Check out these links to get to a certain breed fast and easy! Currently, 38 breeds are depicted!
These breed profiles most closely conform to CFA or TICA standards.
Wonder what breed your cat is? Read the article "What Breed is My Cat?" to find out the truth!
These breed profiles most closely conform to CFA or TICA standards.
Wonder what breed your cat is? Read the article "What Breed is My Cat?" to find out the truth!
The Abyssinian is said to have originated in India and it was also portrayed by the Egyptians. It is seen in four colors- ruddy (the original pattern), red, blue, and fawn. It has a two-toned or ticked coat. A ticked coat has light and dark bands that alternate around each hair with the tips always being dark. The coat is very easily manageable because of its silkiness. Abyssinians' eyes should be green, amber, or hazel in color. These cats are highly active and athletic, as well as social and intelligent. The cat's relative is the Somali, which is basically the semi-longhaired version of the Abyssinian.
Adorable American Bobtail
The American Bobtail, seen in both long and short hair, normally has a spotted or ticked, brown tabby pattern. All colors and patterns are seen however, including points with or without markings. The coat does not mat easily, whether long or short. The big help to distinguishing this breed is the tail. The tail is short, being between one and six inches long. The cat also has an athletic build, with the back legs a little higher than the front legs. It is great with people including kids. Because of its attentiveness, it masters tricks easily. Many people describe it as being dog-like in its loyalty and ability to do tricks. It is a newer cat breed, being developed in the 1970s in America.
Abnormal American Curl
This unusual breed of cat is easily recognized by the distinct curling back of its ears to as far as a 90 degree angle. It takes a kitten's ears seven days to begin to curl. The first American Curl was a longhaired female cat who passed on the trait to two of her children. The shorthaired version of the American Curl was resulted by breeding an American Curl and a shorthaired cat. Now both short and semi-longhairs are available, along with every color and pattern available in cats.
Awesome American Shorthair
The American Shorthair, shown in almost every color and pattern, looks like your typical, average house cat. But these cats have a distinct look and temperament of their own. The cat itself is slightly longer than tall, and the face should have full cheeks with an open expression. The coat is basically maintenance free, but brushing several times a week helps it look its best. Although sometimes bathing the cat is necessary, bathing any shorthaired cat more than once every six weeks can dry its skin out. These cats are known for being gentle as well as avid lovers, purring freely. They also are easy going and blend well with any household. This breed descended from cats brought to North America by the Europeans. Originally called simply the domestic shorthair, its named was officially change in 1966. It is now a popular breed.
Atypical American Wirehair
This is another queer cat breed. The American Wirehair's coat, accepted in all colors and patterns seen in cats, is harsh and springy with even the whiskers being crinkled. Every single guard hair of the cat is crinkled, making the coat feel like lamb's wool. If the coat gets wet, it may take as long as three days to regain it's springiness. Another distinguishing feature is their prominent cheekbones. This breed originated in New York in 1967 and is basically unknown outside of the United States.
The Balinese, a cross between a Siamese and an Angora, with beautiful semi-long hair and stylish Siamese points is definitely a beautiful breed. The traditional colors of the points are seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac. It has a tubular, oriental type build with a triangular shaped head and broad ears. It also has a distinct plume-like tails. The Balinese is extremely intelligent as well as very affectionate and vocal. Although this cat was originally called simply the longhaired Siamese, since that's basically what it what, it became a separate breed of its own. Two Siamese breeders decided to start breeding longhaired Siamese cats, and named them Balinese, because they thought the breed was as elegant as a Balinese dancer. There is another breed called the Javanese that looks exactly like the Balinese, except with the point colors of red, cream, lynx, and bi-color.
The Bengal is a very beautiful and active cat who does not mind water. This cat is a cross between a domestic cat and an Asian Leopard cat. It can weigh up to 20 pounds. A Bengal's coat is exquisite with spots, rosettes, or a marble pattern on a luxurious and dense coat. Their coat is totally covered with spots including their paws. The most popular Bengals have spots of two colors (ex. brown spots surrounded by lighter brown) on a cream background. The Bengal is known for being confident, curious, intelligent and friendly. It also has a high energy level and is very talkative. Often, these cats are compared to being dog-like. Year after year, this breed has been voted the most popular breed by The International Cat Association.
