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Abyssinian cat
Tabby and Silver/Smoke.

Abisinio
Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica

Content

History

The name of Abyssinia refers to Ethiopia, but most of the stories about the origins of the Abyssinian refer to Egypt. Investigation of its genes suggests that the Abyssinian cat breed originated near the coast of the Indian Ocean., where could settlers have bought the animal traders of wild animals. The breed was developed in Egypt.

The race could originate from an Egyptian cat named Zula, which was purchased in a port of Alexandria by a British soldier and brought to England in 1868. This theory is not established because there is no strong link between Zula and the first cat on the list named as an Abyssinian in 1882.

Many sources date the Abyssinian breed to be a few thousand years old., coming from the old Egypt , as cats that appear in ancient paintings. The ancient Egyptians made sculptures of them. There are also stories that “Abyssinians” savages living in parts of North Africa today.

Physical characteristics

The appearance of the "Abyssinian cat" resembles that of a small puma. They are elegant and athletic cats with long, small legs.. Wedge-shaped head sits atop a graceful neck and has large ears set wide apart. Some cats have tufts of hair on their ears similar to those of the lynx. The eyes, big and almond shaped, they can be green, walnut brown or amber. The specially colored coat of the purebred cat is short, soft and close to the body. Each of the hair is ringed in various colors, which creates a great effect. This so-called tic-tac can be pronounced in different variations.

The breed standard includes all four chestnut colors (bright copper red with chocolate brown bands), blue (warm blue-gray with dark steel gray bands), leonado (muted beige with dark cream bands) and the typical wild color (reddish brown with black bands). Of all the colors there is also the Silver variety, where the base color is a light silver shade. Ideally, cats should be completely free of patterns and markings..

Character and skills

The "Abyssinian cat" is considered an intelligent and active cat breed, who gets excited about any kind of game. Especially when he's young, the cat has an irrepressible temperament and a great desire for movement. Prefers to play with other cats, so it is not recommended to have it alone. These curious cats are very people-oriented and follow their humans everywhere. In doing so, they rarely become pushy with a soft voice and prefer to watch their two-legged friend's every action. When they get stressed, these uncomplicated cats react extremely robustly and do not let anything disturb them.

Care "Abyssinian cat"

Indoor or outdoor cat?

The "Abyssinian cat" it is an active and freedom loving breed that needs a lot of exercise. It's hard to be happy locked up in a small apartment. Secure access to the outdoors would be ideal for this active breed.. Walks in the enclosed garden or on the balcony give the cat a lot of pleasure. If neighborhood conditions permit, it is also a great outdoor cat.

How much activity does he need? "Abyssinian cat"?

If you purchase a "Abyssinian cat", you should not expect a well behaved lap cat. He loves to explore his surroundings, climb and jump. Thanks to its enormous resistance and jumping power, no part of the house is safe from her. A tall, stable cat tree is an absolute must for every cat owner.. Here you can live your desire to move, as well as sharpen their claws and rest. The clever velvet paws also rejoice in any kind of mental occupation and cheerfully accept intelligence toys. They like to be taught little tricks and enjoy going for a walk on or off the leash with their owner..

Care and feeding

Thanks to its short coat with little undercoat, cat grooming is especially easy. It is enough to remove the loose hairs from the coat with a rubber brush from time to time. When the coat changes, brush a little more often to soothe the cat. To be happy, cats also need a balanced and healthy diet. It is best to adapt the food to the age of the cat and its desire to move. There should also always be enough fresh drinking water available. A bubbling water bowl is easily accepted by most breed representatives.

For sale "Abyssinian cat"

Before acquiring an Abyssinian cat, you need to make sure you can offer this four-legged friend a species-appropriate home. Once the decision is made, it is best to buy the kitten from a reputable breeder from a registered breeding association.

Pay attention to the behavior and appearance of kittens and parents. For a purebred kitten with papers you pay a few 800 EUR.

Characteristics "Abyssinian cat"

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Abyssinian 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 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Activity level

5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to other pets

3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to children

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Grooming requirements

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Vocality

1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Need for attention

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Affection towards its owners

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Docility

1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Intelligence

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Independence

3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Hardiness

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

images of "Abyssinian cat"

Abyssinian cat

Videos "Abyssinian cat"

Abyssinian cat

Abyssinian cat
Abyssinian Cat Breed

Abyssinian Cat Breed

Alternative names:

1. Abyssinian, Abys (English).
2. Bunny Cat, Aby (French).
3. Abessinier (German).
4. Abisinio (Portuguese).
5. Abisinio (español).

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Exotic Shorthair
Federations: CFA, FIFe, TICA, AACE

The Exotic Shorthair most famous is the red tabby Garfield.

Gato Exótico

Content

Characteristics "Exotic Shorthair"

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Exotic Shorthair" 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 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Activity level

1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to other pets

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to children

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Grooming requirements

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Vocality

1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Need for attention

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Affection towards its owners

5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Docility

5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Intelligence

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Independence

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Hardiness

2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

History

The Exotic Shorthair has its origins in the years 50 in United States. In fact, It is at this time that some breeders of the American Shorthair Cat, known at the time as Domestic short-haired cat, decided to cross it with silver Persians to introduce this color so sought after in the Persian cat, as well as the green eyes that accompany it. The resulting kittens did inherit this coat color and were beautiful., but they did not conform to the standard of the American shorthair cat: beefier, with a rounder head and thicker, longer coat, they had inherited part of the appearance of the Persian.

His existence was, in any case, very controversial, since most of the breeders of the American shorthair cat they feared that these crosses would distort the breed. The breed standard was revised to prohibit crosses with other breeds, so the future of these new cats was compromised.

Salvation came from the hand of some breeders of the Persian cat What, like Jane Martinke, judge of the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), saw the potential to develop a new breed. Initially called the race Sterling, for the beautiful silver color of the first specimens. At the same time, another persian breeder, Carolyn Bussey, set out to develop a “Persian cat” short-haired crossing Persians with Burmese.

Little by little, other Persian breeders joined the program, also introducing the Russian Blue Cat.

In the Decade of 1960, as the “Persian cat” short hair already showed many colors, the name was dropped Sterling. In 1967, the CFA recognized the breed under the name of “Exotic Shorthair” and allowed him to compete in the feline shows organized under his auspices.

It was also one of the breeds recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA) when it was founded in 1979. Refering to Fédération International Féline (FiFé), did not recognize her turn until 1983.

One of the CFA's Great Exotic Champions, a black male named Purrfun My Main Man, was imported to Britain in the early 1990s. 1980 and led to the development of the breed in Europe, including recognition by the British Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). But, a large part of Britain's shorthair exotics are the result of crosses between the Persian Cat and the British Shorthair cat, unlike North American specimens, whose origins mix nothing less than 4 different races (Persian cat, American shorthair cat, Russian Blue Cat and Burmese cat).

The issue of authorized crossings has been debated for a long time, and the rules have evolved in this regard. Already in 1987, the CFA prohibited any crossing of the Exotic Shorthair with a race other than him Persian cat, and the GCCF did the same 13 years later, in 2000.

As a result, the Exotic Shorthair can be considered simply a short-haired version of the Persian cat, since it has the same physical characteristics, except for the length of its fur. The vast majority of feline associations have thus unified their criteria, so that both races share the same standard. The Exotic Shorthair is often referred to as the “Lazy persian” because it has all the qualities of Persian cat, but without the inconvenience of having to maintain their long coat on a daily basis.

The Exotic Shorthair it is now one of the most popular breeds in its country of origin, and on average the second most popular cat breed in America in terms of CFA registrations.

They are also popular in Europe, although not as much as in North America. These may include, is in the Top 10 of the most popular cat breeds among the French, with about a thousand registrations a year in the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF), that is to say, almost double than in the middle of the years 2000. So, represents around the 2,5% of the population of French cats.

The situation is quite different in Great Britain, although it also represents around the 2% of the cat population. In fact, at the end of the Decade of 2010, there were only a few 350 registrations per year in the GCCF, versus more than double in the previous decade. The cat is no longer one of the 10 most popular breeds in the country.

Exotic Shorthair
Witch boiler Bellatrix, Exotic shorthair female presented at feline exhibition in Helsinki in 2008. – Heikki Siltala or catza.net, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Physical characteristics

The Exotic Shorthair It is a medium-sized cat with an appearance identical to that of the Persian cat, whose standard shares: the only difference is that it has a short coat.

Its body it is solid, wide and muscular. Their legs, powerful and with a solid bone structure, they are rather short. The same goes for the tail, worn straight instead of curved.

The head it is solid and round, with a wide skull. Viewed from the side, the eyes, that can be of different colors depending on the fur that is worn, are clearly prominent, and forecrown, the nose and chin are vertically aligned. The nose upturned is short and wide, while the ears are rather small and rounded.

The fur of the Exotic Shorthair it is dense and silky, somewhat bristly due to the presence of a thick undercoat. The coat is slightly longer than that of most short-haired breeds..

The coat can be of any color, and all the patterns are also accepted by the breed standard.

Last, there is very little sexual dimorphism: there are no major differences in size or height between males and females.

Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthair

Size and weight

  • Male size: 20-25 cm.
  • female size: 20-25 cm.
  • Male weight: 3 to 5 kg
  • female weight: 3 to 5 kg

Varieties of "Exotic Shorthair"

The numerous crosses with the Persian cat have left many long-haired recessive genes. When two parents of “Exotic Shorthair” shorthaired with this gene are paired, each of their young has a one in four chance of being longhaired.

This variety divides the different organizations: are not allowed to compete for the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), its representatives are a breed apart for the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA), while the International Cat Association (TICA) considers them Persians full-fledged.

Character and skills

The Exotic Shorthair it is a calm and serene cat, very affectionate with his family. They like to follow their owners around the house and jump on their knees when they sit down.. To the males, in particular, they like to snuggle and purr quietly with their owners, whether they are adults or children who have learned to behave with animals.

Due to its sociable and relaxed nature, does not pose problems of coexistence with other dogs or with dogs accustomed to cats. On the other hand, small rodents or reptiles can arouse their predatory instincts: you better not wait for this little world to live under the same roof, at the risk of being exposed to unpleasant surprises.

Even though they love their family, the Exotic Shorthair is more reserved with people they do not know. It takes them some time to get used to your presence, but once they've earned your trust, they are welcomed with unbridled affection.

Due to his closeness to family, this cat does not like to be left alone for a long time and can easily suffer from separation anxiety. The presence of other animals and/or the opportunity to play with different puzzles for cats that stimulate them intellectually are ideal for getting them through the day without difficulty when their owners are at work., but it is not a recommended cat breed for someone who is out and about often.

