American Curl Cat Breed

American Curl Cats are showing either short or long hair. They first appeared in 1981 in the Southern area of California. Most major associations are accepting them now. The cat breed is well known for being friendly and competitive. We are basically talking about great show cats that are great for those of you that are looking for a really warm and close pet. American Curl Cats are definitely similar to dogs when talking about personality. You can even teach them to fetch, open a door and so on.

American Curl Cat Breed Grooming

If you thought these cats are great, they just get better when thinking about grooming. You will not need much. Rarely will you have to take your new friend to a groomer. We can say that the cat breed is great for those of you that are a little lazy and want a cat that is easy to take care of.

The American Curl Cat Breed has a rectangular body and you will not be faced with health problems in most cases. It has been a domestic cat breed from the start and this did have an impact on overall good health.

Russian Blue Cat Breed

The Russian Blue cat breed can be characterized as a rare cat breed. It seems to have appeared naturally and was not created by humans. It is well known for having a double coat and has a very distinctive silver sheen. We have noticed that in Great Britain the Russian Black and Russian White cat breed varieties are identical except for the color of the coating.

The Russian Blue cat is graceful and long in outline and even carriage. It has small feet and long legs. This breed shows large and pointed ears, which are quite prominent and wide at the base. The eyes of this cat are the shape of an almond and are wide apart.

Abyssinian Cat Facts

Abyssinian Cats are adorable. Ever since they are kittens you will get drawn towards loving them without realizing why. Unfortunately with any pet comes a great responsibility. With Abyssinian Cats you will need to know special facts about how to take care of the breed. For instance, did you know that today's cat is still closely connected to the noble cats that were painted in ancient Egypt? Its coat is richly colored and ticked. There are no markings visible on the neck, tail and legs but the facial markings are dramatic. You should know that there are 4 colors accepted: fawn, blue, ruddy and red. The Abyssinian Cat is not a lap cat, as some people believe. We are talking about one of the most intelligent and loyal cat breeds today but you need to realize that it is also independent. The Abyssinian Cats will only love you when you earn their love. The only way that you can do this is to provide your pet with the proper cat care it needs. Make sure that you feed her right, groom her right and offer as much attention as it is needed. Failure to do this will push the cat away from you and you would not want this to happen. We recommend that you get your Abyssinian cat as a kitten because a mature cat might be problematic in the sense of getting used to you. Make sure that you learn all that needs to be learned about this cat breed and only then buy or adopt one. We are sure that you will have a great time and that you will love the Aby as it is quite impossible not to do so. The good news is that there are dozens of good books and DVDs that will teach you all you need to do. There are even good web sites filled with cat care info about Abyssinian Cats.

A look at Siamese cats

An In Depth Look At Siamese Cat Breed

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 wouldn’t 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 won’t 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 don’t 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 cat 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 cat 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.

A Look At Cat Breeds

A Look At Different Cat Breeds

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 expensive, 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 isn’t 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 what cat breed you get - you’re sure to get a pet who make for a great companion for years and years to come.

Two Unusual Rare Cat Breeds

There are many types of cats, you have your exotic cats, you have your domestic tabby cats and then you have your more unusual rare cat breeds. If you are looking for a rare cat breed then you have a few options that your can choose from. Here we will discuss the Sphinx and the British Shorthair, both rare and both very beautiful cats.

Sphinx

The Sphinx is a rare cat breed that you might want to think about and one of the most unforgettable since they are hairless. In fact the Sphinx is not always completely hairless there can be a fine down on the body, similar to that on a newborn baby.

One of the features that make them so extraordinary is the surface of the Sphinx skin. It has been compared to a suede-covered hot water bottle of heated chamois. These are impressive cats which are medium sized and strong. They characteristically have strong boning and superior muscle development and the adult cats tend to be bigger than the female cats. As well, this rare cat breed requires a particular cat diet, so you are required to make sure that you are feeding them the correct foods if you want them to be healthy and do their best.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is another rare cat breed that you may be fascinated in. These are considered as being the oldest English breed of cat, one which was first appreciated for its physical strength and hunting capability. Soon they became known for other reputable characteristics, and they are recognized as being a comparatively rare cat in the United States and other areas of the world. These cats continue to get more and more popular and because of their easygoing nature and intelligence, they are one of the most well loved breeds of cat.

Here are just two types of breed which would make incredible pets and are considered as being rare. Whether you are just interested in the look of these types of cats or just want a cat that is going to make for a fascinating conversation, going with one of these rare cat breeds is a fantastic idea. Just make certain that you are equipped for the cat prior to bringing it home. You are going to need to have toys for it to play with, healthy food for it to eat, and a trainer if you want the cat to be well behaved.

