 2012. The zoo breeds and sells Turkish Angora cats – Ankaracats, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Turkish Angora cat it is a small to medium sized cat, with a graceful appearance, has a beautiful head that tapers downwards and is relatively small in relation to the rest of the body. The muzzle has no pinches, the nose is slightly curved, the ears are set high on the head, turns forward and has a lock of hair at the end.
The legs of the Turkish Angora cat they are long and thin, with oval legs and tufts of hair between the toes. The tail is wide at the base and tapers as it grows. The tail is quite long compared to the rest of the body and feathery in appearance., due to the long hair.
The coat is of medium to long length, fine and silky, with a very light undercoat. The hair is slightly more numerous and wavy on the belly. Due to its dense fur, the turkish angora may appear much larger than it actually is: is light-boned and does not usually exceed 5 kg. The molt occurs in summer and is quite considerable.
Originally, only a completely white gown was allowed. Today, although the white variety is still the most popular by far, a wide range of single-color coats is tolerated, bicoloured, brindle and smoked. Just some colors, like chocolate or mink, are not recognized by the standard.
Large, almond-shaped eyes are traditionally amber in color. In the white variety, blue or minnow eyes are also accepted (that is to say, with two different colors), while in the gold and silver varieties green eyes are also tolerated.
Size and weight
Height: 30 – 35 cm.
Weight: 2,5 – 5 kg
Character and skills
A white Turkish Angora cat with odd eyes (heterochromia), which is common among the breed – Karatas., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Turkish Angora cat it is a very sociable and affectionate cat, who likes to be the center of attention, to the point of being a bit loud at times. Enjoys the company of its owner and other animals, including dogs, and he especially likes children. Being a very playful and intelligent cat, can learn some tricks, how to stand up on its hind legs when presented with a toy or treat, or retrieve and return a small ball.
The Turkish Angora cat he is also an observant cat, and nothing escapes him: is everywhere, following your every move, jumping on your shoulders when you least expect it and picking up your pen as you write. He is very capable of running after taking the glasses case, the glove or tights that were lying on the ground. But she knows how to make up for it by purring and stroking it.
Robust, athletic and hunter, the Turkish Angora is a very independent cat that values ​​its freedom. They need to have a lot of space to develop and they don't like being confined to one floor.
Last, it is one of the few cats that loves water, and will gladly take a dip in a basin or bathtub if given the chance.
Care "Turkish Angora cat"
Sleeping cat, white long-hair Turkish Angora – Roo72, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Turkish Angora cat Grooming his silky fur himself, so it is enough to brush it from time to time. This helps remove loose hair and strengthens the bond between you and your cat.. How long-haired cats tend to swallow more hair, hairballs can form in the digestive tract. To reduce the formation of these hairballs in the stomach, there are special foods for cats.
Food
Due to the long and dense coat of the Turkish Angora cat, it is recommended to feed the dog a diet rich in fiber so that it can more easily evacuate the trichobezoars (hair balls) what you eat when preening, and thus limit the risk of digestive problems.
Indoor or outdoor cat?
The Turkish Angora cat he is a very calm cat and, therefore, ideal for interiors. It is not particularly demanding in terms of its accommodation conditions and also settles for less space. Especially as an indoor cat, develops an intimate relationship with its owner and enjoys being with the family. For this reason, the loving cat should not be left alone for a long time. If you have the opportunity to let the cat out under supervision, give this opportunity. They enjoy observing their surroundings from an elevated position and breathing fresh air.
How much activity does he need? "Turkish Angora cat"?
This lively and active cat loves creative and challenging toys. He also enjoys learning little tricks., how to recover toys. A sturdy scratching post for playing and sleeping also offers great employment opportunities and also helps the cat care for its nails.. Extensive petting is a must for this affectionate, people-oriented cat.
For sale "Turkish Angora cat"
The Turkish Angora cat it is an excellent cat for beginners, but it also needs enough affection and care. Before buying a cat, you must be sure that you can offer him a full life. Once you have decided on the breed, you must visit a trusted breeder who belongs to a registered club. Pay attention to the behavior and health of kittens and parents as well. For a purebred kitten with papers you pay a few 800 EUR. In the animal shelter you can sometimes find a cat that looks and behaves like a Turkish Angora cat.
Characteristics "Turkish Angora cat"
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Turkish Angora cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
The original base of the British Shorthair cat was extracted from the robust common cats of Great Britain, when competitions and breeding became popular in the late 19th century. It was the most popular race of the first contests of British cats.
Photo: Wilkipedia
Content
Characteristics "British Shorthair cat"
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "British Shorthair cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Joy
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Activity level
2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to other pets
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to children
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Grooming requirements
2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Vocality
2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Need for attention
1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Affection towards its owners
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Docility
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Intelligence
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Independence
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Hardiness
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
History
The British Shorthair cat it is one of the oldest cat breeds in the world. The Romans brought their cats to the British Isles, where they spread and adapted to the harsh climate. In 1871, the first breeders exhibited their cats at the Crystal Palace in London under the name of British Shorthair.
What, Unfortunately, the breeding stock was very small after the world wars, breeders crossed to persian cats with domestic cats not registered. This not only increased the variety of the breed, it also reinforced their friendly character.
Due to the crossing with the Long-haired persians, today there are also some cats of this breed with long hair. Breeders used to give away long-haired cats, while today they sell them under the name "British longhair cat» (BLH). The British Shorthair cat (BKH) It is presented in more than 300 recognized color varieties, the best known being the silver tabby and the blue fur color. This particular breed is also known as British bleu cat.
Popularity of "British Shorthair cat"
From the years 70, the breed began a successful internationalization: It was recognized by the Fédération Féline Internationale (FIFé) in 1977, by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979, and for the American Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1980.
In fact, the British Shorthair cat is currently one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. It's no wonder it's even the preferred breed in Britain, where, With almost 7.000 kittens registered per year, represents almost a quarter of the feline population, and more than double that of its direct competitor. Nor in the United States can its success be denied, since the CFA figures show that it is on the podium of the most popular cats in the United States. It is also one of the most popular cat breeds in France., and its population does not stop growing in the country: according to the statistics of Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF), kitten records doubled in the second decade of the 21st century, reaching now about 2.500 copies per year.
Female British Shorthair cat. Feronia. 20 months old. 4,5 gr. – George E. Corona, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Physical characteristics
The British Shorthair cat it is a medium to large size cat, of solid constitution and very round. The body is broad and muscular, and the legs are short and powerful. The tail is wide at the base and should have a rounded tip.
The head is easily recognizable: it is solid and round, with a short nose, rounded cheeks and large round eyes that can be yellow, copper, blue or green. But it is above all to his whiskers and rounded snout that he owes his famous and enigmatic smile that gives the impression that he is always amused by what he sees.
Short, dense and without undercoat, their fur is more often blue (and it is also the most sought after color in feline exhibitions), but the British Shorthair cat can have a coat of different colors (white, cream, black, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon…) and with various patterns (bicolor, striped, tortie…).
The sexual dimorphism is moderately marked, the female being smaller than the male.
Size and weight:
Male size: 32 – 36 cm.
female size: 30 – 34 cm.
Male weight: 4 – 8 kg
female weight: 3 – 6 kg
British shorthair cat
Varieties of "British Shorthair cat"
There is a long-haired version of the British Shorthair, which is the result of crosses with Persians made at the beginning of the 20th century. But, is not considered by most international feline organizations (FIFé, TICA…) as a simple variety, but as a race in itself: the British longhair cat.
Apart from the length of the coat, there is no difference between British Shorthair and the British Longhair.
Character and skills
"British Shorthair cat"
A British Shorthair cat, grey in color, sits in a bookshelf, looking up and to the left from the camera. – George E. Corona, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The British Shorthair cat he is a calm and powerful cat who forms strong bonds with his entire family, without favoring any person. Patient and tolerant, they are ideal for children who have learned to behave with a cat. On the other hand, does not like emotions and prefers to stay away from overly active games or unruly children. So, not the ideal companion for a family with young children; it is better if they are already a certain age.
They are rather reserved with strangers, but they quickly become affectionate once they meet and welcome close friends who visit often. Having said that, your affection is not overwhelming: not one of those who demand constant attention, neither from his family nor from visits. After a few pats, find a comfortable place in the immediate vicinity and are able to support themselves.
Extremely sociable with other animals, he gets along very well with his companions and with dogs accustomed to cats. His past as a guardian cat was left behind, as it now easily coexists with rodents, birds and reptiles.
Although he is very affectionate, he does not usually like to sit on his master's lap, instead he prefers to snuggle up next to him. in addition, once adult, does not appreciate being picked up and prefers to stay on the ground on all four legs.
Independent and hassle-free spending time with himself, does relatively well to be left alone for a reasonable period of time. You don't suffer from separation anxiety when your family is at work, and can be left home alone for a long weekend without worry, provided their food and water needs are met. In general, easily adapts to different situations.
Last, it is not a very noisy cat, but when he speaks, her soft voice contrasts with her teddy bear physique. His purr, on the other hand, it is powerful and strong, similar to the sound of a small motor.
Care and grooming of the "British Shorthair cat"
The British Shorthair cat it is a low maintenance feline breed: a weekly brushing is enough to remove dead hair and ensure a healthy, shiny coat. During the moulting season, in spring and autumn, brushing should be more frequent.
Brushing sessions are the perfect opportunity to check your teeth, eyes and ears for signs of infection.
They should also give the opportunity to look at their nails, that can be trimmed with nail clippers if they are too long. Obviously, this is more prevalent if you don't have a scratching post available.
Indoor or outdoor cat?
The British Shorthair cat It is a breed of indoor cats, and can do without access to the outside. But, if they are allowed to go outside, their owners must ensure that they do not endanger themselves. In fact, calm and confident, may not recognize potentially dangerous situations, not running away when seeing an aggressive dog or staying calmly in the middle of the road despite an approaching car.
How much activity does he need? "British Shorthair cat"?
Little active, even if they have their moments of madness, the British Shorthair cat needs to be stimulated from time to time to avoid becoming lazy. Running after a ball, Chasing the point of a laser or catching a toy are activities that help strengthen the bond with its owner while helping to keep it healthy.
