Lynx-like cats: features and popular breeds

Today the world knows many breeds of cats. Among them there are also exotic, similar to the wild lynx. Similarities are noticeable both in appearance and in character, temperament. Some of these animals were bred by breeders, while others appeared by chance. These pets are not suitable for everyone. Only if the cat is in good hands will she reveal all her devotion and other features.

The lynx is a wild and predatory cat. Growth of an animal reaches 70 cm, and weight - 30 kg. The domestic cat, similar to a lynx, has strong paws with thick hair, a short tail, a rounded head. All breeds are characterized by a characteristic spotty color. The domestic cat with tassels on the ears possesses the enhanced hearing of a predator, as zoologists assert.

Pets are fully domesticated, good to people. However, the predatory nature and aggression may occur if the animal or its owners are in danger. Cats are active and love to play.

There are quite interesting representatives of the cat's world, which combine the features of a wild lynx and a pet. Pets of such breeds easily find contact with children and large animals. At the sight of birds and small pets, they can begin to hunt, as are the genes of wild ancestors. However, in case of danger, they can protect themselves and their owners.

Some breeds were discovered by chance, in nature. Breeders in this case only reinforced the characteristics. Others turned out thanks to the hard work of specialists.

A short tail and beautiful tassels on the ears indicate the relationship of such a cat with a trot. American specialists began to breed pixie beans as far back as 1985. A tailless cat with a large number of toes and a short-tailed cat of large size took part in the crossing. Consider the features of the appearance of such animals.

• The body is massive, muscular. Females weigh 4.5–5 kg, males weigh 5–9 kg. The abdomen hangs slightly, and the chest is quite wide.
• If you look closely, you can see that the hind legs are longer than the front. Normally, a pixie bob can have up to 7 fingers. Developed musculature of the limbs.
• The tail may reach the hock, and the minimum length is 5 cm. There may be bends or kinks.
• The head is pear-shaped, with a well-developed chin. The eyes resemble triangles with rounded corners. Tassels on the ears are desirable. Representatives of the breed are always with sideburns.
• Wool no longer than 5 cm, only on the stomach can be more.
• Among the colors there are all shades of tabby, ticking, light belly and neck, paw pads gray or brown.

Pixie beans are affectionate and strongly attached to the owners. They are perfectly trained and love to walk on a leash. Representatives of the breed enjoy socializing and playing with people. Hearing the usual meow from such a pet - a rarity, animals communicate differently, and sometimes even predatory roar. Excellent find a common language with children and other animals.

During the games do not go into a hyperactive state. This happens only with kittens. Cats of this breed are conservative, poorly perceive the change of scenery and dramatic changes in the appearance of the owners.

This breed is one of the most popular in the world. It originated in the wild in Maine, where local people domesticated flattering cats. In 1950, the species was on the verge of extinction. However, after 3 years a club was created in which fans of the breed began to save the day.

To date, Maine Coons are recognized by all organizations of felinologists. The appearance of the cat is determined by the standard.

• The long body is muscular, slightly rectangular. The tail is long. The chest is well developed, strong paws.
• The head with pronounced cheekbones and whisker pads is shaped like a square. Ears can be with or without tassels, but they are always set high.
• The coat is medium long. There is a noticeable increase in fur on the neck and hind legs. Long hairs are present on the tail.
• Color varied. Chocolate, beige, color-point, cinnamon and lilac wool are not allowed.

The body together with the tail can reach 120 cm in length, while females weigh about 5-6 kg, and males - 9-12 kg. Affectionate and open to all new cats, however, maintain a distance when in contact with people. They love to watch the actions of the owners and participate in their activities, but avoid aimless sitting on their hands.

Feature of the breed is sensitive. If the owner is tired, the cat does not stick with active games. Animals love to give a voice, but do not meow, but chirp as if with a large variation of intonations. Maine Coons are good for water. As they grow older, activity gives way to laziness. Guests in the house are wary, but get along with children from the first meeting. Predatory cats get along well with other cats and dogs, but upon contact with small animals they may awaken the hunter's instincts.

Breed formed in nature. It is believed that the ancestors of Siberian cats - residents of forests and steppes of Siberia, were domesticated by local residents. There is an opinion that representatives of the Bukhara breed who were brought to those regions by immigrants and merchants took part in the breeding process. Breeding was carried out by Soviet specialists exclusively to consolidate the breed characteristics and to obtain new coat colors. There are certain standards of appearance.