But, not an intrusive or attention seeking partner. They like their owners to be present and do their best to be as close to them, but they are perfectly content to sleep next to them without disturbing them if they are busy.

He is also able to learn some simple commands like “Sit down!” and, unlike most other breeds, seems to understand the meaning of “¡No! If you are prohibited from going around the dining room table two or three times, is likely to remember and obey.

On the other hand, although they share the calm character of Persian cat, the Exotic Shorthair is generally a little more active than the Persian, having retained part of the playful character of the breeds of shorthair of which descend. They love to play, chase a ball, jump for a toy… They are also very curious and marvel at the simplest things: they can be seen standing for hours by the window watching the wind play with the leaves, or sitting on the edge of a sink counting the drips from a poorly closed tap.

Last, rarely heard, so it is not very noisy. In fact, his voice is quite soft and pleasant.

Grooming and caring for the "Exotic Shorthair"

"Exotic Shorthair"

Exotic Shorthair kitten
Brown Exotic Shorthair kitten profile – Charlyn Wee, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Exotic Shorthair receives the nickname of “lazy persian” for good reason: It is a simple and easy-care breed of cats.

In fact, its short coat does not knot, and brushing the cat with a comb once a week is enough to keep its coat in good condition. But, during the fall and spring shedding periods, brushing should be more frequent to remove all dead hair.

Otherwise, just spend a few minutes after each brushing session to make sure his teeth and ears are clean and to wipe the corners of his eyes with a damp cloth, in order to avoid any accumulation of dirt. This last point is especially important since, because of the shape of her face, this cat is more likely than others to have crying eyes.

Last, claws should be trimmed when they get too long.

Indoor or outdoor cat?

Basically, the Exotic Shorthair is an ideal indoor cat who simply enjoy life with their humans and are quite frugal. But, like all cats, they are happy if they can be given access to the outside, Since, despite his calm nature and little need to move, they can enjoy a nature walk.

Unlike other races, the Exotic Shorthair usually have a small radius of movement when allowed to roam freely, so their forays never take them far from home, where the cozy sofa awaits you, the well-filled food bowl and, of course, their caregivers.

Thanks to his calm and caring nature, these purebred cats are not disturbed by a turbulent family life with lively children, and they can also enjoy life in a quiet individual apartment without any problem. Whether it is kept indoors or combined with the possibility of access to the outside, both are possible without complications, since it is only important that the Exotic Shorthair don't be alone for a long time, because he likes to socialize and, therefore, it's a good idea to provide a playmate so he doesn't have to be alone if you're away for a longer period of time. Whether it's a second cat or a dog, to the Exotic Shorthair he loves to have company.

How much activity does he need? "Exotic Shorthair"?

Thanks to your barely pronounced need to move, the Exotic Shorthair it is also very austere in terms of activity. But, these intelligent purebred cats like to be challenged in an intelligent way. It also, as owner of a Exotic Shorthair you would do well to motivate them to exercise, since cats can tend to be overweight.

Due to your intelligence and patience, Clicker training is a good way to keep your child busy. Exotic Shorthair. Nor should there be a lack of climbing opportunities and toys, because even if it is a cat a little lazy, gratefully accepts play offers and climbing opportunities. Tame cats can be encouraged to be more active, especially with food.

Health and nutrition

Exotic Shorthair
Understanding Cat in a bag – Flickr
The Exotic Shorthair are relatively prone to developing certain diseases. So, more than with other races, breeder choice is especially crucial to minimize (although unfortunately not delete) most of these risks.

This cat is especially susceptible to the following conditions

  • The renal polyquistosis, a genetic disease that causes numerous cysts in the kidneys and that today can be detected with a DNA test;
  • Dermatitis seborreica, causing redness and blemishes on the skin;
  • The had, a skin disease caused by a fungus;
  • Respiratory problems due to their narrow nostrils;
  • Eye diseases like entropion, an inward turn of the eyelid, or the cherry eye, when the lacrimal gland pops out of its orbit and can become infected.

It also, the Obesity it is a risk to the health of any cat, especially if you live in a flat, and the Exotic Shorthair is no exception to the rule.

It must also be taken into account that the increasingly shorter nose and the associated deformation of the entire skull can become a real torment for animals. The result is severe respiratory and eye problems. So, the trend in the Exotic Shorthair it is towards noses more and more “natural” to prevent breeding by torture.

Last, it is a breed of cat sensitive to heat. So, it is important to ensure that the temperature in your cabin is never excessive. If the mercury goes up a lot in summer, the ideal is to put it in a room with air conditioning.

Life expectancy

14 to 16 years

Food

The Exotic Shorthair is not picky about food, and can be fed commercial cat food without any problem. But, to keep your cat healthy, you should choose a quality food that is appropriate for your age and activity level and that provides you with all the necessary nutrients and vitamins.

But, the flat face of some cats makes it difficult for them to chew and swallow, depending on the shape of the food. So, do not hesitate to try different types of croquettes and foods until you find the one that suits you best.

For sale "Exotic Shorthair"

The average price of a Exotic Shorthair round the 1.000 EUR, regardless of gender.

But, this average hides great disparities, since the prices range from 500 euros from a kitten with defects compared to the standard up to 4.000 euros of a specimen with prestigious ancestry and physical characteristics intended for cat shows.

Videos "Exotic Shorthair"

Exotic short-haired cat - One of the most LOVING CATS breeds

Exotic Cat Care: a curious feline - TvAgro by Juan Gonzalo Angel

Gato exótico de pelo corto

Cuidados del Gato Exótico: Un Felino Curioso
Exotic Shorthair Cat Review after 5 years
Exotic Shorthair Cat Review after 5 years
7 Reasons Why You Should Own An Exotic Shorthair Cat

Alternative names:

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Clippercat
Registration: CATZ

Content

What are Clippercats?

They are a recently recognized breed, which is being developed under strict guidelines.

In a nutshell, the Clippercat is the New Zealand shorthair cat and / or the Australian longhair cat. with polydactyl feet. Poly– means “many” and Dactulos – means “fingers”.

Cats usually have 5 claws on its front legs.. (4 plus a snail claw) and 4 on each hind leg. Cats with the polydactyl mutation can have between 5 and 7 fingers on the front legs and between 4 and 7 in the rear.

History

In New Zealand and Australia, between the years 1850 and 1900, a large number of immigrants arrived on the Clipper ships that sailed the seas between England and the Antipodes.

Many of these ships docked in Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf, where today we find the highest concentrations of polydactyl cats.

Following the CATZ Inc policy of inclusion and establishment of rules for the responsible registration of cats, these cats, which are a natural mutation, and an expression of an incomplete autosomal dominant gene, can now be registered with CATZ Inc under the breed name “Clippercats”, formerly called Antipodean cat, with the addition of the polydactyl mutation..

Unlike the United States.UU., the Clippercats (Polydactyls of Domestic / Antipodean origin) cannot be raised with others Clippercats, and there are strict guidelines set by the Registry for their breeding to ensure that all Clippercats recorded are the Heterozygous form of this mutation.

Right now, if you have a polydactyl cat, you can register it in the open registry as Clippercat, if you meet very specific guidelines.

Breeding conventions include recording the number of toes on each foot and the breed standard includes both a limit on the number of toes allowed and restricts the structure of the feet to three accepted structural formats..

The Clippercats they can only be bred with short hairs / New Zealander longs and the breed standard calls for the New Zealand SH / LH type with the addition of the polydactyl mutation.

The Clippercats cannot be crossed with any other currently recognized championship breed.

Where do polydactyls come from??

The polydactyl cats they have a long and interesting history. For many centuries they have roamed south-west Britain and there is evidence of polydactyl cats in countries as far away as Norway, although reports in Europe are few and far between, due mostly to the perceived relationship between cats and witchcraft.

The polydactyly is a trait allowed in the breed of Pixie Bob cat, which is classified as a natural breed, and that competes in the TICA championship, the International Cat Association. (USA)

It was also a dominant trait in many of the early Maine Coons, and it was considered that it helped those cats to overcome the heavy snows of the winters of the State of Maine. Breeders, However, selected to remove the trait from that specific breed.

There are several reports of a folklore in southern England, which states that when people found cats with too many fingers, They offered them to the captains of the ships, who apparently considered them “lucky cats” and very suitable for a sailor's life. They were also considered gifted buzzards and, thanks to your extra fingers, more fit for life on mobile covers.

Large populations of cats with this mutation were seen in and around the Boston area, where they were commonly called “boston thumbs cats”. An article published in the magazine “Cat Watch” from Cornell University in 1998 analyzed the studies carried out on polydactyl cats between 1940 and 1970 and tentatively concluded that the trait probably occurred in cats that came from England to the Boston area with the Puritans in the mid-17th century. These studies focused on the unusually high concentration of polydactyls in that area., and in other east coast ports with strong shipping links to the British Isles, like Halifax and Yarmouth, and in Nova Scotia, where there were also higher concentrations of polydactyl cats.

The author Ernest Hemingway is also recorded as a gift from a ship captain polydactyl cat of the race Maine Coon cat, and this cat is believed to be the progenitor of the many polydactyl cats now cared for in the trust established for them on the author's home island in the Florida Keys. Apparently, This led to the polydactyl cats will sometimes be called “Hemingway cats”.

There are currently three separate private registries in the United States where polydactyl breeders can register their specimens.. These cats are often called “American Polydactyl Cat“.

But, it would be very conceited to consider them solely native to the United States, when its story is rather associated with the many boat cats that traveled with immigrants from England and Europe to the United States and other parts of the world between 1620 and 1900. Even the famous “Mayflower” It was a merchant ship before its well-known trip to the USA.. and in those days he made several trips between England and Norway before being chartered by the pilgrims.

Source: catzinc.org

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European Burmes cat
Federations: GCCF, LOOF, FFH

burmes europeo

Content

History

The European Burmes cat has the same origins as the American Burmese cat, that goes back to Wong Man, led cat of Burma to America in 1930. Imported American cats, descendants of Wong Mau, to Great Britain, and the Brown was recognized in 1952, but after the race was divided to take different forms in both sides of the Atlantic. In Europe, breeders preferred a more typically oriental look, and they were also interested in a wider color scale.

The Cat Fanciers Association began registering Burmese in 1936, but suspended records on 1947 because breeders continued to use conjoined twins in their breeding programs. Records resumed in 1953, after this practice was discontinued.