Finding An Exotic House Cat

There are many varieties of cats on the market but f you are interested in getting an exotic house cat, the first thing you will need to do is understand about the variety of exotic breeds that are out there, large domestic cat breed and other, and then use a few tips to help you decide which particular exotic house cat is going to be right for you.

The world of exotic felines is so exciting and yet can definitely be very confusing as well, especially because there are so many different types out there. There are quite a few different exotic house cat types and each breed has several levels or generations within the breed. Of all these, here are a few of the most popular and which you are going to want to seriously consider as your choice.

The Bengal

The Bengal is absolutely a favorite exotic house cat, as not only are they incredibly rare but stunning in appearance as well. These are a cross between the Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat, and the breed has been in existence for over two decades now. If you decide on a Bengal, keep in mind that the quality of these cats will vary significantly, so it all depends on what you are looking for and the amount of money that you are going to be willing to pay.

When it comes to the size of these cats, most females get to around ten pounds, males twelve. Their personality is playful, intelligent, and affectionate.

The Savannah

Another exotic house cat that you may want to consider here is the Savannah. This breed is a cross between an African Serval and a domestic cat, and they are incredibly rare. Most Savannahs cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000, and they are tall, lanky cats with a solid spot over a basecoat color that will range from warm golden orange hues to cool silver.

They are gorgeous cats to look at and are definitely worth thinking about and keeping at the top of your list if you are looking for an exotic cat to bring to your household.

Just make sure, as you should with any other type of pet that you are sure they are going to make a good addition to your household, taking into consideration other animals and children if there are any. The last thing you want is to bring in a cat or other animal that is going to be mean or aggressive, especially if you have pets or kids in the home.

Description Of The Himalayan Cat Breed

A Himalayan cat breed is actually a Persian cat and Himalayan cat bred together. The long hair is something from the Persian while the seal points are from the Siamese cat. A Himalayan cat can be best described as a longhaired cat with the markings of a Persian kitten. The breed has a distinctly sociable behavior of the Siamese cat. You can expect your Himalayan cat breed to have a sweet temper and show signs of being highly intelligent. Due to inbreeding, this breed may be prone to abnormalities and birth defects.

Taking Care Of Your Himalayan Cat Breed

A Himalayan cat breed has similar needs to other kittens. The degree of difference lies mainly on the maintenance of the coat. Bathing of the Himalayan cat breed should be kept at a minimum of once a month or when the cat is dirty enough to warrant the need for a bath. Cats do not really enjoy bathing and too frequent bathing can upset the balance of the cat's coat making it more prone to drying up or skin problems. Brushing may also benefit the both the Himalayan cat breed and cat since this can lessen the appearance of hairballs.

The Himalayan cat breed also needs to eat the right kind of kitten food. Supplements may be necessary for the proper growth and abundance of its fur while kitten food that meets the demands of all kinds of kittens should be recommended by your veterinarian. Fresh water should be at hand always in a spot that the Himalayan cat breed recognizes as a comfort zone or some place that it may consider its own. This means that the place where the kitten food is served along with where the fresh water is kept should be consistent, especially if in side the home.

A warm spot for it to sleep should be made ready for it. This should be in a spot where there is less traffic and somewhere that the Himalayan cat breed can call its own. Some experts recommend putting a sort of carrier, box or basket that gives the impression of protecting the cat when it is inside. This will give the kitten a sense of having a sort of cave or hole to which it can retreat to when stressed or not wanting to be disturbed.

Taking care of a Himalayan cat breed can entail regular brushing as well as bathing to ensure that the coat is kept clean and free from parasites or tangles. Other than the long coat, the care for the Himalayan cat breed is pretty similar to that of other breeds.

The Manx Cat Breed

The Manx cat breed (sometimes misspelled Minx Cat) is one breed that is immediately noticed due to a naturally occurring mutation of its spine. Because of it we are faced with a cat that has a shorter tail and there are various tail lengths from tailless to normal tail length. A lot of Manx cats will show a small stub of a tail although most Manx cats are known to have no tail and this is a special characteristic of this breed.

Manx Cat Breed Appearance

The Manx cat has hind legs that are longer than the front one, thus creating an arch from the rump to the shoulder. This is the reason why this cat breed has a rounded appearance. The cat's coating comes in a variation of two coat lengths. We thus have a short haired Manx cat that has a thick and short under-layer coat and another outer layer coating with guard hairs. The long haired Manx cat (also known as Cymric) also has a double coat with a silky texture, of medium length. All Manx cats have a thick double layered coat and in contests the Cymric is usually judged as a short hair cat.