It also, despite his calm and laid-back nature, the British Shorthair cat he is extremely intelligent, able to learn many tricks. They also love the different puzzles for cats, especially when they deliver a reward to enjoy.
Health and nutrition
The British Shorthair cat It, in general, a robust cat breed, but may be subject to certain conditions:
The polykinetic kidney disease, a genetic disorder that causes numerous cysts in the kidneys: thanks to the work of the breeders and the existence of a DNA test, this disease is now relatively rare;
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an enlargement of heart tissue that causes changes in its function: although the responsible breeding program that has been carried out has greatly reduced the risk, this disease is still a problem;
Hemophilia type B, a clotting problem that causes dangerous bleeding: this disease can be detected by DNA tests, and a conscientious British Shorthair breeder identifies both carrier and affected cats to rule them out;
Gingivitis, a relatively benign condition but in some cases may require veterinarian intervention.
It should also be taken into account that the greater risk to the health of the British Shorthair cat It, with much, the obesity. Greedy and quite lazy, often pampered by his family, you are at great risk of watching your muscular body gradually turn to fat, what can be the cause of many diseases. The owner has a real responsibility to allow him to have a sufficient level of activity and thus prevent him from gaining weight, for example, taking the initiative to play with your cat.
Life expectancy
Of 12 to 15 years
Food
The British Shorthair cat He is a glutton who enjoys both industrial cat food and that consumed by his family. So they stay healthy, your diet should be adapted to your age and activity level.
Obesity in cats is a real risk in this breed, but it is not inevitable: a cat that plays daily and is not given more rations than recommended by the manufacturer should not gain more weight than necessary. On the other hand, a lazy cat, who is given all the food he wants and is regularly pampered with treats, you are likely to gain weight and endanger your health.
So, it is better not to rely too much on the cat's self-regulatory ability. To prevent you from eating more than you should, its owner must not leave food in its bowl, and you must make sure that your partner does not have access to the food left by your family.
If, despite these precautions, the British Shorthair cat begins to overeat, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to establish a suitable feeding program.
For sale "British Shorthair cat"
The average price of a British Shorthair cat is of 1.000 EUR, but the price range is very wide, from 500 up to more than 2.500 EUR.
These differences are explained by the physical characteristics of the cat (especially its color) and its greater or lesser conformity with the breed standard, as well as for their more or less prestigious ancestry. On the other hand, there is no significant price difference between a male and female cat.
The American Polydactyl Cat is specifically bred to have extra fingers, for his temper, your good health, and its color or size.
Photo: Wilkipedia
Content
History
A "Polydactyl Cat" is a cat with a physical congenital anomaly called polydactyly (or polidactilismo, also known as hyperdactyly), a type of genetic mutation that makes the cat born with more fingers than usual in one or more of its legs.
These cats are very hardy and can survive even in time of snow.
They reached the United States on Board of ships in the colonial era. Stayed them for sailors who considered as the lucky pets when they were in the sea.
Historically, polydactyly represented the 40% of the population registered among Maine Coon. Stated that the extra toes acted as snowshoes, to help these cats resistant to negotiate the snowfall in the harsh winters of New England.
The cats polydactyls It can be found in any race, but the American Polydactyl Cat is specifically bred to have extra fingers, for his temper, your good health, and its color or size.
Physical characteristics
How many fingers can a cat have on one paw??
Some american polydactyl cats they have up to seven. Perhaps the most famous American polydactyl cats were those that Ernest Hemingway wrote about., and as a result this breed is sometimes known as the Hemingway cat or mitten cat..
The American Polydactyl Cat he is medium to large in size and has a strong and muscular body.
Their heads they are wide, with a modified and medium-sized stop.
Its nose and your snout they are medium in size and the chin has a square look.
The ears they are wide and have a pointed tip. Times, The american polydactyl cat used as a stallion has highly developed cheeks.
The rounded eyes of the American Polydactyls are set at an angle, and any color or combination of colors is acceptable.
The same goes for the color of the coat and the length of the coat., as long as the hairs are attached to the body.
The american polydactyl cat long-haired must have a hair soft and silky.
The bodies of the American polydactyls they are rectangular in shape, well muscled on a medium bone structure. Their breasts are well rounded and wide.
Some american polydactyl cats have tail short, and these cats have shorter bodies than those with long tails.
The legs of the american polydactyls they are straight and robust, and cats with tails have significantly longer hind legs than front legs.
Of course, the characteristic feature of american polydactyl cat are their feet with extra fingers. One of the extra finger shapes looks like a thumb, and for this reason the american polydactyl cats They are also known as "cats with thumbs". The other conformation is that of another three-toed foot attached to the cat's five-toed foot.. The extra toes can be found only on the front feet or only on the rear feet, or all feet may have extra toes.
Character and skills
The american polydactyl cat It is very similar to any other cat in terms of its personality and care. But, many owners have observed that their american polydactyl cats seem to have a more relaxed and gentle personality than other cats that have had. These cats are quite hardy and can survive even in snowy climates.
The American polydactyl cat adapts very well to life indoors or outdoors, or a combination of both. They are outgoing pets, and they are said to be loving and patient even with children.
Alternative names:
1. Hemingway Cat, Mitten Cat, Extra Toed Cat, Six-Toed Cat, Big Foot Cat (English).
2. Chat d’Hemingway, Chat à moufles, Chat à orteils supplémentaires, Chat à six orteils, Chat à gros pieds (French).
3. Hemingway-Katze, Handschuh-Katze, Katze mit zusätzlichen Zehen, Katze mit sechs Zehen, Katze mit großen Füßen (German).
4. Gato de Hemingway, Gato com luvas, Gato com dedos dos pés extra, Gato com seis dedos dos pés, Gato com pés grandes (Portuguese).
5. Gato Hemingway, Gato de manopla, Gato de dedos extra, Gato de seis dedos, Gato de pies grandes (español).
▷ The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
To the Cymric cat the water fascinates him, perhaps this fascination comes from originating on a small piece of land surrounded by water.
Photo: animalplanet.TK
Content
Characteristics "Cymric cat"
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Cymric cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Joy
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Activity level
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to other pets
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to children
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Grooming requirements
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Vocality
2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Need for attention
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Affection towards its owners
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Docility
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Intelligence
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Independence
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Hardiness
1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
History
The Cymric cat hails from the Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea, between Ireland and the United Kingdom. It takes its name from the Welsh word "cymru.", What does "Wales" mean?. It's a long-haired version of the Manx cat, so talk about the history of Cymric is also talking about the history of Manx, since both are largely intertwined.
The cat is believed to have originated around the decade of 1750, but there are many different versions of how your ancestors came to the island. They could have crossed the sea with the Spanish Armada in the 1980s. 1580, the Vikings who settled on the island around the year 800, or even long before, with the Phoenician merchants, around the year 500 a.C.
The history of the Cymric and that of the Manx It, Therefore, quite vague, but it is also full of stories. In particular, various legends try to explain how this cat lost its tail. One of them tells that he arrived too late at Noah's Ark and that the door closed on his tail. Another says that the Vikings used to steal kittens because their tails were considered lucky.; as a result, mother cats bit the tails of their pups so as not to lose them. Another explanation is that the islanders used to cut the tails of their cats during the harsh winters to save firewood.. In effect, a cat without a tail enters the house faster, allowing the door to be closed earlier.
From a more scientific point of view, the fact that Manx cats and Cymric cats be anura (that is to say, have their tail docked) It is explained by a spontaneous genetic mutation that was reinforced by centuries of inbreeding due to the insular nature of the breed. This corresponds to an incomplete formation of the spine., and the gene responsible for this is called gene Manx, since it was first observed in this cat. According to some archival documents, this particularity, commonly called "syndrome" Manx«, began to be observed on the island, so many specialists deduce that cats without a tail were born in these lands. Other, on the other hand, they are convinced that a cat with this peculiarity was brought from abroad via a ship, and spread his gene to the island's feline population. It must be said that the gene Manx is dominant, which greatly facilitates its dissemination: in effect, it is enough that only one of the two parents is a carrier, and thus present this anatomical specificity, so that a part of your kittens is in the same case.
Exists in all vertebrate mammals, and therefore notably in cats of other breeds. Having said that, although within these breeds you can find short-tailed and tailless cats - due to the same genetic mutation- the Cymric and the Manx They are the only breeds that do not specifically have a tail..
Parallel to the absence of a tail, during the years 1940-1950 a recessive gene that gave long hair was introduced into the lines. But, this feature was initially considered a defect, to the point that all the individuals that presented it were excluded from breeding and exhibition. It wasn't until a decade later, over the years 60, when Canadian breeders began to take an interest in this trait and established it as a characteristic of the Cymric.
This led to the differentiation between the Manx cat (shorthair) and the Cymric cat (longhair). Breeding programs dedicated entirely to the latter began in Canada., which allowed its recognition by the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) in 1970. The breed was also introduced to the United States, where it was very well received and quickly gained popularity. Breeders considered to be the pioneers of the breed are both Canadians and Americans. Blair Wright y Leslie Falteisek, in particular, were responsible for the current name of the breed: until then it was known simply as Manx longhair, but the name was changed to Cymric in the decade of 1970. This illustrates the clear differentiation between the Manx and the Cymric that was introduced at that time, when the latter began to be considered a breed in its own right. In other words, although they are of British origin, It was in North America where the Cymric became independent and took off.
Following its recognition by the CEC in 1970, it was the turn of the TICA (The International Cat Association) in 1979.
The Cat Fan Association (CFA), which had recognized the Manx since its founding in 1906, did the same, recognizing the Cymric as a race in its own right in 1989. But, the CFA reversed its position only five years later, in 1994, arguing that the Cymric should be considered a variety of Manx cat and not a race in its own right. Then it started to call Manx longhair, as opposed to Manx shorthair , considering both as two varieties of the same race and having the same standard. The main argument for the association was the strong resemblance between the two cats, that only differ by the length of the hair.
In fact, the resemblance is such that in most associations that consider the two breeds separately, parents kittens Manx but with long hair they are recorded as Cymrics.