The Birman is a semi-longhaired cat that was said to have been kept in Buddhist temples and is known as the "sacred cat of Burma." It has symmetrical "gloves" that cover the Birman's front paws which are always white. White fur also goes up the back legs. While the standard is a mostly white cat with a wide range of colors for points, the original pattern of the Burmese was the Seal point. All Birmans have sapphire blue eyes. They have a friendly and affectionate nature, and are known for being neither too active, nor too laid back.
As the title says, the Bombay always has a jet-black coat with gold or copper eyes resulting in looking surprisingly like a miniature black panther. Their fur feels like pure silk. These cats love to be cuddled and are known as "instant lap cats." They don't mind indoor life or dogs. Bombays purr loudly and some like to follow their owners around. They are extremely affectionate, as well as smart and agile. Bombays are named after the city in India where black panthers are known to be found.
Burly British Shorthair
The British Shorthair, looking somewhat like a Persian cat in the face, is a sturdy breed with well-rounded features. It is most popular in blue, although almost every color and pattern is seen, and copper colored eyes are seen on most cats. It has a short, full coat that feels very soft and is easy to groom. They also have a compact body with round cheeks and thick jowls especially noticeably in the males. They are rather large cats with plenty of power. These cats do well with children or other pets, and quiet, good-natured cats. They love to be with their owners, and are often known as a teddy bear that purrs. It is also said that this breed has a special "Cheshire grin." The British Shorthair, often called Brits, is one of the oldest breeds, having participated in the first cat show at the Crystal Palace of London in 1871 where it won Best in Show.
The Burmilla, a rather new breed, is a cross between a Burmese and the Chinchilla variety of the Persian breed. This husky cat,seen in both long and short hair, is part of the Asian group of cats and looks like a Burmese with the tipping and outlining of the Chinchilla. It combines the best of both breeds in appearance and temperament. It's coat can be tipped by several colors such as black, blue, chocolate, lilac, red, caramel, apricot, and cream, as well as several tortie points and the Burmese version of these colors. The nose and paw pads should be brick red with large amber or green eyes. A noticeable "M" marking as seen on tabbies should be seen on the forehead of the Burmilla. This cat is dignified like the Persian, but also inquisitive. It is very docile and kitten-like as well, revealing its Burmese relation. Although this breed is well-known in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, the United States has just recently in 2011 accepted this wonderful breed for showing.
The Burmese cat is the result of mating a Siamese cat and brown cat from Burma. It comes in four basic colors: brown, chocolate, blue, and lilac. The colors are darker on the face, paws, and tail. The eyes are ususally golden in color. It has a playful, affectionate, and intelligent personality. It's also very outgoing and demands much attention. These cats are best suited for someone who has time to interact with them. They can also manage well with other pets including both other cats and dogs.
The Chartreux is a sweet, European breed with its coat being a blue-gray shade with silver tips off-set by bright orange eyes. The coat is very dense with a thick undercoat, but no special grooming is required. It is heavyset, but built lighter than its look-alike, the British shorthair. It is also known of having a sweet expression that mirrors its personality. This breed does well in almost any household, and may form strong bonds with specific humans. The Chartreux is known for leading a lifestyle consisting of short bursts of energy, followed by complete laziness. One of the quieter breeds, this cat doesn't meow often, and is more famous for its softer way of communicating through chirps and squeaks. It does, however, have a very loud purr. It is thought that this cat was bred by monks of the monastery of La Grande Chartreuse near Grenoble, France in medieval times.
