Discover the Russian Blue Cats and Other Different Cat Breeds

By Jan Roos

Are Russian Blue Cats smarter than the other different cat breeds? The truth is many of their breeders and owners believe that with all their heart. In fact many of them say their own Russian Blue is so smart it can read their mind. However, these owners and breeders are a bit prejudiced about their favorite breed the Russian Blue. This article will give you a better understanding of the Russian Blues and why their owners are so proud of them.

If you are looking for a truly unique and beautiful kitten you don't have to look much further than the Russian Blue breed. Thanks to their unique body, with a tail most cats would kill for and their beautiful double layered coat of fur, they are a beast that wins your mind, body and soul on first glance.

One of the best features of the Russian Blue is the fascinating green eyes. You can feel the gaze magnetically drawing you into the depths of the cat's personality. When the eyes lock onto yours, you feel as if the animal is talking directly to you.

Many times you will find yourself answering the little beast. This little trait is what make the breeders and owners swear up and down the cat can read their minds. Don't worry! You're not going crazy it happens to everybody.

Another thing that will make you fall in love with this bundle of fur is its total loyalty once it gets over the initial shyness of you being a stranger. Once you have held it and stroked it, making it feel safe and secure you have a sidekick for the next 15 to 20 years.

Your Russian Blue Feline will spend hours playing and bonding with members of their adopted family. Not only do they bond well with the family, but will blend right in with the other household pets. They have been known to chase after a ball or a favorite toy and return to the one playing with them. Their energy level is quite high and will remain high through out their life, as long as they are healthy.

An extremely important fact about the Russian Blue Cats is their hardiness and resistance to health aliments that other different cat breeds often fall prey to. The majority of breeders and those in the know contribute this to their genetic background.

These felines come from the area of Arkhangelsk Oblast, Russia. This area is located at the northern part of European Russia by the White Sea. Because of the severe cold and length of the winters, the cats developed the double layer of fur and their immune system became very resistant to normal diseases. This is another trait which has been passed on through the years.

This concludes Part 1 of "Discover The Russian Blue Cats and Other Different Cat Breeds". Part 2 will have more vital information about the Russian Blue, but it will also give you additional information on a few of the other breeds.

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The Truth About Cat's Beds and Cat's Collars

By Paul Kramer

Cats sleep about 60 percent of their lives, and they are known to nap anywhere that is comfortable. Even though some make their own beds (on a guest bed, blanket, or in your closet), you should buy your cat a bed of his own. It will give him a familiar, safe place to sleep that belongs only to him.

Pet supply stores sell many different types. Most are lined with cotton, flannel, or sheepskin. The one that you buy should be large enough for your cat to curl up in, but it should not be huge. Cats need to feel secure wherever they sleep, and touching the sides of their bed gives them a sense of security. Put it in an area where your cat is not likely to be disturbed by loud noises or people wandering in and out. Before you know it, he will snuggle right in.

What about cat collars? Every pet should wear a collar with identification at all times. Your cat's collar should be made of stretchable nylon or have an automatic release or safety clasp that will engage if he gets caught on something, like a fence post or a tree branch. Pet supply manufacturers design fancy collars in many styles, colors, and designs, but whatever type you buy, make sure that you get the right size for your pet. Collars come in a variety of sizes based on the size and weight of the cat. For example, if you have a kitten, he should wear a kitten sized collar. Keep in mind that as your kitten grows up, he will need a larger collar.

The collar should be loose enough around your cat's neck so he can breathe and swallow normally, but it should not be so loose that he can pull it off or get his foot trapped in. As a rule, leave enough space to slip two fingers between the neck and the collar. If your cat has never worn a collar before, he will probably not like the feel of it around his neck and will likely try to pull it off. This is normal cat behavior. After a few days, he will get used to it and forget the he is wearing it.

If you have a child in the family, she may want to take care of the new cat or kitten. While you should encourage children to help out with daily day care, they should never be solely responsible for a pet's well being. Even if they promise to always take responsibility, they often become bored with daily chores and may forget to change the cat's water or to provide food every day. This is unfair to the animal and does not promote responsible pet ownership.