The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) also consider the Cymric as a simple variety of the Manx cat. Last, the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé), covering some forty countries, including France and Belgium, and that he had recognized Manx in 1949, lined up on 2006 with the position of the TICA, also considering the Cymric cat as a race in its own right.
In France, despite its recognition as a breed in its own right, the Cymric cat it's almost impossible to find: only one individual was registered in the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines between 2003 and 2019.
In countries where it is considered a simple variety of the Manx cat, it is more difficult to measure its popularity, since it is "drowned" in the statistics of the latter. But, It should be noted that in the United States, the Manx cat stands just above the position 30 (of little more than 40) in the breed classification based on the number of annual entries in the CFA, that is to say, is far from widespread, and this is even more true for his long-haired variant. The situation in the UK is similar to that in France: it can be considered that the Cymric cat is almost absent from the country, since the number of Manx registered annually was about 40 around the decade of 2000, and then collapsed from 2007, to the point where you can now count on the fingers of one hand. But, in 2018 there was a jump to more than 22 registrations, but it remains to be seen if this recovery will be sustainable.
Physical characteristics
The Cymric It's a long-haired version of the Manx cat: apart from coat length, the two races are identical. The Cymric it is a medium size cat, of solid bones, lighter than it seems and distinguished by its rounded appearance, from the eyes to the spine, head and body in general.
Its back short and compact forms an arch. The legs they are strong and the front ones are shorter than the rear ones. The thighs are especially muscular and the general appearance of the four limbs is such that some compare it to a rabbit. The feet They are round, medium in size and quite bushy.
The head is rounded and slightly longer than wide. It has the ears widely separated with rounded tips. The cheeks are prominent and the muzzle is longer than it is wide. The eyes they are big, round and can be yellow, orange, hazelnut or greens.
The main distinguishing feature of the Cymric and of the Manx is the no tail. It is the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation quite common in cats., and is called "manx syndrome«, even when it occurs in individuals of other races. But, it is possible that Cymrics and Manx are born with a longer or shorter tail. Some have up to three sacral vertebrae (vertebrae located in the pelvic region): called "risers«. Other, los «stumpies«, have a stump composed of one to three caudal vertebrae (vertebrae located in the tail). Last, los «longys» have a tail longer than a stump, but shorter than that of the other races.
Individuals that do not have a tail -the most common case- are called "rumpies«. Only rumpies and risers are accepted in cat shows, but the other types are still of great value to the breed and are found in most breeding programs, since the breeding of two completely tailless individuals causes the death of a quarter of the fetuses before birth, and spinal malformations (calls «manx syndrome«) in around the 20% of those who are born, which leads to certain death to 3/4 years.
But, It should be noted that for cats that get rid of these serious problems, the absence of a tail -which is the lot of most representatives of the breed- not really a disadvantage: as he Cymric as the Manx they have little to envy their peers in terms of their sense of balance, since they have known how to adapt to the absence of it.
Its fur it's semi-long, thick, silky and double-layered. The breed offers a wide range of coat colors: brown, carey, cream, blue, Silver, black, red, white… There is also diversity in terms of coat patterns: ombre, smoked, striped, calico or tortoiseshell. Chocolate patterns, lavender and Himalayas are not allowed in the breed standard. It also, the coat may change color and / or length with the seasons, becoming lighter in summer and longer in winter.
Some Cymrics have especially prominent tufts of hair on their ears and legs, a trait that is valued and sought after by breeders and in shows. Even without this feature, the hair is longer on the neck, the belly, legs and chest.
Last, It should be noted that the Cymric and the Manx they mature very slowly, to the point that some do not reach their maximum size before the 5 years. There is also a slight sexual dimorphism, since the male is usually slightly heavier and larger than the female.
Size and weight
Size: Of 30 to 35 cm.
Weight: Of 2 to 5 kg
Varieties of "Cymric cat"
The different feline associations distinguish four varieties of Cymric and Manx, the only difference is the size of the tail:
Rumpy: the cat has no tail;
Riser : the tail has a cartilaginous growth of one to three sacral vertebrae (vertebrae of the pelvic region);
Stumpy : the cat has a small tail that measures 3 to 4 cm., formed by one to three caudal vertebrae (that is to say, located in the queue);
Longy: the cat has a longer tail than the other varieties, but shorter than other breeds.
The varieties Rumpy and Riser are the most likely to transmit Manx syndrome. The manx syndrome causes the death of the kitten, even before birth or shortly after delivery. So, it is recommended not to breed two representatives of these varieties and, Instead, cross tailless cats with stumpies or longies.
A photograph of a long-haired Manx, also known as a Cymric, in a perched position near a window – Robertlucien, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Character and skills
Basically, the Cymric cat differs from Manx cat only in the length of her hair, so some reference organizations consider it a mere variety of the latter. They both have similar personality traits.
The Cymric he is a gentle and affectionate cat, who adores the company of humans and is particularly known for his loyalty to them. They love to follow their owners around the house and participate in all the daily tasks.. Some individuals focus all their love on one person, while others show affection to all family members, including children: its tender and attentive nature makes it a good cat breed choice for children, for whom it is a very good playmate. But, they need a loving and caring family, whose members take time to play and interact with them. So, not recommended for people who are absent often, but it is an ideal cat breed for the elderly.
They are never aggressive, rather they enjoy a generally serene and peaceful lifestyle, but that doesn't mean they are inactive. They love to play, either loading things, crawling into cabinets or opening drawers. Able to play with very little, always find something to do. He is also a very clever and clever cat., able to learn tricks: it is very possible, for example, train him to catch a ball, just like a dog.
This powerful cat is also capable of running very fast and making big jumps.. This means that you can easily reach the high shelves, so objects that must be kept absolutely away from this joker are best kept in tightly closed cupboards.
The Cymric cat is not only physically flexible: is very adaptable and can cope with a change of environment, for example after moving in with your cat or even if it is necessary to transfer it to another family.
It must be said that he likes to meet new people, especially if you are used to all kinds of people, animals and situations from a very young age. Living with other dogs usually goes well, just like living with a dog, especially if it belongs to a breed recommended for cats.
On the other hand, you have to be very careful when it comes to small animals that can be prey for him, like birds, rodents or even fish. In fact, in addition to a great passion for the game, has a well developed hunting instinct. If you live in the same house as this type of animal, it is necessary to get used very early not to attack them. But, it is still preferable to avoid contact with them, so the best option is to avoid coexistence.
By the way, he is a pretty disciplined cat, who accepts limits. He quickly understands if his master forbids him certain things, like rubbing on the couch or scratching in certain places.
On the other hand, the Cymric It is a breed of cat that meows a lot.. This big talker is used to meowing to make himself heard., or simply to communicate with its owner. Some individuals even seem to want to play the role of watchdog., as they tend to growl or be threatening when seeing or hearing unusual things.
Health
The absence of a queue in the Cymric and the Manx, caused by the mutation of a gene called «gen manx«, not always benign. This greatly complicates the reproduction of these cats..
First of all, the embryos that are homozygous for the gene -that is, that inherit the mutation of gen manx of both parents- are destined to die before being born, since your spinal cord is not fully developed. They represent about a quarter of the embryos conceived, so litters are usually small. On a larger plane, the breeding of two tailless cats should be avoided at all costs (variety "RumpI "Riser«), as it increases the risk of getting kittens with deformities.
But, ser Heterozygosity is not enough to be healthy: some of the kittens that are heterozygous they are also heavily affected by deformities of the spine. The spine is usually too short, which can cause movement difficulties, damage to the spinal cord and nerves, or malformations of the urinary or intestinal tract. Most kittens with this problem are identified among the 4 and 6 months of age, mainly by observation. So, before adopting a kitten Cymric or Manx of a breeder, it is advisable to check that the breeder has made sure that the kittens are in full health before putting them up for sale. This particular situation explains why representatives of this breed are usually not available before the 4 months of age, since this guarantees that they do not suffer from these health problems beforehand. The percentage of kittens affected is around 20%, and they are mostly rabones, that is to say, tailless. They are usually euthanized, but if not, do not usually survive more than 3 or 4 years; the oldest cat had 5 years when he died.
This physical characteristic can also cause coccyx arthritis. This affects all varieties, but individuals with a partial tail are most affected.
On the other hand, to a kitten Cymric getting rid of these various risks linked to the absence or unusually short length of its tail is generally promised a long life, since it is not uncommon for representatives of the breed to reach the 20 years of age and living in perfect health. It is a very slow maturing breed, since puppies take many years to reach their adult size, sometimes even 5 years.
One of the health problems they may face is corneal dystrophy, an inherited disease caused by the accumulation of water in the layers of the cornea, which can lead to reduced vision and even blindness.
Last, the Cymric cat are prone to being overweight. So, it is advisable to adapt the portions that are given to your needs (that depend, in particular, of your lifestyle) and check your weight regularly, to prevent any obesity problem in the cat. Although obesity is not a disease in itself, can cause or aggravate various conditions.
Grooming
The long coat of the Cymric cat not particularly difficult to maintain, but must be brushed regularly, ideally two or three times a week. This prevents dead hair from spreading throughout the house. Be more careful during the shedding periods in spring and autumn.
You should also wash your cat's ears about once a week., and do the same with the eyes.
Looking at your nails, largely depends on your level of activity, but natural wear and tear may not be enough: if so, her nails need to be trimmed to prevent embarrassment in her daily life.
Food
The Cymric it is not a particularly difficult cat to feed, and conforms perfectly to quality industrial foods, either croquettes or patés. On the other hand, is very gluttonous and tends to be overweight: therefore, it is advisable to be especially attentive to the amounts of food that are given, and adapt them well according to their physical activity and, Therefore, of your needs. Unlike many races, permanent access to food is not possible, since it is not capable of self-regulation.
For sale "Cymric cat"
The price of a kitten Cymric heavily dependent on his lineage and the reputation of the kennel from which he came. The price range is quite wide, of 900 to 1500 EUR. In any case, the fact that it is a rare breed of cat largely explains its high price. Due to the small number of breeders of Cymric, it is common to have to join a waiting list before being able to take in a kitten of this breed.
The Himalayan cat it is an extremely sweet pet, playful and gentle that can be adapted to practically any type of home.