With a wild background from a cross between an Abyssinian and a Jungle Cat, the Chausie's only attribute of it's feral past is in looks. It's short coat is recognized in three colors: brown ticked tabby, solid black, and black grizzled tabby. The black grizzled tabby, a special kind of pattern unique to its breed, is basically like black stripes on a lighter black background. Markings, only seen in the tabby colors, are restricted to the legs and tail. The tail is generally shorter than other cats', and the eye color is preferably gold or hazel, but light green colors are allowed. The ears are large, and rather wide at the base and sometimes have fur tufts. The back legs are exceptionally large and powerful, much like the Jungle Cat. The Chausie is a large breed weighing from about 9 to 20 pounds with females being around 10 pounds, and males being around 17. Chausie's manage well with other pets, but may not be best for households with young children. Highly affectionate, very active, and extremely intelligent, this amazing breed demands attention and lots of play time. Chausie's are also inquisitive in nature, and most of them love water.
Cute Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex, despite its slender appearance, is very strong and well-muscled. Medium-sized with rather large ears, it is most notable for its soft, silky fur which is crimped and curled including the whiskers. It is seen in all colors and patterns but only with short hair. Special attention should be given to the ears and toes as they tend to get greasy. They have been known to wag their tails when they're happy. The Cornish Rex originated in the 1950s in Cornwall, England. When it was brought to America, it was crossed with Siamese cats, giving it its slim appearance. Generally, they are an intelligent and social breed that loves to be the center of attention. They are also agile and active, willing to be the clown for the party. Cornish Rexes crave human companionship and don't do well alone. Because they have less fur than other cats, they have less dander. These cats could be well suited for people who have trouble with allergies or asthma.
Dynamic Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is a cat that has a delicate, shorthaired coat that is curly and appears to have waves in it. Being a family of the Rexes, this cat has no top coat and only a soft undercoat. This cat was found in Devonshire, England, in 1960. These cat are found in many colors and patterns, and they have a triangular-shaped head. They are known as being dog-like because they follow their owners around, wag their tails when they're happy, and love to play fetch. Often, they are confused with the Cornish Rex, LaPerm, and the American Wirehair. The Cornish Rex has tighter waves in it's coat created by the soft down hairs. The Cornish Rex is also longer and leaner. The LaPerm has silky coats made up of ringlets covering the whole body if its longhaired and plush, tight curls if its shorthaired. The American Wirehair has harsh, crimped hair.
Exquisite Egyptian Mau
The distinguishing characteristic of this cat, the Egyptian Mau, is its distinct coat pattern, as well as pale green eyes and a brick red nose outlined in black. The coat has round spots evenly distributed on the body except for the white chest, where at least one horizontal stripe connects from left to right. Down the middle of the back, a dark stripe runs turning into stripes on the tail. Basic accepted showing colors are silver, bronze, and smoke. Occasionally black or blue will occur. The overall appearance of this rare cat is elegant with a smoothly streamlined and lean body. A flap of skin appears just before the hind legs on the lower abdomen which allows for more flexibility when running or jumping. Egyptian Maus are easily trained because they are so intelligent. They are also very loyal and good travelers. This cat was pictured by the ancient Egyptians back a little more than 3,000 years ago. "Mau" was the ancient Egyptian word for the domestic cat, and they were probably trying to name it by the sound it made.
Elegant Exotic Shorthair
A shorthaired version of the Persian makes the Exotic Shorthair a very popular breed. It's coat is dense and plush with a thick undercoat and is seen in all colors and patterns. Its basic structure matches the Persian's, especially the smashed face. It is heavily boned with a short body. The ears are small and set low on the roundish face offset by large, round eyes. It's body ends with a short, bushy tail. The Exotic Shorthair is a gentle, loving cat that is rather quiet. They are great lap cats although they are a little more lively than the Persian. Very calm and easygoing, this breed does well in any situation. The creation of the Exotic Shorthair was when breeders crossed the American Shorthair with the Persian. It was meant to create a cat just like the Persian with short fur. They eventually succeeded and now many cat breeds, including the Persian, are losing the battle of popularity to the Exotic Shorthair. It is one of the top five most popular breeds.