However, you can teach your child by example, by allowing her to help you. Depending on the child's age, she can do simple chores such as change the cat's water, but until she reaches an appropriate age and maturity level, the cat's needs must be tended to by an adult.

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Feline Urinary Tract Infection Remedies

By Bruce Maul

Urinary tract infections (UTI) more frequently occur in cats than in dogs. While the infection can put forth severe discomforts to felines, headaches will most likely surmount for the pet owner in the course of finding a sustainable treatment.

In many instances, treatment with veterinary medicine do not produce encouraging results of healing despite the conduct of a complicated diagnosis or prescription of costly pet antibiotics. Nonetheless, without proper and immediate treatment, the infection could progress to chronic status, further jeopardize feline health and entail additional veterinary expenses. Learning and applying practical solutions for pet UTI prevention and treatment is never a waste of time and effort.

Let us examine the conventional veterinary treatments prescribed and furthermore probe into alternative forms of treatment such as pet herbal supplements designed to cure feline urinary tract infections.

Conventional Feline UTI Treatments

Veterinarians would likely prescribe pet antibiotics for UTI in cats. For instances of chronic UTI, catheterization or surgery will be recommended to save your cat's life. As nutritional support to routine urinary tract system functioning, feeding your pet with commercial cat food that is supposedly packed with essential nutrients is perceived ideal. To further prevent the likelihood of infections, hygienic practices from the supply of fresh, clean water at all times to the provision of an adequate number of litter boxes is encouraged to stimulate healthy urination in cats.

Alternative Feline UTI Treatments

Nonetheless, mainstream practices are not always successful in the control of the disease. There are instances where the recurrence of urinary tract disorders would transpire following extensive treatment. Wonder what went wrong? Dietary formulas prepared for felines often contend with the feeding habits of cats in the wild. Meanwhile, medications are inclined to impair the biochemic processes sustaining feline health, compromise immune defenses and promote recurrent infections or other diseases.

To address the severe side effects of veterinary medicine in its long term use, feline UTI treatment can be pursued through holistic methods with the use of natural remedies or herbal remedies. By way of holistic support, UTI symptoms are relieved, the urinary tract system of felines are reinforced and recurrence is prevented.

This level of health care can now be accessed through the use of standardized herbal supplements formulated to heal pet bladder infections. Among the herbal ingredients employed in supplements promoting this benefit include the natural antibiotics Barberry and Bearberry as well as the urinary tract restorative Cantharis. Your pet can now take advantage of this package of medicinal benefits with every dose of PetAlive UTI-Free, a standardized herbal supplement designed for the overall support of pet urinary tract system.

Bruce Maul is a partner in Gold Flax Seed, Inc. which provides only top quality Flax Seed, Herbal Remedies and other health related products. Learn more about Herbal Remedies by visiting http://www.myherbalremedystore.com

The Snowshoe Cat

By Omer Ashraf

Snowshoe is beautiful feline breed with striking white colored paws and pointed appearance. The cat is an artificial breed that was created through crossing of domestic shorthair cats with Siamese in nineteen sixty in United States. The resulting babies with white mittens instantly appealed to the owner who began development of the Snowshoe in earnest. With time acceptance came for the felid in a number of cat fancies though it still lacks universal recognition. It is hard to predict the precise appearance of Snowshoes in a litter since apart from some characteristic features of the breed since they all differ in their individual colors and patterns.

Snowshoes are elegant like the Siamese and yet are sturdy like the domestic shorthairs. They have a longish muscular body that is said to contain surprising strength for their size. Head is wedge shaped with oval blue eyes and medium sized ears with slightly rounded tips. Coat varies in individual pattern in nearly all Snowshoes but generally has white patches on chest, face and stomach. There is an inverted white colored 'V' on face as well. Points occur on face, ears, tail and sometimes legs in blue, chocolate, fawn, lilac, lynx and seal colors.

Hallmark of Snowshoes are their pretty white toes that often contrast with darker markings on legs and give the cat its unique appearance. Paw pads are frequently light colored too but darken with age. The cats appearing in shows at times have quite remarkable markings, though they are very difficult to produce.

