Large Domestic Cat Breeds that make Great Family Pets

In the world of cats, there are good-natured varieties and more feisty breeds. There is also a great diversity in terms of sizes, shapes and colors. For some families that are on the hunt for a cat as a family pet, the idea of a larger cat is an attractive one. There are many large domestic cat breeds that can make enjoyable pets for a number of reasons. Three of the most popular large domestic cat breeds are the Maine Coon, the Ragamuffin and the Siberian.

The Maine Coon

This large domestic cat breed is known as the original American long-haired cat, and is a popular choice of pets for many families today. This cat was esteemed in the state of Maine, where it originated, for its superb mousing abilities. Maine Coons are also considered to be affectionate, easy going and intelligent creatures. Their coats are on the longer side and can come in a large array of colors and patterns. The average weight of this large domestic cat breed is 13 to 20 pounds for an adult male cat and 7 to 11 pounds for a female.

The Ragamuffin

Ragamuffins are an impressive large domestic cat breed with long, luxurious coats and a noticeable size. Although the hair tends to be medium length, there is very little grooming maintenance required for this cat, since the hair does not clump easily. Females of this breed can average from 10 to 15 pounds, and males weighing in anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds. Despite their large size, this cat is extremely docile and affectionate, and should be kept as an indoor cat for its own protection.

The Siberian

The Siberian is a large domestic cat breed that was first imported to the United States in the year 1990. Although it has been popular in other countries for generations, it is a relatively new breed of cat to this country, and is still a rather rare find. The Siberian has a semi-long coat in the winter, which shortens to a medium length during the summer months. This cat can be quite loyal to his owners, and some will even greet you at the door when you come home or come to you when you call him. This makes the Siberian a large domestic cat breed that can make a good companion for individuals and families alike.

There are many beautiful large domestic cat breeds that you can choose from if you are considering the addition of a cat to your family. If you need further information about the breeds available, you can contact your veterinarian or the Cat Fancier’s Association.

Standard And History Of Siamese Cats

Siamese cats are one of the most recognizable cats in the world. They are also very popular pets and are believed to be an old breed coming from Asia. The history of Siamese cats is not as clear as we would like it to be but there are some fragments of it in the annals of time.

The history of Siamese cats is based in Thailand, which was formerly known as Siam. It is believed that these cats were native to the area and a breeding pair was brought from Siam to the United Kingdom in the year 1884 as a gift. This is as far as the history of Siamese cats goes, although there are some manuscripts in Russia that illustrate cats with similar traits as the Siamese.

In the history of Siamese cats, many legends abound as to why the original cats had a kink in its tail. Today, not all Siamese cats have this distinctive kink and it is even discouraged in shows. There are now two variations of the Siamese cats, the traditional cat and the modern cat. The difference between the two is that the modern cats are more svelte than the traditional cats and sport longer, thinner bodies and legs.

Breed Standard

The traditional Siamese cats have long gone from the show ring so it is usually the modern versions that continually show up in shows. In spite of this, many traditional Siamese cat breeders would like the old style cats to return to the ring. The standards for modern Siamese cats are that the base color of the coat is usually a creamy color with darker points in the snout, all four paws, points of the tail and ears and in males cats the scrota. In the history of Siamese cats, the cats have always had their darker fur in these areas.

Almost all Siamese cats accepted for shows and as registered members of The International Cat Association have blue eyes, which are almond shaped. Their coats are flat and lie close to the skin. The history of Siamese cats has also shown that the original cats might have a strong tendency to be cross-eyed and have a kink n their tails. These traits were eradicated in the pursuit of a perfect Siamese cat breed.

The breed is known to be highly intelligent and very affectionate with people. They tend to bond well with humans and are very loyal to their owners. This cat breed is seldom active at night and can be quite vocal with it needs and desires.

Variations Of Grey Siamese Cats

Cats are among the top pets that humans love to keep. Among the many various breeds of cats in the world, the Siamese cat is one of the most popular. There are several kinds of Siamese cats and they are usually differentiated by the color of their points. Siamese cats have an old history in which they are supposed to be guardians of a traditional temple or were exclusively kept by members of royalty in Siam.

Standard Of Siamese Cats

Show standards of Siamese cats indicate that the cats must come in just four colors, seal, or extremely dark points, blue or cool grey Siamese cats points, chocolate points and lilac which are pale warm grey Siamese cats. All cats must have points or darker coloring in their extremities, namely the paws and lower legs, ears, snout, tail and in males, the scrota.

All Siamese cats must have almond shaped blue eyes and a creamy light colored base for their coats. In the earlier traditional breeds of Siamese cats, they had kinks in their tails and often had a cross-eyed appearance. Selective breeding soon got rid of the supposed imperfection although some die hard fans of the traditional Siamese cats have retained some breeds with the kinks and the cross-eyed looks. Fanciers of the traditional Siamese cats believe in keeping the traditional traits from Siam.

Why Are There Grey Siamese Cats?

The two kinds of grey Siamese cats are actually just variations in point colors. The blue or cool grey Siamese cats and the lilac or the warm grey Siamese cats are actually diluted versions of the seal point and the chocolate. These grey Siamese cats versions are lighter versions of the darker colored ones. Adult Siamese cats also tend to develop darker coats, as they grow older. In warmer climates, Siamese cats have lighter colored coats that those in colder climates which sometimes show grey Siamese cats.