In Europe, However, the development of Burmese took a different path. In Great Britain, where the broodstock shortage was even greater than in the United States, the Siamese Red Point and the British Shorthair cat were used in breeding programs, and his genetic contribution included additional colors: red, cream, brown-turtle, chocolate-turtle, blue-turtle and lilac-turtle. With the time, they met as European Burmes cat.

The color blue, a recessive trait carried by cats imported from America, accepted a few years. The reddish colors and the turtle, It resulted from an accidental crossing, they were recognized in the Decade of 1970. Great Britain cats were exported to Europe, Africa, Australia and New Zealand in the Decade of 1950. Therefore, the breed in these countries follows the European type. The FIFé allows green eyes, but the GCCF considers it a defect.

On both sides of the Atlantic, the Burmese cat still listed among the most popular breeds, but looks better in Europe, where short hair cats prevail over copies of long hair.

Physical characteristics

European Burmese
Share Alois de Arkhitekton, European Burmese male presented at a cat show in Siilinjärvi, Finland – Heikkisiltala, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The European Burmes cat, as the American Burmese cat, characterized primarily by the sepia pattern of fur, which gradually transforms into dark, uniform tips at the roots, without markings striped cat.

The coat is short and thin, glued to the body and do not need daily care. Thin legs hold a fairly weak body, but muscular, surprisingly heavy for its size.

The head is the feature in which the European Burmes cat differs more than the American type. It has a wedge and the snout is blunt; the eyes are separated, they are round and just ripped.

It is a medium-sized cat that usually weighs between 2 and 3 kg, sometimes more.

Varieties:

Most organizations that recognize the European Burmes cat they do not allow the crossing with other races in the framework of their breeding.

This is the position taken by the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé) and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

The Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) French is an exception, since it authorizes the mating with the Burmilla cat, to expand the genetic background of this breed.

It also, the European Burmes cat is itself the origin of two races:

the Burmilla cat, resulting from mating with the Persian cat;
the Gato Tiffanie, resulting from a cross with the Himalayan cat.

Popularity of "European Burmes cat"

The European Burmes cat is quite successful in Europe, and this is especially true in the country where it was developed: Great Britain. Since 2004, ranks fifth in the breed ranking based on the number of annual registrations at the country's leading feline institution, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). But, is in clear decline: while at the end of the 90 more than 3.000 kittens per year in the organization (which allowed him to occupy the fourth position in the ranking), this figure has been divided by three since then, and now around a thousand.

In France, the European Burmes cat not as successful as in Great Britain and ranks 35 (of about 70) in the breed classification of the Official Book of Feline Origins (LOOF) based on the number of births registered each year. This number is around fifty, what, just like in britain, reflects a certain decline: in the decade of 2000, it was rather on the order of 60 to 80. The American Burmese cat not far behind, since it occupies the position 40, nails on 30 or 40 registrations per year.

In Switzerland, the European Burmese occupies the tenth place in the statistics of the Fédération Féline Helvétique (FFH) since the years 90. But, while in the decade of 2000 there were some 70 registrations per year, this figure has dropped in the following decade and is now more of 40.

Character and skills

European Burmese
European Burmese – asi02, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When it comes to personality, the European Burmese and the Burmese cat are aligned. The European Burmese is energetic and friendly. Has the charm and determination of his ancestors Siamese, and enjoy the conversation as much as that breed, but her voice is soft and sweet, which contradicts his tendency to run the home with an iron paw sheathed in velvety fur. He is very intelligent and seeks human company., so it is not the most suitable for a home where you will be alone most of the day. If there are no humans around to stimulate your intellect, make sure he has another pet for company. Get along well with other cats and dogs, but, of course, other Burmese (of any type) will be your best friend.

The European Burmese he is a very curious cat. It is hoped that you will explore your home thoroughly and get to know all its corners. He is playful and remains so into adulthood. Stimulate their smart mind with interactive toys and teach them tricks that allow them to show off in front of the public. Besides sitting, turn around, say hello and come, can learn to reach for a small toy or walk on a leash. With proper early conditioning, car rides and vet visits will be a breeze.

One European Burmes cat it is a good choice if you are not opposed to total loss of privacy. This cat will want to participate in everything you do, from reading the newspaper and working on the computer to preparing meals and watching television. Of course, will sleep in bed with you and can even snuggle under the covers. When i'm sitting, will be on your lap or right next to you, waiting expectantly for me to caress you. Yes, he ignores them, will scold you. Guests will receive your undivided attention, and those who say they don't like cats are likely to win.

A female of European Burmese is the very definition of queen status. Likes attention and likes to be in command. Males are calmer and are content to fill the lap. Whatever your choice, you may soon find yourself longing for another.

Children and other pets

The European Burmese, active and sociable, It is a perfect option for families with children and for dogs that accept cats.. Play fetch as well as any retriever, learns tricks with ease and loves the attention he receives from children who treat him with politeness and respect. Live peacefully with cats and dogs that respect your authority. Always introduce pets slowly and under controlled circumstances so that they learn to get along.

Health

Both pedigreed cats and catsmixed raceshave different incidences of health problems that may be genetic in nature.The European Burmes cat is generally healthy, although they can be prone to gingivitis and can be sensitive to anesthesia.The following diseases have also been observed in this breed:

  • Aqueous humor lipemia, a transient milky appearance of the eye during infancy, that usually resolves on its own.
  • Dermoide corneal, the presence of skin and hair on the surface of the cornea, that can be successfully corrected surgically.
  • Gangliosidosis, an enzyme deficiency A test has been developed to detect the disease.
  • Orofacial pain syndrome, indicated by exaggerated licking and chewing movements and pawing the mouth Discomfort may increase when the cat is excited or stressed, and cats are often reluctant to eat because the activity is painful. Some cats must wear an Elizabethan collar and have their paws bandaged to prevent injury. Some cases resolve on their own and then recur. The cause and outcome are unknown. mode of inheritance. Pain relievers and anticonvulsants may help, as well as consultation with a veterinary dentist to rule out dental disease.
  • Congenital peripheral vestibular disease causing head tilt, lack of balance, rapid eye movements and uncoordinated gait in kittens Some kittens with the condition can also be deaf.
  • Hypokalemic polymyopathy, muscle weakness caused by low levels of potassium in the blood, sometimes seen in Burmese kittens Signs include general weakness, stiff gait, reluctance to walk and head tremors. Can be treated with orally administered potassium supplements.
  • Flat chested kitten syndrome, a deformity that can range from mild to severe Kittens that survive to adulthood usually show no signs once they reach maturity.
  • twisted glue, usually as a result of a coccyx deformity; it does not cause pain or discomfort.
  • Osteoarthritis of the elbow, an early-onset arthritis in the elbow that limits the cat's activity or mobility.
  • Endocardial fibroelastosis, a heart condition in which the left ventricle of the heart thickens and stretches the heart muscle. The signs usually develop when a kitty has 3 SA week 4 months of age, a good reason to wait until 4 months to bring a kitten home.
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy, enlarged heart.
  • Mellitus diabetes, an endocrine condition caused by a defect in insulin secretion or insulin action that results in high blood sugar levels.
European Burmese
European Burmese

care and grooming

The soft, short coat of the European Burmese easily cared for with weekly brushing or combing to remove dead hair and distribute skin oil. A bath is seldom necessary.

Brush your teeth to prevent periodontal disease. The best is daily dental hygiene, but a weekly brushing is better than nothing. Clean the corners of the eyes with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge. Use a different area of ​​the cloth for each eye so as not to run the risk of spreading any infection. Check the ears weekly. If they look dirty, clean them with a cotton pad or soft cloth moistened with a mixture of cider vinegar and warm water at 50%. Avoid using cotton buds, that can damage the inside of the ear.

Keep the litter box spotless. As all cats, the European Burmese they are very demanding with bathroom hygiene.

It is a good idea to keep a European Burmes cat as an indoor cat to protect it from diseases transmitted by other cats, from dog attacks and other dangers faced by outdoor cats, like being hit by a car. The European Burmese who go abroad also run the risk of being stolen by someone who wants to have such a beautiful cat without paying for it.

Characteristics "European Burmes cat"

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "European Burmes 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

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to other pets

3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to children

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Grooming requirements

1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Vocality

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Need for attention

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Affection towards its owners

5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Docility

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Intelligence

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Independence

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Hardiness

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Videos "European Burmes cat"

European Burmese cat❤️ Breeding cattery Freya Way*RU
European Burmese cat❤️ Breeding cattery Freya Way*RU
Harvey lilac European Burmese Cat at Play
Harvey lilac European Burmese Cat at Play

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Maine Coon cat
Federations: LOOF, CFA, ACF, ACFA, TICA, FIFé, WCF

The tallest cat in the world, with 123 centimeters in length, was Stewie, a Maine Coon from the State of Oregon. After his death to the 13 years, the cat Maine Coon Omar from Melbourne successfully took his place.

Maine Coon

Content

Characteristics "Maine Coon cat"

Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Maine Coon 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

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Activity level

3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to other pets

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Friendliness to children

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Grooming requirements

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Vocality

1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Need for attention

3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Affection towards its owners

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Docility

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Intelligence

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Independence

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Hardiness

5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

History

The origins of the Maine Coon

The Maine Coon It is a natural breed native to the northeastern United States, and more specifically the state of Maine, whose is he “official cat” from 1985. But, its exact origins are unclear, and many more or less far-fetched legends surround it.

The most widespread, but also the least credible, is the origin of his name: the myth that it is the result of a cross between domestic cats and wild raccoons (“Raccoons” or “Coons“) Is very nice, but genetically impossible.

Another popular theory is that the Maine Coon descends from six Turkish Angora Cats owned by the French queen Marie Antoinette (1755-1793). Preparing to flee France after the French Revolution, entrusted them to the care of a certain captain Nathaniel Clough, that took them across America to Wiscasset, Maine. The queen was unable to escape and retrieve her cats, so they stayed in Maine and began to breed with the local felines, giving rise to this race.

Although unlikely, this theory is believable. In fact, it is now accepted that the Maine Coon is the result of the crossing between shorthair cats present in North America and longhair cats coming from europe. But, due to lack of actual evidence, it is impossible to know if these cats arrived with the Norwegian Vikings in the 11th century (which would explain its striking resemblance to the Norwegian Forest Cat ), with English sailors in the 19th century (like the captain Charles Coon) or with the fishermen of New England around the same time.