Content
Characteristics "Himalayan cat"
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Himalayan cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Joy
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Activity level
1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to other pets
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to children
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Grooming requirements
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Vocality
1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Need for attention
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Affection towards its owners
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Docility
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Intelligence
2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Independence
2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Hardiness
2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
History
Also know as Colourpoint Persian, the Himalayan cat It is a breed of cat that combines the colors of the Siamese cat with the Traditional Persian cat. It is a cross between semi-long-haired Siamese twins and blue and black persian cats.
Some feline associations, as the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA), they consider it a separate breed, while others, as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), they see it rather as a variety of Persian cat, from which it only differs in the color of the coat. Its name is due to the similarity of its coloration with that of a domestic rabbit also called Himalaya.
Its origins date back almost a century., when breeders dreamed of combining the colors of the Siamese Cat with the Traditional Persian cat. At the beginning of the year 30, in United States, the Dr. Clyde Keeler, researcher at Harvard University School of Medicine, undertook a hybridization program for this purpose, in collaboration with a breeder, the Mrs. Virginia Cobb. The results were not entirely satisfactory and the experiment was interrupted by the Second World War.. After the war, another passionate breeder, the Mrs. Marguerita Goforth, took the torch and managed to create a «Colourpoint Persian cat» which was recognized in 1957 by the CFA and ACFA as a new breed called «Himalayan«. At that time, the breeder had to prove the existence of three generations of «Colorpoint» pure so that this line was accredited as a new breed and could participate in competitions and championships.
In the meantime, in Britain, Brian Sterling-Webb, another enthusiastic breeder, worked for a decade on the development of a similar hybrid that, in 1955, was registered as a separate breed called «Colorpoint longhair cat" for him Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
Over the next decade, the popularity of Himalayan cat grew significantly. But, breeders began to interbreed only with himalayan. As a result, the characteristics inherited from Persian cat they were lost in favor of individuals with a less flattened face. This led some breeders over the years 70 to use occasionally pure persian cats at the crosses, in order to increase again the characteristics of this breed in the Himalayan cat. This was so successful that the cats resulting from this selection ended up having all the characteristics to compete in competitions. Persian cat. Inevitably, the question arose: should he Himalayan cat still consider themselves a breed unto themselves?
In response to this question, the CFA decided on 1984 consider the Himalayan as a subdivision of the Persian cat, keeping your name. It was followed by World Cat Federation (WCF). But the ACFA, as well as the International Cat Association (TICA), they kept it as a separate race.
Today, the Himalayan cat still a very popular cat in North America, but less in Europe.
Physical characteristics
Himalayan cat – Joseph Morris, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Himalayan cat, like the persian, it is a solid and round cat, with short legs, short tail and small, rounded ears. According to American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), must have five fingers in front and four behind.
As with the Persian, There are two types of himalayan: the classic “baby face” and the flatter “Pekingese face”, which gets its name from its similarity to the dog Pekingese.
Most of the cat's coat is white or cream in color, but there are some varieties, according to the different shades of the tips of the coat and the extremities of the body.
Size and weight
Size: 30 cm.
Weight: Of 3 to 6 kg
Varieties of "Himalayan cat"
Distinguished by the color of the extremities of the body and the tips of the coat, the main Himalayan varieties are
Blue Point:
the tips of the fur are blue, like feet, the ears, tail and face. The rest of the body is slightly bluish white, and the eyes are bright blue.
Lilac Point:
In this variety, the extremities of the body and the tips of the coat are paler and lilac than blue. The rest of the body is whiter and brighter than in the Blue Point.
Seal Point:
The extremities of the body and the tips of much of the body are black or dark brown (similar to the color of the seal, that inspired his name). It is the variety whose color is most similar to that of the Siamese.
Chocolate Point:
The tips of the body and the tips of the coat of this variety are chocolate brown, a shade lighter than Seal Point. The rest of the fur is also whiter and brighter than that of the Seal Point. The color of the foot pads is a characteristic that strongly distinguishes the two varieties.: those of the Chocolate Point they are pink, while his Seal Point are dark brown.
Red Point o Flame Point:
The dominant color of the limbs and points of this cat is red, which can be orange. The rest of the body is white or cream.
Cream Point:
This variety of Himalayan is a diluted version of Flame Point. The coloring of the mask and the extremities is reddish or pale orange, while the rest of the body is white or slightly cream.
Character and skills
Himalayn cat named ‘Monte.’ Flickr
The Himalayan cat it is a wonderful indoor cat. They are gentle, calm and sweet temperament, and they also have a playful side. Like him Siamese cat, to the himalayan he loves to play fetch, and a crumpled piece of paper or a cat toy will entertain them for hours, or until your next nap.
The Himalayan cat They are devoted and depend on their humans to accompany and protect them. They crave affection and love to be petted and groomed., which is lucky, since all owners of this breed of cat spend part of the day doing just that.
Like his Persian brethren, they are docile and will not harass you for attention like some breeds do. They have the same level of activity as the Persian cat and they are not noisy like the Siamese cat.
Grooming and caring for the "Himalayan cat"
If you are not willing to spend some time on daily grooming, the Himalayan cat probably not the right cat for you. Since they have long, silky hair that tangles and weighs down easily, the fur of the himalayan should be brushed with a sturdy, wide-toothed comb daily. This will remove and prevent tangles and mats, and will help remove dirt, dust and debris. It is also recommended that the Himalayan cat visit a professional groomer every few months to make sure his coat is healthy and clean. The good news is that himalayan they love to receive the attention of their owners, which makes grooming easy and is an excellent bonding experience for the owner and his feline companion.
You can protect your legs and your furniture by trimming your nails Himalayan regularly. Examine your legs weekly and trim them if necessary to keep them healthy and injury free. Also spend time a week examining your cat's ears. The pointed ears of the Himalayan are susceptible to trapping dirt and debris, which can lead to infections and other ear problems in the future. If you find debris in your cat's ears, use a pet ear cleaner and a cotton pad to remove them carefully. Never use a cotton swab in your cat's ears, as it can severely damage the delicate structures of the inner ear. If the ears are very red or swollen, very dirty or smell funny, take him to the vet asap.
The himalayan have low exercise needs, but they are extremely playful and will do mischief if they get bored. You can keep them entertained and engaged by providing plenty of cat toys and a few minutes of play each day.. Like the Himalayan they have such a playful personality, something as simple as a ball of paper will keep you entertained for hours.
How much activity does he need? "Himalayan cat"?
The himalayan you need to exercise to stay in top shape. Likes to play with their owners and will play with interactive toys, chase balls and attack mice with catnip, but you may have to chase him to get him exercising on a daily basis.
Health and nutrition
Himalayan – Aaa803287, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Himalayan cat you are prone to certain skin diseases: seborrhea, cheyletiellosis and dermatophytosis (had).
It also, like the persian, may have a tendency to be overweight. So, you need to pay attention to your diet, to avoid any risk of obesity in the cat.
It also, due to his persian heritage, may be a carrier of the gene that causes renal polyquistosis. This inherited disease causes cysts to develop slowly and progressively in the kidneys.. But, the presence of the offending gene can be detected by genetic testing. So, before adopting a kitten of this breed, it is advisable to check with the breeder of himalayan that this genetic test has been performed and has given a negative result. If not done, it is a wise precaution to demand that it be done.
It also, the flattened shape of the face may predispose to himalayan certain health problems. These may include, you may be prone to breathing problems due to narrow nostrils. They can also suffer malocclusion (misaligned teeth) or abnormal watering.
The himalayan you can also suffer the feline hyperesthesia syndrome (a little-known disease that causes behavior problems).
Last, the length of their coat can cause hair ingestion problems, what ends up creating hairballs in the stomach of the cat (tricobezoares), causing pain and / or digestive problems.
Food
As the Himalayan cat have a tendency to be overweight, special attention should be paid to your diet.
Some companies have developed a range of foods specially adapted to the needs of the Persian cat (and therefore of himalayan). Available in the form of croquettes or cans, these foods offer a low-fat diet that contributes to the health of the cat, while helping to maintain a silky coat and limit hairball formation. Some of the kibbles available on the market are shaped to fit the brachycephalic jaw of the Persian and of the himalayan.
The quality of the products in the market varies, so make sure that the ones you offer your dog are reliable. The ingredient list on the packaging can help you, but you can also ask the breeder for advice himalayan or your vet.
For sale "Himalayan cat"
The kitties himalayan (pet quality) cost between 700 and 1400 EUR, depending on coat colors and bloodline. the kitten's quest himalayan perfect begins with the search for a reputable breeder. One Himalayan cat known breeding sites, with good color and perfect proportion can cost between 1500 and 3000 EUR,
The Oriental shorthair cat today does not come directly from Thailand, but from a hybrid of Siamese Cat mixed in the years 50 and 60.
Content
Characteristics "Oriental shorthair cat"
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Oriental shorthair cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Joy
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Activity level
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to other pets
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to children
3,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Grooming requirements
1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Vocality
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Need for attention
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Affection towards its owners
4,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Docility
1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Intelligence
5,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Independence
1,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Hardiness
2,0 of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
History
In the past, as the story goes, the cats of blue eyes and pattern «pointed» were the property of royalty and kept in the Siam Royal Palace. But, the race of Siamese cat it was just one of several indigenous varieties in the area.
The "Poems from the Cat Book", a manuscript of verses and paintings written in the city of Ayutthaya, Siam, sometime between 1350 d.C., when the kingdom was founded, and 1767 d.C., when the city was destroyed by the invaders, describes and shows a variety of cats native to the area. Among them are solid black cats, the black and white bicolor, solid browns and solid blues, as well as cats with the restricted point color pattern. The color-restricted cats portrayed in the book had slender bodies and legs, large ears and sharp snouts, similar to the current ones Siamese and related breeds.
The first cats brought to England from Thailand were often solid brown or solid blue., or two-color black and white, as well as «colorpointed«. These blue cats, browns and bicolored became very popular in Europe in the decade of 1890. But, in the decade of 1920, the dot pattern blue-eyed cat became the Siamese norm in Britain, and interest in the other varieties decreased.