Snowshoes have a very boisterous personality and they are always looking to play and have fun. Extroverts by nature, they quickly attach themselves to all family members though they stay closest to one particular person. They go along very well with other cats and children and are always looking to interact with others.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Snowshoe cat.

The Singapura Cat

By Omer Ashraf

A shorthair feline, Singapura is said to have originated from Singapore. It is thought to have lived there for many years with locals reporting their sightings to go back as far as three centuries. However, it is not the commonest cat in the alleys of Singapore, and is often referred to as the drain or river cat owing to its habit of staying around water bodies in summer months. The cat was imported to United States in nineteen seventies and given championship status in early eighties. There is some controversy regarding the origin of Singapura with some arguing that it is not a natural cat and was artificially bred from Burmese and other cats, particularly with the recent emergence of reports that the genetic makeup of Singapura and Burmese is in fact quite similar. Nevertheless the felid is still recognized as a unique registered breed in most cat fancies across the world.

A relatively tiny animal, Singapura is a small but muscular cat. Both genders weigh in the range of five to seven pounds. General appearance is that of a dainty and somewhat unique feline. Coat is short and in a ticked tabby pattern. Only a sepia brown coloration is seen that is quite similar to the coat of mountain lions. Head is rounded with big expressive eyes that occur in green, yellow or hazed color. Paws are small and tail is normal in length.

Singapuras have all emerged from only a handful of ancestors and therefore they don't have a lot of genetic diversity amongst them. There have been few hereditary illnesses in some of their lines. Since outcrossing is not commonly practiced for these cats, breeders are trying to locate specimens in other parts of the world for induction into the gene pool to add variety.

Singapuras are affectionate cats that spend most of their time playing or staying perched on high places, surveying everything. They follow their humans around everywhere and prefer to be involved in all of their activities. Singapuras are social cats that go along well with everybody, including children, pets and even strangers. They are very gentle and communicate in a soft meow. Sensible animals they don't damage furniture or household items despite their curious and playful nature. Singapuras take time to mature and often it is around two years before they bloom fully into bundles of love and beauty.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Singapura cat.

The Sokoke Cat

By Omer Ashraf

A shorthair cat, Sokoke is believed to have originated many centuries ago in Sokoke-Arabuko rainforest in eastern Kenya. There it was called Khadzonzo by native tribesmen, the word meaning 'tree bark like in appearance' in local language. Despite its independent existence in nature for many years, there is not much evidence of wild cat genetics in this beautiful cat and it is believed by many to be a feral domestic cat. The modern history of Sokoke was initiated when in early nineteen eighties they were brought from Africa to Denmark, Europe, owing to their striking appeal and fear of extinction in shrinking natural habitat. Though the shorthair cats had some trouble early on, adjusting to the cold climate of Denmark, they survived and gained recognition in coming years. Today breeding populations occur all across Europe and North America, even as Sokokes are still relatively rare as purebreds.

Sokoke has a sleek athletic body that is chiseled like that of the Cheetah. Its slender, hard muscled trunk, long legs and short head give it the appearance of a skilled predator. Coat is single layered and dense. It has a blotched tabby pattern with ticked hair and occurs in shades of brown. Head is flat at the top with alert, rounded ears and almond shaped slightly slanted green eyes.

A relatively recent development in Sokoke lines is the 'Snow Sokoke'. This cat has a basic color in the range of cream to gray with similar marbled tabby markings on body. Legs and tail are striped and eyes are of a blue color. Snow Sokokes are very pretty. However, they are not widely accepted in breed standards at the moment.

Sokokes are very intelligent cats that are sensitive and react well to alternating moods and behavior patterns of humans. They are social and accept other pets easily into the household. Active and vocal animals, these cats readily communicate with their humans.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Sokoke cat.

The Cymric Cat

By Omer Ashraf

Remarkable for its absent or short tail, Cymric is a feline breed that is essentially the same as the Manx cat, but for its longer hair. In fact the two cats are believed to have originated a long time back on the Isle of Man, an island in the Irish sea located close to Wales in United Kingdom. Many believe that the name 'Cymric' is derived from the Gaelic word for Welsh. In any case the cat has lived on the isolated island for centuries in both the short and longhair versions. The absence of tail is believed to be a result of a genetic mutation. The trait perpetuated owing to the separation of these cats from other breeds. The modern history of Cymric cats is often traced to Canada where they were first formally bred in nineteen sixties and later exported to United States. The cats lack general acceptance amongst cat fanciers at the moment and are registered with select bodies currently.

