A variety of cat breeds

When people talk about a cat, a strictly specific image arises in their heads. But this image is not always true. After all, the variety of cat breeds is very large, and they are all so different.

It is believed that over 200 varieties of the purring beast have been bred. But to accurately determine this number is not possible. Many breeds are very similar to each other, others are a thing of the past, and some are just being created. Almost all types deserve attention. But in order to eliminate problems with the description of domestic pedigreed cats of new and old varieties, it will be necessary to introduce the correct classification.

It should be borne in mind that about 200 years ago the concept of cat breeds did not exist. Animals that are distinguished by specific external features and characteristics that allow them to be classified in a certain way are now included in the pedigree group. But simple external properties and traits of behavior are not enough. We'll have to use special documents confirming the right to be attributed to the breed. This can be a detailed pedigree or an official certificate.

Only the felinological organization or association has the right to register breeds. Since the approaches and criteria can vary greatly, each structure allocates a different number of animal types. It is important to remember that the proportion of purebred pets is small. In general, our planet has a breed of a maximum of 2-3% of individuals. Even fewer those recognized by all standards suitable for participation in industry exhibitions.

Modern felinologists agree that most breeds of domestic cats were bred purposefully, and only a few of them were the result of random mutations. Separate varieties are also known (including the famous Angora), which were obtained with support for isolated local animal populations directly in their respective areas.

First of all, cats are distinguished by body build (mass and geometry of the hull). There are massive individuals with a large round head. This is how the Persians and Shorthair copies look. The average size is typical for:

• Siamese breed;
• Oriental Shorthair;
• Angorak.

The next item in the description of the cat's appearance is its hairline. Many people like fluffy long-haired animals. Also emit:

• shorthair;
• semi-longhair;
• covered with curly hairs;
• hard haired;
• hairless cats.

Plush animals combine good looks and powerful intellectual abilities. The particularly short and very thick fur gives the impression that it is not a living being, but something like a soft toy. It is not surprising that this type is considered an excellent decoration for any home or apartment. Importantly, plush individuals also differ unusually loyal character. They are not prone to aggressive behavior, however, they are extremely nervous about the attempt on their territory.

Examples of plush breeds include:

• British shorthair;
• Shorthair exotic;
• scottish fold;
• Persians;
• manksov.

Separate conversation deserve and cats without undercoat. These include:

• canadian sphinxes;
• Don Sphynx;
• peterbolds;
• Cornish Rexes;
• Devon Rex.

Traditionally, such cats live in Russia:

• Siberian;
• Russian blue;
• Ural Rex;
• Kurilian bobtail;
• Ussuri variety.

In our country, animals were tried to be bred on the basis of “rootless” individuals. Sometimes they were crossed with wild specimens, which immediately reflected on the appearance and behavior. Russian aboriginal cats usually have not too long pedigree. The only exception is the Siberian type. It is extremely difficult to find an individual whose prehistory is traced more than 4 generations ago.

For this reason, many felinologists believe that domestic branches of the species felis are not yet fully settled. Very often pedigree kittens in the Russian Federation are sold without documents. Therefore, there is a great danger of buying an animal of dubious quality.

It received its name for the similarity of appearance with stereotypical ideas about the appearance of the nation of the same name. In the descriptions of the first place is a characteristic big nose. Otherwise, these pets are very close to the Siamese variety. "Georgians" without any problems go to contact with people and other living creatures. They are characterized by high emotional sensitivity, the desire to correct the bad mood of the owners.

Color allows cats to be divided into:

• multicolored;
• monochrome;
• marble;
• covered with stripes;
• having marks.

If we are talking not about specific breeds, but about the total number of cats, then we are leading in their numbers (in ascending order):

• Japan;
• Ukraine;
• FRG;
• England;
• Italy;
• France;
• Brazil;
• RF;
• PRC;
• USA.

This question can be a variety of answers. Until now, there is no exact information about which particular cat was bred in an orderly manner before other types. But there are several varieties that claim this title. Among the oldest breeds is deservedly called the Turkish Angora (or just the Angora). There is documentary evidence of its existence in 1600.

