Robin Darch asked:


The American Bobtail Cat is the only breed of cat I know of that has a really cool story as to its origins. Well, maybe. Actually the origin of the American Bobtail Cat seems to be in dispute. Depending on who you ask, it may or may not even be American at all.

According to some sources, there was a feral brown tabby kitten found on an Arizona Indian Reservation with a bobbed tail in the 1960's. The cat got the name Yodie. Even though this was not by any means the first bobbed tail cat, many had been around and seen by the early settlers and Indians as well. But when Yodie was bred to a Siamese Cat, the standard for the American Bobtail Cat was born.

Other experts say that the American Bobtail Cat was brought here to the US from Europe as they came here to settle in the New World, making the American Bobtail Cat not so American.

Wikipedia.com says, "According to legend, bobtails are the result of a crossbreeding between a domestic tabby cat and a bobcat. Although this IS genetically possible, the unusual tail is actually the result of a random genetic mutation. The breed was recognized by the International Cat Association in 1989."

According to Wikipedia, the American Bobtail Cat is not related to the Japanese Bobtail Cat in any way. They came from different genetic lines even though both have similar builds and colorings.

The appearance of the American Bobtail Cat, the wild look, the fuzz on the cheeks and tips of the ears, and it's feral roots, lead some to believe that it could be related to the Bobcat or the Lynx. DNA tests have not been able to reach a conclusion that links the American Bobtail Cat to either of the two wild cat breeds.

Further confusion is due to the inability to narrow down the genes that cause the tail to be short in the first place. American Bobtail Cats have tails of varying lengths and shapes, so the standard is currently loosely defined as breeders try to isolate a way to breed toward a standard tail length and shape.

The variations include "Rumpies", "Risers", and "Half-Length Tails. Rumpies are American Bobtail Cats with no tail, while Risers are short stubby tails.

American Bobtail Cats are very loving and expect to be petted and loved in return. But watching your American Bobtail Cat go after prey or even imaginary prey, you would have a hard time associating it with the cat that was just purring in your lap minutes before.

They tend to be very muscular, have large feet, and have hindquarters that are higher than their shoulders, giving them the predator look. They can naturally survive in rough conditions and fend for themselves in the wild, yet are perfectly willing to let you care for and feed them.

If you want a cat that will be playful and loyal, yet tough and independent, a American Bobtail Cat might be the one for you.



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Omer Ashraf asked:


A shorthair feline breed, Tonkinese is believed by some to have been imported alongside Siamese from the Orient in nineteenth century. Others maintain that it is an artificially created breed. In either case the modern origin of Tonkinese was in twentieth century when it was produced through crossing of Siamese with Burmese cats. Since then the cat has gone through various stages of development and is now recognized by most cat fancies around the world. To many it is still very much a Siamese that resembles the traditional Meezer cat of a few decades back. Tonkinese is the only feline breed whose modern roots can be traced to Canada.

A combination of Siamese elegance and Burmese muscularity, the Tonkinese is a medium sized cat. It is sleek and strong and weighs in the range of eight to ten pounds for healthy adults. Body shape is that of the classical Siamese of old with a modified triangular head and almond shaped eyes that range in color from blue to green and golden. They are the only purebreds to have aqua colored eyes. Fur is short and dense and occurs in mink, solid or pointed patterns. Coat colors include blue, silver, gray, platinum and chocolate. Overall appearance of the Tonkinese is that of a slightly rounded, charming cat.

Less vocal than their Siamese ancestors, Tonkinese are still quite talkative. They are not hesitant to expressive themselves and often carry out prolonged 'conversations' with their humans. Since they have also inherited the somewhat laid back nature of the Burmese, they are not overly demanding.

Temperamentally Tonkinese are near perfect. They have got the best personality attributes from their oriental ancestors. They are both cuddling lap cats and are also very active and intelligent individuals who love to play and have fun with all family members.



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Tristan Andrews asked:


There is not that much difference between adopting a cat and adopting a dog, however, there are a few differences in their behavior that you will need to consider before adopting a cat or kitten.

