Shorthair cat breeds: types, choices and features of care

Short-haired cats surpass their downy tribeswoman in the number of species. They are closer to the wild, in which you will not find feline predators with long fur. Many prefer to keep short-haired animals because of easy care. In addition, they are beautiful, their abundance allows you to choose the breed for every taste.

The history of the appearance of short-haired cats leads us into the depths of time, 60 million years ago, to miatsidam, the progenitors of all predators on Earth, including the cat. Over time, the weight of the animal became shallow and about nine million years ago animals appeared, somewhat similar to modern cats.

Today shorthair breeds include cats whose pile does not exceed 4.5 cm in length. If you compare wool with human hair, it has a more complex composition. The follicles of the animal contain two types of hair at once: the backplate, which makes up the fur cover, and the down coat (undercoat). The core (cover) may have different length, thickness and stiffness. The thickest and longest hairs are called guides.

From one follicle can leave the guard hair, surrounded by a whole bunch of fluff. He always lies on top, covering the down, thus saving the animal from frost and rain.

The density of the undercoat and guard hairs depends on the climatic conditions in which the cat lives. In northern animals, fur is much thicker and warmer, with a lot of fluff. In the south, live cats with short and tight to the body coat. The confusion in the natural law made breeding animals. Today there are species that do not have a undercoat (Burmese), or even wool (Don Sphynx).

Rexes, contrary to the direct ostek, created by nature, are endowed with a wavy mutation. And the type of fur “brush” (it happens with some sphinxes) looks like a hard twisted wire.

It is difficult to say how many short-haired cat breeds live on the planet. Each felinological organization has its own views and standards on this matter. The WCF association of 70 breeds of 44 species is considered to be shorthair, including sphinxes.

According to the type of wool, purebred short-haired animals can be divided into three types.

• Smooth-haired. Have a short tight coat. This type of cats is the least in need of care for the skin, enough to comb once a week. For a beautiful shine, you can use a special conditioner.

• Curly. These include rex. Wool is difficult, such pets should be bathed as a last resort, since after water procedures the wool cannot be combed, it is too confused. As a care, it is better to wipe them with a suede cloth.

• Plush An example of this type of wool can serve as a breed: British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, Exot. They have a short, thick, very pleasant to the touch, wool. It is worth combing them once or twice a week using a silicone glove.

Considering the rocks on a territorial basis, they can be divided into three main groups: European, Eastern and American.

• European. These include such breeds as British, Manx, Blue Russian, Scottish, European Shorthair.Most often, these are large, stocky animals, with wide cheekbones and a heavy gait.

• Oriental. In contrast to the European, Oriental cats are light, graceful, elegant. They have a lean body, long legs and neck, a triangular head, without cheeks, huge ears and a long thin tail. This group includes Siamese and Oriental cats, as well as African beauties - the Abyssinian cat and the Egyptian Mau.

• American These animals are considered descendants of European cats introduced to the Americas after their discovery. There are a lot of such breeds, the most popular ones are Exot, Bengali, Bombay.

Named in honor of the ancient country of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). The ancestors of these animals once lived in ancient Egypt and were considered sacred. Abyssians are graceful, muscular cats with a beautiful bend of the neck. They are very intelligent and temperamental pets, they love people, but they value their independence.

Powerful animals with rounded paws. Their ancestors arrived in America with the first European settlers, but as a breed this type of cats was formed relatively recently - in the middle of the last century. American cats are good-natured, devoted, although independent. They get along well with children and other animals.

Cat bred for those who love wild animals. In the sixties of the last century, an Asian leopard was brought to America. His offspring, produced from a domestic cat, became the basis of the breed. The breeders worked for many years, but they managed to create a kind and gentle beast with the appearance of a wild leopard.

The best British yard cats were taken as the basis for creating a plush cat, so nature worked more than the breeders in the formation of this breed. The result was a good-natured big guy with a phlegmatic character, but as a true Englishman, imposing, mannered and with a sense of tact.

In the first half of the last century, several cats were brought to the United States from Burma. They were crossed with the Siamese, in the end it turned out amazing beauty chocolate chocolate brown cat with a round face and nose-pad. Today, Burmese have other types of color.

By creating this breed, the breeders tried to get an Indian mini-panther with the affectionate disposition of a domestic cat. Burmese and black American shorthair animals participated in the selection. It turned out beautiful black creature with shiny hair. Character inherited from the faithful, contact and loving Burmese cats.

In 1960, a kitten with a wavy coat was found in the litter of a domestic cat in England, his offspring gave rise to a breed of curly-haired kittens. Representatives of the breed have a plastic body, a triangular face and huge protruding ears. Cats everywhere go for the owner, love to be in the center of events, never get bored. Fountain of energy and affection for people make communication with them unforgettable.

This direction of cats created by nature, the breeders interfered with the formation of the species. Not far from the wild world, the animal has maintained good immunity and hunting skills. In Russia, the breed did not become popular, as it looked like our street cats.