The recognition of “Maine Coon”

Maine Coon
Maine Coon

Whatever its exact origin, Since the beginning of the 19th century, Maine farmers and fishermen appreciated the ability of the Maine Coon to hunt mice and other rodents. useful and resistant, This cold-hardy cat began to be exhibited at local agricultural shows beginning in the 1980s. 1850.

The first references to Maine Coon appeared in 1861 and they were referring to a black and white cat named Captain Jenkins of the Marine Corps. In 1895, a female of Maine Coon call Cosey was exhibited at the first North American Cat Show, held in the Madison Square Garden from New York, where he won a silver necklace engraved with his name, as well as the title “Best of Show”.

But, the popularity of Maine Coon decreased greatly in the early 20th century due to the emergence of more exotic breeds, as the Persian cat and the Siamese cat, and its decline was so severe that at the beginning of the decade of 1950 the breed was declared extinct. This statement was premature and exaggerated., but it made cat lovers aware of the seriousness of the situation. Under the leadership of Ethylin Whitemore, Alta Smith y Ruby Dryer, the Central Maine Cat Club, who worked hard to promote the breed at various shows and competitions, and developed its first standard in 1960.

This was followed by the official recognition of the American Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in 1976, the International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979, the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé) in 1982 and the British Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 1993. Like this, in just a few decades, the Maine Coon not only rose from the ashes, it became one of the most popular cat breeds in the world.

The popularity of the “Maine Coon” in the world

For many years, the Maine Coon has been one of the five most popular cat breeds in America, but now it is also one of the most common cats in Europe. In Great Britain, for example, the Maine Coon has firmly established itself as one of the 5 most popular breeds in the country.

But it is above all in France where his success has been most dazzling.: from 2011, it is the most popular cat breed among the French. Year after year, it even ends up widening the gap that separates it from its rivals: With almost 14.000 inscriptions in the Official Book of Feline Origins in 2018 (versus almost three times less than the Sacred Cat of Burma (Birman), the first of his rivals), alone accounts for more than a third of new births recorded during the year. It also, There is more than 2.500 hatcheries of Maine Coon assets in France, that is to say, that have registered at least one litter in the last two years.

Physical characteristics

Maine Coon
Maine Coon

The Maine Coon he is an imposing cat, to the point that their representatives regularly hold the record for largest cat in the world: Some male specimens reach 12 kg of weight and 120 cm length! But, these are exceptional cases: although it is indeed much bigger than a cat “normal”, a Maine Coon does not usually reach these record dimensions. The vast majority are similar in size to norwegians, breed with which they share many characteristics.

Rather long and rectangular, their body he is muscular and harmonious, While their legs, Of medium height, they are strong, with a solid and wide foot: as such, they are a kind of long and powerful cat. The tail it is one of the most distinctive features of this breed: dense and carried high, is as long as the body and tapers to the tip.

The cheekbones they are tall and prominent. Side view, the forecrown is subtly rounded and the line of the nose forms an unbroken, slightly concave curve. Seen from the front, their snout angular looks square; its large and expressive eyes, angled, appear round when attentive and can be any shade of green, dorado, copper or yellow. In white individuals, they can be even blue or mint (that is to say, of two different colors). Its big ears, broad based and moderately pointed, are placed on the top of the head, with the inner hairs extended horizontally out. Looking for plumes on the tips of the ears, similar to the lynx.

The fur semilargo, denso e impermeable, offers good protection against inclement weather. It is shorter at the head and shoulders, but gradually lengthens on the sides. The undercoat it is less dense than that of other long-haired breeds, but it becomes denser in winter to protect it from the cold. The Maine Coon It then has a dense ruff that resembles the mane of a lion. The coat can be of different colors, usually tabby, although single color raccoons are also accepted. The brown tabby color is the most common. But, some coat colors, like chocolate or lavender, are not accepted by all standards.

The sexual dimorphism it is quite marked: females are significantly smaller than males, whose tilted ears seem smaller.

Last, the Maine Coon it is a slow growing animal, that does not reach its adult size until 3-4 years of age.

Size and weight

  • Male size: 30 to 45 cm.
  • female size: 25 to 40 cm.
  • Male weight: 6-10 kg
  • female weight: 4-7 kg

Varieties of “Maine Coon”

Existing since the early days of the breed, the Maine Coon polydactyl is recognized as a variety in its own right by TICA (International Cat Association). As the name suggests, this cat may have extra claws or fingers.

The polydactyly in cats it exists in many breeds, but the Maine Coon it is clearly one of the most affected breeds, estimating that it affects a 2% of individuals. Some historians believe it is a trait inherited from sea cats, that needed better balance and grip to resist pitching boats.

Character and skills

Maine Coon Silver Tabby
Maine Coon Silver Tabby, two year old breeding male – T. Bjornstad, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Maine Coon he is a calm cat, smart and loving who easily adapts to different lifestyles and personalities. They are very attached to their owners and enjoy their company., but they do not require special attention: they like to be caressed, but they are just as happy sitting next to their owner or supervising their actions. It is common for him to follow you around the house or wait patiently behind a closed door. On the other hand, he is much more suspicious of people he does not know.

Smart and close to its owner, the Maine Coon is a good candidate for training: armed with a healthy dose of patience and your favorite treats, it is quite possible to teach your cat tricks.

It also, coexistence with other cats and even with dogs is not a problem, as long as the latter are accustomed to cats. The Maine Coon it is also an ideal cat breed for children, since he adores them, He is very affectionate with them and enjoys playing with them. They are very playful and, even as adults, they will chase a ball or toys.

On the other hand, thanks to its dense and waterproof coat that protects it from inclement weather, It is a breed of cat that does not fear the cold, nor the humidity.

To much Maine Coon they are fascinated by water: perhaps a memory of his ancestors who traveled in New England fishing boats? No doubt aided by their waterproof coat, they like to lie on the floor of a still wet shower or touch the bath water with their curious paw. But, Most of the time, this attraction does not go further: to the Maine Coon does not particularly like swimming, and he is not one of those who follows his master in the bath or shower.

Last, meows very little or not at all, but it emits a high-pitched screech that is surprising for an animal of this size.

Grooming and caring for the "Maine Coon cat"

Despite having a dense and relatively long coat, the silky texture of the hair of the Maine Coon prevents excess tangling. But, it is recommended to brush the cat with a stainless steel comb weekly, to detangle hair and evenly distribute skin secretions.

A cat grooming rake (o peine) also useful for removing dead undercoat, which can cause tangles if it builds up. This tool should be used gently, especially in the belly, where the skin is most sensitive.

In any case, the Maine Coon she changes a lot, especially during the molting season (Fall and Spring). So, not recommended for people who want to have a perfectly clean interior at all times.

The underside of the tail should also be checked daily to make sure there is no residual droppings embedded in the coat.. If required, can be cleaned with a baby wipe. Many owners choose to cut their hair in this area to avoid this inconvenience..

Last, maintenance of your cat's ears is recommended every 2-3 weeks, checking that they are clean and infection-free. You should also brush your cat's teeth regularly to remove food debris and prevent tartar build-up.. Maintenance sessions are also an opportunity to check if your claws need to be trimmed.

Indoor or outdoor cat?

Maine Coon
Giants Challenge – Maine Coon America – Fabrizio NeitzkeFlickr

Despite its large size, the Maine Coon can live in a flat. Less inclined to vertical scanning than its peers, prefers to stay on the floor or on the sofa rather than climb up the curtains or furniture. Given its size, this is not necessarily a bad thing…

On the other hand, as soon as the opportunity presents itself, his hunting instinct is awakened and he chases mice and other small rodents without hesitation. It is especially known for its ability to hunt mice. In fact, coexistence with domestic rodents such as hamsters should be ruled out, guinea pigs or other small animals, since it will most likely end badly.

How much activity does he need? "Maine Coon cat"?

In general, the Maine Coon it is quite unproblematic in its maintenance. The cat may doze for 16 hours in a row without getting bored. But, even sleepy little ones need a helping of activity once in a while. Especially if they are kept indoors, regular exercise is essential.

When these clever cats (especially the males) they are bored, they come up with all kinds of nonsense. Games with a fishing rod, toy mice or balls next to their humans provide enough exercise. They also strengthen the bond between two-legged and four-legged friends..

If you don't have much time and you have to do other things apart, you can turn to intelligence toys for cats. Here, the Maine Coon can be occupied for a time under supervision. As one of the few breeds of cats, the Maine Coon they have some affinity for water and can also be wonderfully busy with a leaky faucet.

Health and nutrition

The Maine Coon it is rather a robust cat breed with strong health. But, there are some risks.

First of all, has a predisposition to feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Ho Chi Minh City), the most common form of heart disease in domestic cats, that usually affects adult cats. Since almost one in three individuals is a carrier of the gene, cardiac myosin-binding protein mutation screening recommended to reduce HCM risk, but not to remove it.

The risk of renal polyquistosis, a slowly progressive disease that can lead to fatal kidney failure, it is also more pronounced than in other breeds. It is advisable to learn about the health of the parents before adopting a kitten Maine Coon, since this disease is hereditary.

The spinal muscular atrophy, affecting the muscles of the trunk and limbs, is another genetic disease this cat is susceptible to. But, not deadly, and most affected individuals live comfortably for many years. There is a test to detect carrier specimens and affected kittens.

It also, like all big cat breeds, the Maine Coon are at increased risk of Hip Dysplasia. According to a study titled “Demographics of Hip Dysplasia in the Cat Maine Coon” Made in 2015 in the United States for the Orthopedic Fundation for Animals in more than 2.500 cats Maine Coon, the 24,9% of subjects had hip dysplasia. The prevalence is higher in males (27,3%) that in females (23,3%).

Some professionals believe that this epidemic of Dysplasia it is due to the fashion of cats Maine Coon giants at the end of the first decade of the 21st century. To meet the demand, many breeders of Maine Coons they tried to create larger and larger individuals by selecting the largest individuals for breeding, but also by providing them with a very high protein diet to promote rapid growth. The latter is dangerous for the joints.

It also, keep in mind that the Maine Coon has a very low reproduction rate, with litters limited to 2 or 3 kittens.

Life expectancy

9 to 15 years

Food

The Maine Coon behaves very well with industrial cat food, both dry and wet (cans and trays). But, whatever food is given, it is important to make sure it is of good quality and provides you with the items you need. So, should be high in protein, low carbohydrate content and less than 20% of fat, but it must also contain all the vitamins and nutrients that the cat cannot synthesize.