The Oriental shorthair cat today does not come directly from Thailand, but a hybrid of Siamese cat mixed in the years 50 and 60. The creation of the breed was deliberate: breeders with a flair for coloration and breeding patterns, set out to create a breed of cat that would look and act like the Siamese cat, but that was profusely adorned with a wide range of colors and designs.
In the Decade of 1950, british breeders crossed siamese cats with short-haired domestic cats and the Russian Blue Cat.
At the end of the decade 1960, American breeders, fascinated by Oriental shorthair cat British, they took over and crossed Siamese, short-haired domestic with the Abyssinian cat to create a new look. Body style wasn't sacrificed for color and pattern, and the backcrosses with the Siamese preserved type and personality traits.
The breeders of the Oriental shorthair cat met with initial reproaches from breeders of Siamese, who resisted, in the best case, to the idea of another type hybrid Siamese, but, since the way had already been paved by the breeders of the Colorpoint shorthair cat, that obtained the acceptance of the CFA in 1964, the opposition did not prevent the Oriental shorthair cat gain ground.
The Oriental shorthair cat became popular very quickly, and their demand increased (at the beginning). In 1972, the CFA accepted the Oriental shorthair cat for registration, and granted him full status in 1977. Since then, its popularity has grown rapidly and it has become one of the short-haired breeds More popular.
The Oriental Longhair cat proceeds of the Oriental shorthair cat; the result is a cat that has the same wide range of colors and patterns as the Shorthair, but with a semi-long coat like that of the Balinese cat.
Since the Siamese cat and the Colorpoint longhair cat They had reference to Balinese cat longhair, it seemed only fair that he Oriental shorthair cat had his own variant of long hair: a breed with a long body, slim and classy, a silky coat and a full palette of colors and patterns to choose from.
The Oriental Longhair cat developed at the end of the years 70 mixing the Oriental shorthair cat with the Balinese cat. The breed obtained official recognition in 1985, when TICA accepted them with full status, and were accepted for registration by the CFA in February 1988. The breed was gaining popularity, appealing to cat lovers who wanted the sleek body type and personality of the Siamese, the style of Balinese cat, and the myriad colors and patterns of the Oriental shorthair cat.
In 1995, the Oriental shorthair cat and the Oriental Longhair cat they became a single race called Oriental Cat. A new color class was also accepted for the Oriental, the bicolor.
Popularity of "Oriental shorthair cat"
«Oriental shorthair cat»
The development and dissemination of Oriental shorthair cat has been facilitated by the fact that it was fairly quickly recognized by most of the major official feline bodies. It also, its impressive diversity of colors and designs makes it able to attract many people. If to this we add his good character and his attachment to humans, it is easy to understand why it is very attractive and successful.
Like this, today there are many hatcheries in the four corners of the world, mostly in Western Europe and North America.
In France, since the beginning of the years 2000, are recorded annually between 250 and 350 kittens of Oriental shorthair cat in the Official Book of Feline Origins (LOOF). This figure places it even slightly above its ancestor the Siamese cat.
It is far from the same success in Switzerland, since the number of annual registrations in the Fédération Féline Helvétique (FFH) barely around ten. This is a clear decrease compared to the second half of the years 90, when the number of registrations was between 50 and 100. The decline had already begun in the decade of 2000, with an average of 40 registrations per year, but it was accentuated in the following decade. But, the Oriental Longhair cat is still lagging, with zero records in some years.
In the United Kingdom, the number of annual registrations Oriental shorthair cat in the Governing Council of The Cat Fancy (GCCF) has been reduced by more than half, going from more than 1.400 in the mid 90 some 600. But, the breed remains around 7th place in the ranking of the most popular cats in the country. Once again, the Oriental Longhair cat is far behind, with close to 5 times fewer births per year.
In United States, it is not possible to have statistics only for the shorthair cat, Since the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) consider the Oriental shorthair cat and the Oriental Longhair cat like two varieties of the same breed: the Eastern. In any case, it is clear that the Oriental remains one of the top ten most popular breeds in the country, based on annual CFA registration figures. Although these figures include both longhair cats as the shorthair cats, it is likely that the majority of the breed's population is made up of the latter.
Physical characteristics
The Oriental shorthair cat has a body alto, elegant with long legs. Except for the fur and the color of the eyes, looks like Siamese cat throughout.
Its body it is medium size, long and tubular. His shoulders and hips are equal in width. Its bone structure is fine and has a delicate overall appearance. But, it is neither fragile nor flimsy, but that, on the other hand, he is much more muscular, dense and heavy than you might think at first glance. Its back It is prolonged with a long, fine tail that ends in a point.
The legs they are big, slim and muscular, with feet small and oval.
The head it is medium in size and triangular in shape, resting on a neck long and thin that gives it a haughty bearing. The skull and the forehead are flat or slightly rounded.
The ears, large and wide at the base, they are widely separated and perfectly prolong the triangle formed by the head.
The eyes they are almond shaped, medium-sized, wide apart and sloping towards the nose. They are as intense green as possible. A blue eye, one green eye – are possible in bicolor or white-coated individuals. The latter can also have both blue eyes.
Side view, the nose it's long and straight. Head on, perfectly fits the general triangular shape of the head, without having a narrow tip. The chin follows the line of the nose.
The cheeks they are flat, but double chin is acceptable in adult men.
Last, the fur of the Oriental shorthair cat is too short, dense, very closed, fine and silky. While the Siamese cat it can only be colourpoint, that is to say, have a solid body color and darker limbs, the Oriental shorthair cat has a very diverse appearance, with more than 300 color combinations and patterns. But, the colourpoint characteristic of Siamese cat, the typical vision of Tonkinese cat and the sepia of the Burmese cat.
Female Oriental Shorthair Chocolate Golden Lynx – Scottinglis, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Size and weight
Male size: Of 30 to 30 cm.
female size: 30 cm.
Male weight: 4 to 6 kg
female weight: 3 to 4 kg
Breed standard
The breed standards are documents established by official bodies that list the conditions that a dog must meet. Oriental shorthair cat to be fully recognized as belonging to the race:
Is he Oriental shorthair cat a variety of Siamese cat or a different race? This controversy is still valid today in the official organisms.
The Oriental shorthair cat was created as a result of the deliberate desire of British breeders to develop the breed siamesa with a greater variety of coat colors. So, share a common genotype (that is to say, hereditary characteristics) with the Siamese and a similar general phenotype (that is to say, appearance). If we refer to the scientific definition of race, things are very clear: since it only differs from Siamese in the coat or in the color of the eyes and that is far from enough to speak of a different race, is simply a variety of the Siamese.
Some official bodies share this opinion. Is the case, in particular, of the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé), the International Cat Association (TICA) or the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) French, who consider the Oriental shorthair cat as a variety of the group of Siamese breeds.
Other, as the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) and the Governing Council of The Cat Fancy (GCCF), consider that the differences are sufficient to justify the recognition of the Oriental cat as a race in its own right, which in turn comes in two varieties, depending on the length of the fur: the Oriental shorthair cat and the Oriental Longhair cat.
In any case, thanks to random genetics, the same litter can mix the Siamese Cat, to the Balinese cat, Oriental shorthair cat and to the Oriental Longhair cat. This is all the more true as most organizations, like the LOOF, allow almost all possible crosses between these different cats.
Also called Javanese cat (Colorpoint Longhair) or mandarin cat, the Oriental Longhair cat appeared at the end of the years 70, when American breeders decided to cross the Oriental shorthair cat with the Balinese cat, a version of long hair cat of the Siamese, to give rise to a longhair cat equivalent of the oriental shorthair.
The only difference between the two cats is the length of their fur.; for the rest, have the same physical characteristics and the same character.
For some organizations, como la Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) or the Canadian Cat Association (CCA), they are two varieties of the same breed: the Eastern.
For others, what do you consider Oriental shorthair cat as a simple variety of the Siamese cat, the Oriental Longhair cat is also a variety of the latter. This is the focus of the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé), for example.
Last, the fact that it is more recent and less widespread explains why some organizations do not recognize it at all. This is the case of the French LOOF.
The temperament of Oriental shorthair cat is very similar to his ancestor the Siamese cat.
Without being so exclusive with his master like this, he is still quite possessive and absolutely needs contact with his family to live in a balanced way. It is also a good playmate for children. But, to avoid accidents, it is absolutely necessary to avoid leaving him alone with a small child, without adult supervision. This is valid for any breed of cat.
Although they get along with all the members of their family, they usually have a favorite person, usually the one that takes care of them the most. They tend to follow them everywhere, giving them a lot of love, such as snuggling into your lap or sleeping in your bed. You also communicate with her orally: like the Siamese, The short-haired oriental is very talkative. Has a very wide range of sounds, and the meow is an essential means of communication for him.
So, this cat is very attached to its owner and needs the same to happen to thrive. Thus, the owner should interact with him as often as possible, either playing, stroking or talking to him.
Like any cat, the Oriental shorthair cat has its moments of independence. But, although sometimes he likes to sit quietly in his corner, a bit off the beaten path, he always prefers his master to be in his field of vision.
Sociable and outgoing, does not like to be alone for a long time. When left alone, you need to have interactive toys that allow you to develop your skills and keep you busy. This prevents you from finding other interests, like turning the house upside down or playing with toilet paper, that unwinds and grinds with relish.
Sharing a home with another cat can also be a way to keep it entertained during the absence of its owners, and thus make them more bearable. In fact, he gets along very well with them, as long as it remains the dominant of the group. He knows how to impose his authority in his relationships with other cats, both at home and on your walks, and does not hesitate to fight if necessary.
You can also easily cohabit with a canine representative, and having your cat live with a dog is another option to consider, especially so that he can entertain himself when his humans are not around. But, it is important to choose a breed of dog that gets along well with cats. In any case, Coexistence works best when both parties are used to it from an early age. Otherwise, things should be done very gradually, to maximize the chances of things going well.
In any case, it would not be advisable for a Oriental shorthair cat lived under the same roof as a small rodent or bird. They have a strong hunting instinct and would soon be seen as prey.. If the situation occurs, it is essential never to leave them together unattended and to take all precautions to protect the small animal, otherwise the experiment may be a failure. When they have access to nature, your hunting instincts can also unleash, and they are happy to bring their loot to show how well they have worked.
