Cat Breeds

• Origins: England
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Eyes: Blue
• Energy: Medium to high
• Temperament: Talkative, intelligent, affectionate, dog-like
• Weight: Males 4-6 kg (8.8 – 13.2 lbs), females 3.5-5 kg (7.8 – 11 lbs)
• Coat: Short
• Grooming: Weekly
• Talkative: Very
• Cost: $900 – $1,500

What is a Colourpoint Shorthair?

The Colourpoint Shorthair is a man-made breed that was created by crossing Siamese cats with domestic shorthairs to create a Siamese type in new colours. Traditionally, the Siamese occurred in four colours, seal, chocolate, lilac and blue. The Colourpoint Shorthair extended those colours, to include reds, creams, torties in pointed and lynx (tabby) point.

Most cat councils recognise the Colourpoint Shorthair as a Siamese, however, the Cat Fanciers Association and the World Cat Federation recognise them as a standalone breed.

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The difference between cat breeds isn’t quite as vast as that of dogs but many cat breeds have unusual features that make them unique. This may be curled ears, short legs or unusual fur. Most of the cats arose from a spontaneous mutation and were developed to create new cat breeds.

New breeds which arise from spontaneous mutations take years to develop, breeders must determine if the mutation is dominant or recessive and if it causes any long-term effects on the cat. Established breeds or domestic (mixed-breed) cats are often utilised to increase the size of the gene pool.

Dominant vs recessive genes

Cats acquire two copies of each gene, one from the mother and one from the father. A dominant gene only needs one copy for the trait to be expressed, whereas two copies of the recessive gene must be inherited to be expressed.

Some cats may inherit one dominant and one recessive gene, the dominant gene overrides the recessive, which is not expressed. However, if the cat mates with another cat who also carries the same recessive gene and the kitten receive a copy from each parent, the trait will be expressed. This is known as a carrier.

In some cases, a doubling up of a dominant gene (homozygous) is lethal.

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• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Energy: Low to medium
• Temperament: Good-natured, quiet, independent, amiable
• Weight: Males 6-9 kg (13.2 – 19.8 lbs), females 4-6 kg (8.8 – 13.2 lbs)
• Colours: Blue, black, red, fawn, lilac, chocolate, cinnamon in solid and bicolour
• Grooming: Daily
• Other names: British Longhair Variant, British Semi-Longhair, Lowlander (United States), Britannica (Europe)
• Cost: $1,000-$1,500

The British Longhair is a medium to large semi-longhaired cat who originated from Britain and is essentially a British Shorthair with longer fur.

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Longhaired cat breeds at a glance

• Balinese
• Birman and Javanese
• British Longhair
• Cashmere (longhaired Bengal)
• Longhaired Burmilla
• Maine Coon
• Nebelung
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Persian
• Ragamuffin
• Ragdoll
• Siberian
• Somali
• Turkish Angora

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At a glance

• Burmese
• British Shorthair
• Burmilla
• Exotic Shorthair
• Russian Blue
• Ragdoll
• Tonkinese
• American Shorthair

About

Cat breeds come in all shapes, sizes and personality, and pet owners must choose carefully before bringing a new pet into the home. This article looks at cat breeds that are suitable for novice or first-time owners. The criteria I have based these breeds on include overall health, a friendly personality but not too needy and ease of care.

Included is a star rating for independence, with * meaning they are less independent and **** meaning they are more independent.

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American Breeds of Cat – At a Glance

1. American Bobtail
2. American Curl
3. American Shorthair
4. American Wirehair
5. Balinese
6. Bambino
7. Bengal
8. Bombay
9. Cheetoh
10. Exotic
11. Himalayan
12. LaPerm
13. Munchkin
14. Nebelung
15. Ocicat
16. Pixiebob
17. Ragamuffin
18. Ragdoll
19. Selkirk Rex
20. Snowshoe
21. Somali

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• Origin: Thailand
• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Eyes: Gold, green, blue and odd
• Energy: Medium
• Temperament: Loyal, easygoing, intelligent, gentle
• Weight: Males 4.5-5 kg (9.9 – 11 lbs), females 4-5 kg (8.8 – 11 lbs)
• Colours: White
• Coat: Short
• Grooming: Once a week
• Also called: Khao Plort, White Gem, White-Jewelled Cat, Diamond Cat, Diamond Eye, Khaomanee

The Khao Manee is a rare, natural breed of cat from Thailand with a stunning white coat and blue, gold or odd-eyes (blue and green or yellow). Several other breeds have originated from Thailand including the Siamese, Burmese and Korat.

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At a glance

• Origin: United States of America
• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Energy: High
• Temperament: Intelligent, active, curious, playful
• Weight: Males 5-6 kg (11 – 13 lbs), females 4-5 kg (8.8 – 11 lbs)
• Coat: Short to medium
• Grooming: Weekly
• Cost: $1,500 – $2,500
• Good with children? Yes
• Also called: Wolf cat, Werewolf cat

About

The Lykoi is a unique breed with the look of a werewolf. Named and co-founded by cat breeder Patti Thomas, the Lykoi is the result of selective breeding of several domestic cats who were born with a mutation that made their fur unique.

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