Machine Name
cat
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold
Scottish Fold

With her uniquely folded ears, round face and wide eyes, the Scottish Fold is described as looking like a pixie, an owl or a teddy bear. A mellow, loving breed, this cat adapts easily to new environments and enjoys adults, children and other pets. The Scottish Fold usually bonds to one person, following you from room to room like a loyal puppy. This playful, intelligent breed has two coat varieties, longhair and shorthair.

DID YOU KNOW? All Scottish Folds can be traced back to a white female barn cat with unique folded ears, named “Susie,” who was born in 1961 on a farm near Coupar Angus in the Tayside Region of Scotland.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good in multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Small to medium, with males weighing 3 to 4.5 kilograms and females weighing 2 to 3.5 kilograms
Coat
Longhair — medium-long; shorthair — medium-short, dense, plush
Temperament
 Loyal, sweet, loving
Grooming
 Weekly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Quiet
Personality

The Scottish Fold cat breed has a sweet, gentle temperament despite its strange appearance. Folds are not an active breed, and this may be because of pain involved in movement.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Scotland

 

Named after its forward folding ears, the Scottish Fold cat breed was first seen as a natural mutation in Scotland in the 1960s. British cat show judges and numerous veterinary surgeons decided that the cat's folded ears were an undesirable deformity and would make it impossible for the cat to clean its ears. Deformities of the spine, hind legs and tail also appeared when folded-ear cats were bred to one another. Therefore, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in the UK decided against allowing the registration of the Scottish Fold cat. The breed is popular in the USA and elsewhere.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Scottish Fold cats can suffer from painful degenerative joint disease throughout their lives. This arises as the Scottish Fold cat mutation detrimentally affects cartilage, most obviously seen making the ear cartilage fold. As the disease progresses the joints stiffen, bones fuse and movement becomes more difficult and painful. Cats progress from slight lameness to reluctance to move.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Savannah
Savannah
Savannah

Beautiful and unusual, the Savannah is a domestic hybrid that has the exotic look of its ancestor, the African Serval, with striking dark spots, bold markings, hooded eyes, and a short, thick tail. Known for her remarkable personality, the adventurous Savannah loves to play in water, can be trained to walk on leash and enjoys playing fetch. This affectionate cat forms strong bonds with her family and does best with daily interaction.

DID YOU KNOW? The Savannah resulted from the crossbreeding of a domestic female cat to a male African Serval. The kitten, born April 7, 1986, was named “Savannah,” from which the breed takes its name. This first-generation hybrid cross had traits of both domestic cats and African Serval.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Living Considerations
 Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium to large, with males and females weighing 3.5 to 11.5 kilograms
Coat
Short, slightly coarse
Temperament
 Adventurous, outgoing, affectionate
Grooming
 Weekly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Average, may hiss, chirp and meow
Personality

As Savannah cats are not common, it is difficult to generalise about their personality traits and how predictable they are. Some say they are very social and friendly with new people and other cats and dogs, while others may run and hide or revert to hissing and growling when seeing a stranger. Apparently Savannah cats can also jump very high (8ft) from a standing position and learn quickly. This is probably not a first cat. It is quite large and strong and is frequently described as 'assertive'. Savannahs are said to both 'chirp' like a Serval or meow like a domestic cat or a mixture of the two. They are also said to hiss quite loudly.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USASavannah cats are rather controversial. They are the result of crossing a domestic cat and a Serval — a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat. These first crosses are then bred again and the resulting cats are termed domestic. The breed began in the mid 1980s and is recognised by one of the cat fancy organisations.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

It is too early to know whether the Savannah cat breed has any health problems as none are yet cited in the veterinary literature.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Russian Blue
Russian Blue
Russian Blue

The Russian Blue is easily distinguished with her emerald green eyes and silver-tipped blue coat. Though naturally shy, this feline is affectionate toward her family and gets along well with older children. Highly intelligent, the Russian Blue has been reported to open doors. This clean, quiet-mannered cat thrives in a consistent, routine environment. The Russian Blue is a healthy breed that does well when left alone for long periods.