Very energetic, agile and playful, the Oriental shorthair cat needs space to run, either in a large flat or in a house with a garden. On this last case, it is good that a cat flap allows you to go out to play or enter and be with your family. Given their need for interaction with their humans, it is important not only to provide him with toys and entertainment, but also spend time playing with your cat every day. This is especially true because they are playful throughout their lives., to the point that it doesn't take much to amuse them: for example, they enjoy giving back to its owner an object that has been thrown at them.
It is also important to provide him with a cat tree so that he can observe his surroundings and occasionally rest in it., as well as a scratching post. The latter is especially important if you live in an apartment, as it can scratch furniture or curtains.
The Oriental shorthair cat you are curious and smart. They have a talent for opening doors, drawers and bags, steal and hide the things that interest them. Although he usually understands what is forbidden, his stubborn and vindictive character makes him quickly recalcitrant when it comes to respecting them. Like this, even when his master has made it clear that something is not allowed, does not hesitate to return to the load. So, you need to be patient, consistent and firm with him, insisting everything necessary to respect you.
Last, despite his outgoing character, the Oriental shorthair cat may be afraid of strangers and hide when its owner invites strangers into the house. To avoid this, it is convenient to socialize the dog from an early age, that is to say, get used to meeting all kinds of people. This also applies to other dogs: the more dogs you meet at a young age, better it will be when you know them as an adult.
The Oriental shorthair cat enjoys, in general, Of good health: most representatives of the breed get rid of major problems.
They can withstand high temperatures, but they are especially sensitive to cold. It is important to prevent them from getting cold, since the catarrh of the cats, there coryza, can have lifelong effects, especially if they are small or older. When the temperatures are low, it is important that your cat has a warm place to snuggle and can enter at any time to warm up instead of staying outside.
It also, although the short-haired Oriental enjoys, in general, Of good health: most representatives of the breed get rid of major problems.
They can withstand high temperatures, but they are especially sensitive to cold. It is important to prevent them from getting cold, since the catarrh of the cats, there coryza, can have lifelong effects, especially if they are small or older. When the temperatures are low, it is important that your cat has a warm place to snuggle and can enter at any time to warm up instead of staying outside.
It also, but the Oriental shorthair cat is generally healthy, not immune to certain diseases, many of which also affect his ancestor the Siamese cat.
The diseases to which they are most prone are:
The renal amyloidosis, an inherited disease that causes an abnormal buildup of amyloid-type proteins in the kidneys, leading to irreversible and fatal kidney failure if left untreated. If caught early, the effects of the disease can be treated and the cat can lead a relatively normal life;
The asthma, a bronchopulmonary disease that causes severe respiratory attacks in which the cat suffers attacks of dry cough and stretches its neck because it has difficulty breathing. It is caused by an allergic reaction to certain substances in the environment, both natural and chemical. Long-term treatment can improve living conditions, but it doesn't solve the root problem, since for this it would be necessary to identify and eliminate the problematic substance, what is rarely possible;
strong> Aortic stenosis, congenital cardiovascular malformation consisting of a narrowing of the aorta. Causes a heart murmur and can be treated with surgery or beta-blocker therapy;
The congenital megaesophagus, a condition in which the esophagus has a delay in its development. Produces regurgitation of food, and weight loss due to the affected animal not being able to feed itself sufficiently. This may improve on its own as the cat gets older. Otherwise, certain eating habits should be adopted to reduce the risk of regurgitated food ending up in the lungs, since it can be deadly;
The progressive retinal atrophy, an incurable inherited disease that causes progressive loss of vision, reaching total blindness in cats. It is difficult to detect until it has reached an advanced stage, that is to say, the animal begins to collide with everything due to the deterioration of its sight;
Genetic strabismus, which weakens visual acuity and reduces the cat's field of vision. There is no treatment to correct this anomaly., which in fact is not particularly disabling;
Psychogenic alopecia, causing loss of hair in a large or small area of ​​the body as a result of constant licking. It is a psychosomatic illness, that is to say, caused by a mental disorder. The latter is related to past trauma (especially at a young age) or with a concern in the direct environment. It is essential to seek the help of a behavioral professional to identify the source of the problem and hope to remedy it..
It also, the Oriental shorthair cat he's a bit gluttonous, so you have a certain propensity to obesity. Obesity is not without its health effects: can both aggravate existing problems and create new ones.
In any case, as many of the diseases to which the breed is prone are or may be hereditary, go to a serious breeder of a Oriental shorthair cat is the best way to ensure that the chances of adopting a healthy pet are good and are maintained. In fact, is not content to guarantee the socialization of puppies from a very young age, Rather, a professional worthy of the name is concerned that they do not inherit a hereditary defect from their parents. As such, systematically performs various genetic tests on proposed breeders and excludes those at risk. So, must be able to present the results of these tests, in addition to a certificate of good health issued by a veterinarian and the details of the vaccinations administered, registered in the animal's health or vaccination card.
Once adopted, it is the owner's responsibility to take care of their cat throughout its life. One of the best ways to keep your cat healthy is to take him to the vet regularly for a full checkup.. This should be done at least once a year, and even more often as the animal ages. Times, these visits allow the early detection of a problem, which allows to treat the cat in the best possible conditions, and can also allow cat vaccinations to be done at the same time.
At the same time, the owner must also give his animal adequate antiparasitic treatments throughout the year, so you never stop being protected. This also applies to indoor cats, that are not completely free of parasites.
The Oriental shorthair cat it is a breed of cat that does not require much care, and this is especially true for their fur. Brushing the coat every fortnight with a soft bristle brush is enough to remove dead hair..
It is also necessary to examine and clean the ears with a damp cloth once a week to clean them and prevent dirt from accumulating in them., which could lead to infections such as otitis.
At the same time, you have to check the eyes and rub a damp cloth in the corner if they are dirty, to reduce the risk of infection.
It is also essential to brush your cat's teeth at regular intervals., ideally every day, and preferably no less than once a week. This will limit plaque buildup., that can cause not only bad breath, but also more or less serious diseases.
Last, the length of the claws of the Oriental shorthair cat must be checked every month. If they get too long, they can get in the way, break and even injure the dog. This is less likely to be a problem for an individual with access to the outside.: natural wear and tear should be enough to file down the claws, although it is still necessary to check from time to time that this is the case. On the other hand, for an indoor dog, a monthly cut is usually necessary. By the way, this does not exempt you from providing a scratching post so your dog can scratch on it and not on furniture.
Whether the fur, the ears, the eyes, teeth or claws, maintaining a Oriental shorthair cat not particularly complex. But, if they are not done correctly, not only can they be ineffective, but that, above all, can injure or even harm the dog. So, it is best to learn them the first time from a vet or professional groomer.
If done right, these cares can become, with the time, in a special moment between the two protagonists, especially if the owner takes the opportunity to hug his pet. In any case, things are more likely to go well if the animal is used to these different manipulations from a very young age.
Food
Like all other races, the Oriental shorthair cat you need a diet that perfectly meets your nutritional needs - both in terms of quality and quantity- depending on your age, your health and activity level.
Good quality industrial foods can perfectly meet these requirements, but in general the same cannot be said of human food. Unless carefully selected to meet the needs of the animal, unlikely to contain exactly what you need. These may include, Giving him the leftovers from the table or letting him help himself to the garbage is not usually a gift. This is especially true because, plus some foods popular with humans are toxic to cats, The Oriental with short hair has a tendency to be overweight.
The latter also means that, unlike most other cats, it is better to get used to fixed foods from the beginning. Leaving food out all day would soon become a problem., due to their inability to regulate themselves.
Your propensity for obesity also makes it important to control your weight by weighing it once a month.. In case the increase is confirmed or even amplified in the following measurements, it is advisable to use the experience of a veterinarian, since the diet or activity level of the animal are not necessarily to blame: excess weight can be a symptom of a disease, or be caused by medication. Only a professional can clarify the situation and indicate how to remedy the problem.
Like any other cat, the Oriental shorthair cat must have fresh water available at all times.
For sale "Oriental shorthair cat"
The price of a Oriental shorthair cat usually oscillates between 800 and 1500 EUR.
whatever the country, the amount charged varies depending on the reputation of the kennel, from the lineage from which the animal comes, but also and above all its intrinsic characteristics, starting with their degree of approach to the breed standard. This explains why there can be significant price differences within a litter.
Reality Honks: There are cats and then there are Oriental Shorthairs!
The Tonkinese cat It is distinguished by the great variety of appearances that its coat can show, both in terms of color, as in pattern and even in length.
Content
Characteristics "Tonkinese cat"
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Tonkinese cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Joy
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Activity level
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Friendliness to other pets
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Friendliness to children
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Grooming requirements
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Vocality
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Need for attention
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Affection towards its owners
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Docility
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Intelligence
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Independence
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Hardiness
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History
The Tonkinese cat (also know as "Tonk«) is a hybrid between Siamese and the Birman. His ancestors came from Southeast Asia, more specifically from Siam (ancient name of thailand) and Burma. In other words, his name is confusing, Since, contrary to what one might think, does not come from Tonkin, the northern part of present-day Vietnam. This breed has the peculiarity of having appeared naturally, since their "ancestors" Siamese and burmese shared the same territory, and it happened that they mated with each other, without human planning, with the intention of creating a new breed. These random interracial matings are likely to have been going on for a long time.
The first "Tonkinese cat"
Tonkinese cats Odin and Oscar asleep
In the Decade of the 50, Milan Greer, a pet cat enthusiast who lived in New York, decided to breed Siameseseal point with burmese to produce what he called Golden Siamese. He had learned that when this type of hybridization occurred accidentally, kittens were considered defective and discarded, mainly because it was thought that they could not reproduce with each other. Greer set out to show that this belief was wrong. He claimed to have managed to cross his cats Golden Siamese over five generations and considered that he had achieved his goal. He abandoned his project at the beginning of the following decade, although his cats had already become very popular in New York.