Cymrics have a solid cobby physique. They are medium sized animals with a stocky build. Head is round with a somewhat shortened muzzle, bright circular eyes and medium sized ears. Coat is long and double layered and is seen in numerous colors and patterns including bicolor, solid, tabby and tortie. Fur is generally smooth and lustrous. Legs are short and strong and paws are big and rounded.

Tail of the Cymric is either completely absent or occurs in varying degrees of length. At the most though, it is either a small protuberance or short stump. The vertebrae of the back are short and coupled with the fact that the hind legs are longer than front ones, give the cat an arched appearance. In some severe cases there are neurological disorders owing to a deformed spine and may lead to various health issues.

Cymrics are intelligent cats. They are often compared to dogs when it comes to temperament. Theirs is a very pleasant and well rounded personality. Relaxed and affectionate these gentle cats are quite tolerant of other pets and children.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Cymric cats.

The Cornish Rex Cat

By Omer Ashraf

Cornish Rex is a feline breed that was first reported in the mid of twentieth century in 'Cornwall' United Kingdom when a very unique looking kitten was seen in a domestic cat litter. This baby was a result of genetic mutation and displayed a singular appearance. It had no outer hair and a different body type than other cats. The striking appearance aroused interest and breeding of this felid was started in earnest. Earlier efforts were not quite successful and it took some time before healthy cats with consistent attributes were seen regularly in litters. During their development, Cornish Rex cats were outcrossed with Siamese to give them the elegant body form they currently possess. Today they enjoy widespread recognition in most parts of the world.

Cornish Rex cats have a very lithe yet muscular appearance. They may appear somewhat fragile owing to their slender, almost hairless, bodies but are in fact quite hard and strong in their physical make-up. Legs are long and finely built and enable the cat to produce great bursts of speed in no time. Head is small with prominent cheek bones and big ears. Coat is incredibly soft and made up entirely of down hair, or the undercoat. They are curly and smooth and shed very little, leading to fewer allergies for their owners. A number of coat colors and patterns are seen.

Even as they are quite similar to the Devon Rex in appearance, there are certain differences between the two. First is the mutant gene that leads to the characteristic appearance of the Cornish Rex - this differs from the mutated gene of the Devon Rex. Second the Devon Rex has the outer coat of guard hair that Cornish Rex cats lack. Still the Cornish Rex coat is denser. Also the facial appearance is a little different, with the Cornish sporting a distinct Roman nose in contrast to the Devon.

Cornish Rex have one of the best personalities of all feline breeds. They are very active and energetic and continue their playful behavior throughout their lives.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Cornish Rex cats.

The American Bobtail Cat

By Omer Ashraf

A domestic cat breed, American Bobtail is rumored to have evolved as a result of the crossing between a Bobcat and a domestic tabby cat. This is however, unlikely to be true since offsprings of interspecies breeding are usually sterile, particularly in case of males. So even though there was a large male tabby cat found in Arizona in nineteen sixties who subsequently crossed with a Siamese female and produced the first recorded American Bobtail kittens, chances are that he was just a feral cat of domestic origin. This is probable owing to the fact that the gene leading to the shorter tail is a mutant one and can occur occasionally in domestic cats. It would take another two decades from the sixties before serious breeding was to start. No outcrossing was undertaken and the breed was created through short tailed domestic cats. Formal recognition came only a few years ago, in the twenty first century.

American Bobtails are relatively large cats with a muscular build. They are sturdy and athletic animals. Head is broad and resembles the skull of wild cats, with wide set tufted ears and deep eyes that occur in various colors. Coat is either short and dense or long and shaggy. In either case it is double layered and doesn't get tangled easily. Tail is short and usually half the size or less of a normal house cat's tail. It is said to be the result of a mutant gene similar to the one seen in Manx cats.