DID YOU KNOW? The Russian Blue is believed to have descended from the royal cats of Russian czars. The breed has been known by several names, including Archangel Blue or Archangel Cat, since it is believed to have originated in Russia’s port city of Arkhangelsk on the White Sea. Other names are Spanish Blue, Foreign Blue and Maltese Blue.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Living Considerations
 Good for multi-pet households if given time to adjust, not hypoallergenic
Size
Small to medium, with males weighing 3 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 2 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Short, dense, fine, plush
Temperament
 Reserved, sensitive, loyal
Grooming
 Yes
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Quiet
Personality

Russian Blue cats are quiet and sensitive, sometimes shy and reserved but are said to be tremendously loyal to their chosen human being. They may be cautious of strangers and take time to develop a friendship with humans. Once settled in a loving environment they love to play with toys and enjoy jumping, climbing and racing around and are extremely agile and light footed.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Russia

 

The Russian Blue cat was originally known as the Archangel Cat because it was said to have arrived in Europe aboard ships from the Russian port of that name (Arkhangel'sk). It has also been known as the Spanish Cat and the Maltese Cat, particularly in the US where the latter name persisted until the beginning of the century. There is, however, strong evidence linking the cat with Russia. Large numbers of cats with similar coat colours are found in Scandinavia and their dense coat is indicative of living in a northern climate. Although blue is considered the typical colour of this breed, black and white Russians are known. These colours arose during World War II when the few remaining Russian Blue cats were crossed with the British Blue and the Siamese to maintain numbers.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Russian Blue cat breed seems to be healthy.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Ragdoll
Ragdoll
Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is one of the most popular longhair cat breeds. Social and loving, this cat enjoys people and gets along well with children and dogs. The desire to be near her family has earned her the affectionate nickname “puppycat.” The Ragdoll can be taught to fetch and come when called. Playful throughout their lives, these cats mature slowly in three to four years.

DID YOU KNOW? The Ragdoll originated in the early 1960s when a Persian breeder, Ann Baker of Riverside, Calif., bred a semi-feral longhaired white cat resembling an Angora to cats she found or owned. The offspring of “Josephine” had unique, endearing temperament traits that Baker selectively bred in creating the breed.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Calm cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Larger stockier cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
 Large, with males weighing 5.5 to 9 kilograms and females weighing 3.5 to 7 kilograms
Coat
Semi-long, plush, silky
Temperament
 Affectionate, playful, easygoing
Grooming
 Yes
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Quiet
Personality

The Ragdoll cat is possibly the most laid back of all the domestic cat breeds. These cats are basically content and undemanding and tolerate most situations. They have an extremely gentle and relaxed nature, and make loyal and devoted pets. There is an old-wives tale that these cats are immune to pain, but this is totally untrue! Their relaxed disposition stems from a very trusting nature, not a lack of feeling.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USAThe first Ragdoll kittens were born in California in the 1960s. They are probably the result of a mating between a white Persian cat queen (female) and a Birman or Birman-type tom. When picked up the cat becomes very relaxed and is as floppy as the ragdoll from which it takes its name. There are some that say that this was brought about by an accident the queen had while carrying the kittens but it is genetically impossible for the effects of the injury to be inherited by the kittens.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Ragdoll cat breed is associated with an inherited form of heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) that can lead to heart failure at an early age – ask the breeder if you are considering buying this breed.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed tends to be excellent with kids, each cat has a different personality based on training and life experience. Please consult the adoption organisation, if you are adopting, for details on a specific cats character.