However, there is evidence that apparently similar individuals were encountered 200 years earlier. Some experts even believe that it is the Angora cats that have acquired long hair before others, and other breeds with a similar property have received the corresponding gene from them.

The mentioned version is not the only one, and even some of the professionals adhere to other points of view. Much more significant is that Persian cats also claim special antiquity. They are characterized by a large length of wool. Those old European species of cats, which in the XV century were described as long-haired, are often considered to be the ancestors of the “Persians”. But in general, the whole story is very dark and confusing, to understand it is extremely difficult.

Long time ago it appeared Siberian forest (or just forest) cat. This breed has been actively bred in our country for several centuries.Some experts believe that all long-haired individuals originate from the Siberian branch.

But "Norwegian" exactly one of the oldest varieties in Europe. According to the dominant version, just such animals were brought by Vikings from distant wanderings to Europe at the beginning of the XI century. When adapting to dramatically changed conditions, animals developed elongated, liquid-impermeable wool.

Well, a little later in Siam (modern Thailand) appeared its own branch of the caudate, named just after the country. The first written references to accurately identify Siamese cat, appear no earlier than 1350 and no later than 1767. Then no one suspected, of course, how important the exact dating of the appearance of the rock will be later. But the surviving illustrations for old books allow us to accurately identify the similarity of "those" animals and modern Siamese.

At exactly the same time interval (1350-1767) another Thai breed appeared - krat It is unlikely that experts will ever figure out who came out of this pair before.

But if the origin of European and Asian varieties seems confusing, compared to the origin of the Abyssinian type, it seems to be the standard of clarity and transparency. There is a point of view that This breed was first bred in ancient Egypt. Proponents of this approach like to refer to visual similarities with images and ancient artifacts.

And another breed, claiming to be superior to other cats, is the Egyptian Mau. It is characterized by a natural color (abundant in spots). It is believed that Mau has not changed its appearance over the past 3 thousand years. Moreover, even more ancient images are preserved, showing exactly the same cats. Experts believe that these animals were used for hunting (for the first and last time among domestic cats). This is evidenced by such characteristic properties:

• excellent running speed (over 55 kilometers per hour);
• amazing hearing;
• highly sensitive smell;
• excellent vision;
• the absence of slightest rabies;
• nice melodic voice that helps the hunter to determine that the pet was near the prey.

Both old and new breeds can look quite ordinary. But not all prefer such a standard sample. It is useful to know which animals stand out compared to other atypical appearance. Talk about such representatives of the cat, you can start with an exotic shorthair variety. She was even given the nickname "lazy Persian."

But if you need an even more exotic creature, you can look at the breed Selkirk Rex. This is a relatively new type, distinguished by curly hair. At the same time, unlike other curly cats, it is very large and has a ponderous bone system.

But Ocicat stands out for a completely different feature of the exterior - it is painted very brightly and has expressive spots. In this case, the ocicet was derived not purposefully, but as a result of some strange accident. Although the cat can be perceived as temperamental, in reality it has a strong attachment to the families of the owners and a manual disposition.

If you want to choose a cat with a short tail, then you should pay attention to the Japanese bobtail. The miniature tail is completely unique in that it is strictly individual for each individual. This is about the same as human fingerprints.

If you pay attention to the "opposite end", that is, the head, it will be difficult to ignore alpine rock. It is recognized very easily - by the characteristic twisted ears. The alpine branch was bred only in 2004. Breeders tried to make the animal as large as possible.

Another original version - american curl. This breed has turned back ears and bushy tail. The latter circumstance allows you to even compare the cat with a raccoon. At birth, curls have straight ears, and twisting occurs only when the kittens grow up.

In an effort to choose short-haired animals, you can give preference Minskin. These cats are almost devoid of wool. On the body they have no hair, and only occasionally there are hairs on the face. Minskin has a playful and laconic temper.

Another beautiful type - savannah. Such cats appeared as a result of crossing pets and African servals. Characteristic features of the breed are:

• elongated body;
• stains, as if on the skin of a leopard;
• the unique geometry of the ears;
• large mass (sometimes up to 11 kg).