American Bobtails resembles their wild cousin Bobcats in a number of ways. Not only do they have a short tail, they also possess a certain wild look and spirit about them that often fools the casual onlooker as regards the identity of this pretty felid. Their hind legs are longer than the front, like those of the Bobcat, and like their counterparts in nature, American Bobtails are capable of great athleticism and speed.

American Bobtails are very social animals. They form long term bonds in no time with their humans and tolerate children and pets quite well. Playful and active, these agile felines spend a great deal of time daily chasing objects and having fun.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on American Bobtail cat.

The American Wirehair Cat

By Omer Ashraf

American Wirehair is a domestic feline that was first seen in the mid nineteen sixties in United States when two otherwise normal cats produced kittens with curled 'wiry' hair. An interested breeder took to their development and after some years of dedicated efforts, litters with consistent physical and behavioral traits were born. Registration came soon afterward and the cat was accepted for championship status by the late seventies. Even as the cat has been exported to European nations, its spontaneous mutation occurred only in the United States, a fact that surprises some geneticists. Since American Wirehairs evolved from a single ancestor, they are periodically outcrossed with American Shorthairs to maintain diversity in their gene pool.

Physically the pretty cats resemble American Shorthairs to an extent. They are well built cats with good physical development. The wire-like hair are often not seen uniformly in litters. They may even change in character with age. Coat can range from short and dense to curly and spiked. It is generally very soft though and may occur in any color like the eyes. Cheek bones are well developed, giving the eyes a slanted appearance. Even the whiskers of the American Wirehairs are like curled up wires.

Owing to their wiry hair these cats are prone to an oily coat. They also get allergic readily and may lose hair under stress, and thus require regular grooming and maintenance. It is best to keep them indoors. Also it is suggested that their ears be swabbed regularly since they often accumulate wax.

American Wirehairs are very people oriented and affectionate. They totally adore their owners and shadow them everywhere they go. Like most cats, they have a pleasant temperament and are tolerant of other pets. Active and vigorous animals, American Wirehairs just love to play and have fun in a calm indoor environment.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on American Wirehair cat.

The American Polydactyl Cat

By Omer Ashraf

With extra toes on their feet American Polydactyls are unique cats. The additional toes can either be on only the front or the hind paws or on all four paws. They are more common on front paws though and may range anywhere between four to seven in their number. This condition is owing to a genetic mutation and is seen more as a trait than a distinct breed. Indeed many cat fanciers are reluctant to grant them registration and individual status. Nevertheless many breeders continue to develop these cats for their appearance and attributes. It is said that they were brought to United States couple of centuries ago on ships from Europe, with sailors treasuring them for their extraordinary mousing skills and supposed good luck affiliation.

Polydactyly may be seen in any cat breed and is perhaps commonest in Maine Coons. The cats with extra toes are called mitten cats, thumb cats or at times Hemingway cats - owing to the great love and passion that the famous writer had for these felines. The polydactyl cats that are specifically bred for this trait have medium sized muscular bodies. Head is broad with wide set pointed ears and slightly slanted round eyes. They may occur in any color as does the close-lying fur. At times the tail may be short and resemble that of a Bobtail cat.

Though American Polydactyls are generally healthy and perfectly normal, there are some health concerns, with some polydactyl variants having bony anomalies that may lead to degrees of disablement. Sometimes the cats have difficulty in learning how to walk and move about early on though they are able to adapt with age. The additional toes may be fused with the remaining ones or may appear as a separate offshoot of a couple of toes.

The added toes may be advantageous too. They enable the cat to grasp and manoeuvre objects better and may be the reason behind the felid's good hunting ability. Some people report the American Polydactyls to be gentler and possessive of a sweeter personality than normal cats.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on American Polydactyl cat.

The Ukrainian Levkoy Cat

By Omer Ashraf

One of the newest cat breeds around, Ukranian Levkoy is seen predominantly in the east European country of Ukraine. Very few of these cats exist in other countries. Work on the Ukrainian Levkoy began at the beginning of twenty first century when it was felt there was a need for a cat of Ukrainian origin with a distinct appearance, particularly desirable for some breeders. After continuous efforts, finally in early 2004, first Ukrainian Levkoy kittens were born through crossing of a lop-eared male with a female Sphynx cat. Several dozen cats have been born since then and are currently registered mainly in Ukraine and Russia.