• Females weigh 4–8 kg, and males weigh 6–12 kg.
• The animal has a powerful and muscular body. Hind legs slightly longer than the front, so it seems that the shoulders are lower than the croup. On the rounded legs there is wool between the fingers.
• On the wedge-shaped head, the ears are located with a slight slope on the muzzle. There may be brushes, but for the breed they are optional. Flat forehead, eyes medium or large, oval, but resemble a circle, set wide apart. Cheeks slightly oblong, rounded.
• Long-haired cats have a double undercoat, so they practically do not freeze. The collar is necessarily lush and stands out.
• Color can be any, as long as it is well expressed.

Representatives of the breed are independent and freedom-loving, they can spend a lot of time with a person if he is sick or upset, but they also feel good in solitude. Good hunters can not only walk in the village without supervision, but also bring prey in the form of rabbits.

Siberian cat is always judiciously and wary of behaving in an unfamiliar place. He likes to conquer peaks, so he often climbs trees. They are brave, guard their territory, are not afraid of dogs.

Breed obtained by crossing wild Caracal and domestic cat. The meeting of these two was random, occurred in one of the zoos of Moscow. The kitten was similar in appearance to a wild male, but was distinguished by the habits of a domesticated cat. It is this breed that is called the home trot. Appearance of such a cat definitely deserves attention.

• The musculature is well developed and the body is proportional. The length can reach 90-100 cm, and the height at the withers is 50 cm.On average, animals weigh 9-12 kg, sometimes reaching 15 kg.
• Paws are long and with developed muscles. Tail length medium. On the stomach there is a small fold of fat.
• The head is wedge-shaped, with a prominent forehead. The eyes are almond-shaped, may be yellow or green. For wild cats, dark marks near the inner corners are characteristic.
• Big ears are set high and have black tassels. Cats can actively move them.
• Of the colors found chocolate, wild, silver and cinnamon. Ticking is always present. Closer to the bottom of the body, the coat is lighter, with stains.

If the mating is done according to the rules, then the animals as a result are very kind, docile and obedient. Cats and cats do not like to sit on their hands for long while they are stroked and squeezed. At the same time, they are happy to take part in the activities of people. Amenable to training, can learn complex tricks. Even without training bring the owners of toys. In the process of games do not tear, do not break things.

Representatives of the exotic breed are active at night. If karakety not play, then start walking very quietly. For large animals are good, and the small hunt.

The only representative of the cat world, which descends from the tree head down. The exact origin is unknown, but Angora cats are considered the ancestors of the Norwegians. After the war, the Norwegian Forest was on the verge of extinction. Let us dwell on the appearance of the animal.

• On average, cats weigh 5 kg, and cats weigh 6-8 kg.
• The muscles are well developed, the bones are strong.
• Paws are strong with large pads. Rear slightly longer than the front.
• The tail is long. The exact size is ideally equal to the size of the body to the neck.
• The head is shaped like an equilateral triangle, the nose is straight. Mustache pads are not highlighted. Medium ears with rounded tips, preferably brushes. The eyes are large, almond-shaped.
• The hair is semi-long and the undercoat is thick. Particularly noticeable areas of the neck, chest and hind legs.
• The color can be any other than those that occur as a result of hybridization (faun, chocolate, sable and the like).

Norwegian forest cats are restrained in combination with friendliness. They love to watch people and other animals from a secluded corner. You should not force them to sit on their hands, such activity of pets does not deceive. Usually equally apply to all family members. They like to climb high, gently handle things, purposely do not spoil anything. Curious, playful and very brave cats.

The Norwegian Forest is good for children. Pet, rather, run away from the baby than hurt him. Guests are cautious, but non-aggressive. At the sight of small animals, they remember their hunting instincts. They perceive other cats and dogs well, but tend to build dominant relationships.

This young breed is also called Yankee-bob. The breed began with a Siamese cat and a cat with a short tail (a natural mutation). The appearance of the standard looks like.

