Machine Name
cat
Balinese
Balinese
Balinese

The Balinese cat is a beautiful elegant medium-sized cat breed with the same long svelte lines as the Siamese. The body is slender and graceful and the head has a straight profile with large ears which may have tufts. It has a fine, silky flowing coat which can be from one to several centimetres long and lies flat against the body. The tail is long and plumed with much longer hair. Th Balinese cat has no woolly undercoat and so it is classed officially as 'semi-longhaired'. The eyes are bright blue and oriental in shape and setting. The coat features the same coloured points (ears, face, legs, feet and tail) and mask as the Siamese. In the USA Balinese-type cats with additional markings to those accepted for the Balinese are known as Javanese.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Very talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

The temperament of the Balinese cat breed is similar to that of the Siamese, but some owners think the Balinese is somewhat quieter. However, it is likely that the Balinese cat will still be something of an extrovert and will demand attention from its human companions. Balinese cats are extremely vocal and almost seem to talk to their owners. They need to be part of the family and their need for attention means they like human company and suit someone who is not out all day.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: America

 

The Balinese cat is basically a longhaired Siamese. First noticed in the early 20th century, breeders at first gave away their longhaired kittens. After the Second World War the breed was developed and originally called the 'Longhaired Siamese', it was renamed 'Balinese', due to the cats' resemblance to elegant, Far Eastern temple dancers. In 1961 the Balinese cat was recognised in America but it was not until the mid 1970s that the Balinese cat breed was imported into Europe.

 

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

 

Because of its links to the Siamese the Balinese cat breed may suffer from similar inherited disorders.

 

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.

 

Australian Mist
Australian Mist
Australian Mist

Australian Mist cats are a medium-sized shorthaired breed, with a round head and large, expressive eyes in a range of greens. There is nothing extreme about Australian Mist cats - they are of moderate size and medium boned with a friendly face. The coat has a pale background with some ticking which seems to give it a misted look, as well as a pattern of fine spots or marbled swirls, with legs and tail ringed and barred, and the face lined. Australian Mist cats come in seven colours: brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, caramel, gold and peach.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming everyday
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
     
Personality

Australian Mist cats are said to be affectionate and happy with people or other pets and easily fitting in to become a member of the family.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Australia

 

Other Names: : Spotted mist The Australian Mist cat is short haired breed that was developed in Australia in the 1970s by crossing Burmese, Abyssinian, and domestic shorthair cats to create a cat with a spotted coat and for this reason was initially called the Spotted Mist. As the Australian Mist cat breed developed and more patterns emerged, including marbled coats, the name was changed in 1998 to Australian Mist. There are not yet many Australian Mist cats yet in the UK and Europe but the breed is growing and breeders are working to have it recognized by cat fancy organizations.

 

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 reports of inherited problems in the Australian Mist cat breed.

 

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.

 

Asian
Asian
Asian

Asian cats have long medium-sized, quite muscular bodies and a tail that tapers to a rounded tip. Female Asian cats are much smaller and daintier than males. The head is wedge shaped with a gently rounded dome, medium sized wide-set ears and large eyes with a silvery rim. The coat, which can look like watered silk, is short, fine and lies close to the body. A wide range of colours and patterns are available in this group.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
Personality

The Asian cat breed is very like the Burmese in temperament - extremely friendly and affectionate - but slightly less boisterous than the Burmese. Asian cats love attention and need to be part of the family. They can be quite demanding and often follow their owners around the house crying for attention. Asian cats are very intelligent and can often work out such problems as how to open doors. They can be very sensitive to their owner's feelings and this makes them excellent companions.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain

 

Asians look similar to Burmese but with coats in colours not recognized in the Burmese breed. The Bombay is from this group, as is the Burmilla and the Tiffanie. This is a young and rapidly developing breed that is rising in popularity. The Asian cat breed includes the Bombay cat, Burmilla cat and Tiffanie cat breeds which are listed separately.

 

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 specific conditions relating to Asian cats in the veterinary literature, however, there may be a tendency for this group to develop conditions associated with the Burmese. Some lines of Burmese appear to be more susceptible to diabetes mellitus than other breeds.

 

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.

 

American Wirehair
American Wirehair
American Wirehair

As its name suggests, it's the coat that characterises this American Wirehair cat breed. The American Wirehair is on the large size and has a harsh, springy and wiry coat - each short-to-medium hair is thin and crimped, or hooked. The whiskers are often curly. The full extent of the 'wiring' only becomes apparent when the cat is mature; American Wirehair kittens that appear to have very curly coats when they are young can grow up into merely wavy, rather than wiry adults, and vice versa. They come in all sorts of colours, patterns and markings.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat
Personality

The American Wirehair cat is friendly and laid-back. It is relaxed, sweet natured, gentle and playful, enjoying toys, and games with its owner. This is not a particularly talkative cat breed.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: America

 

The American Wirehair cat breed began as a spontaneous mutation in a litter of New York farm cats in 1966 when one wirehaired kitten (named Adam) was produced among normal coated littermates. All American Wirehair pedigree cats can be traced back to Adam. The American Wirehair cat has become popular in the USA and Canada, but is little known elsewhere and is not a recognised show breed in the UK.

 

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

 

American breeders claim that the American Wirehair cat is a robust breed with few health problems. This cannot be confirmed in the UK population due to a lack of numbers.

 

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.

 

abyssinian
abyssinian
Abyssinian

Regal and highly intelligent, the Abyssinian is best described in one word: busy. Not a lap cat, this insatiably curious breed is always on the move, except when eating or sleeping. A fascinating, gorgeous breed, the Abyssinian is a natural athlete, with a muscular body and no fear of heights. The Aby is an affectionate, loyal, people-oriented companion that is well-suited for families with children older than 6.