Returning to the short-legged individuals, it is worth mentioning lambkin This direction in breeding was developed through the hybridization of Munchkin and Selkirk Rex. For lambkin characteristic curly wool, reaching great hardness. The small length of the paws allowed the cat to look cute.

Those who want to choose a cat with a flat face can pay attention to Himalayan type. It differs from the Persian branch only in coloring and blue eyes. Typical features:

• chic long wool;
• open straight look;
• a flat face that looks like an exhibit of a puppet theater.

In the US state of Oregon, a completely different original breed appeared - laper. It is recognized by thick and curly, almost like a sheep, wool. The very first representative of kapermov was initially completely bald, and only later did he form an expressive hairline.

But if you set the task to choose the most original and even the most strange, directly to say, breed, then one of the first places will be face. First glance can sometimes provoke a fair amount of bewilderment. The word "face" goes back to the ancient Greek "wolf".

Scottish Fold may produce no less effect. They stand out:

• almost imperceptible ears;
• eyes like an owl;
• hair density.

One should not, however, think that exotic looking breeds were bred only abroad. Domestic Sphynx Dona can confidently challenge them on a number of properties. When similar bald and wrinkled animals appeared, it is not known for certain. Many consider them freaks feline world. Probably, such an assessment was driven by unknown persons who threw the bag with the cat in the trash in 1987 in Rostov (hence the name). The first litter contained more hairy individuals.But later all copies in it were bare.

Those who are not afraid of the Don Sphynx should think about the institution ukrainian left. His eyes reach just a gigantic size. For not owning a similar aesthetics, their combination with a bald body looks just awful.

But pixiob although it requires more thorough care, many people also like it. In appearance, it creates the impression of a wild animal. In reality, such a cat is easily tamed and does not ignore commands, as it may seem. Fiksobobov developed muscles and strong bones.

If neither the pixiboes nor the Don sphinxes suit people, they can pay attention to the breed peterbald Her representatives are completely bald. The hairless body is crowned with a tiny head, on which disproportionately gigantic ears are located. Petersburgers officially described in 1988. They are not always completely bald, however, the gene causing the absence of hair dominates.

Such exotics as Cornish Rex would be a good choice. It is characterized by:

• large ear size;
• short curly hair;
• overall refinement of appearance.

But this decorative effect does not prevent the cat from being strong and active. The animal makes every effort to become an equal member of the family. Cornish Rex were bred in the UK (more precisely, in Cornwall) by 1950. Initially, the purpose of their use was to protect the grain in barns from rodents.

However, there is a more well-known exotic breed - classic sphinx. They did not try to bring him out purposefully - everything turned out as if by itself. The breed comes from Canada. Felinologists described it in the late 1970s. The name of the variety is given because of the resemblance to the eponymous ancient Egyptian sculpture.

But atypical appearance is not all that needs to be considered. A very important role is played by the right choice of character traits. Strictly speaking, almost any cats are calm. Very much here depends not only on the character traits, but also on the situation. Pets love to imitate their owners, and this feature is absolutely indestructible.

However, you still have to carefully study the characteristics of specific species to eliminate errors. Famous friendly breeds include: British shorthair cat. Many experts believe that such a branch is best suited for apartment breeding. Known phlegm, along with a benevolent attitude towards family members, is already detected at an early age. British Shorthair:

• not prone to hooliganism;
• require only minimal care;
• treat the whole family exactly (without singling out any of its members).

It should be said about the other English species of cats - ragdoll Their name literally means "rag doll." In the hands of the animals behave as calmly as possible. Ragdolls are not lonely. They are gentle towards any owners. However, this breed has certain disadvantages. Among them should be called the inability to the notorious "fall on 4 legs." Throwing a cat on the floor from a height of its own height, it is already possible to injure it. All the more you have to avoid opening windows, even on the first floors.