 

Pixiebob
Pixiebob
Pixiebob

Pixie-Bob cats are a large breed and resemble bobcats in many ways, perhaps the most obvious being the short tail (although the tail can be almost non-existent, through short or can even be long). The body is muscular, the face pear shaped and the ears have tufts. The woolly coat stands out from the body and has a spotted pattern on a light tan to a reddish background. Most Pixie-Bob cats have black fur and skin on the bottom of their paws, tipped ears, heavy ear hair, black lips, and white fur around the eyes but with black eye skin. Most are short-haired, but some are long-haired. Eyes are gold or greenish gold. The Pixie-Bob cat is one of the few breeds that allows polydactyl toes (extra toes) in its standards, with a maximum of seven toes.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Larger stockier cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat
Personality

Pixie-Bob cats are said to be confident, social and active. Some are sociable, some more shy.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA The Pixie-Bob cat breed originated in the USA in the 1980s from wild looking barn cats and other cats which resemble a cross between a North American Bobcat and a domestic cat. The original kitten from the beginning of the development of the breed was called Pixie, hence the name. The breed came to Europe in 2001 but is not common.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

There is little information on the health of the Pixie-Bob cat breed and no reported problems. Some Pixiebob cats are polydactyl – that is they have extra toes. In general encouraging extra toes in breeding is not recommended as they can cause problems.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Persian Long Hair
Persian Long Hair
Persian Long Hair

A gorgeous longhair breed with a pansylike face, the Persian looks like a fluff ball but under the coat is a muscular, sturdy body. With her sweet personality, the Persian is a charming pet for all ages. The breed features solid, bicolour, calico and tabby varieties, which include a multitude of colours and patterns. The Persian Solid may be coloured white, blue, black, red, cream, chocolate, and lilac. All have brilliant copper eyes, except the pristine white solid colour, which may be copper, deep blue or a combination of blue and copper. The Persian Bicolour features a combination of colours as well as patterns of tabby. All have brilliant copper eyes, except the silver tabby with white, which may have green or hazel eyes. The Persian Calico has a white coat splashed with vivid patches of red and black. The dilute calico is patched with blue and cream, and chocolate and lilac calicos have patches of chocolate and red or lilac and cream, respectively. The Persian Tabby, known for being extroverted and fun, comes in three patterns, classic, mackerel and patched. This breed requires daily brushing and occasional baths and should strictly be an indoor pet.

DID YOU KNOW? Though the origin of the Persian is not known definitely, the breed is believed to have come from Angora cats from Turkey crossed with other longhair cats from Persia, Afghanistan, Burma, China, and Russia. Cats from these blended lines were imported to Europe in the 1600s.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Calm cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Indoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium to large, with males weighing 4.5 to 6.5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4.5 kilograms
Coat
Long, thick, glossy
Temperament
 Affectionate, loyal, sedate
Grooming
 Daily
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Soft, pleasant voice
Personality

Persian Longhair cats are calm and affectionate. They are gentle and are not as active as some shorthair breeds. Generally speaking they do not mind living on their own and are quite content to be an only cat. They are quite content to sit quietly and look pretty.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Turkey and Persia

 

The first documented ancestors of the Persian cat were imported in the 17th century from Persia into Italy, and from Angora (now Ankara), Turkey into France. The Persian cats were grey coated while those from Angora were white. Descendants of these longhaired cats eventually reached Britain in the 19th century. These early Persian cats were quite different from the cats that win shows today: their faces were longer, their ears larger and they had a rangier shape. Over the years selective breeding has produced the stocky body and flat faced appearance that is familiar today. The coat is not just long; it has a very thick undercoat which requires a huge commitment in terms of owner grooming – the cat cannot keep this matt-free on its own.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

While the Persian Longhair cat may be expected to live for about ten to twelve years, it is a breed that is recognised as having a number of health problems. Because the head shape has been shortened and the face flattened, there can be jaw deformities which can lead to dental disease and potential problems with eating and drinking. Small nostrils and a soft palate which is too long can also lead to severe breathing problems. The tear ducts may not follow their natural path and so the eyes run and wet the face constantly – this can lead to skin rashes and sores on the face. The flat nature of face also increases the chances of eye disease. Persians can carry a gene that leads to kidney failure (called autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease) through the development of cysts in the kidney. This condition was found in more than a third of all Persian and Exotic shorthaired cats in the 1990s when screening tests became available. Using screening, breeders are now working to try to eradicate the problem – always ask the breeder to show the PKD certificates for the cats used to produce your kitten. Persian cats may also have an increased incidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the walls of the heart). Like other longhaired cats, Persians are the most likely to develop fungal skin infections, such as ringworm.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Oriental Short Hair
Oriental Short Hair
Oriental Short Hair

The Oriental is a sleek, elegant cat with large, flaring ears and almond-shaped eyes. A playful, spirited breed, the Oriental has a vivacious personality. This people-oriented feline usually forms a close bond with one person. Those who give an Oriental the affection she needs will find she does anything to please them. This is a healthy breed that can live for 15 years or longer.