DID YOU KNOW? The Abyssinian, one of the oldest cat breeds, was named for cats exhibited in shows in England in the late 1800s that were thought to have come from Abyssinia, the former Ethiopia.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
Not hypoallergenic
Size
Small to medium, with males weighing 3 to 4.5 kilograms and females weighing 2.5 to 3.5 kilograms
Coat
Medium
Temperament
Energetic, active
Grooming
Monthly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Quiet
Personality

The Abyssinian cat is quiet, intelligent and curious and is said to enjoy human company and become attached to its family. It enjoys space and activity, is a good climber, and will appreciate a garden full of trees and high places. Abyssinian cats are playful but tempered with some sense so are not too wreckless!

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

 

Other Names: : Abys, Bunny cat

 

The Abyssinian cat resembles the African wildcat, ancestor of the domestic cat. The history of the Abyssinian cat in the UK is a little obscure, but it is likely that it was brought back via army personnel from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), in the 1860s. The early Abyssinian cats were crossed with British Shorthairs, and later with oriental breeds. Long-haired Abyssinian kittens have been found in litters for many years, and since the 1970s they have been developed as a separate breed called the Somali.

 

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

 

Abyssinian cats can suffer from an inherited disease called pyruvate kinase deficiency that can cause anaemia. A reliable test is available for this and prospective owners should ask breeders if their cats have been tested and are clear of the problem. An eye problem, called progressive retinal atrophy, which causes progressive blindness has been indentified in some countries so it is worth asking the breeder about this as well.

 

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.

 

Turkish Angora
Turkish Angora
Turkish Angora

An elegant, beautiful breed, the Turkish Angora has a soft, silky coat on a slender, finely boned frame with a full, tapering tail. This active, playful feline is sometimes called the ballerina of the cat fancy due to her gracefulness. One of the most extroverted cat breeds, the Angora loves being the centre of attention and enjoys entertaining her human companions. This healthy breed usually lives a long life.

DID YOU KNOW? The Turkish Angora may have been the first longhair cat in Europe and is believed to have descended from longhair cats in Turkey, Russia and Persia. The breed is named for the former Turkish capital of Angora, today known as Ankara.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat

 

Living Considerations
 Good for family multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 3.5 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Semi-long, full, silky
Temperament
Affectionate, playful, loyal
Grooming
 Weekly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Moderate
Toyger
Toyger
Toyger

With her beautiful bold stripes and powerful body, the Toyger looks like a jungle tiger. This breed has a friendly, outgoing temperament and delights in being with people, even strangers, and gets along well with other pets. Highly intelligent, the Toyger is easy to train to go on leash walks and to play fetch. The Toyger is generally robust and healthy.

DID YOU KNOW? Bred to resemble wild tigers in a domestic package, the Toyger has a unique coat pattern for a domestic cat. Instead of the vertical stripes of the mackerel tabby or the rounded rosettes of some spotted tabbies, the Toyger has broken, or branched, bold vertical stripes in a random pattern.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat

 

 

Living Considerations
 Good for family multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 3.5 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Short, plush, soft
Temperament
Outgoing, intelligent, active
Grooming
 Monthly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Average
himalayan
himalayan
Himalayan

One of the most beloved cat breeds, the Himalayan craves affection and loves to be petted. The Himmy is a devoted, loyal companion that is good with children and other pets. This poised, sweet feline is calm and self-assured. She is also active and playful well into her senior years. A healthy, long-lived breed, the Himalayan’s body is various shades of white to fawn with point colours on her facial mask and extremities.

DID YOU KNOW? In 1950, an American cat breeder, Marguerita Goforth, began developing the Himalayan by crossing a Siamese and Persian. The Himalayan features the colour and pattern of a Siamese and the short, heavy-boned body and coat of the Persian, thus is referred to as a pointed pattern Persian.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Indoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good for family multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium to large, with males weighing 4 to 6.5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 5 kilograms
Coat
 Long
Temperament
Playful, active, social
Grooming
 Daily
Shedding
 Heavy
Vocalisation
 Moderate
Havana Brown
Havana Brown
Havana Brown

The Havana Brown is called the puppy of the cat fancy because this breed loves to follow her owners everywhere. Outgoing, playful and charming, Brownies are intelligent and easily trained to fetch. Unlike cats that use their sense of smell to investigate curiosities, this feline extends her paws, often appearing to be holding out a paw of friendship. The Havana Brown is social and doesn’t like being left alone too long.

DID YOU KNOW? The Havana Brown was named for the similarity of her lovely burnished, mahogany-toned, glossy coat to the brown color of Havana cigars. The Havana Brown is exclusive to North America. The Chestnut Brown, the European version of the Havana Brown, is the equivalent of the chestnut Oriental Shorthair.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Indoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good for family multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 3.5 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Short to medium, smooth, lustrous
Temperament
Playful, adaptable, social
Grooming
 Rarely/Never
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Soft, intimate voice
Balinese-Javanese
Balinese-Javanese
Balinese-Javanese

A Siamese in every nature except for her long, silky ermine coat, the Balinese, also known as the Javanese, has a distinctive luxurious tail plume. This long, slender cat is lithe but muscular. An easygoing breed with a clownlike personality, the Balinese adores people. This regal, aristocratic, intelligent cat is talkative, though less vocal than the Siamese. A healthy breed, the Balinese can live up to 20 years.

DID YOU KNOW? The long, elegant body of the Balinese prompted the breed being named after the graceful dancers from the island of Bali.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Very talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Indoor cat
  • Great family cat

 

Living Considerations
 Not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 5.5 to 7.5 kilograms and females weighing 3.5 to 5.5 kilograms
Coat
Medium
Temperament
 Active, affectionate, demands attention
Grooming
 Monthly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Talkative
Cat