Ukrainian Levkoys have a very unique appearance. They resemble Sphynx cats but have ears somewhat like those of Scottish Folds. They are medium sized felines with a long and sleek body. Head is long and flat on top with an angular and stepped face that is almost dog-like. Eyes are big, almond shaped and occur in a variety of bright colors. Distinguishing feature of these elegant cats is their ears that are folded frontally downward. In fact Ukrainian Levkoys derive their name from the Levkoy plant, that has bent leaves, owing to their ears. Tail and legs are long and paws are oval in shape.

The other striking feature of these stylish cats is their coat. They have a thick and elastic skin and is often wrinkled if the cat is not in a fully stretched position. It is even said to be excessive over certain body parts. Hair are either very short and coarse, with uniform or patchy distribution, or entirely absent.

Not much is understood about Ukrainian Levkoys at present to indicate the presence of any hereditary medical condition in their lines. They are healthy and active cats and are said to be leading a normal life with the handful of breeders and families they are with at this point in time.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Ukrainian Levkoy cat.

The American Ringtail Cat

By Omer Ashraf

A relatively new feline breed, American Ringtail is not yet fully registered and is at the moment in an experimental stage as a breed. It originated only a few years back, when in 1998 a stray male kitten was rescued in Fremont, California. As the cat grew it was discovered that he tended to keep his tail in a curled position over his back. There was no deformity or medical problem found with the animal and he seemed to be in no discomfort as he held his tail in the particular manner. Soon other cats in the locality were seen with a similar 'ring' tail. After genetic consultation, a decision was eventually made to develop these unique cats as a formal breed. The original ringtail male was crossed with a foreign bodied female at the start. Since then several litters have been born with kittens that display the 'ringtail' trait. Originally called 'Ringtail Sing-a-ling' these pretty felids are now named 'American Ringtail' cats and are currently on the road to full recognition by cat breed registration bodies.

Relatively large in size, American Ringtails are long and muscular animals. Both genders can reach a weight of twelve to fourteen pounds at adulthood. They have a long and strong back. Fur is soft and silky and may occur in any color or pattern. Eye color is also not strictly defined at the moment. The tail is straight initially and then smoothly curls over the back, not touching it and being approximately of the same length. Paws are medium sized with webbed toes.

The famous ring tail is owing to two distinct genes that produce the 'upright' and 'curled' appearance of the tail. They are seen in certain feral and domestic cats and even in purebreds. They are not associated with any health ailment. The tail itself is broad and muscular at the base with well developed bones that are not fused together. The cats hold their tail in the ringed position when they are calm. It serves not only to balance the cats in their movement but also to decelerate them during a high speed pursuit.

American Ringtails are very friendly and affectionate by nature. They interact well with children and other family members even as they develop a strong attachment to one particular person. They are somewhat shy in presence of strangers though.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on American Ringtail cat.

The American Curl Cat

By Omer Ashraf

A domestic cat breed, American Curl has perhaps the most amazing ears in all of the feline world. The name 'Curl' is in fact attributed to the ears that curl back from the side of face towards the centre of head. These give the cat a very singular and sweet look and are the reason behind the enthusiastic development and pursuit of this felid as a distinct breed. The breed originated in the early nineteen eighties when a feral female with curled ears was first discovered in California. The individual appearance of the kittens from this cat's litters soon attracted breeders who took to establishment and propagation of the American Curl. Within the last two decades the cat has gained widespread recognition among cat fanciers in United States, and is now registered in both long and shorthair classes.

American Curl is a medium sized animal with an elegant physical make up. Weight is normally around six to eight pounds. Coat is smooth and lustrous in both short and longhair format. Longhair cats have a fluffy tail. The remarkable ears are straight in newborn kittens but begin to curl within first week of age. They reach their permanent conformation by the first four months of life, curling at an angle between ninety to one hundred and eighty degrees, and should not be manually disturbed after that, for fear of breaking the ear cartilage.