Headstrong Havana Brown
The Havana Brown, accepted only in the colors chocolate or lilac, has a unique solid brown coat that goes all the way to the roots. Even the whiskers are brown, which is unusual for cats. Greenish eyes offset the distinct muzzle that appears to be added to the head, rather than flowing from it. This cat is very sociable, intelligent, and affectionate. Havana Browns are outgoing, and have a playful sense of curiosity which can get them into mischief. These cats often will develop a deep bond with their owner, resulting in the pleasure of following their owner around. Often, these cats are loners and do best as the only cat in a household.
The Highlander is a new, rather rare breed. It's easily recognized by curled ears, and a short tail about half the size of a normal cats tail. They also often has polydactyl feet (more than five claws on the front paws, and more than four claws on the back paws). It's coat normally has spotted patterns with lynx or solid points in a wide range of colors, although all patterns seen in cats may be seen on a Highlander as well as both long and short hair. It is said that the longhaired version looks somewhat like a lynx, while the shorthaired version looks a little like a cougar. The eyes are a various shade of either gold or green (with blue eyes for the lynx point). Highlanders are rather large weighing up to 20 pounds. Their intelligence and inquisition makes them easy to train. Although the cat is large and strong, it has a gentle nature.
This color-point version of the Persian is, depending on the association, sometimes a breed, and sometimes a division of the Persian breed. It's body is normally white with just the face, ears, tail, and feet showing colors and patterns. The Himalayan point colors are very abundant including several different patterns. It's eyes are always dazzling blue. They are seen in only a luxurious, longhair coat that requires daily attention to prevent mats. Its face, body, and temperament match the Persian's as the face is smashed, the body is cobby, and the temperament is laid back and easy going. They are great lap cats, but they have a playful side as well. Always gentle, the Himalayan has a loving nature. The first Himalayan kitten was bred from an experimental program in 1931. It was followed by a similar attempt to create a colorpoint longhaired cat in 1955 in Canada. By 1957, most major associations recognized the Himalayan and now this is a very popular breed.
Jaunty Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese bobtail has a short bobbed tail only a few inches long. Every single cat has a slightly different tail that makes it unique. Although there are many accepted colors and patterns for this breed, the most popular is the calico (mi-ke) as pictured left, or the black with white. There is both the short and the longhaired varieties of this breed. This cat looks similar in build to an oriental breed with a lean and muscular body that features the tubular look. The Japanese Bobtail is active, sweet, and loves interaction and attention. Almost a born retriever, this cat loves to play fetch. It has lived in Japan since the year 600. The Japanese believe this cat to be a symbol of good luck.
The Korat originated in Siam (modern day Thailand) as early as 1350 making it the oldest known natural breed of blue cats. It is known for its blue (gray) coat tipped on the ends of the hairs with silver. These cats have no undercoat. Korats have a special heart shaped face with green eyes, and friendly, playful temperaments. Korats are also known as being extremely loyal and bonding to a single owner. The Thai people think of them as a sign of good luck, and a pair of Korats is a popular wedding present in Thailand. These cats are very often confused with the Russian Blue and the Chartreux. The Russian Blue has a denser coat and a deeper green eye color. The Korat has a thinner coat, a lighter shade of green for the eyes, obvious heart -shaped head, and is a tad bit more heavyset than the Russian Blue. The Chartreux's obvious give away from any comparison is the golden eyes. Overall, the Chartreux is easily distinguished between the three, and the main difference between the Russian Blue and the Korat, is the shape of the head.
Keen Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail, known for it's "bobbed" tail, is seen in many colors and patterns, and is either semi-long or short haired. It is a strong, muscular cat with a rather wild appearance. Its tail is its trademark as no two Kurilian Bobtail's tails are the same. It should have no less than two vertebrae with kinks and curves and is about one to three inches long. The ears are slightly large and erect, sometimes with lynx tips. The eyes are said to be walnut shaped. The Kurilian Bobtail is an active, intelligent, easy-to-train cat that loves to jump and run. It is known to be gentle and devoted to its owner, often forming strong bonds to the people it lives with. Being very active, they are excellent hunters. Some Kurilian Bobtails even love water. It can live well in most households, even with other pets and children. The Kurilian Bobtail originated from the Kurile Islands in the North Pacific Ocean near Japan. It is though that scientists brought them to Russia and started studying and breeding them. Although very popular in Russia, there are only 100 or so in the United States.