• The body is dense, weight reaches 4-8 kg. Paws with well developed muscles. Movable tail 2.5-7.5 cm in length.
• The head is wedge-shaped, with a developed chin and protruding cheekbones. Short muzzle resembles a square. The ears are large, with rounded tips, mostly with tassels.
• The shape of the eyes is rounded, streamlined.
• Wool semi-long or short. Looks a little shaggy.
• All colors are allowed, but tabby is considered the best option.

They bind to the whole family, but choose one for the role of the owner. They are happy to sit on their hands and recognize the mood of a person well. These neat and active cats are distinguished by an outstanding mind. They love to walk and learn the commands, tricks.

American Bobtails tolerate travel in the host company. They can be taken on business trips. Get along well with other animals, if they are kind. In the event of aggression in his address, they always fight back.

Interested in this breed in the XX century. At the same time, it was assumed that Japanese Bobtails who happened to adapt to the local climate or crossed with Siberian cats happened to be on the Kuril Islands. The following appearance is assumed.

• Cats weigh about 4-5 kg, but cats can reach 7 kg.
• The torso is compact, the muscles are developed. The croup is slightly raised. The back has the silhouette of an arc.
• Feet well developed, feet rounded. The tail with bends and creases about 5-7.5 cm long.
• A head with large and wide-set ears resembles a triangle in shape.
• Eyes are round and angled. Eye color must match wool color.
• Wool is short or semi-long. In the second variant, areas of the neck and hind legs are highlighted and there are tassels on the ears.
• The color can be any other than chocolate, lilac, Siamese, faun and cinnamon.
• Among the shortcomings, it is important to note a strong bend in the back, one caudal vertebra.

Smart cats have moderate activity. They need the attention of a person, they grieve in solitude, but they don’t like to sit on their hands. Cats easy to train and often carry objects even without training. Well perceive human speech. Pets are very sociable, but they do not meow, but they make a grumbling, whimpering sounds, sometimes howling.

Representatives of the breed do not beg and do not steal food, they easily accept the rules of behavior in a new house. They learn to use the toilet quickly. When free-range can bring prey in the form of squirrels, rabbits and hares.

If you want a domesticated lynx, then you should take a kitten only from a good cattery. The animal must not be older than 6 months. A kitten should be spent a lot of time to get used to the human presence. Choose animals with documents to be able to predict behavior. Cross breeds like a lynx can be extremely aggressive and unpredictable.

Do not forget that this pet has wild ancestors. Karaketov, for example, can not be fed dry food, they eat meat. It is better to consult a breeder and a veterinarian about nutrition for an individual breed. Even if a descendant of a lynx is allowed to be fed with dry crackers, food should be balanced and always include meat. This is necessary not only for general health, but also for the development of the jaw.

You can not bring such an animal in a small apartment. Representatives of the breed need a lot of space for active games. Be sure to comb your pet so that he does not eat his own wool. It is necessary to bathe the domestic lynx with usual regularity, as far as it is polluted

Domesticated lynx love to spend time in the fresh air. Even as a child, teach an animal to harness and leash, to avoid trouble during a walk. Teaching cats simple commands also need to start as early as possible. So you can at least partially control the behavior of your pet.

Cat breeds that resemble wild lynx are very popular. They are gentle predators, capable of both attacking and being tame. To breed animals of such breeds is quite interesting and profitable. The main thing is to equip everything correctly, to take into account all the nuances.

• Only breed animals are allowed to breed. A cat or a cat should have good results in contests and exhibitions. Make sure that there is a complete package of documents, including a veterinary passport.
• The animal must be ready to breed biologically, to reach a certain age. Here a lot depends on the particular breed, it is better to consult with veterinarians.
• To select a partner, contact the felinological club. As a last resort, look for a suitable applicant at the same exhibitions.
• Kittens need to be kept in proper surroundings. In the process of growing up, they should receive the necessary nutrition and care. If a kitten of a breed similar to a lynx will not communicate with people since childhood, then it may not get used to them.
• Always complete all documents. Kittens are expensive only under this condition. Do not forget about the contract for binding.

This is only possible if you own a private house. It is better to build a separate house for the cats in the yard, where everything will be necessary. There should be warm, dry and clean, no drafts.

For a comfortable life of individuals for mating and development of their kittens need to equip not only the recreation area, but also places for active games. It is recommended to protect the territory outside so that animals can walk. Of course, for the content will need a lot of money and patience, but the result is worth it.

Interesting facts about Maine Coon cats, see the following video.