Cats are pretty independent and can even live on their own if you have a self-feeder and watering bowls, however they do need human interaction and love or they will become feral cats which means wild, even if they are indoor cats and you don't want a wild animal living in your home.

There are many different breeds of cats and kittens and all have about the same temperament. Siamese cats are very aloof and do not like to be bothered by humans unless they initiate the contact. Although those people who are not 'cat people' would argue that all cats are aloof and do not like human contact. This is a common misunderstanding among people who do not like or have cats of their own. Cats are very independent creatures but do crave love and affection, they just don't jump around as much about it as dogs do!

They will come to you when you are reading or watching television and sit next to you or rub up against you until you pet them. This is their way of telling you they need some attention and want you to pet them. Sometimes they will 'knead' or 'make biscuits' on your leg or stomach as if they are kneading dough, this is a sign they are comfortable with you and are looking for a soft spot to lay down.

Tortoise Shell colored cats, often mistaken for a darker calico cat, are very talkative and will hold a 'conversation' with you when you ask them something or talk to them and wait for their reply. And the Tortoise Shell colored cats are always females a phenomenon of nature.

When adopting a kitten from a shelter, you must think about what your life style is like and where the kitten will fit into it. If you are hardly ever home, will there be plenty of stimulus for the cats curiosity ' without the cat getting hurt? What about declawing the cat?

Are you for or against this procedure? If the cat is going to stay indoors all its life and you don't want it shredding your curtains and other things such as your arms or face when you play with it, consider declawing only the front paws. There are many pros and cons to the declawing debate and neither side is right or wrong, however both sides can provide a passionate argument for their cause.

Probably one of the worst parts about having a cat is the littler box and having to clean it out every day, unless you have your cat go outside to do his or her business. Yet having an outdoor cat comes with its own set of problems such as traffic, predators such as dogs and other animals who like to chase and feast on defenseless cats. And there is always the customary gift of having your cat bring in field mice they catch and want to give it to you to show you how much they love you.



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Joann Cheong asked:


The exotic and somewhat mysterious Siamese cat hails from the country of Thailand. They had always been a popular breed of cats, some even residing in royal palaces. Siamese cats, in the past, were trusted to protect royal palaces and monasteries from evil spirits. These cats were also thought of as bringing good fortune to their owners as well.

During the year of 1884, the very first Siamese cats began to make their way to England, when they were given as gifts to a British general. After that, they eventually made their way over to America. Now days, Siamese cats are one of the most recognized of the breed. Siamese cats are without a doubt the most popular short haired cat and among the top 3 in the entire breed of cats.

Even though there are several different colors to this breed, some questions what makes a cat a true Siamese cat. These cats have always been known for their bodies which are lighter in color, with darker areas throughout. The more darker areas found on their bodies are normally around the feet, tail, legs, or face. They can weight anywhere between 6 - 16 lbs, with bright eyes that are normally slanted - which is another clue that the cat is a true Siamese.

Traditionally, Siamese cats are robust, with round heads and a truly muscular build. They are well known throughout the world for their color points and unique personalities. Unlike other breeds, Siamese breeds have a talent for communicating with people. If you are looking for a cat that is nice and quiet, you would not want a Siamese cat. These cats love to play, love to make noise, and they also happen to be the most social breed of cats out there.

Siamese cats demand a lot of attention, because in their minds, they believe that the world revolves around them. For this very reason, they can tend be quite dependant on their owners. They love to play, and crave interaction. If you leave them alone for too long, they will not like it. They like to get attention, love to play, and hate to be left by themselves.

Even though Siamese cats are emotionally high maintenance, they do not need a lot of maintenance They need a minimum amount of grooming, which involves bathing every once in a while, and brushing maybe once or twice a month. If you like cats with minimal maintenance, Siamese cats are perfect. Their hair is short to their skin, so a gentle brushing is all you need. They can get sick however, which is to be expected with any breed of cat.

Siamese cats have a life span that is similar to other breeds, which is normally around 15 - 20 years, sometimes even longer. As long as you feed him on a daily basis and take him to the vet for his regular checkups and shots, he will be around for years and years to come. Most people who have their Siamese cat for over 10 years, find the cat to be more like a child than a pet.