It is also possible to prepare your meals at home, for example with a BARF type diet consisting mainly of raw meat, organs and bones. In this case, it is essential to consult the vet to ensure that a diet is established that provides all the necessary nutrients and vitamins for the cat, and does not suffer from vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Except in special cases (cat disease or obesity), the cat Maine Coon self-regulates, so food and water must be available at all times. On the other hand, chlorine-rich water can damage the cat's kidneys and lead to kidney failure; if this is the case, it is therefore advisable to filter it or even prefer bottled water.

Maine Coon
Maine Coon reclining

For sale "Maine Coon cat"

The price varies according to the color of the fur, but generally a kitten Maine Coon female is sold for about 1400 to 1500 EUR, while a kitten Maine Coon male is more likely to sell for 1600 to 1800 EUR.

Interesting facts and curiosities

  • In 2012, “Hank the Cat” was about to reach the Senate of Virginia. Initially intended as a joke for an animal welfare campaign, the cat got a whopping of 7.319 votes, coming third in the election.
  • In the Harry Potter movies, la Sra. Norris, caretaker's cat Argus Filch, is represented by a Maine Coon red.
  • The tallest cat in the world, with 123 centimeters in length, was Stewie, a cat Maine Coon from Oregon. After his death to the 13 years, the cat Coonie Omar from Melbourne successfully took his place. With 1,20 meters long and 14 weight kg, He is currently the largest cat in the world and a true celebrity on the net.

Videos "Maine Coon cat"

The life of a Maine Coon cat breeder

Mr. ViVo | Most handsome Maine Coon cat in the world.

Alternative names:

Maine Coon
Female Maine coon smoke red van with minnow eyes – Alixia Pain-Brun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

  • Coon Cat
  • Maine Cat
  • Maine Shag
  • American Longhair
  • American Coon Cat
  • American Forest Cat
  • Gentle giants
  • Coonie
  • Maine coon
  • Mancoon
  • giant cat


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    Pixie-bob
    Federations: TICA, ACFA/CAA, CCA-AFC

    Even in america, the distribution of Pixie-bob is still limited, since the number of breeders does not exceed twenty.
    Photo: © Natalie Bent - Pixie-bob.info

    Content

    Characteristics "Pixie-bob"

    Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Pixie-bob" 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

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Activity level

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Friendliness to other pets

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Friendliness to children

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Grooming requirements

    2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Vocality

    3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Need for attention

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Affection towards its owners

    5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Docility

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Intelligence

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Independence

    2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Hardiness

    5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    History

    The origins of the Pixie-bob they are dyed with fantasy. There is a legend that it is the result of the mating between female domestic cat and male bobcat. This is surely due to the fact that the Pixie-bob looks like “Lynx“, but it has no foundation.

    What is known is that Carol Ann Brewer, a Washington state breeder, in the northwestern United States, was the creator of the race.

    In 1985, through a newspaper ad, adopted and appointed Keba, a male kitten that resembled a bobcat: large, with spots and with a short tail. The owners told him that the father was a bobcat (Lynx rufus).

    Carol Ann Brewer I already had a female, call Maggie, which had the same characteristics. Decided to pair them. In the resulting litter, a little kitten was born with features identical to those of her parents. He called Pixie.

    Pixie looked like a wild cat, but he was tame and he was loving. Carol Ann Brewer was delighted with this original mix and decided to breed it.

    He toured the Cascade Mountains and found 23 males with the same characteristics: short tail, spotted fur, short or long hair. Like this, had enough specimens to start breeding what he decided to call the Pixie-bob: Pixie in reference to the little cat from which all representatives of the breed descend, and Bob by “bobcat“, that means Lynx.

    Carol Ann Brewer He then gathered around him other breeders who were passionate about the cat and who wanted to contribute to its development.. He exercised strict control over his breeding work, so that together they managed to maintain both the wild appearance of the cat and its domestic temperament.

    In 1989 Carol Ann Brewer wrote the first rule for the Pixie-bob. She and her colleagues worked hard to get the International Cat Association (TICA) recognize the breed. One of the ways to do this was to silence the rumor that the animals were hybrids of the bobcat, that is to say, who descended from that species. They knew that it was highly unlikely that the official authorities would agree to register a hybrid cat. Thus, performed genetic tests on the different litters, who scientifically proved that there was no relationship between their cats and wild animals.

    In 1993, the organization took a decisive first step in allowing the Pixie-bob will be presented in exhibitions organized under the aegis of the organization, although unable to compete. In 1996, officially granted the Pixie-bob new breed status, and in 1998 the breed received full recognition, allowing your representatives to participate in contests.

    At the same time, the “Pixie-bob” began to spread internationally.

    This was the case, in particular, from France: a first copy was presented in 1997 in the Festival of the Gato de Pontoise. The reference body of the country, the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF), recognized the breed barely 5 years later, in 2002.

    Not everyone has done the same. These may include, the request for recognition made to the Cat Fanciers’Association (CFA) still not successful to this day, contrary to what happened in 2005 with the one carried out at American Cat Fanciers’ Association. In general, few official bodies have accepted the breed. These may include, not even Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé), neither him Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), not even Association Féline Canadienne (CCA), they have taken the step.

    Distribution of "Pixie-bob"

    Although the Pixie-bob began to be exported outside its country of origin in the years 90 (Canada, France, Italy, etc.), most of its population is still concentrated in the United States. It is still rare and little known abroad.

    Even in america, its distribution remains limited, since the number of breeders does not exceed twenty. in Canada, there are less than a dozen.

    In France, there are hardly more than a handful of breeders. The number of annual records of Pixie-bob in the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) around twenty between 2006 and 2008, and then drop to a dozen in the following years, before peaking again at 2018, with more than 30 births per year. In any case, whatever the time, records Pixie-bob shorthair are 2 to 3 times more than those of Pixie-bob longhair.

    The breed is also present in Belgium, but there are only a few breeders there.

    Physical characteristics

    Pixie-bob
    Pixie-Bob – Simone Johnsson from Curitiba, Brazil, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Pixie-bob is a long and powerful cat with a wild look.

    The body it is medium to large size, with strong bones and powerful muscles. The rib cage is broad and well developed. The shoulders are prominent and form a hole in the center, which gives the impression that the Pixie-bob roll when walking. Lower body has a belly pocket. The back forms a slight hollow that goes up to the hips, that are slightly taller than the shoulders.

    The tail must have at least 5 cm length, but must not extend beyond the hock when the leg is fully extended.

    The legs they are long and powerfully muscular, ending in feet large, wide and almost round. The latter have meaty fingers.

    Some individuals have a normally long tail or feet polydactyls. In France, the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) authorizes its registration and reproduction, but they cannot participate in contests organized under the auspices of the organization. The International Cat Association accepts the Pixie-bob with long tail, as long as the queue does not exceed more than 2 cm from hock when leg is extended, as well as those who are polydactyls (7 fingers maximum).

    The head of the Pixie-bob rests on a powerful and muscular neck. It is medium to large in size and has the original shape of an inverted pear.. The forehead is slightly rounded and ends in a slight stop.

    The ears they are medium in size and wide at the base, with rounded tip. Subtly leaning out, have feather-shaped tufts of hair at the tip, which gives them an air of resemblance to the Lynx.

    The eyes they are widely separated in the shape of a rectangular triangle and their color varies between gold and hazelnut. They are surrounded by a line of creamy white makeup that highlights their contours., and are topped by bushy eyebrows. The eyelids are quite heavy and cover a small part of the eyes, giving to Pixie-bob a slightly indolent and half-asleep appearance. It also, on each side, a black line runs from the outer corner of the eye to the cheek, which is prominent.

    The nose it is quite big and wide. It is also slightly arched, forming a small hump, and ends with a brick-colored nose.

    Last, the chin is well developed and covered with dense fur.

    The Pixie-bob it comes in two varieties, that are differentiated by the length of their fur – all other physical and mental characteristics are identical. There are individuals of shorthair and Longhair. On this last case, However, hair does not exceed 5 cm length.

    Both short-haired and long-haired cats have soft fur, woolly and dense, especially on the head, where it is thicker.

    The Pixie-bob is a tabby cat whose coat can only have a spotted tabby pattern, that is to say, is stained with small round spots, randomly distributed throughout the body. Undercoat is mouse gray, and the upper one is brown, or of all its lighter or darker shades. The belly contrasts with the rest of the body, as it is creamy white. The same goes for the chin and lower neck, which are lighter in color. On the other hand, the back of the legs, the pads and the tip of the tail are brownish-black or black.

    The fur mottled Pixie-bob changes with the seasons. In winter, the fur is very dense, allowing it to withstand very low temperatures. In summer, the coat is less dense and shorter, allowing the spot pattern to be seen. The molt takes place in spring and autumn.

    Last, regardless of the variety, there is a certain sexual dimorphism: the male is not much larger than the female, but it's heavier.

    Size and weight

    "Pixie-bob"

    Pixie Bob
    Pixie-Bob – Simone Johnsson from Curitiba, Brazil, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    • Size: 30 cm.
    • Male weight: Of 6 to 10 kg
    • female weight: 3 to 4 kg

    Breed standard

    The breed standards are documents produced by official bodies that list the conditions that a dog must meet. Pixie-bob to be fully recognized as belonging to the race:

    Varieties

    The Pixie-bob it comes in two varieties:

    • the Pixie Bob shorthair;
    • the Pixie Bob longhair.

    The only difference between them is the length of the hair.: their other physical characteristics are identical, like his temperament. But, the Pixie Bob shorthair it is more common than the long-haired.

    It also, although they are not considered varieties in the strict sense, there are both Pixie Bobs short-tailed (the majority) like those with a much longer tail. Both can be short or long hair.

    Character and skills

    Pixie-bob
    Pixie-bob

    The Pixie-bob it is a surprising and remarkable cat. In fact, its wild appearance could be misleading, but don't be fooled: this cat has an affectionate and docile character, which is even similar to that of a dog in many respects.

    In fact, this outgoing animal, affectionate and easy to carry is ideal for a family. Not an individual cat, but wait - and offer- affection to everyone around him on a daily basis. They like to be the center of family activities and participate in some way. A little talkative, does not hesitate to communicate to demonstrate, for example, that he needs to be caressed.

    You can even talk to strangers this way. In fact, the Pixie-bob he is not shy with strangers or guests who come into his house. On the other hand, he stays in the middle of all those people and wants to participate.

    If this cuddly feline enjoys cuddling up on the couch with his humans, it is because it is calm and relaxed by nature. A bit addicted to the couch sometimes, he likes the tranquility of his home and being surrounded by his family.