DID YOU KNOW? Originating in the 1950s, the Oriental was selectively bred from Siamese. The breed has two coat varieties, shorthair and longhair, both of which can appear in litters. The Oriental longhair actually has a medium-length coat and is considered rare.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Very talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Living Considerations
Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Small to medium, with males weighing 3 to 4.5 kilograms and females weighing 2 to 3.5 kilograms
Coat
Longhair — medium, fine, silky; shorthair — short, fine, glossy
Temperament
Energetic, affectionate, playful
Grooming
Monthly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
 Loud
Personality

Like the Siamese, the Oriental cat breed is an intelligent, curious cat that makes its presence known. They love to talk to their human companions and expect a reply. They want to be part of the family and enjoy playing games like fetch with a ball of scrunched up paper. Oriental cats like to be kept amused and do not like to be left alone, so if you are out at work all day, getting another Oriental cat is probably a good idea.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA/Britain

 

The Oriental cat is really a Siamese with a different colour coat and green eyes (except in the case of the Foreign White which has blue eyes). The shape and temperament are exactly the same as the Siamese. The Oriental cat breed was created by crossing Siamese cats with other breeds to produce different colours. Black 'Siamese' had been in existence for a long time but it wasn't until the 1950s that serious efforts were made to breed different colours and the black form is known as the Black Oriental cat. The next Oriental breed to be developed was the Havana, a chocolate colour 'Siamese' (not to be confused with the Havana Brown which is a separate American breed). Selective breeding has since produced many more colours and coat patterns.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Oriental cats can live well into their teens. Although most Oriental Longhair cats live long and healthy lives, there are a number of disorders that seem to be associated with the Oriental cat family - those similar to the Siamese as they are closely related.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Oriental Long Hair
Oriental Long Hair
Oriental Long Hair

Oriental Longhair cats feature a long, lithe and elegant, Siamese-style body with a triangular wedge-shaped head and ears. The coat is long and silky, but unlike the Persian cat, there is no woolly undercoat and coat lies flat against the body and so is officially classified as a semi-longhair. The tail forms a magnificent plume. The range of possible coat colours includes everything from solid colours to smokes, tipped or tabby types. All Oriental Longhair cats have almond-shaped green eyes, except for the whites, which may have green or blue eyes, or be odd-eyed (two different coloured eyes).

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Very talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Outdoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

Like all cats of Oriental type, these cats are lively and companionable. This breed is 'into everything' and always wants to know what's going on. Oriental Longhair cats are very talkative cats that can become bored easily and need plenty of attention for fun and games. These cats crave company, which is something to consider if you are out for most of the day – getting two litter mates may give them some company.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: England

 

Other Names: : Foreign Longhair, Angora, Madarin, British Angora

 

Oriental Longhair cats were originally imported from Ankara in Turkey in the 19th century and were the first longhaired cats to be brought to Western Europe. The breed disappeared when the more fully coated Persian arrived in the early 1900s. The modern Oriental Longhair cat, has been genetically recreated by breeders in the UK through crosses with Abyssinian cats (for longhair gene) and Siamese cats (for body type). A few of the original cats were taken to the USA where they were bred and are now classified as Turkish Angoras. The Oriental Longhair cat breed was formerly known as the British Angora before being renamed in 2002 by British cat fancies in order to avoid confusion with the Turkish Angora cat breed. In Europe a solid coloured Oriental Longhair cat is known as a Javanese.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Although most Oriental Longhair cats live long and healthy lives, there are a number of disorders that seem to be associated with the Oriental family - those similar to the Siamese cat breed as they are closely related.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Ocicat
Ocicat
Ocicat

The Ocicat is the only spotted domestic breed selectively bred to emulate cats of the wild. This muscular, athletic breed can be trained to play fetch and walk on a leash. A people-devoted feline, the Ocicat loves companionship and doesn’t like being left alone too long. This cat does well with other cats and cat friendly dogs. A healthy breed, the Ocicat may live to be 15 to 18 years old.