Known as "the Shirley Temple of the cat world," the LaPerm with curly ringlets of hair all over its body certainly fits this description. Either tight ringlets for shorthairs or long corkscrew curls for longhairs are displayed with the tightest curls being on the belly and underside, the throat, and the base of the ears. It does not require a lot of grooming and hold its curl with little shedding. The kittens are born either without hair, with short wavy hair, or with short straight hair. At two weeks of age, they start to go bald if they aren't already. Afterwards they sprout their coat type that they will have as an adult. If one turned out to be a straight-haired LaPerm, is would be suitable for breeding or as a household pet but not accepted for showing. They are seen in every color and pattern and have lovely curly whiskers and eyebrows as well as curly ears, preferably with lynx tips. With large, expressive eyes and a full tail, its an average size breed with the females weighing 5-8 pounds while the males tip the scales at 8-12 pounds. Although inquisitive and quiet, LaPerms love affection and will give plenty affection back. It adjusts well to almost any household and is an extrovert, being calm with strangers. They also seem to like water. The first LaPerm was a barn cat living in the state of Oregon in the 1980s. As the cat bred freely with other passing toms, one queen gave birth to six kittens, one bald who eventually grew curly hair and was named Curly. Eventually, the owner's of the barn talked to someone who knew about cats and a new breed was formed and was officially accepted in 1996.
Massive Maine Coon
This semi-longhaired cat originated in North America in the 1700s where its longhaired, dense coat was needed to keep it warm. It's coat is seen in almost every color, and normally has pointed or ticked tabby patterns. In the winter, they grow a thick winter coat that includes an especially thick ruff of fur around the neck. The eyes are golden to green in color (white Maine Coons can be blue or odd-eyed), and the ears often has tufts of fur extending from the top. Known as a "gentle giants," Maine Coons are large cats weighing from sixteen to twenty pounds. Maine Coons make unusual chirping sounds unique to their breed. These cats are very submissive and obedient, giving them "dog-like" characteristics. They are very social, and can be taught to walk on a leash. The Maine Coon is often confused with the Norwegian Forest cat and the Siberian (Siberian Forest cat). It's very hard to tell a difference because the differences are so small and subtle. (For more information, I have two links that have a chart of the differences for these breeds . Just contact me and ask for them).
The Manx originated on the Isle of Man in the 1500s.This breed is a cat that has rather large hind legs and is born without any tail. Some Manxes are born with stumps, small or short tails, or even a full length tail. If a Manx has a tail, its very hard to tell it from a domestic shorthair. Because of the shortened backbone, this cat also appears to have a curved back. This cat sports all colors and patterns seen in cats (although some associations do not accept color points). The Manx is a shorthaired breed. The Cyrmic is a longhaired version of the Manx, and sometimes the Cyrmic is considered a separate breed from the Manx, while other times it is also considered part of the Manx breed. This breed is active and curious, and loves to interact with its owner. It is considered a highly intelligent breed.
The Munchkin, a fairly new breed, has very short, small legs as its distinguishing characteristic. Seen in all colors and patterns as well as both long and short hair, the Munchkin's legs may be small, but they shouldn't hinder its mobility and the spine should not be affected. Whether long or shorhaired, it has an easy-to-manage coat and doesn't require strenuous grooming. It's a small to medium-sized cat weighing from 5-9 pounds fully grown. The Munchkin has a great personality and is very people-oriented, affectionate, and friendly. It is said that they retain kitten-like qualities their whole life being playful and active. Although they can't jump as high as other cats, they will still find some way to get to those higher places. These cats get along great with children and other pets including dogs. In 1983, a shorthaired pregnant cat was found by a breeder who founded the breed, although reports dating back to 1944 tell of short-legged cats. It was accepted for championship status by TICA just in 2003. It is now a well loved breed despite its short stature.