A cat with a luxurious spotted smoky color, similar to the ancient Egyptian images, refers to the ancient breeds. She is incredulous, reserved, but devoted to her family. These are incredibly energetic animals, good hunters. They dislike outsiders and jealously guard their toys. They can be bathed If you do this from childhood, the cat will take water treatments with pleasure.

A smooth-haired cat in England was born curly kitten, which became the progenitor of the breed. Animals are intelligent, addicted to their owners, active, love to play with small children. Cats do not mark the territory, unlike other breeds.

A very unusual breed of cats, with tiny legs on a standard body. This gives them a similarity with dachshunds. In 1983, Sandra Hochenedel (USA) found a short-footed pregnant cat. Most kittens have inherited a short-paw gene from their mother. Munchkins came to Russia in 2001 and have established themselves as sociable, friendly, playful pets.

The animal has no tail. But some representatives of this breed have a small "stump", occasionally there are individuals with a full-fledged tail. The cats were named Manxes in honor of the Isle of Man off the coast of Great Britain, where their breed was formed. Pets can be kept for families with small children or other animals.

At the end of the 19th century, they tried to classify the eastern monotonous beauty as a variety of Siamese cats, but the color did not match too much. In the middle of the last century, American breeders registered Orientals as an independent breed. Friendly, talkative and very affectionate cat is widely popular in Europe and America.

Cats are so called because of the resemblance to a wild predator ocelot: they have the same expressive spotted pattern on the skin. Despite the similarity with the wild beast, the pet has a soft character, a cheerful, playful disposition, she is sociable and devoted, with habits more like a dog.

The cat looks like a lynx: the same spotty, with tassels on the ears and a piece of tail instead of the whole. Pixybob was bred in America in the 80s of the last century. These are gullible tender animals who consider their family to be their flock. They are intelligent, understand human speech and always come to the call.

These cats came to Europe from the Arkhangelsk province. Many liked the bluish tender hair of an animal with a silvery sheen. The nature of a cat is tactful, docile and gentle, but she does not like tenderness, does not allow herself to be stroked, and treats strangers wary.

In antiquity in the territory of Siam (now Thailand), cats were kept at the court of the rulers. They were companions of princes and princesses who were not allowed to play with other children. A couple of pets were presented to the English royal family in the XIX century, they became the progenitors of all European cats.

Refers to the smallest cats. They were brought to Europe in the 70s of the last century from Singapore. Breed occurred naturally. Today is rare and small. Animals are loving, but unobtrusive, with great energy potential, they are always in motion, get along well with children and other animals.

Breed obtained by crossing Siamese cats with American shorthair. They borrowed color from the Siamese, and a large build from the American breed. The cat is clever, gives in to training, well executes commands.

Because of the color, similar to the Siamese cat, these breeds are often confused.But Thais do not have such refinement and grace, as the Siamese. These are intelligent animals with a dog mind and habits.

This cat looks like a miniature tiger, but its character is completely tame. The breed is young, it was bred at the end of the last century. It is difficult to find a more good-natured creature, the cat gets along with everyone from children to a little bird if it lives in the host family.

Very young breed, bred in our century. It is a hairless lop-eared cat with a graceful body, long and flexible limbs. This is a faithful and devoted friend, if someone is sick, the left will not leave the household for a minute.

Breed brought the French, they consider it their business card. These are very large animals with beautiful amber eyes and soft wool with blue shimmer. Cats are balanced, adequate, but prefer loneliness to noisy companies. In the family, the Chartreuse chooses his master and obeys only him.

Small ears, pressed to a round muzzle, look very touching. Not all kittens lose their ears with age, those who do not have it are called Scottish straight-footed. Pets are the most calm and phlegmatic cats in the world. They get along with everyone, but do not like to sit on their hands and prefer their own space.

In the sixties of the last century, a Persian and an American shorthair cat were crossed in America - a cute plush little animal with a snub nose turned out. Because of the cartoon-like appearance, exotics have become a favorite breed in the whole world.

The choice of animals depends on the preferences of their owners. In addition to short wool, there are still many criteria by which cats are chosen: some love affectionate, while others prefer independent ones, someone needs a calm one, and someone needs a playful one. To facilitate the selection, let us examine the breed of cats for various features.

There are breeds of cats that not only impose their society owners, but also love to "talk." They will purr and meow for any reason, struggling to say something in their own language. By "talkative" rocks are Burmese, Siamese, Thai, Oriental cats, as well as Don and Canadian sphinxes. These are very affectionate, loyal and sociable animals. People who spend all the time at work should not choose such breeds.

Some people prefer silence, especially after a busy working day. They will tire of the talkative sphinx, everywhere literally pursuing the owner. In this case, silent breeds should be chosen. These include: Cornish Rex, American Shorthair, Exot.