In addition to the two species mentioned, a common breed is Russian blue cat. It is ideal for flat maintenance. The animal is calm: you do not need to constantly take it in your hands and stroke. But Russian gays are determined to go everywhere for their masters. They do not avoid active games, if the owners themselves offer to play. Such a cat is very wary of behaving towards strangers.

More and more popular are becoming Maine Coons. Even a very large size does not prevent them from remaining calm in any situation. Maine Coon will be able to tolerate almost any childish trick. They are characterized by excellent intelligence and sociability. For a combination of these properties, the breed is sometimes called the cat-dog.

Going to the Internet, you can find a variety of lists, lists and ratings. There are lists of not only calm, but also "evil" cats. This word should be put in quotes precisely because aggressiveness is too conditional and depends on a large number of factors.

Undoubtedly, only wild cats can be called evil. They simply will not let the person to themselves, will not fail to use his teeth and claws in absolutely any unpleasant or incomprehensible situation. Conditionally evil are individuals that were improperly trained or not trained in time for proper obedience. It is very difficult to find the "key" to the Maine Coon and Manula. But in any case, all cats and cats are individuals. If we approach the average, starting from the real experience of a large number of people, then by malice we can distinguish:

• Maine Coon;
• savannah;
• Scottish cats;
• manulov;
• reed and balinese cats.

The popularity of Maine Coon does not allow us to assume that he is the least vicious of this list. As already mentioned, everything is too individual. But it is important to take into account the indigenous characteristics of the breed. Maine Coon requires systematic walking. The hunting nature of this animal makes it extremely important to get rid of excessive energy.

You should not expect that such a cat will caress the owner and, lying on his lap, sweetly rumble. At least for the reason that the Maine Coon will not fit on any lap. But such a pet will be delighted with water treatments. We must be prepared for the fact that he will try to use a bowl of water as an improvised bath. And the fact that water as a result will spill throughout the apartment does not really bother him. Like dogs, such cats are really excited when they dig the ground.

If the land is inaccessible, they use everything that comes across "under the paw" - upholstered furniture, clothes, shoes, wallpaper.

Concerning Balinese catthen it is distinguished not only by its aggressive disposition, but also by the tremendous ability to explore everything around. Such animals are simply not capable of being alone and endure these situations very badly. Balinese are very talkative, and it is extremely important to be able to recognize the emotions they are experiencing. Balinez hyperactivity means that before you leave them alone at home, you need to remove as far as possible:

• all beating;
• brittle and fragile items;
• cutting tools.

As for the British cat, in its character the angry notes are set off by mystery and weak predictability. The descriptions indicate that the British:

• independent;
• proud;
• able to show restraint;
• sometimes express stubbornness;
• can be calculating;
• able to endure unpleasant situations and problems for a long time.

Summarizing these traits, we must point out that English cat is still pretty good. If you approach him correctly, the pet will be glad to the host society and calmly, even happily spend time on their hands or on their knees. But if you do not comply with the measure and violate the personal boundaries of the animal, you can face aggression. It is careless owners who know their pets poorly and are the main contingent of negative reviews writers.

You can not take the restraint of this breed for stiffness - Squeezing a kitten at an awkward moment, it is easy to feel the strength of his claws and teeth. The “British” are most happy when their masters are on an equal footing and do not try to dominate.

Scottish cats are also listed in the list of quite evil knowingly. Some breeders unreasonably advertise them as “real angels”, which is not always true. A predator is a predator, and the powerful command of instinct will sooner or later make itself felt. Reviews of direct buyers about the "Scots" are contradictory, and it is extremely difficult to predict which particular character will be in a particular animal. Negative properties of the breed are:

• obsessive demonstrativeness (love of situations when the public focuses attention on the pet);
• tendency to rivalry (as a rival for the attention of people, the cat will perceive any other animal);
• stickiness (part of the Scottish cats shamelessly ignores personal space, trying to go everywhere for the owners);
• excessive persistence (some “Scots” only under the influence of very tough and consistent measures learn what the word “no” means).