    They are able to cope with the excitement of the youngest: loving their company and showing infinite patience with them, without ever being aggressive, It is clearly a recommended breed of cat for children.

    But, the fact that it is a good company should not make us forget that a small child and a cat - whatever the breed- they should never be alone together, without adult supervision.

    The Pixie-bob is also sociable with other cats, dogs and even small animals like rodents and birds. In fact, tends to easily accept sharing their territory, especially if you have gotten used to it since childhood. But, if another animal enters the family circle when it is no longer a kitten, it is preferable to adapt gradually to minimize the risk of problems. In any case, if you are going to live under the same roof as a dog, it is better to choose a breed of dog that gets along well with cats and can live with them.

    Without being destructive, the Pixie-bob is playful, and sometimes even exuberant. So, need space. But, as long as it is a respectable size and its owners allow it to exercise, you can live both in a flat and in a house with a garden. On this last case, it is a good idea to install a cat flap, so you can come and go as you please, both inside and outside.

    Regardless of where your cat lives, it is possible to teach him to walk on a leash, especially if you start early enough. This is an interesting option if letting your cat roam freely is not possible or is too dangerous.. The Pixie-bob he also enjoys car rides, but care must be taken to ensure your safety and that of the occupants of the vehicle by placing it in a cat carrier. Either way, He is very fond of family walks and curious, enjoying observing their surroundings.

    When your owners can't take you with them, for example to work during the day, It's not too hard for him to face loneliness, as long as he feels safe at home and has interactive toys to keep him busy and stimulate his faculties. This prevents you from finding other objects to entertain yourself with., such as paper towels or toilet paper, that unwinds and grinds with infinite pleasure.

    He also likes to chase an object, bring it back and thus interact with the people around you, like a dog would. This can be an easy way to play with him at home.. His intelligence also allows him to learn little tricks and exercise his skills.

    like most of his peers, he also likes to climb, so a cat tree is also an essential investment. Last, to complete the package, a scratching post is essential so you can scratch all you want. You better meet this natural and compelling need in this item., than in the furniture or the curtains.

    Last, the Pixie-bob it is one of those rare breeds of cats that love water. A leaky faucet is a real source of fun for him: enjoy not only observing the phenomenon, but also playing with the dripping water, even staining in the sink to get wet. He also likes to jump in the bathtub if there is a bottom to play.

    Health

    Pixie-bob
    Young pixie-bob longhair – VanWagn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Pixie-bob It, in general, a healthy dog, which is a testament to the good work that breeders have been doing since the decade of 1980, especially to avoid inbreeding and the problems it causes.

    It also, their fur, very dense and waterproof, allows it to withstand quite cold temperatures and bad weather. On the other hand, makes you suffer from the heat when the mercury rises. So, it is more suitable for temperate or cold climates. In any case, if you live in a Mediterranean climate, for example, it is essential that you have an airy and shady place to rest in the cool of the sun, as well as fresh water at your disposal at all times.

    Despite your overall good health, the Pixie-bob It, like all races, more prone to certain ailments. In this case, is about:

    • cryptorchidism, which corresponds to the fact that one or two testicles have remained in the abdomen instead of descending into the sac. The animal must then be operated, since the genital gland that is left in the abdomen can become cancerous with age. It also, this prevents the cat from behaving like a non-neutered cat, that is to say, to run away and fight more. But, this condition is still very rare;
    • Dystocia, what is the difficulty to give birth. This may be due to an abnormal position of the fetus., to an excessive weight of the same or to an insufficient dilation or diameter of the pelvic canal. If the cat has more than 12 hours with contractions and they are not effective and, Therefore, has not started to give birth, it is urgent to call the vet. In most cases, the vet performs a cesarean section and then advises neutering the animal, so as not to endanger her life again with another pregnancy.

    It also, the Pixie-bob has a tendency to overweight, yes no to obesity. This has consequences for the state of the Pixie-bob: can both aggravate pre-existing health problems and cause new ones to appear.

    In any case, the fact that this cat is generally in good health does not mean that you should not turn to a serious breeder of Pixie-bob to have the best chance of having a healthy and well-adapted feline. In effect, a professional worthy of the name goes out of his way not only to socialize kittens from their first weeks, but also to rule out any hereditary disease by having various genetic tests performed on the proposed reproducers and excluding those who present a risk. It also, does not hesitate to carry out several tests on the kittens to confirm their good health. So, can provide the results of the various tests, in addition to a certificate of good health drawn up by a veterinarian and a list of the vaccinations received by the kitten, registered in your health or vaccination card.

    Once the adoption is done, it is the owner's responsibility to take care of his partner's health throughout his life. As such, it is essential to carry out a complete health check-up at the vet at least once a year, and even more when the dog gets older. In this way, the professional has the opportunity to diagnose as soon as possible any problems that are not yet visible, to be able to treat it in the best conditions. These regular visits are also an opportunity to remember the cat's vaccinations..

    So that the cat is always protected, the owner must make sure to renew the antiparasitic treatments throughout the year, whenever necessary. This applies even to indoor pets.: even if they are less exposed to the risk of parasites, they are not completely safe.

    Grooming

    "Pixie-bob"

    Pixie Bob
    Pixie-Bob Female puppy, long tail, short coat, active and very playful – Flickr

    The maintenance needs of the Pixie-bob depend on the length of their dense, woolly fur, especially when molting in spring and fall.

    In the case of a long-haired cat, brushing twice a week is necessary to remove dead hairs. during moulting periods, in spring and autumn, a quick daily brushing is necessary.

    For the Pixie-bob shorthair, brushing once a week is enough, except during the molting period, when it is better to brush twice a week.

    Regardless of the length of your hair, you also need to check and clean your ears weekly. This prevents moisture or dirt from accumulating and becoming infected.

    You should also take the opportunity to examine the eyes. If required, a damp cloth should be rubbed in the corner of the eyes to remove dirt and prevent possible infection.

    Neither should you neglect the maintenance of the cat's teeth, as it can cause the accumulation of dental plaque, which can cause more or less serious diseases if it turns into tartar. Brushing at least once a week with cat toothpaste is the best way to prevent plaque buildup., but it is best to brush more often, or even daily.

    It is also a good idea to check your nails every month.. If you have access to the outside, natural wear and tear should be enough to file them down, but it is still essential to check that they are not too long. Yes they are, manual trimming is essential to prevent them from getting in the way, break or even injure the dog. For an individual living in a flat, this should generally be done once a month, even if it has a scratching post.

    Maintaining a Pixie-bob not particularly complex. But, either its fur, his ears, his eyes, their teeth or claws, the different steps are not always easy to follow: do not hesitate to ask a specialist for help the first time. In effect, learning them from a veterinarian or professional cat groomer allows you to be effective and not risk harming your pet, or even injure her.

    It also, as soon as the proper gestures are mastered, grooming sessions can be privileged moments between the master and his partner, especially because Pixie-bob loves to receive attention and caresses. The sooner you get used to it, more easily accept it and even ask for more.

    feeding

    Like all its fellow men, the Pixie-bob requires a diet perfectly adapted to your nutritional needs, both in terms of quality and quantity. The latter depend mainly on your age, activity level and health status.

    Your daily rations must be rigorously defined, since he has an unfortunate tendency to be overweight. For this reason, unlike most cats, it is better to accustom him to fixed meals instead of leaving him food all day, since he is not able to regulate his own intake.

    Good quality industrial food can be quite suitable to feed you. But, unless you are sure it meets your needs, you should avoid offering food intended for humans. Especially since giving leftovers can cause tension and damage the relationship with its owner. They may come to see this as a habit or even an obligation., and they will stubbornly demand it, meowing and expressing their discontent if they don't get it. It also, a cat needs a diet that varies little: any sudden change in your diet can alter your digestion. Last, remember that some foods that are very tasty for humans are toxic to cats.

    The owner must always check the weight of his cat every month, but this is even more important for the Pixie-bob, given its tendency to obesity. In case a slip is confirmed or even accentuated in the following measurements, a visit to the vet is essential to see more clearly and know how to remedy the problem. In fact, only a professional can make a reliable diagnosis, as the weight gain may not be related to the diet or activity level of the animal: It can be, for example, a side effect of a medication or a symptom of a disease.

    Last, as in the case of any other cat, it is important to keep fresh water available to your Pixie-bob at all times.

    For sale "Pixie-bob"

    The price of a kitten Pixie-bob usually oscillates between 900 and 1500 EUR.

    In all countries, the amount required to adopt a Pixie-bob differs based on the reputation of the kennel, of the lineage from which the animal is descended and, of course, its intrinsic characteristics, especially physical. This last point explains why there are significant price differences within a litter..

    Pixie Bobs

    How to care for a Pixiebob cat Updated 2021 || Pixie bob cat kittens

    ▷ The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians

    Somali cat
    Federations: LOOF, CFA, ACF, ACFA, TICA, FIFé, WCF

    Content

    Characteristics "Somali cat"

    Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Somali 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 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Activity level

    5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Friendliness to other pets

    3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Friendliness to children

    2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Grooming requirements

    3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Vocality

    1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Need for attention

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Affection towards its owners

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Docility

    1.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Intelligence

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Independence

    3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Hardiness

    2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    History

    No one knows for sure when and where the first somali cat; some advocates think that the long coat was a spontaneous natural mutation of the Abyssinian cat. Genetic studies indicate, However, that Somali probably originated around the turn of the century in England, when breeders, few breeders, they used longhair cats in their breeding programs Abyssinians.

    At the end of the decade 1910 and at the end of the decade of 1940, during the aftermath of World Wars I and II, when so many races had dwindled to near extinction, breeders were forced to mix other breeds into their bloodlines abisinias to keep the race. Raby Chuffa of Selene, a Abyssinian cat male who came to the United States from Great Britain in 1953, and that appears in the pedigrees of many Abyssinians, is considered the father of the somali race on this continent; all the somalis Canadians and Americans can be traced to this cat.

    Somali cat
    somali cat, female – FinnFrode, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The pedigree of Raby Chuffa It dates back to Roverdale Purrkins, a female Abyssinian cat English whose mother, Mrs. Mews, was of unknown ancestry and probably carried the gene for Longhair. Mrs. Mews was given to the breeder Janet Robertson by a sailor during WWII. Mrs. Mews later had two kittens: Roverdale Purrkins, registered as Abyssinian, and an unregistered black male.

    Robertson used to Purrkins to start his kennel of Roverdale. Your cats and others Abyssinians of British origin were exported to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and United States. When long-haired kittens appeared in the litters of Abyssinians (which was possible whenever two Abyssinians who carried the longhair recessive gene), the kittens were discreetly given away, since no breeder wanted their Abyssinian lines to be thought to be “contaminated” with the longhair gene.