No matter how you look at it, a Siamese cat is a great pet. Although the Siamese breed does require a lot of attention, they are excellent pets that you can spend a lot of time with. They are great for kids as well, simply because kids can spend a lot of time with them. As long as you give your pet the attention he craves - he will be your life long friend for as long as you have him.



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Rebecca Prescott asked:


Given that adopting a cat is a significant commitment - they live for an average of 15 years - it makes sense to learn more about cat breeds before you buy. Two extremely popular purebreds are the Siamese and the Persian, although both of these have characteristics that may make them unsuitable choices for some people. Fortunately, there are a large number of other breeds to choose from, many of them less well known. Two of these less recognized breeds actually give hope to feline loving allergy sufferers, as they have a low-allergy coat and are generally well tolerated.

Although not as popular as they once were, Siamese cats have many loyal fans, and for good reason. They are extremely beautiful and intelligent, although modern breeding practices have introduced an unhealthy leaning towards an overly triangular head shape. Siamese are very vocal, however, which can be a problem for some people, as they may be a little bit determined in putting their views across. This is not a cat for the owner who doesn't have a lot of time to spend with their pet, as Siamese are very people-oriented. They love attention, and they love interacting with their owners. They will follow them from room to room, and are naturally very curious and mischievous when bored.

Unlike Siamese, Persian cats are very even-tempered. They get along well with other dogs and animals, and integrate well in multi-cat households. They also tolerate children well. The biggest drawback - and also their most striking feature - is their amazing coat. A Persian's coat needs daily brushing. It mattes easily, and cats need to be sedated to have their coats clipped, so keeping their long coat in good shape needs to be a priority for Persian owners.

The Siberian cat, or croshca, is another long haired feline. It requires less grooming than the Persian, and needs to be brushed only two or three times a week instead of daily. Their coat is different too. Surviving in the deep cold of a Russian winter, the croshca has a waterproof, slightly oil coat. Siberian cats are very playful, and affectionate. Like the Siamese, they grow very attached to their owners, so this is something to keep in mind when selecting a breed. The Siberian is one possibility for those with cat allergies, as their coats are believed to be hypoallergenic.

Devon rex cats are another option for those allergic to cats. They have a very thin, soft, slightly crinkly coat that sheds very little. The coat itself is also hypoallergenic. Be warned however - devon rex are extremely playful and mischievous. They are also very fond of food, and have been known to be quite resourceful in finding it even when hidden away. The devon rex is very affectionate, and another people-oriented cat that will follow you around and 'help' with chores.

Feline breeds all have their own distinctive characteristics. This is something to keep in mind as you learn about cat breeds before you buy. Do you have children or other pets? How much time do you want to spend with a cat, and does your work schedule allow it? Getting two cats together (if you don't already have one) is never a bad idea as it provides companionship for both. But some cats still demand more of their humans than others do, though they often give at least as much back.



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Joann Cheong asked:


Over the last thousands of years, cats have pretty much handled their breeding themselves. In the beginning, they were used for one purpose - hunting and killing rodents. As the years progressed, we began to breed cats more to our liking. Now days, there are several different breeds of cats - which you can tell if you look closely.

These days there are over 70 distinct cat breeds, which are recognized through cat registries. There are several registries that will recognize around 40 breeds or so, as they exclude the more domestic breeds such as tigers. There are also many variations as well, including wild cats that have longer hair.

There are some cat breeds who have roots going back quite a bit in history. Some Japanese breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, can be traced back more than 1,000 years in history. These cats were very common and well known throughout Medieval Japan. Now days though, they are all but a myth throughout Japan and the entire world.

The more common cat breeds that are found in North America include the alley cat, long haired cat, and Persian cat. Siamese cats are also common, although they are well known to be destructive and to have a foul temper. Persian cats are very popular, proving to be loving companions. Persian cats can be very expense, depending on where you get it and what type of Persian cat it is.