The curling of ears in these pretty cats is due to a mutant gene that is dominant in character. As a result litters from cats where only a single parent has curled ears, result in Curl kittens. Therefore outcrosses with domestic cats are often done in case of American Curls to maintain genetic variety. There are no ill effects associated with the 'curl' gene and indeed American Curls are amongst the healthiest of all cats. They have no significant recurring hereditary ailment and seldom present with serious medical conditions.

American Curls are one of the friendliest cats around today. They have little problem accepting other cats and dogs in their household and do well in case of either large or small families. Faithful pets, they always try and be around their humans, accompanying them in all of their activities.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on American Curl cat.

The Tonkinese Cat

By Omer Ashraf

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.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Tonkinese cat.

The Somali Cat

By Omer Ashraf

Somali is a domestic feline that resembles an Abyssinian in nearly every way apart from its longer fur. This is owing to the fact that Somalis originated from Abyssinians nearly half a century back. Theirs is an artificially created breed that began in ninety sixties when some longhair kittens were noticed in an Abyssinian litter. Normally these were seen as an undesirable feature by breeders for show class cats, and thus these animals were sold off as pets. With time, some people began to take interest in these pretty felines and started their development in earnest. Over the next couple of decades acceptance came from registering bodies. Today Somali is recognized as a breed in most parts of the world though it is not common everywhere.

Somali is medium in its size, body and appearance. It is relatively lithe but muscular with an elegant design. Fur is long and made prominent in a bushy tail and often in a ruff around neck. It is quite soft and occurs in a number of colors, with ruddy being the commonest, including fawn, lilac, blue, silver, cream and chocolate though not all colors are recognized everywhere. Individual hair are ticked and often have multiple color bands along their length. Eyes are lined with darkish color and perioral area is white. Owing to their wild looks and fluffy tails Somalis are often called 'fox cats'.

Owing to persistent inbreeding over time, Somalis have developed certain genetic defects in some of their lines. These include dental, blood and biochemical disorders. There are efforts underway to eradicate these through breeding and propagation of only healthy genes. Generally though these cats are quite healthy and in fact easier to handle than most longhairs since they shed very little. They lose their hair altogether once or twice an year and don't shed continuously.

Somalis are playful and interactive cats who love to participate in all chores and activities of their humans. Loving animals, they are quick to adjust to a multi-pet household with children. All they require is some space, love and attention from their humans.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Somali cat.

The Siamese Cat

By Omer Ashraf

Siamese is a shorthair cat breed that is famous for its brilliance and elegance. It originates from Siam, Thailand, where it is rumored to have kept royals company. It came to Britain in late nineteenth century and enchanted westerners with its sleek design and elegance. Siamese soon became popular in Europe and appeared in United States in early twentieth century. Initially they were seen predominantly in seal-point color but with time blue, lilac and chocolate also gained acceptance as markings' colors. Today many other points' variations including red, cinnamon, cream, fawn, lynx and tortie occur even though they are not universally accepted. Also the body structure varies, with the modern 'show class' Siamese being a more finely built animal than the 'traditional' Siamese which is robust and muscular.

Siamese is a cat that defines elegance. Its long tubular body with its graceful legs and thin tapering tail is a sight to behold. Coat is white to cream in color with markings occurring on ears, feet, tail and snout. It is short and close-lying and accentuates the fine lines of the svelte feline. Kittens at birth lack markings and develop them in infancy. As the cats age their fur generally tends to get darker. Head is wedge shaped with large widely set ears and almond shaped bright blue eyes. Overall appearance of the Siamese is that of the classical finely built Oriental cat, that is made remarkable by its impressive points.

Owing to its widespread appeal and sought after personality, over the years breeders have used Siamese in creation of many new cats. These include Balinese, Burmese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Himalayan, Javanese, Ocicat, Orientals, Snowshoe and Tonkinese. Siamese and its descendants are seen in nearly every corner of the world today and are quite popular in culture and media globally.

Siamese are famous for their bright personalities and inquisitive nature. They are totally people oriented and some consider this to be an evolutionary adaptation by the smart cats since they can't hunt and operate as well at night owing to lack of the retinal reflective membrane that allows most predators to see in dark. Thus they have learned to train people to look after them.

The author is a blogger about cats and an expert on Siamese cat.