Manx Cat Tail Length Factor

The tail length of the Manx cat is highly important due to some factors. For instance, Manx kittens are classified by judging from this factor. We thus have Dimple rumpy (or rumpy - no tail), Riser (or rumpy riser - several vertebrae under the fur or a stub of cartilage), Stumpy (a partial tail) and Long tailed (complete or almost complete tail).

Manx Cat Breed Health

Nowadays the Manx Cat breed is a lot healthier than it was some years ago. This happened because breeders started a careful process of selecting the breeding stock. We thus have Manx breed that are as healthy as other cat breeds and their life expectancy is of 8 to 10 years. The only real problem can be found in the Manx Syndrome. This is a condition that appears when the spine is shortened too much due to the mutant tailless gene. The problem is that the spinal cord can be damaged and nerves end up causing spina bifida and various problems linked with digestion, bladder and bowels. Cats suffering from Manx Sydrome usually live a maximum of 3 years while the record is of 5 years at the moment.

Abyssinian Cat Facts

Abyssinian Cats (also known as Abyss cats - no link whatsoever with the professional wrestler) are a breed of domesticated cats that is believed to come from one female kitten called Zula, which was taken from a port in Alexandria and brought to England by a British Soldier. It was in England that the Abyssinian breed was developed through breeding Zula with an English tabby and then another breeding with the pet's mother. As time passed this cat breed became one of the most popular shorthair breed in the USA and people believe that there are still wild Abyssinians present in North Africa.

The Abyssinian cat presents a characteristic tawny, ticked coat. Tabby markings might be present on the paws and tail but none will be found on the body. Its eyes are of an almond shape and can be green or gold, with a fine dark line present around them. Large ears and a warm golden coat are also characteristic of the Abyssinian. Color variations of the coat include fawn, cinnamon, red and blue with a rare Silver Abyssinian cat variant also present.

These cats are quite active and friendly. They are not really lap cats because of their active nature that makes them want to play and explore. If there is a lack of attention and daily activity the Abyssinian cat can easily become depressed. This breed is characterized by high intelligence and the long haired version of it is called the Somali. When thinking about the Abyssinian we are linked with a medium sized cat that is powerful but graceful at the same time.

Cat Care - Longhaired Manx

The Long Haired Manx is a type of cat that comes with special care requirements. This cat does depend on you for shelter, food, health care and love so there is an immediate need for you to at least know the basics of how to care for her. Let us take a look at some cat care tips you might not have known, tips that will aid you in providing the perfect health environment for your Long Haired Manx and more.

First of, if your kitten is younger then 6 weeks you will need to talk to a vet. The Manx breed requires this because it can develop Manx syndrome, a condition that is deadly and is caused by the Manx's tailless gene. This condition might not appear before the cat reaching 4 months. Kittens younger than 6 months must be fed canned kitten food around 3 to 4 times per day and once it reaches around 7 months you should reduce the feeding quantity to just 2 times per day. With this in mind you realize that keeping dry kitten food and fresh water is always needed. Once the Long Haired Manx reaches 1 year of age you can make the switch to adult food but not directly. First mix a quarter of adult food with 3 quarters of kitten food. s time passes you can increase the amount of adult food in a period of 5 to 10 days. Avoid generic brands and always give your cat cat food that is for cats and not other animals, as some people end up doing. Keep in mind that cats enjoy variety so you can mix wet and dry cat food and never give you cat bones while also avoiding uncooked food. Milk should also be avoided.

Female Long Haired Manx should be spayed at 4 to 6 months while males neutered at 6 to 7 months. This is because females can start reproducing as nearly as 4 months. This breed is highly multiplying and females can get pregnant again while nursing the first litter. Waste from the litter box must be thrown away daily and refilled weekly while keeping an identification tag on the cat is always a good idea.

Hairless Cats - The Sphynx

Perhaps one of the most strange and curious feline is the one called The Sphynx. Its bizarre looks have brought it a lot of fans around the world. Here are some facts that you may or may have not known about these unique cats.

The so called hairless Sphynx is also known as the Canadian Hairless Cat. The gene of hairlessness has appeared as a spontaneous mutation several times during the past century, in well documented occurrences in Europe, Australia and America. The most famous early hairless cats are probably the two cats owned by a New Mexico resident that have come to be known as the "Hairless Mexican". Most sources agree that the first breeding program for hairless cats was initiated in Canada in 1966, when a domestic shorthaired cat produced a hairless kitten. These early cats were at first called "The Canadian Hairless", "Moonstone Cats" and "Canadian Sphynx" - with time, "Sphynx" became the official name. The Sphynx cats that we have today descend from a couple of domestic shorthair farm cats that produced a hairless kitten. The Sphynx cat became a recognized breed in the mid 1970's. To most people, hairlessness is a denial of everything that cats are about.