Alley cats are the most common in North America. There are actually several different breeds, although most of us just refer to them as alley cats. They make good pets, although there are literally thousands of them in existence. Cats are known to breed more than any other pet, and they will continue to breed until they are stopped. Alley cats are among the most bred, as there are hundreds of thousands of cats that are homeless - and have nothing to do but breed.

The look of the cat is the easiest way to tell what breed he or she may be. Some people choose to go by color, although color is not as easy to identify. Different breeds of cats have different looks, such as the Siamese and Persian cats. Siamese cats are almost always black, and easy to identify by their color and their eyes. Persian cats on the other hand, are easily identified by their body type and their hair.

Over the years, there has been quite a few breeds come along. Cats were one of the first pets, and easily one of the most popular. Millions of people around the world own cats, with many people preferring a cat over any other pet - including dogs. No matter breed of cat you get - you are sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.



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Ophelia Samith asked:


What do you think about your pets? Surely the answer will be love and affection. Every one will agree that the selection of right pet is a serious project. It is most important because the pet selected by you will remain as your family member for many years to come and surely this pet will be remembered by the whole family later on. Owning a pet is also important for your children because they learn a lot from pet friendship like relationship skills, responsibility and also care for others. Always remember, the pet selected by you will have a sure impact on all your family members.

Now keeping all this in mind, what can be a better selection? Surely the answer will be a cute cat. It is just because of god gifted characteristics that the cat is given a priority over the other pets. Cat is a social creature and it is why a cat adjusts in the new environment very soon. If you think cats may not understand your sayings, you will be totally wrong. When you bring a new kitten in your home that walks across the kitchen or dinning room table, you should simply rattle a newspaper at her and say sit. This will simply teach her to stay off and later on you will be able to order the command without newspaper and she will surely be obeying you.

Cats have been living as domestic pets with human beings for thousand of years. Among domesticated breeds, many options are available including one without hair and tails. Another excellent option can be Maine coon cat. These cats are long, broad and muscular with larger boons than other breeds. Which breed you select does not matter too much, as the only thing that matters too much is the behavior which you opt for your pets. For this you need to develop good communication skills between you and your four legs friend. When it comes to cats, you should know how cats communicate? Simply the cats purr and hiss. When it comes to fellow felines, body language comes to play. For this you need to read the body language of cats. Remember an angry cat always twitches her tail and if the tail is high in the air, it means she is happy with you. If a cat is in fear the tail and hair on the back will become raised. On the other hand a friendly cat will always try to touch your nose and if sitting in your lap may paw you. This all means the show of affection towards its owner.

For cats, there are some defining terms like a male cat is called tom and a female cat is called queen. The cute younger ones are known as kittens. Whenever you bring a kitten home, you should always give him a name which can be after the name of some favored personality or game name or either some cartoon. These cat names help to train your cats easily. You should also make sure to fulfill all the needs of your cats. Especially their sleeping time should be looked after carefully. An average sleep of a cat is about thirteen to fourteen hours a day. But as the cats get older they need more sleep. However some cats may sleep majority of the time in the day.

Finally, the most important question about cats can be how long they live. The average life of cats is fourteen to twenty years but domesticated cats live for a longer time period. Generally speaking, when it comes to have a pet as your family member, nothing can be best than having cats as your four legs friend.



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Omer Ashraf asked:


Himalayan is a breed of long-haired felines. It is a very popular and pretty cat. The cat originated in 1930 in United States through breeding of Persian and Siamese cats. The objective was to create a breed with the long hair of the Persian and the points of the Siamese. Indeed it is referred to today in European countries as the Colorpoint Persian.

The Himalayan is light colored at birth. With time markings develop on face, limbs, ears and tail. This is attributed at times to difference in temperature between the trunk and extremities. Accepted colors include blue, brown, chocolate, cream, flame, lilac and red. Fur is long, flowing and often thick. Overall built of the cat is stocky with short limbs and large round paws. Head is round and somewhat big and supported by a short neck. Ears are small, though eyes are big, bright and round, in varying shades of blue.