Noble Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat with gorgeous semi-long hair and wild looks is a stunning breed although to most people it may look like just another fluffy kitty. Seen in almost all colors and patterns, it is most often seen in brown tabby with white. With large almond-shaped eyes and a straight profile, it has a very soft, fluffy coat that has two layers of fur to keep it warm and waterproof. It is a large, strong breed that weighs about 10-15 pounds after five years of maturing to its fullness . Although the Norwegian Forest Cat, sometimes called a "Wegie," has a thick coat, especially during the winter, it is generally easy to keep free of tangles and knots. It's a great climber with strong hind legs and it is very patient in most settings including those with children and dogs. The Norwegian Forest Cat loves people and human companionship. Curious and intelligent, it enjoys playing games. The Norwegian Forest Cat's name comes from the fact that it seems to have lived in Norway. It adapted well with it's long coat and robust body and it was even thought that Wegies traveled with the Vikings. In Norway the cat is called the Skogkatt or Norsk Skogkatt which literally means "forest cat." Breeders tried to create the breed in the late 1930s in Germany but WWII interrupted that. It was resumed in the 1970s and by the late 1980s and early 1990s the Norwegian Forest Cat was accepted as an official breed.
With a strong resemblance to a miniature Ocelot, the Ocicat is the result of breeding an Abyssinian and an Abyssinian- Siamese cross back in the early 1960s. This cat is normally seen in the colors of tawny, cinnamon, blue, fawn, (from the Abyssinian) chocolate, and lavender (from the Siamese). Spots about the size of a thumbprint accent the lighter background and are scattered randomly across the coat. The coat pattern (shown at left) is the most common pattern, and other patterns are not encouraged. Similar to the Siamese in personality, Ocicats are very intelligent, easy to train, talkative, and very dependent of humans.
With it's overall sleek and almost Siamese build, Orientals look very elegant. Because of this, black Orientals look almost like Panthers. Orientals are found in both short and long haired varieties, with the most common coat patterns being solid colors or tabby- patterns. The eyes should be green, except in whites or bi- colors, where the eyes are blue or odd- eyed. Along with their sleek contour, these cats are known for having large ears. Their personality is playful and energetic, and they demand love and attention from their owner and may follow them wherever they go. Although the Oriental is a breed in itself, other cats that look the same, such as the Siamese, may be called orientals as well.
This extremely popular cat is easily recognized by its heavy build, smashed in face, and long, very dense fur. The Persian is accepted in every color and pattern, with the Siamese-point pattern being known as the Himalayan, sometimes recognized as a separate breed. Because of its thick fur, its coat requires daily grooming with a steel brush, but Persian fans think its worth it. Like most heavy cats, this cat is sweet and very laid back. Because the Persian normally has such a smashed face, it often encounters serious sinus and nose problems. The Persian didn't originally begin with a smashed in face. That trait just became more emphasized by breeders. It's believed this cat originated in Persia, or modern Iran, many years ago.
The Pixie- Bob is a large cat with a short tail that should be about two to six inches long. This cat is found in both short and long haired varieties with the coat is always a spotted tabby in various shades of brown on a background of a grayish color although appearance can change with the seasons. The eyes should be gold (most preferred), brown, or green. Pixie-Bobs are known as "dogs in disguise" because of their dog-like characteristics of being extremely affectionate, loving to play fetch, and enjoying walks on a leash. They also enjoy water and are extremely intelligent. Pixie- Bobs also have a tendency to be polydactyl.
The Ragdoll was given its name because of its tendency to totally relax when in a person's arms, being as limp as a rag doll. It is seen only with semi-longhair, although in the winter its coat is much thicker. When the fur gets longer, particularly around the neck, in winter it often looks as if the cat as a bib (see picture at left). It is accepted in four colors- seal, chocolate, blue, lilac- and three patterns- color point, mitted, bi-color, and tabby. The eyes are always some shade of blue. For a semi-longhaired cat, it requires surprisingly little grooming. Its temperament is very good-natured, sweet, and extremely docile. In fact, they are so easygoing and trustful, that experts advise this cat to be an indoor cat only as it may be injured in a fight more easily than other breeds. Ragdolls are one of the biggest cat breeds, weighing up to around thirty pounds, although most weigh between 14-18 pounds, with the males weighing around twenty pounds. Because of similar looks, the Ragdoll and the Birman are often confused. The main difference is the Ragdoll is much larger, and its feet are not always white like the Birman.