But here is something to think about: the history of the Mexican Aztecs contains stories of a breed of hairless cats which in winter developed a slight growth of hair on the back and along the ridge of the tail. Some modern Sphynxes have the same characteristics. The hairlessness, so called, because in fact the mature Sphynx has a very short downy coat which can be felt or seen only with difficulty, but no true eyebrows or whiskers - which is caused by a recessive gene. The mutation changed not only the hair length but also the body type, so that the Sphynx does not merely look like a domestic cat without hair. It looks like an entirely different species. in cats with normal coats, the hair regulates body temperature, and the Sphynx's lack of hair causes it to sweat and also makes it warm to the touch.

Sphynxes are said to be champion purrers, is very people-orientated and affectionate. They are highly intelligent, playful, cuddly, often described as being "part dog, part child, part monkey, and part cat". They have fun playing with appropriate cat toys and table tennis balls, most of all, they really love affection from their owner. Some owners have described the Sphynx as a "clown cat" - with it twisting and turning in mid-air and other antics it certainly can be a very humorous cat at times.

Sphynxes are essentially indoor cats as they have so little protection from adverse weather, and they do not like resting on cold surfaces. Their body temperature is a degree or two above the average for normal cats and they have voracious appetites to compensate for the heat loss.
Sphynxes have a characteristic pose, when standing, of raising one foreleg.

Why most calico cats are female?

If you are like me, then you will probably be surprised to hear that the vas majority of calico cats are female. Ok…to begin, I will explain what a calico cat is, as not many know. A calico cat is not a breed of cat, it is a color pattern. To be called "calico", three colors must be present: black, white and orange. Variations of these colors include gray, cream and ginger. A "true" calico cat has large blocks of these three colors, a "tortoise shell" or "tortie" cat has a mix of these three colors (blended/swirled together more than distinct blocks of color).

Now that we cleared that a calico cat is a cat with three colors, the question is: why are they nearly always female? The answer is in genetics. Coat color in cats is a sex-linked trait, a physical characteristic (coat color) related to gender. Female animals have two X chromosomes (XX), males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY). The genetic coding for displaying black or orange color is found on the X chromosome. The coding for white is a completely separate gene. Since females have two X chromosomes, they are able to "display" two colors (orange and black, or variations thereof) and white; creating the 3-color calico mix. Since males have only one X chromosome, they can only be orange OR black. It is more complicated than simply having the color genes -- it is a complex process of dominant and non-dominate genes interacting on the X chromosomes, but that is the basis for coat color in calico cats. Can a calico cat ever be male? Yes, in rare instances. In this situation, the cat has two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome (XXY). Cats with this chromosomal configuration are usually sterile (not able to breed). This is similar to a condition in humans called Klinefelter's syndrome, or XXY Syndrome.

I must admit that this is too scientific, but it is how feline experts say, so, we might as well enjoy the fact that we finally know a calico cat is, and why most of them are female. I will finish with a fun fact about the calico cats: on the 1’st of October 2001, the calico cat became the official cat of the state of Maryland in the United States.

American Shorthair Cats

Want a non-demanding house cat that will treasure each little sign of affection from you with-out lingering all day? You should consider the American shorthair cat, a classic breed that has managed to be in the top 10 most famous cat breeds.

It seems that the pilgrims took some cats on the boat to America to take care of the rats and other pests and after reaching shore they remained near their masters. They proved themselves and their strength to survive as don’t you think for a moment that anyone took after them, fed them three times a day or nurtured them like babies! They actually had to survive for a while and they did it quite well. This made the breed strong for the following generations, so the American shorthair cat can live up to 20 years not needing much but a warm home, proper feeding and regular visits to the vet.

They still have that agility to hunt pests if you ever need them to, but in most cases this ability is turned into playing energy and dedication to your happiness. The great thing about this breed is that you don’t have to worry about always grooming them, because it doesn’t have long hair to leave all over the house.

Cute face, juggling eyes and fast moves, the American shorthair cat has managed to take a bite of the show business and revealed to the US a new and stable icon. She appeared on a lot of cat food commercials as the adorable pet everyone has at home – and they did. This breed was the most common in the 19th century in America and people could relate to the commercials, understanding that those products could only be for their cat, and even that there was no other breed needed.

The American shorthair cats come in more than 80 colors of fur or eyes, but it managed to keep its temperament and affectionate manner of behaving. She gets along well with other animals, even dogs, if raised together from pups and kittens. Your kid will love her too because there is no sign of aggression in her behavior and she isn’t even a bit fussy.