Owing to their extremely long fur, these Colorpoint Persians are subject to periodic development of matts and hairballs, requiring regular grooming and baths. Their depressed nose obstructs their breathing at times and compresses the tear ducts, leading to permanently watery eyes in some cases. As such, the Himalayans often require their face to be wiped as the coat is brushed daily. Furthermore decades of inbreeding to create the prefect Himalayan has meant that these pretty felines sometimes suffer from genetic defects, resulting in organ failures, in particular Polycystic Kidney Disease.

As regards temperament, the Himalayans are quite peaceful and at times laid back. They are loving and interested in their owners and develop close bonds with them. Social and gentle cats, the Himalayans make adoring companions. Even as their company requires daily grooming and maintenance, pet owners around the world recognize that it is well worth the effort and cherish the company of these lovely cats.



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Paul Kramer asked:


The cats that we know today have a long history dating back millions of years. Paleontologists discovered evidence of a cat with a retractable claw, Miacis, who lived about 50 million years ago. Most scientists believe that the descendants of Miacis and other prehistoric cats divided into three separate groups nearly a million years ago; the big cats (lions and tigers), the cheetahs, and the small cats (ocelots, bobcats and lynxes).

Cats come in many shapes and sizes, but the fur coat found on each feline is a big part of how they are classified. They usually fall somewhere in the categories of long-haired, short-haired, or "hairless". Long-haired breeds include Persian, Himalayan, Maine coon, Norwegian Forest Cat and Ragdoll. Short-haired breeds include American Shorthair, American Wirehair, Siamese, Burmese, Korat and Singapore. "Hairless" cats, such as Sphinx, merely appear to be hairless. The breed actually does have a thin layer of hair covering its body.

Cats first started living with people approximately 6,000 years ago. Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian farmers domesticated the African wildcats, Felis hybica, a natural hunter, to keep grain storage areas rodent free. Egyptians worshipped Bast, or Bastet, the cat goddess of fertility, happiness and the moon. Impressed with the cat's natural beauty, Egyptian artists painted and sculpted them, making them cultural icons.

Although ancient Egyptians are known for their love of cats, they are not the only people who worshipped them. In Thailand, Siamese cats were sacred temple cats. In Japan, thse animals kept Buddhist temples free of mice. In Norwegian mythology, Freya (the goddess of fertility) rode in a chariot pulled by two white cats. Cats made their way to China in 5,000 BCE and to India in 100 BCE.

Throughout history, sailors and other explorers helped spread cats across the world. They realized that keeping them abroad their ships was a good way to rid their living quarters of mice. In time, it was considered lucky to keep cats on board.

When cats came to Europe in 900 BCE, they crossbred with native cat found in the British Isles, Felis silvestris. By the middle Ages, however, cats fell out of favor with most of Europe. The Catholic Church connected them and those who loved them with paganism, devil worship, and witchcraft. Superstitious people believed that cats (especially black cats) had diabolical powers. They were feared because of their nocturnal hunting habits, their ability to see in the dark and their "glowing" eyes.

In 1484, Pope Innocent empowered the Inquisition to burn all cats and cat lovers. As a result of the drastic drop in the cat population, the number of rodents increased. Millions of rats carrying fleas infected with bubonic plague spread the Black Death across Europe. When the persecution of cats ended, they began hunting rats again, and Europeans saw the advantage of having these natural hunters keep their towns' rodent free.

In Victorian times, they were once again warmly welcomed into the home and were seen as loving companions' pets. Victorian cats impressed artists, writers, scientists, and philosophers of the day. Queen Victoria loved cats, and because of this. Their good reputation was reaffirmed; there it remains to this day.



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Amy Nutt asked:


Pedigreed cats are a source of joy and pride for their owners. Besides their gorgeous coats, beautiful lines, and great disposition, these animals offer companionship and entertainment to those who love them. Choosing a pedigreed cat is not easy, but knowing the most popular breeds of pedigreed cats may help.

1. Persian

Persian cats are known for they beautiful long coats and open faces. They supposedly originated in Iran and were transported to the rest of the world along with exotic spices and fine jewels. Cat breeders and owners of Persian cats enjoy their gentle dispositions and quiet voices.