But if you look for a cat that claims leadership for malice, then the most accurate option would be a manul. This species is superior in aggression and "Scots", and "British", and all other breeds. Moreover, it is simply impossible to domesticate by any measures. Manulas are not tied to a particular owner, and even the person with whom they are constantly in contact can suddenly receive serious injuries. Moreover, people in this wild cat are instinctively recognized as enemies.

Often, animals are accepted irreconcilably to fight for their own territory. This happens even when there is no real danger. Manul can be kept only in reserves and other specially designated places. There are professionals working with them who know exactly how to eliminate aggression. For the same reasons, reed cats are not suitable for home breeding.

Slightly more promising is the savannah cat. This is a transitional link from wild to domesticated animals, and therefore we must be very strict in dealing with them. Savannahs are more relaxed than manul, refer to the presence of people around themselves. However, for them recommended primarily content in the aviary. There it is easier to keep the required distance, and therefore exclude the manifestation of aggression.

Savannah can jump 2.5 m in height. Because the owners will have to spend money on the arrangement of a strong and stable fence. Habituation of an animal to people occurs rather slowly, at first contact with someone new is complicated by distrust.

Growing up, the savannah is becoming more and more wild. There may be conflicts with those family members with whom the animal had previously quietly contacted. The unpredictable behavior of this breed makes it unsuitable for families with small children. It is very difficult to predict how this acquaintance of a cat with ordinary kittens and puppies will end. In the worst case, the hunting instinct will work altogether.

But the absolute aggression of the savannas should not be. They are angry not because of natural hazards.Strong assertiveness manifests itself in situations where there is a danger or you can embody yourself as a predator. Simply separating the evil animal and the object of its anger is not enough.

Intraspecific aggression occurs when a new cat appears in the house or in the yard. They may be an animal that has long been forgotten by a pet. An even stronger pathogen of aggression towards itself is competition for resources. But there is still a redirected anger, which is dangerous because of incomprehension by inexperienced owners. Sometimes, in the absence of obvious reasons for an attack, the cat clings to a person or another animal and does not let go.

Usually the root cause is the state of frustration. For example, the same impossibility of “truly” finding out the relationship with the true offender. Worst of all, sometimes it’s impossible to figure out and explain the real reason for the redirected attack. Avoiding attacks during affection is much easier - you just need to know how to properly handle a particular breed and how not to cross the boundaries of its personal zone. But you have to act very carefully and prudently.

Even a short touch on the pain points can cause scratching or biting. If the pet attacks the owner when touching the “normal” places, especially the stomach, urgent consultation of the veterinarian. Sometimes you have to conduct a comprehensive survey.

Aggression, at least in certain situations, is quite natural for such a predator as a cat. It is often believed that the predatory essence of a species causes its considerable intelligence. And in fact, tracking down prey, being in an ambush, pursuing a victim - all this requires a certain level of intelligence, the ability to make the right decisions quickly. Any experienced veterinarian, felinologist or just a breeder can give a number of examples when a cat simply manipulated the owners. And yet, there are separate breeds that traditionally attribute stupidity (although everything is strictly individual here).

Problems with the education and development of the necessary skills usually arise from the "Persians". Beautiful and graceful kitties are naturally lazy. They play with pleasure, but the development of even the simplest techniques is extremely difficult. Communication between animals and humans is very poor, in most cases the pet quietly gives a voice and looks at the owner, hoping that he will understand what is required of him.

Exotic Shorthair Cats it is also difficult to be considered champions in the intellectual plane. True, they are more developed than the Persian counterparts. Exot is quite possible to teach various teams, but they will have to work out many times. Bans also have to work out as it should. Sometimes there are problems with the training of exotic kittens to the pots. Without continuous attention, even an adult exotic can show a characteristic reflex anywhere.

Kurzhaar or American Shorthair cats pretty easy to master the entry level orders. But to go to the next level of training is possible only with great difficulty. Kurzhaar tend to communicate with the owner through mimicry.

Devon Rex are a bit less intelligent than the Kurzhaars. No effort from trainers will help them master any complex commands.Devon Rex is prone to penetrate far corners and hard to reach places. Hazards are ignored. Restrictive commands do not give a special result, even if they are worked flawlessly.