If there are older children in the house who need playmates, you should choose mobile, playful animals. With them, you can play hide and seek, run a race. Or throw the ball and ask to bring. They can be trained and taught many tricks. Whom touches the pet's rapid temperament, should choose the following breeds: Ocicat, Bengal, Siamese or Abyssinian, Egyptian Mau.

Cats of these breeds will suit owners with a good repair, because they will not rush around the house and destroy everything around. They are ideal for people with a weak nervous system, as they will not annoy them with their obsession and activity.A well-eaten and peacefully sleeping cat can always be woken up and petted if an antidepressant is required. For lazy dogs include: exotic, british and russian blue cat.

There are breeds of cats, literally begging for affection from their owners. They rub against their legs, drop into their arms, climb into the face of "kissing", hug the neck with their paws. Such "stickies" will suit people with a large unspent potential of love and tenderness - communicating with each other, each will receive their portion of pleasure. Tender character endowed with: Don Sphynx, Manx, Burmese.

Grown up children and young people most often choose intelligent breeds of cats that are easily trainable, with which you can play, communicate. With them is always interesting and fun. Smart cats include: Siamese, Oriental, American Bobtail, Munchkin, Burmese.

Some cat lovers, by virtue of their employment, stay out of the house all day, but they cannot completely refuse to communicate with cats. So people should choose calm and at the same time independent animals that will not suffer from lack of attention, but will always be able to entertain themselves. Workaholic suit: Scottish, British, Blue Russian cat, Egyptian Mau and Munchkin.

For children, especially younger ones, you should choose an animal with a peaceful nature, which will not "give change" even if the baby pulls him by the tail. They must be patient cats who enjoy communicating with children. In this case, it is better to pay attention to the following breeds: manx, exot.

Such animals will suit lonely people who lack attention and communication. Animals of this type literally live with the problems of the owner: they rest together, do the cleaning, do household chores and sleep. Cats do not move away from people for a minute. By "Velcro" include Burmese, Thai, Bengal cats, Devon Rex, Japanese Bobtail.

These breeds of cats are suitable for people living in private houses, as they are endowed with a strong hunting instinct, they catch mice perfectly and are independent enough to visit the yard, the street and return home. Owners of the private sector will do: Turkish van, Blue Russian, Manx, American Shorthair.

The house has dogs, birds, guinea pigs, turtles, but no cat. Lovers of domestic "zoos" care about what kind of cat can be brought into the house without a "scandal" with the rest of the animals. In this case, you should choose good-natured, sociable, livable representatives of the breeds. These include: Japanese and American Bobtail, Thai and Bombay cat, Peterbalds.

For those who want to express themselves, to enjoy the delight of guests about the unusual pet, you need to pay attention to the breed: Peterbold, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Munchkin.

These cats are suitable for lovers of wild animals who can not afford to bring a panther or a leopard into the house. Cats of some breeds will remind them of the wild nature. In this case, you should look at Ocicatus, Savanna, Bengali and Bombay breed.

If a cat with a long coat settles in the family, there will be a lot of care for her and the apartment.In this regard, with shorthair animals is easier, but they fade no less than their fellows - just the hairs are shorter. In the wild, animals molt twice: preparing for winter and summer. In domestic cats, due to the comfortable constant temperature, the “deceived” organism fails, a sluggish molting occurs throughout the year.

Diseases, stress, old age, and poor nutrition can affect the active discharge of the fur of an animal. The appearance of a large amount of fluff in the house with a young cat should be an alarming signal for the owner. You should check the physical or psychological state of health of the pet.

Shorthair, too, will have to comb, only less often, about once a week. There are a number of reasons for doing this.

• Wool licked by a cat may clump in the intestines, interfering with the digestive process. If you do not help in time to get rid of dying hair, the animal will have to give a gel for their resorption.
• Brush perfectly massages the skin, improving their blood supply, and hence the quality of wool.
• Many cats love the procedure of combing, at this moment a special emotional contact arises between the owner and the animal.

To remove wool from an animal, you can use special hairbrushes, brushes or silicone gloves with teeth, purchased at the pet store. To do this, gently brush two or three times from the nape to the tail of the pet, and then do the same movements in the opposite direction. Having finished working with the back, you need to gently comb the sides and stomach.

Wash short-haired cat should be in a pinch. But to care for the ears, eyes and paws periodically necessary. This is done using cotton swabs, tampons soaked in boiled water, a weak solution of manganese or decoction of herbs.

The owner is responsible for the health of the animal. It is necessary periodically with a preventive purpose to show the cat to the veterinarian, to follow the vaccination card. Once every three months, give your pet helminth tablets, even if he is not on the street.

Many cats in food unpretentious, eat everything that they are given. But the right balanced diet will help maintain the health of the animal for many years.

Short-haired cats are just as beautiful, intelligent and talented, like all cats in the world, only cares with their hair a little less.

On the features of short-haired breeds of cats, see the following video.