DID YOU KNOW? In 1964, Virginia Daly of Berkleg, Mich., experimentally crossed a Siamese with an Abyssinian hoping to produce an Aby-point Siamese. A male kitten in the litter was ivory with golden spots and copper eyes. Daly’s daughter named the breed Ocicat because the kitten, “Tonga,” resembled the spotted wildcat. Tonga was neutered and sold as a pet. A noted geneticist at Georgia University, Dr. Clyde Keeler, wanted to see a domestic cat that mimicked wild species that were becoming extinct. At his request, the breeding of Tonga’s parents was repeated, producing another spotted male, Dalai Dotson, who became the father of the Ocicat breed.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Very talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Living Considerations
Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium to large, with males weighing 4 to 7 kilograms and females weighing 2.5 to 4.5 kilograms
Coat
Short, smooth, satiny
Temperament
Confident, active, social
Grooming
Monthly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
 Talkative
Personality

Although the Ocicat has been bred to look like a wild cat, its temperament does not reflect this. The breed is intelligent and playful, curious and friendly and can be demanding of attention. They prefer, like all active cats, to have company and are very happy with human companions but if the humans are out at work all day having two may help to provide companionship.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA

 

Other Names: : Oci

 

The Ocicat cat breed is a relatively new breed of cat that resulted from some experimental matings in the 1960s in America. Breeders were trying to produce an Abyssinian pointed Siamese but instead produced a kitten with an amazing coat of gold spots on an ivory background. He looked like the wild Ocelot, hence the name Ocicat. American Shorthairs were introduced into the breeding programme, which brought the lovely silver colours and strong musculature and bone. In 1988 the first Ocicats arrived in Britain.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

There are no inherited disorders reported for the Ocicat breed at present.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Norwegian Forest
Norwegian Forest
Norwegian Forest

The Norwegian Forest Cat is gorgeous, having bright emerald green eyes, a long flowing, silky coat, full mane, and magnificent 30.5 centimetre tail. This people-oriented breed is gentle and loving, including to other animals. A hardy, healthy feline that is naturally curious and athletic, the Norwegian Forest Cat is patient and not stressed easily. This breed is slow maturing, reaching full growth in about five years.

DID YOU KNOW? The cat of the Vikings, the Norwegian Forest Cat protected grain stores on land and sea from rodents. It is believed that these cats left their progeny on the shores of North America, explaining the breed’s presence on this continent.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Larger stockier cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Large, with males weighing 4.5 to 7 kilograms and females weighing 3.5 to 5.5 kilograms
Coat
Long, dense, glossy, smooth
Temperament
Sweet, curious, intelligent
Grooming
 Weekly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
 Moderate
Personality

Norwegian Forest cats love people and thrive on human company. At times they can be very demanding of affection. At other times they appear quite independent. They are used to an outdoor life and are well adapted to roam and hunt outside and are said to be excellent climbers. They can be very rewarding companions as they are extremely friendly and playful. The breed is slow in developing and may not be mature until four years of age.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Scandinavia

 

The Norwegian Forest cat is a breed believed to originate from the shorthair cats brought by the Vikings from Great Britain and longhair cats brought by the Crusaders to Scandinavia, which then mated with local farm and feral cats. The breed's origin in the cold north of Scandinavia has meant that it is well adapted to the cold winters and is rugged and hardy. The best adaptation to the climate is the double coat, which keeps out the wind and the snow and is quick drying. The breed was first recognised in Norway in 1930 and first appeared at cat shows in 1938. Norwegian Forest cats were only exported from Norway in the 1970s.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Norwegian Forest cat seems to be a robust breed with no major inherited problems documented.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Cat