In the Decade of 1960, the canadian breeder Margaret Conroy She was forced, for a series of circumstances, to mate your cat Khosoom, a burmese cat sable, with a Siamesecolourpoint (o «seal point«) dark brown. The original plan was to send Khosoom to New York, where he had found a male Burmese who he thought would be interesting to mate with. But, given the rather shy nature of Khosoom, abandoned this plan and decided instead to mate her with a Siameseseal point, following the advice of a judge of the Canadian Cat Association (CCA).
at about the same time, in United States, a breeder of Siamese from New Jersey, Jane Barletta, and another breeder from California, Mary Swanson, started two breeding programs for Siamese and burmese. Later, an advertisement for Jane Barletta to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) allowed the two Americans and the Canadian to get in touch and collaborate on the first new breed standard. They also worked together to obtain official recognition from the CFA.
Kittens born to Khosoom they were beige with turquoise eyes, but the three pioneers soon developed individuals with different shades of fur and eyes introducing various varieties of burmese or Siamese in their breeding programs. These may include, Jane Barletta used a Siameseblue point, While Margaret Conroy raised a Burmese blue with a Siamese of blue point, and Siamesered point with a Burmesesable. Other breeders, mostly on the west coast of the United States, they also entered the fray and began to develop the Tonkinese cat with various color variations. The work of all these enthusiasts has resulted in the great variety of coat and eye appearances for which the tonkinese today.
In 1971 a meeting of many of them was organized in Boston. On this occasion the first club of the breed was founded, the Club de la Raza tonkines.
The Canadian Cat Association (CCA) affirms that the Tonkinese cat was the first recognized breed of domestic cat in Canada. It is true that the CCA was the first feline organization to accept the registration of this breed. (then called «Tonkanese«) in 1967, and then, in 1971, allowed them to participate in feline exhibitions organized under its auspices, with a new name («Tonkinese«). Thus, the breed is considered to be native to Canada.
But, more than the birth of a new race, it would be more accurate to speak of a rebirth, since the hybrids between burmese and Siamese have existed for many years, and some had even reached the West, mostly to the United States and the United Kingdom.
In fact, this little hybrid cat has been present in the Kingdom of Siam for a long time, and was described as early as the fourteenth century in the Tamra Maew, a collection of poems about domestic cats written by the monks of a Buddhist temple.
Due to the natural occurrence of hybrids Burmese-Siamese, some of them were brought to the West as early as the early 19th century. In the UK they are known as "chocolate siamese«.
More recently, in 1930, the Dr. Joseph Cheesman Thompson, retired US Navy neurosurgeon with an interest in entomology, herpetology and fauna in general, took San Francisco to Wong Mau, a cat considered then as Siamese. But, it was far from the breed standard: she was small, compact, too fine boned, short-tailed, her eyes were too round and too far apart, and the tips of her fur were chocolate brown, and therefore too dark. In fact, it is now generally accepted that Wong Mau was actually a hybrid Burmese-Siamese, and that this hybridization occurred naturally in Burma.
With Wong Mau as original parent, the Dr. Thompson It was proposed to develop a new breed of cats which was given the name "Birman«. Was a Tonkinese cat the one that gave rise to the latter, long before his true race was known and recognized, the tonkinese. For a just return of things, the Burmese cat contributed in turn to the official creation of the Tonkinese cat about thirty years later.
The recognition of the "Tonkinese" by feline associations
Following in the footsteps of the Canadian Cat Association from 1967, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognized the Tonkinese cat in 1974. But, was not up 1984 when the CFA allowed its representatives to participate in beauty pageants organized under its auspices.
For its part, the TICA (International Cat Association) granted full recognition to the breed in 1979, thus giving him access to both the registry and the feline exhibitions.
In Europe, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), the leading British feline association, also recognizes the tonkinese, similar to the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) French.
In the rest of the world, the breed is recognized by the Australian Cat Federation (ACF), la New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF) y el South Africa Cat Council (SACC).
Last, the only exception among the major feline organizations - and it's a big- is the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé), who still doesn't recognize her.
But, of all the others, few accept the so-called "long-haired" variety (but whose fur is actually rather semi-long), generally content to consider the tonkinese like a race of shorthair cat.
In fact, among the main institutions, only the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) French recognizes the tonkinese long-haired and accepts the registration of kittens of this variety. So, opposes the position of his counterparts, that no longer allow interbreeding with other breeds.
In effect, to obtain semi-long haired kittens, it is necessary to hybridize the Shorthair Tonkinese with an individual of another race with said coat. This is exactly what the LOOF authorizes, who accepts marriages with longhair asian, but they must be sepia and not spiky. This provisional authorization was to end on 1 in January of 2020, but it has been extended until 1 in January of 2025, due to low numbers of the breed. Until the same date and with the same objective, that is to say, diversify the genetic heritage of the breed to avoid health problems linked to excessive inbreeding, authorizes marriages of shorthair tonkinese with the European Burmes cat.
Popularity of "Tonkinese cat"
The tonkinese it is more popular in America and the Anglo-Saxon world in general than in continental Europe.
In France, the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) has separate stats for varieties of shorthair and Longhair. Since the beginning of the decade 2000, has registered around 30 to 50 births of shorthair tonkinese a year, but this figure, which was previously relatively stable, has suddenly descended to 15 in 2018 now only 6 in 2019. The complexity of breeding tonkinese could be a factor in this decline. In fact, how breeders have tried to exclude from breeding lines with genetic problems, the breed's gene pool has been considerably reduced, what has made your job difficult.
It is clear that the longhair tonkinese will not be able to take over. In fact, the number of annual registrations, that no longer exceeded ten, also collapsed in 2018 and 2019 until reaching zero. In total, there was only 48 births between 2010 and 2019.
On the other hand, in United States, the tonkinese ranks 20 (of 45) in the ranking established by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) according to the number of annual registrations in the organization. Although it is not one of the most popular breeds in the country, continues to enjoy some popularity. But, this popularity is eroding, since at the beginning of the decade of 2010 ranked 15th.
The same phenomenon is observed in the United Kingdom, where each year around 200 kittens tonkinese in the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), which places it around the 15th position in the ranking of the most popular feline breeds in the country. This is far from the average of 500 births per year that there were around the year 2000.
The morphology of Tonkinese cat It is intermediate between the long and thin type (Eastern) of the Siamese and the long and mighty kind of Birman. It is medium in size, with a complexion between that of his two ancestors, and your body should not be slim and slim like the first, nor solid, compact and strong boned like the second. Yes indeed, has powerful muscles, especially the male: this explains his unusually high weight for a cat of his size. Especially when they are neutered, since they usually weigh between 5 and 6 kg. Females have a much more standard weight, between 2,5 and 3,5 kg.
Although they can differ greatly in weight, the two sexes are quite similar in size, of about 25 to 30 cm..
Whatever the sex, the legs of the Tonkinese cat they are thin and of proportional length to the body. They end in oval legs, with five fingers in front and four in the back. The tail also has a proportional length, that is to say, approximately equal to the distance from the rump to the end of the shoulder blades, and tapers to a point.
The snout is rounded and the eyes are almond-shaped rather than round. The eyes are generally aquamarine blue, but they can also be green or yellow-green, the latter being the most common color of the individuals shown. The ears are size medium, are widely spaced and have a broad base that tapers to the rounded tip.
A great diversity of appearances
The Tonkinese cat It is distinguished by the great variety of appearances that its coat can show, both in terms of color, as in pattern and even in length.
But, not all colors are recognized by all feline associations, being some more restrictive than others in this sense. These may include, the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) only recognizes four basic colors: natural (medium brown), champagne (buff), blue and platinum. At the other end of the spectrum, the TICA (International Cat Association) recognizes all known colors, that is to say, nothing less than thirteen. Among them, the CCA (Canadian Cat Association) accepts six colors: natural, champagne, honey, blue, platinum and fawn.
It also, the fur of the Tonkinese cat can have three different types of patterns:
«colorpoint» (pointed)
A pattern similar to the classic Siamese: in most of the body, the hair ends in "dots" darker than the base color, which can be white or cream. Cats with this pattern have blue eyes..
"Solid, also called sepia
Similar to the pattern of Burma: hair color is uniform over most of the body or has faint ends. This pattern is associated with green or green-gold eyes..
«Mink or marten
Intermediate pattern between the first two. The tips are more striking than the pattern points, but more contrasted than those of the solid drawing. The eyes are a pale greenish blue, called aquamarine, which can vary in shades of blue and green.
The thirteen recognized hues can be combined into three patterns each, which also exist in a tabby version in the tonkinese with spikes and mink patterns. This means that the number of possible combinations is very large., which makes the tonkinese in one of the most diverse races in this sense.
Its appearance is even more varied, since its color changes over time. Kittens can take up to 16 months to show its adult color, which then tends to darken with age.
The Tonkinese cat has a fur short and dense. The coat has a fine texture, silky smooth and a lustrous shine. The extremities (that is to say, the mask, the ears, legs and tail) are dark and the intensity of their coloring gradually decreases, merging with that of the body.
But, but the tonkinese usually has the shorthair, there is also a lesser known -and recognized variety- of semi-long-hair, which is a cross with him Asian Semi-longhair cat (Tiffanie).
Size and weight
Size: 30 cm.
Weight: Of 2,5 to 5,5 kg
Breed standard
The breed standards are documents prepared by official bodies in which the conditions that a dog must meet are listed. tonkinese to be fully recognized as belonging to the race:
Like his ancestors the Siamese and the Sacred Cat of Burma (Birman), the Tonkinese cat enjoys good longevity: It is not uncommon for him to reach the venerable age of 18, 19 or even 20 years, thus often exceeding the average age of 15 years that domestic cats reach.