    It was not until the decade of 1960 when breeders, seeing the appeal of a longhair version of a breed that was rapidly gaining popularity in North America, they began to seriously try to turn these castaways into a race of their own. At the same time, breeders of Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand also began working with the new breed. Some breeders of Abyssinians they wanted nothing to do with these long-haired hipsters and they didn't want to further the connection that the name “longhair abyssinian” would produce.

    the Abyssinian breeder Evelyn Mague, one of the first American breeders to work with the long haired breed after discovering that two of his Abyssinians, Lynn-Lee’s Lord Dublin and Lo-Mi-R’s Trill-By, they were carriers of the long hair gene.

    He came up with the name “Somali” because somalia borders ethiopia, the country that used to be called Abyssinia and that gave its name to the Abyssinian cat. In 1972, Mague founded the Somali Cat Club of America and began to gather the enthusiasts of the somalis.

    In 1975, the International Somali Cat Club was founded, affiliated with the CFA. La CFA. recognized the breed in 1978. Lynn Lee’s Picasso and Lynn Lee’s Pearl, two somalis from the hatchery of E. Mague, arrived in France in 1979. The FIFe approved the breed in 1982.

    This cat is very popular with a growing audience.

    Physical characteristics

    "Somali cat"

    Gato Somali
    Picture of a ruddy Somali cat – AbuDun91919, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The complexion of the Somali cat It is similar to the race it comes from, with long legs and agile and muscular body. Long hair may have up to twelve alternate stripes of dark marks in each hair, What produces an impressive brightness when the cat has all the fur. As all cats, silent substantially in spring, and in the year's hottest months or in warm climates, It may seem almost of short hair. With its winter coat, the tail becomes very hairy, and thanks to its color and complexion it has earned the nickname "fox cat".

    Size and weight

    • Size: 30 cm.
    • Weight: 3,5 to 5,5 kg

    Breed standard

    The breed standards are documents established by official bodies that list the conditions that a dog must meet. Somali cat to be fully recognized as belonging to the race:

    BODY

    Medium long torso, agile and elegant, showing well-developed muscle strength. The rib cage is rounded; the back is slightly arched, giving the appearance of a cat about to jump; flank is level, without it being collected. The conformation falls somewhere between the extremes of the elongated and slender types.

    HEAD

    Modified wedge, slightly rounded, without blueprints; the eyebrows, cheeks and profile lines show a smooth contour. A slight lift from the bridge of the nose to the forehead, which should be of a good size with a width between the ears that flows into the arched neck without interruption. The muzzle should follow a smooth contour in accordance with the skull, seen from the front profile. The chin must be complete, neither lower nor higher, with a rounded appearance. The muzzle should not be very pointed, and there should be no evidence of a bite, rash or pinch on whiskers.

    EARS

    Large, alerts, moderately pointed, wide and hollowed out at the base. The ears should be placed in a line towards the back of the skull. The inner ear should have horizontal strands that reach almost to the other side of the ear.; it is desirable that there are tufts.

    EYES

    Almond-shaped, large, bright and expressive. Skull opening not round or oriental. Eyes accentuated by dark skin on the eyelid surrounded by a light-colored area. On each of them a short dark vertical stroke with a dark pencil line that continues from the upper eyelid to the ear. The color of the eyes is gold or green, the richer and deeper the color, best.

    LEGS & PAWS

    Legs in proportion to the torso; oval and compact feet. When it is stopped, the Somali gives the impression of being agile and fast. Toes five in the front and four in the back.

    TAIL

    With a full brush, thick at the base and slightly tapered. Its length is balanced with the torso.

    COAT

    Very soft texture to the touch, extremely thin and double-layered. The denser the fur, best. Length: a medium length cloak, except on the shoulders, where slightly shorter length is allowed.

    COLOR

    Ruddy, red, blue and tawny. Warm and glowing.

    • Ticking: distinct and uniform, with dark colored bands contrasting with lighter colored bands on the hair shafts. Undercoat color is clear and bright relative to skin. Deeper color tones are desired, However, ticking intensity should not be sacrificed for color depth. Preference is given to cats without markings on the underparts, chest and legs; tail without rings.
    • Markings: darker shading along spine continuing to tip of tail; darker shading on the hocks, shading is allowed at the tip of the elbow; dark lines extending from the eyes and eyebrows, shading on cheekbones, dots and shading on whisker pads are desirable enhancements, eyes accentuated by a fine dark line, surrounded by a light colored area.

    Character and skills

    Under his apparent shyness, he is an intelligent cat and sometimes capable of being bold. Very alert, lively and active, it is not exuberant. He is a lovely companion, whose behavior is often compared to that of a little fox.

    Tender and very affectionate, demands a lot of attention, but is said to be less possessive than the Abyssinian cat. Although he is somewhat afraid of the cold, Somali do not tolerate confinement and, Therefore, he does not like life on the flat very much. As a great hunter, a garden is better for him than a flat.

    Grooming

    The maintenance of its coat only requires a weekly brushing. During the molting period, must be brushed daily.

    Videos "Somali cat"

    httpv://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=NraQzF2–VI

    Muffin - The Somali Cat - My daily grooming

    Alternative names:

  • Fox cat; long-haired Abyssinian
  • ▷ The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians

    Minuet cat (Napoleon)
    Federations: TICA

    As often happens with new breeds of cats, the fame of Minuet is essentially limited to your country of origin, United States.
    Minuet
    Long-haired minuet cat with white and gray fur – William Parker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Content

    Characteristics "Minuet cat (Napoleon)"

    Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Minuet cat (Napoleon)" 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 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Activity level

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Friendliness to other pets

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Friendliness to children

    5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Grooming requirements

    3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Vocality

    3.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Need for attention

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Affection towards its owners

    5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Docility

    5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Intelligence

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Independence

    2.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    Hardiness

    4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

    History

    The Minuet cat or Napoleon It is a recent breed of cat originally from the United States.

    A fine June day 1995, Joseph Smith, an American breeder of Basset hounds, came across a photo of a Munchkin cat and an article in the Wall Street Journal about this cat, also known as basset cat. He was immediately drawn to the breed and its distinctive features: short legs (as the Basset hound that he was raising), round and expressive eyes, and the absence of a stop in the nose. He noticed that individuals with long legs that did not conform to the breed standard looked like feral cats.

    He decided then to create an original breed of cats, including both short-legged and long-legged individuals, being the length of the legs the only difference between both. The first would be the only ones strictly in accordance with the breed standard, but the latter would be kept for use in the breeding program.

    Turned to her friend Deb Kenny, creator of persian cats, who decided to help him in his research and over time became his mentor as his project progressed.

    The two enthusiasts were first interested in the gene for short legs. This is the dominant genre, call M of Munchkin, is a spontaneous genetic mutation. But, an individual who inherits an allele M of each of his parents, that is to say, What is it homozygous for this gene, it is not viable. So, it is not a question of raising two short-legged individuals, since otherwise you will have a litter in which, average, half of the individuals are not viable. The only way to obtain viable short-legged cats is to breed a short-legged individual (a Munchkin) with a long-legged individual. In this way, all kittens are viable: the 50% of them have short legs (are heterozygous in the gene M), and the 50% have normal-sized legs (are homozygous in the gene for long legs).

    Joseph Smith y Deb Kenny They then dedicated themselves to selecting the breeds with which they would cross the Munchkin. His choices were:

    The choice of these races was intended to give the Minuet a rounded overall appearance, a coat with all possible colors (colourpoint or not), and legs that can be both short and long. It also, the exclusion of the possibility of crossing with the Peke Face Persian (flattened nose) allowed to avoid the respiratory problems inherent in this variety.

    The breeding program started in 1996 when Joseph Smith bought a female Munchkin (whose grandmother was Persian) to Penny Squires of Penhaven Munchkin Cattery and Deb Kenny provided him with a male of Exotic shorthair cat. The following year they reproduced and gave birth to their first litter. The initiative was successful, since the kittens obtained had the desired characteristics.

    They called the new breed Napoleon, in reference to the first French emperor, and more specifically its small size.

    Breed recognition

    Minuet
    A long-haired white and gray hair minuet cat – Parkerwh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    The Minuet cat (Napoleon) inherited the controversies of the Munchkin and of the Persians.

    In fact, since its creation in the United States in the decade of 1980, the Munchkin cat has been the subject of numerous disputes. In fact, Both breeders and some official bodies considered that raising a breed with a physical malformation (short legs) it was unethical.

    With regard to the Persian, was beginning to be criticized, especially since the then recent appearance of the varieties Himalayan cat and Exotic shorthair. Not to mention the Traditional Persian catPeke Face“, that had already appeared in the 30s… In effect, your flattened face and flattened nose cause breathing problems, while her bulging eyes are the source of tear duct problems. Remember that Joseph Smith was careful not to introduce any Traditional Persian catPeke Face” in your breeding program, precisely to prevent the Napoleon cat suffer those problems.

    In these conditions, it is easy to understand that the recognition of Minuet cat (Napoleon) by the different feline organizations, whether international or national, it was not a bed of roses.

    Joseph Smith and Deb Kenny they then received the help of important support, in the person of Gloria Stephens, judge of the International Cat Association (TICA) and Solveig Pflueger, president of the organization's genetics committee.

    The former helped them draft the breed standard, while the latter defended it internally. His efforts paid off in 2011, when the TICA recognized the breed provisionally. But, in 2015, TICA decided to change the name to Minuet, much more consensual. In fact, the reference to the French emperor could be considered an insult, although it was indeed small. The following year, the breed obtained the full recognition of the TICA, so their representatives were able to compete in the feline exhibitions organized under the auspices of the organization.

    It could be that the latter emulates in the coming years, but at the moment neither the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé), not even World Cat Federation (WCF), have taken the step in turn. The benchmark feline organization in the United States, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), does not recognize the Minuet, nor do the national organizations of other countries: the Canadian Cat Association (CCA), the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) British, the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) French… I.e., much work remains to be done to get people to talk about Minuet cat around the world.

    Popularity of "Minuet cat (Napoleon)"

    As often happens with new breeds of cats, the fame of Minuet is essentially limited to your country of origin, United States. even there, this knowledge is relative, although its recognition by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2016 has obviously given you some visibility. Of course, things could speed up if other organizations followed suit.

    In the meantime, there are about twenty breeders of Minuet in United States, but the breed has also started to spread a bit in other countries.