Knowledge of the intellectual level of the future pet is certainly important. But it is equally important to represent which of them will be the most loyal owner. By congenital devotion, the leaders consider Mekong bobtails. They are always attached not to the house, but personally to people. The pet will look directly into the eyes, which allows it to understand human intentions without any problems. Mekong will go for the owner, regardless of the circumstances. Neither loud noises, nor obvious danger will stop him.

Maine Coons are also considered loyal animals. They tend to take care of children. Due to their ability to establish contact with other living creatures, Maine Coon will delight real nature lovers. Particularly delicate nature while eliminating any obsession. Feeling subtle, the Maine Coon will not attract undue attention if the owner is busy.

If we start from the opinions of breeders, we can say that Abyssinian cats are not inferior to mekongam and maine coon in allegiance. Without problems recognizing the wishes of people, the cat will calmly and without obstinacy fulfill them. He is inclined "like thread after needle" to accompany the host. As much as Abyssinians help.

Kuril Bobtails are also ready to become an inseparable shadow. In this case, the accompaniment takes place without unnecessary obsession, as modestly as possible. A Kuril man himself decides whom he should be considered the master of, and who is not. But if the choice is made, then you can not doubt the devotion of the pet to his last breath.

We should not think, however, that only the beautiful and elegant representatives of the cat tightly attached to people. Neva Masquerade cat, despite the severity of appearance, different tenderness and behaves kindly. When such a pet is in children's hands, it shows extraordinary restraint. The release of claws is excluded, even if the cat is tortured because of the game. Neva animals quietly move along with the owners to new addresses, no matter how difficult it may be.

Being temporarily alone or just waiting for the owner, the kitty from the banks of the Neva will not be bored and meekly plaintively. Watching that the owner is very busy, she will not try to get his attention, will not require affection and care. On the contrary - calmly and without panic, wait until the end of the case. And even then it will show all your emotions 100%. In addition, Nevsky is completely alien to rancor, the desire to avenge and break things.

Knowledge of the characteristics of certain breeds does not mean that one can calm down and stop studying the problem. To choose a beautiful kitten with green eyes for an apartment or for a house, you need to familiarize yourself with other subtleties. It is required to check whether there is enough space in the dwelling for the breed you like. Also, for all the importance of the appearance of the cat can not be given exceptional importance. Intellectual characteristics and animal loyalty play a very important role. Need to find out:

• who is a little friendlier;
• who loves water more;
• who produces the least allergens.

Chasing too short hair is not always reasonable. Sometimes because of it the animal will freeze in cold and wet days. Experts recommend asking to hold the cat vending. If he resists, or simply indignant, force to obedience is not worth it. Check for goodwill - pulling in the direction of the cat fist. In this way, trainers reproduce the intraspecific greeting.

The cat rubbed its head in its hand - this means, I saw a friend in a new person. But looking to the side, especially the retreat, means dislike or unwillingness to get acquainted. But sometimes you just have to wait for some time and help develop the necessary habit. They do the same if the cause of distrust is in fear of strangers and strangers.

Be sure to pay attention to the health of the animal. It is checked from head to tail. Normal eyes should shine and not contain discharge. If something stands out from the nose, this is also a sure sign of trouble. The same can be said about:

• sneezing;
• bad smell from the ears;
• wool damage;
• wheezing;
• diarrhea

Experienced people are advised to require veterinary documentation for the animal so that all vaccines and tests taken are reflected there. A cat from a shelter can only be taken if there is a certificate of a test for feline immunodeficiency. As soon as the animal is purchased, taken from the hands or taken from the shelter, it is necessary to immediately return to the vet. And you need to choose only a well-trained specialist.

In the afternoon, especially in the evening, fatigue or contact with rude people can provoke excess aggression. Recognize whether it is superficial or not, even qualified specialists will not be able to. Selecting a specific breed, you will also have to study the maximum of sources about:

• animal temperament;
• nuances of care and disinfection;
• food features;
• probable veterinary problems and methods for their prevention.

See the next video for a variety of cat breeds.