But, just like their ancestors, may be subject to certain genetic diseases:
The amyloidosis, a disease that occurs when a protein, amyloid substance, is deposited in the organs (starting with the liver) and prevents its proper functioning. The kidneys are usually one of the affected organs, therefore, kidney failure may occur. Amyloidosis can also cause bad breath and gingivitis.;
Aortic stenosis, that is to say, a narrowing of the aorta: this congenital disease can cause growth retardation;
Convergent strabismus (narrowed eyes) caused by congenital malformations of the optic nerve pathways;
Congenital pyloric stenosis, which is a narrowing of the sphincter between the stomach and the duodenum. May cause gastric retention problems, manifested in the form of vomiting, which are often severe and occur long after eating. These vomits consist of undigested or poorly digested food.
feline hyperesthesia syndrome, a neurological problem that causes heightened sensitivity of the different senses. Causes untimely and impressive behavior in affected individuals;
Lymphoma, or lymph cancer. All races can be affected, but the eastern ones are the most affected;
The nystagmus, a neurological disorder that causes rapid, involuntary eye movements;
Progressive retinal atrophy (ARP), an incurable disease of the retina that causes total loss of vision in the cat. There is a genetic test to diagnose it.
A breeder responsible for tonkinese is careful to select stallions that are not affected by congenital diseases, and whose ancestors are not either. Any potential buyer is advised to demand proof that both the parents and the kitten itself have been tested, and that they have been negative.
It is worth mentioning that the tonkinese it is very healthy because, from the beginning of the race, breeders have worked together to reduce the risk of inbreeding. Through effective communication between them, they have managed to eliminate the lines with genetic problems.
Various feline associations - including the CFA- they no longer allow interbreeding with other breeds and, therefore, They consider the breed to be a "closed breed". Consequently, the breeders of tonkinese, like those of other closed breeds, are concerned about the possible depletion of the gene pool of the tonkinese. This could lead to a breed with poorer health, shorter life and fewer litters. It is probably for this reason that, in France, the LOOF authorizes crossings with the European Burmes cat and the Asian longhair cat (only the "sharp cuttlefish" type).
The short coat of the Tonkinese cat does not require particularly extensive care. Brushing the cat's coat weekly is enough. Of course, the coat of the long-haired variety may require more frequent brushing.
During the weekly maintenance session, the ears should also be examined and, if required, clean them with a cotton ball or soft cloth soaked in a mixture of cider vinegar and warm water in equal parts.
Although the Tonkinese cat you do not have any particular eye problems, the eyes should also be checked regularly. If scabs and dirt have built up in the corner of your eyes, should be cleaned with a clean cotton pad soaked in warm water or saline solution.
It also, as with other races, regular brushing is recommended to prevent periodontal disease.
Depending on your level of activity, It may also be necessary to trim your cat's nails if their tips have become too long and sharp. This is especially important for indoor cats., since natural wear is usually insufficient, although having a scratching post can greatly reduce this need.
Food
Feeding a tonkinese does not present any special difficulties. You just have to make sure that the food you give is balanced and of good quality., seeking advice if necessary from a breeder or veterinarian.
It also, as in the case of any other race, It must also be taken into account that the cat's food needs change throughout its life, and make the necessary adjustments accordingly.
In any case, as the tonkinese he is a curious and active cat, not very prone to obesity problems, especially if you spend part of your time abroad.
This is especially true because they are normally capable of self-regulation and, therefore, they can have food available at all times without causing problems.
For sale "Tonkinese cat"
In Europe - and especially in France- the price of a kitten tonkinese earmarked for the company ranges from 800 and 1000 EUR. But, in the case of an individual intended for breeding and/or cat beauty contests, the amount may well exceed these figures. In any case, may differ depending on the lineage and breeding the kitten comes from, but it doesn't really depend on the sex: the prices of males and females are more or less the same.
In United States, the price ranges between 600 and 1.200 $. Once again, a breeding or show animal can be significantly more expensive.
At first sight, the Tiffanie It is defined by its owners as an "aristocratic" cat: refined, sociable, quiet, often with an air of dignity.
Content
History
The history of the origins of Tiffanie (or Asian Semi-longhair cat) differs slightly from hobbyist to hobbyist. But, all agree that the first kittens Tiffanie They were born from the mating of a Burma and cats Chinchilla. The origin may go back even further and may include the Persian cats and the races of Angora. Whether it is a deliberate crossing or not, the beauty of the resulting kittens prompted the Baroness to repeat the experiment and start a breeding program to produce Burmeses of payment, better known today as Burmilla. Some of the kittens obtained had a color that did not fit the criteria for the Persian chinchilla, or its fur was too long. But, became the founders of the Asian races and Tiffanie respectively.
Due to its relatively recent creation, a lot of people confuse the Tiffany (spelled Tiffanie in the UK) with a American Burmese long-haired or with his distant American cousin the Chantilly-Tiffany Cat. Confusion has persisted for a long time even in America: beyond their physical resemblance, the two breeds developed at similar times and shared the same name until 1992. To limit the risks of the sale of "fake Tiffanys", now only cats resulting from crosses between English Burmese are allowed to be registered as Tiffanys, persian chinchillas, Asians or other Tiffanys.
Despite these efforts, difficulties in accurately identifying the origins of the Tiffanie make it difficult for them to be recognized as a breed in their own right. With the exception of the Australian National Cats (or ANCats), who recognized the breed in 1999, y el British Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (recognition in 2003), other important feline associations, like the LOOF in France, consider that the Tiffanie is a simple long-haired variant of the Birman.
Whatever the name or status of the cat, their representatives are especially present in Australia, the United Kingdom (your country of origin), as well as in Canada and the United States.
Physical characteristics
The Tiffanie (or Asian Semi-longhair cat) it's a ball of muscle buried under silky fur. Many agree that he is the height of a Birman with long hair. It is a medium linear cat with a semi-foreal subtype. His body is medium in size and lighter than it seems. The legs are slim and proportionate to the body, with the rear ones higher than the front ones. The tail is moderately thick at the base and tapers to a rounded tip, like a feather. If carried back over the body, should reach the cat's shoulders. Females tend to be thinner than males.
The head it is medium size, but it must be quite high, with rounded skull top. The face has a rather triangular shape, with wide cheekbones, cheeks compact, with a marked stop and a delicate chin without protrusions. The nose is straight, neither too short nor too long. The eyes they are big, oblique and far apart. Its color can vary from gold to amber green. Other eye colors are allowed depending on the cat's coat color, but solid green eyes are considered a fault by the standards, regardless of the associated coat color. The ears they are fine, large and slightly inclined forward, moderate in size. They are widely separated on the skull and rounded at the tip. There may be a tarsus inside, and a discreet plumage is accepted.
Last, the Tiffany has a fur dense, with an undercoat that is usually white, but fine enough to avoid the knot problems that are common in long-haired cats. The top layer is thin, silky and shiny, and forms a collar on the neck and shoulders. It is located along the spine and extends over the breeches, under the belly and on the tail. Ghost brindle markings on non-agouti adults are penalizing, except in the case of kittens or orange cats.
Relatively little shed, and is especially recommended for cats with allergies.
Measurements of the "Asian Semi-longhair cat (Tiffanie)"
Height: Of 20 – 25 cm. Male weight: 5 – 7 kg female weight: 3,5 – 5 kg
Varieties
The "Asian Semi-longhair cat (Tiffanie)" is available in a wide range of colors. Allowable coat patterns are identical to Burmese and Asian: solid, striped, silver, ticked and smoked.
None of these traits are favored or more sought after than another in feline shows..
Character and skills
At first sight, the Tiffanie It is defined by its owners as an "aristocratic" cat: refined, sociable, quiet, often with an air of dignity. But, Beneath his calm demeanor lies an energy and curiosity inherited from his eastern ancestors..
A white male Tiffanie (Asian Semi-longhair) cat presented at TUROK cat show Turku 2008 – Finland: Heikki Siltala, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Moderately active, but mischievous enough to liven up any home, the Tiffanys they are very close to their owners. He does not hesitate to ask for his share of pampering and attention with many purrs and meows, in addition to chatting with the different people in the family for no particular reason. But, he also knows how to be discreet when his master wants to go about his affairs in peace.
They are not very aggressive and adapt easily to new environments, They are also kind to other animals in the house and to strangers, as long as they respect your quiet time. But, some cats are jealous of other cats if they get too close to their favorite master.
Beware of possible fights!
Apart from these rare cases of jealousy, the affectionate temperament of Tiffanie and its general characteristics make it a suitable cat breed for children, but also in a breed of cat recommended for lonely older people.
The Tiffanie, a house cat, she is a tireless player once the game is on. Beware of fragile objects that can get in the way during your gaming sessions. To channel your excess energy, a cat tree and cat toys are essential. His intelligence and attachment to his owner also allow him to try to teach his cat tricks and commands., such as looking for a toy.
Health
Thanks to its multiple crosses, the "Asian Semi-longhair cat (Tiffanie)" it has a diversified gene pool that makes it quite resistant to diseases that its ancestors could suffer from. Its average life expectancy is estimated to be about 17 years, like his cousin the Burmilla, as long as, of course, is properly fed and cared for.
But, if you want to raise your cat, it is important to be tested for polycystic kidney disease, especially if you have a Persian ancestor. Before any possible acquisition from a breeder of Tiffanie, It is possible to – if not spontaneously, as it should be normally – ask you to provide the kitten and parent screening test results. Cat tests cost between 45 and 75 EUR.
It also, kittens of some lines may have significant umbilical hernias, whose correction requires a small surgical intervention.
Life expectancy
16 years.
Grooming
The Tiffanie (or Asian Semi-longhair cat) should be brushed daily to avoid the development of tangles in the hindquarters. But, unlike some long-haired breeds, they lose very little hair, even during the move, which makes them a hypoallergenic breed of cats. The frequency of brushing the cat's hair does not have to increase at this time.
But, it is necessary to check the ears regularly. Cats produce slightly more earwax than the average cat, but they are not more efficient in cleaning. Thus, it is important to help you in this task, to avoid infections such as cat otitis.
Food
Being the Tiffanie a gluttonous cat, it is recommended to pay attention to the quantity and quality of your food, to avoid any problem of overweight or even obesity of the cat. Vigilance is all the more necessary since its semi-long coat can easily camouflage its curves..
For sale "Asian Semi-longhair cat (Tiffanie)"
A kitten Tiffanie male without castrar sells himself between 400 and 1.500 EUR, according to his lineage. The price of a kitten Tifanny is slightly higher, but it does not exceed 1.600 EUR.
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Asian Semi-longhair cat (Tiffanie)" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.