    There are a handful of breeders in Australia, South Africa and France.

    Physical characteristics

    Minuet cat (Napoleon)
    Minuet cat (Napoleon)

    The Minuet cat It is a breed of cat of the short-lived type (o cobby) distinguished by its short legs, inherited from Munchkin cat. Otherwise, owes most of its physical characteristics to the Persian, starting with its general anatomy all round (body, head, ears, eyes…).
    Built around a wide rib cage, his body is muscular and has a strong bone structure, with firm shoulders and hips. The tail it is medium in size and bushy. If the cat has a long coat, the hair he has is similar to that of feathers.

    The legs they are muscular and short; the front ones are even shorter than the rear ones. May have a slight curve on the inside. The feet They are round, and in long-haired dogs they have tufts of hair.

    The head rests on a short, strong neck and is small and wide. The head contour is completely round from all angles. The cheeks they are round and full, without being rounded. The nose is wide and moderately short, without being crushed. The eyes they are big, well rounded and have a soft and soulful expression. They can be of any color, and some subjects have them vairones (one eye of each color). The ears they are small to medium in size, widely spaced and rounded at the tip.

    The Minuet it comes in two varieties, with shorthair cats and longhair cats. The only difference is the length of the fur, and both have a very dense undercoat.

    On the other hand, regardless of length, the coat is soft and silky. It also, all the colors and patterns are accepted by the breed standard.

    Last, this breed is characterized by the almost absence of sexual dimorphism: males and females are nearly identical in size.

    Also keep in mind that, although officially they are only considered Minuets short-legged individuals, litters also include an average of long-legged individuals. Apart from this difference, they are identical in everything to their brothers and sisters. Its existence is essential for the survival of the race, since reproduction between two short-legged individuals is not possible: a good fraction of the individuals simply would not be viable. So, a short-legged individual can only reproduce with a long-legged individual.

    Breed standard

    The breed standards are documents produced by official bodies that list the conditions that a dog must meet. Minuet cat to be fully recognized as belonging to the race:

    Varieties:

    The Minuet comes in 2 varieties:

    • the Minuet shorthair and short legs;
    • the Minuet longhair and short legs.

    Apart from the length of its fur, there is nothing that distinguishes one from the other, neither in appearance nor in temperament.

    On average, litters also contain kittens with half long legs, that can also be short or long hair. They are not recognized as Minuets for its long legs, but they are absolutely essential for breeding programs. In fact, two short-legged cats cannot breed together, since some of her kittens would be homozygous for the short leg gene and, Therefore, they would not be viable. In any case, apart from the length of its legs, these cats have exactly the same characteristics as those with short legs.

    Character and skills

    "Minuet cat (Napoleon)"

    Gato Minuet (Napoleón)
    Minuet cat (Napoleon)

    The Minuet cat has inherited the calm and kindness of his ancestor the Persian cat, but also the energy and curiosity of his other ancestor the Munchkin cat.

    It is a very affectionate cat, who knows how to make his family happy. This is especially true of children.: as soon as they are old enough to know how to treat an animal with delicacy and respect, they find in him an enthusiastic playmate, and vice versa. But, even if it's not aggressive at all, should never be left alone with a small child, and this is applicable to any race.

    But, they are still one-person cats, which means they have their own person, usually the person who spends the most time caring for them. He is very possessive of her, follows her around and doesn't miss the opportunity to snuggle with her or sit on her lap.

    But, the fact that your relationship with a person is special should not hide that you are very sociable and get along well with all members of the family. In fact, it is ideal for him to have a human presence by his side almost all the time, since he is very reluctant to be alone. So, they are not suitable for people who are away from home most of the day, that it would be better if they chose an independent cat breed.

    On the other hand, his fondness for humans is not limited to those he knows. Sociable and confident, do not mistrust strangers, and they even approach them to be caressed. You have to be careful so that this is not counterproductive on occasion.

    His sociability also extends to his peers. Usually, they get along well with other cats in the same house, as long as, of course, don't be aggressive with them. This company can also help you better cope with the temporary absences of your masters.

    They are also among the cat breeds that get along well with a dog., as long as, of course, they themselves be friends with cats. But, if the cat is not used to living with the canine species from an early age, introductions and coexistence should be done very gradually.

    Regarding coexistence with birds and small rodents, being the Napoleon cat peaceful in nature, everything is generally fine, as long as everyone has their own space.

    Last, the Minuet he is very active and playful. Toys for cats that stimulate their intelligence are a good way to stimulate them both physically and mentally, as you tend to be a bit lazy and sleepy if you have nothing to do. In any case, its high level of activity does not make it incompatible with life in a flat, to which he is perfectly capable of adapting if his master does not live in a house with a garden.

    It is also very curious, and does not hesitate to make up for its small size by standing on its hindquarters, how does one “Suricata“, to better observe in height. It also, although their legs are short, is able to jump on a chair, a bed or a low cabinet. But, better get him a cat tree that fits his size, otherwise you will not be able to fully enjoy it.

    Health

    "Minuet cat (Napoleon)"

    Gato Minuet (Napoleón)
    Minuet cat (Napoleon)

    As the Minuet cat it is of recent creation, there is still no information about it, but seems to be in solid health.

    It is able to adapt to all climates. But, in hot weather, it is important to ensure that you always have shade and fresh water at your disposal.

    It is not surprising that the diseases to which he is predisposed are those of his ancestors. Persians and Munckin:

    • waterfalls, that cause degeneration of the lens of the eye and, long-term, the blindness. If the retina is not affected, the animal can be operated on to regain sight;
    • The renal polyquistosis, a hereditary genetic disease that also affects the Persian cat and to the Himalayan cat, and for which there is no treatment. Leads to cysts in the kidneys and leads to life-threatening kidney failure;
    • The feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can be inherited and causes the myocardium to become abnormally large. It is often asymptomatic, but puts the animal at risk of sudden death. But, can sometimes manifest with a rapid heart rate, vomiting and listlessness. There's no cure, but there are treatments that can improve the daily life of the cat;
    • The lordosis, a genetic deformation that causes excessive curvature of the spine. May cause pain with age;
    • The had, a skin condition caused by a fungus, it is highly contagious and can be transmitted to humans as well as other animals. The most important symptom is the appearance of scaly lesions with hair loss on the skin or at the base of the claws., without the animal frantically scratching.

    As in the case of any race, it is best to go to a breeder of Minuet conscientious to maximize the chances of adopting a healthy kitten. They must be able to provide a veterinary certificate of good health, details of vaccinations administered and the results of any genetic tests performed on the parents or kitten, to reduce the risk of inherited diseases.

    It also, like any other breed of cat, the Minuet you should not miss your review with the vet, that must be done at least once a year. In addition to allowing the professional to check its general condition and detect any problem as soon as possible, it may also be the occasion to carry out your vaccination booster.

    Another rule of thumb to keep your cat healthy is to make sure his worm protection is up to date.. So, it is up to the owner to renew it throughout the year, whenever necessary.

    Grooming

    The Minuet Cat's coat requires different care depending on whether it is short-haired or long-haired.. In the first case, one brushing a week is enough. In the second case, of 4 to 5 brushed is not too much.

    During your annual molt, in spring, it is better in both cases to do a small daily brushing, to help you get rid of dead hairs. This avoids excessively long sessions at less regular intervals, to which I might be reluctant.

    In any case, it's a good idea to start the session with a wide-toothed comb and finish with a wide-bristled backcombing brush.

    Queue can be a problem, since knots are easily formed – especially in long-haired dogs, knots are easily formed. It is useless to insist if they do not unravel: it is better to cut above the knot.

    It's also important to take a few minutes once a week to clean your cat's eyes with a damp cloth.. This is also an opportunity to check that there are no injuries to the eyes., and they are not beginning to be covered by an opaque veil, a sign of cataracts, to which this breed is prone.

    It is also very important to clean their ears with a damp cloth once a week to avoid infections. (otitis, etc.).

    You also need to brush your teeth regularly, using a cat-friendly toothpaste each time. This will prevent tartar build-up., that not only can cause bad breath in cats, it can also be the cause of more or less serious diseases. If your cat is used to daily grooming sessions, it is best to use them to brush your teeth every day. In any case, it is better to avoid doing it less than once a week.

    It is also important to check the length of your nails every month to prevent them from being too long.: they could not only hinder, but also break and potentially injure yourself. If you have access to the outside, natural wear and tear is usually enough to file them down. But, if you do not have access to the outside, it is usually necessary to cut them manually. By the way, if you live in a flat, it is essential that you have a scratching post at your disposal. Otherwise, be tempted to scratch furniture or curtains.

    Every owner must master the necessary gestures for the maintenance of the coat, the eyes, the ears, the teeth and claws of his companion. The first time, it is advisable to learn how to do it with a veterinarian or a professional groomer, because inappropriate gestures could injure or even harm the animal.

    In any case, You should not hesitate to start quickly after the cat arrives at your home.. In fact, the sooner a cat gets used to being handled, more easily accept different treatments. In fact, as long as the owner knows how to do it and does not hesitate to rate them with caresses and small attentions, these maintenance sessions can become privileged moments with your animal, so close to his humans.

    Food

    Like all other races, the Minuet you need a quality diet appropriate to your age and activity level to make sure you get all the nutrients you need.

    It also, although the breed is not prone to obesity, you need to monitor your weight at least once a month. In case of an unjustified weight gain that is confirmed or even accentuated in the following measurements, it is essential to go to a vet. Only a professional can diagnose the origin of the problem (improper diet, drug intolerance, disease, etc.) and indicate how to remedy it.

    The same happens if the little feline loses weight abnormally.; this may be a symptom of polycystic kidney disease, to which you are predisposed.

    Last, like any cat, the Minuet you need fresh water at all times.

    For sale "Minuet cat (Napoleon)"

    The Minuet It is a very recent and not very common breed of cat.. Thus, outside your country of origin, United States, can be difficult to get one, or at least need to wait many months on the waiting list.

    In any case, the price of a kitten Minuet often haunt them 1200 EUR.

    whatever the country, the price depends on the reputation of the breeder, of the lineage from which the animal comes, but also and above all its intrinsic characteristics; It is this last point that explains why different quantities can be given within the same litter..

    In the case of a purchase abroad, It must be taken into account that transport costs and administrative costs are added to the purchase price. It also, we must respect, of course, legislation on the importation of animals.

    Kittens - Minuet kittens and mum

    Sweet Minuet Cat Shirasu : Minuet cat

    Alternative names:

  • Napoleon