Special Scottish Fold
As the name dictates, this unusual breed originated in Scotland in the early 1950s. The most obvious trait of the Scottish Fold is the ears folded forward and downward like little caps. It also has large round eyes, and an adorably sweet expression. Another unique thing that some Scottish Folds do is they sit up on their hind legs like a prairie dog. Although the original Scottish Fold was shorthaired, this cat is now seen in both long and shorthaired varieties. It can also be seen in almost any color or pattern, barring the pointed pattern and the colors chocolate and lilac. The Scottish Fold is a calm and loving cat that works well with other animals including dogs, and would do well in any household. Even with its folded ears, there are no special diseases or hearing problems with the Scottish Fold. When Scottish Fold kittens are born, they have normal ears and it takes about 2-3 weeks before they start to fold.
This easily distinguished breed falls into the category of one of the most popular breeds. It is one of the oldest cat breeds probably originating in Asia or Siam as early as 1350, and was at the first cat show ever held. It is seen in short hair, with the Balinese being it's longhaired version. Its colors are seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac points with the least popular points being red, cream, tortie, and lynx (tabby) points. A Siamese cat's overall build is sleek and smooth with lean legs and body and a whip-like tail. Its head shape is triangular, and it has rather large ears. Blue eyes are essential as well. Siamese cats, however, were not always so slim and smooth in contour. They used to be more stocky until breeders favored the more elongated look. There are still Siamese cats out there that resemble the first Siamese cats. These are known as "Traditional" Siamese. This breed is known as being very social and extremely talkative. Siamese cats work well in any home with much contact with people. Siameses are known for being demanding as well as active, all though they do enjoy being petted as much as any cat.
This almost completely hairless breed is one of the strangest looking cats ever bred. Seen in all colors and patterns, the Sphynx has large ears, thick paw pads, and should have especially wrinkled skin around the muzzle, shoulder blades, and between the ears. The whiskers are either very short, or not present at all. There is in fact a very thin covering of hair around the face, feet, and tail, but otherwise hair is imperceptible. Its tail is long and slender, almost looking like a rat's tail. Because it is basically hairless, this breed is susceptible to extreme heat and sunlight, and can receive sunburn easily. It can also be susceptible to very cold temperatures without its fur coat. This cat requires regular bathing to prevent a sticky build-up of oil on the skin. It also requires frequent cleaning of the ears as they produce heavy wax that can collect dirt. The Sphynx is also unusual in that it sweats all over its body. This may be as the Sphynxes body temperature is four degrees hotter than a normal cat. It is often known as the "suede hot water bottle."This breed is considered very smart and active, but it loves attention and cuddling as well. Sphnyxes can be lonely if left alone too long.
Terrific Turkish Van
This semi-longhaired water-loving cat from Turkey has a white coat with points only allowed on the tail and face. The eyes should be amber, blue, or odd-eyed with pink rims. The coat is soft and silky, and the tail is particularly furry and soft tail and often has rings around it. Although seen in several colors and pattern, the most common colors are amber and auburn. The Turkish Van's attraction to water may have to do with its lack of an undercoat. Most cats hate water because the water soaks all the way to their undercoat and it may take them hours to get dry. Because the Turkish Van has no undercoat, it can take a swim and be dry soon after. When they swim, their feet propel them forward while their tail acts like a rudder to steer them. The males of this breed can be up to twenty pounds, but the females only weigh about half that much. These cats are known for having big appetites because they are so active. They also are known as powerful jumpers and climbers. They are affectionate, intelligent, and sociable. Turkish Vans also have a soft, almost melodious meow. Unfortunately, this is a very rare cat breed today.
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