Persian cats are best suited to living indoors because of their long coats. The coat of a Persian cat requires considerable maintenance, but this breed is extremely hardy and long-lived.

2. Maine Coon

The origin of the Maine Coon cat is something of a marvel. Less a product of the work of cat breeders than the result of natural selection, the Maine Coon originated in North America and is known for its superb mousing ability.

Also known for its loving disposition and keen intelligence, the Maine Coon is a beautiful long-haired breed. These cats are wonderful with children and good with dogs as well.

3. Exotic

The Exotic is a variant on the Persian breed. Exotic cat breeders strive to meet the standards of the Persian cat in all areas except coat. Here, the Exotic differs from its higher-maintenance cousin. Exotic cats have a short, easy-to-care-for coat.

Quiet, with a soft, gentle voice, these cats make excellent pets. They are not demanding but are playful and sweet. Exotics are also clean and mature later than other cat breeds. These cats physically resemble a teddy bear or other stuffed animal and make wonderful family pets.

4. Abyssinian

Resembling the sculptures of cats in Ancient Egypt, the Abyssinian has a beautiful, arched neck, slanted eyes, prominent ears, and a powerfully-muscled body. The extremely short hair of this breed makes it distinctive and easy to care for.

Besides their appearance, the Abyssinian has a personality that is unique and easily identified by a cat breeder or educated enthusiast. Abyssinians are known for their remarkable intelligence, amazing sensitivity, and personable attitude.

5. Siamese

Originally from Thialand, Siamese cats are easily identified by their distinctive coats and markings. The color contrast on their coats is remarkable, and the structure of their bodies is also unique. Cat breeders strive to produce a animal with a wedge-shaped head, long, muscular body, and a long neck and tail.

The coat on Siamese cats is very short easy to take care of, making this breed a low-maintenance pet. They are first-rate communicators with a distinctive voice and clear body language. Siamese cats love people and become extremely attached to their doting owners.

6. Ragdoll

A large cat with a relaxed disposition, the Ragdoll has long hair and striking blue eyes. When breeding Ragdolls, a cat breeder is focused on producing animals with specatular, pointed coats, affectionate personalities, and a large body. These animals love people and usually want to be close to their owners.

The coat of a Ragdoll cat requires regular maintenance, but otherwise, these animals do not require any special care. They were developed in the 1960s as cat breeders bred domestic longhaired cats and other free-roaming felines.

7. Sphynx

The result of a 1966 natural genetic mutation, the Sphynx is a cat breed that is sometimes entirely without hair. Cat breeders have worked hard to create a breed that is extremely hardy and has few health problems.

Sometimes there is fine downy hair present on the nose, tail, or body of this cat. The Sphynx has a friendly personality, and is very curious and attention-oriented. Due to the lack of hair on this breed, it requires bathing. However, some people with cat allergies find that they can tolerate a Sphynx.

8. Birman

Orignally from Burma, where it was held as a sacred animal, the Birman is a large, stocky animal with long hair. The coat of the Birman is not prone to matting, making it easier to care for than some other breeds.

The personality of the Birman is considered nearly ideal by many cat owners and cat breeders: at once sweet, quiet, playful, and energetic. The long coat is tipped and is generally a light color with a golden glow. The eyes of this breed are very round and blue.

9. American Shorthair

Known for their spectacular disposition, the American Shorthair is a breed that makes a wonderful companion. This breed is also extremely healthy, long-lived, quiet, and good looking.

Records show that the American Shorthair, originally called the "Domestic Shorthair," came to America on the Mayflower. Cat breeders have worked for years to ensure that these animals have the desired qualities for the breed, despite their physical similarities to ordinary, non-pedigreed animals.

10. Oriental

Devoted to their owners and interested in being a part of all daily activities, Orientals make great pets. They are bred to be curious and intelligent, as well as to have colorful, distinctive coats and long thin tails.

Cat breeders have been able to produce over 300 different patterns and colors of Orientals, making the selection of these animals extremely diverse. They are also noted for their large, open ears and almond-shaped eyes.



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