Other than the varying colors of their coats, grey Siamese cats have little differences from their lighter colored younger counterparts in the warmer regions. The result of having grey Siamese cats may have something to do with the albinism effect of the points in the cats. Science has explained that the points of Siamese cats are the results of the extremities being the coldest areas of the cat. In colder regions, older coats tend to turn into darker or grey Siamese cats because they feel colder all over their bodies instead of the usual points.

What Are Exotic Cat Breeds?

There are actually two kinds of definitions when you refer to exotic cat breeds. The first would lead you to several breeds of cats which are mostly hybrid cat breeds produced from wildcats. The other definition of exotic cat breeds will also point to a certain breed of cat that is a cross between the Persian cat and the American shorthair. They have the physical attributes of Persian cats but lack the long hair that Persians are known for.

Shorthaired Persians

The exotic cat breeds that depict shorthaired Persians were produced in the sixties. They do not have the Persians long hair but they also do not have the flat hair of most shorthaired cats. Their hair is mostly a dense, fluffy coat of erect hair that is somewhat longer than most other shorthaired breeds. This exotic cat breed has a very broad and massive skull that is proportionate to its body.

The temperament of exotic cat breeds is very sweet and calm. They are more lively then Persians and very rarely make much noise unless aggravated. They are very loyal to their masters and exhibit excellent companion cat characteristics. They can maintain their fur well on their own but might need regular brushing.

Hybrid Cats

Hybrid cat breeds or exotic cat breeds are those breeds that have been crossed with wildcats. Some of these exotic cat breeds are fairly new while others are among the most ancient. The Bengal cat is one of the few exotic cat breeds in the world that is recognized by The International Cat Association. It is a combination of the Asian Leopard Cat and domestic cat. Another cat that has wildcat in its genes is the Safari cat that is a cross between a domestic cat and the Geoffroys cat. The breed was initially started in the seventies but restrictions made it extinct. It was recently revived and has received much acclaim.

The Savannah is another of the exotic cat breeds. It is a cross between the African Serval and domestic cat. These are among the largest domestic cat breeds in the world. The breed also comes in several generations and sizes and personalities vary in each generation.

The Habari is a more recent addition to exotic cat breeds. The breed is unique in the sense that it was developed as a pet and they are a combination of wildcats’ genes and other hybrids. Egyptian Maus are among the oldest domestic cats in the world and they are classified as an exotic cat breed because they have characteristics that place them as wildcats.

These breeds of cats are all very beautiful and many people get them for their beauty and the uniqueness. The fact that most of the breeds featured here are from wildcats also help to make the cats sought after for those who wish to have a wildcat presence in the home.

Domestic Cat Breeds – The Maine Coot

Among the several different types of domestic cat breeds, the Maine Coot is one that is well liked and it also happens to be among the larger of such domestic cat breeds which are also very intelligent and also playful, while also having a very unique physical appearance as well. The Maine Coot is among the oldest domestic cat breeds in North America though it is originally from New England and so is America’s very own first indigenous show cat, and it is many times also referred to as a ‘gentle giant’ and by nature it is very pleasant.

Big And Full Of Energy

This domestic cat breed is quite a big animal and it is also full of energy and it may even weigh as many as twelve kilograms at the most, while the average weight for the Maine Coot is about between six and nine kilograms for the adult male, while the females weigh about half as much as the males. In fact, the male Maine Coot is known to have grown to as many as one meter in its length, though the longest known Maine Coot is a bit longer than that as well.

This domestic cat breed has a square muzzle on its face and the neck is thick while ears are large and also it has eyes that are big as well as rounded, while the body is also large and a bit muscular as well, and its tail is also quite long and it is also quite bushy as well. The origins of this domestic cat breed is surrounded by myths though the truth is rather boring because it may be attributed to the bringing of cats to the new lands from Europe, which had to survive the harsh winters in places such as New England, and thus there were only the strong and adaptable of those cats that survived. The Maine Coot thus survived through natural selection and became rugged and large and its coat was resistant to water and it also has a constitution that is robust and strong.

Another feature of this domestic cat breed is that it is a very social creature and it is also a cat that will get along with different cats, and even dogs as well as with children, and they have excellent personalities and so they make for an ideal cat breed to have around the home. And, being so intelligent, they are also very easy to train.

Choosing A Cat Breed For Your Family

Pets are great to have in the home. They complete a home very well and they also bring fun and laughter in one. Cats are among the very first animals considered as a pet all over the world. Choosing a cat breed that best suit your family will be difficult because thee are many breeds to choose from and there are many factors to consider. It is best to involve al members of your family in choosing a cat breed to bring into your home and family.

Factors To Consider In Choosing A Cat Breed

One of the many factors that you need to consider when choosing a cat breed for your pet is the size of your apartment or home. Although cats leave an impression of always sleeping or lounging around, some are actually very active and need lots of room to exercise and play. Some breeds are the stereotyped ones that actually just laze around but not all are like this. If an active cat is left to its own devices in a small area, it might do some damage to furniture and other things in the house when it is bored.

One other thing to consider in choosing a cat breed for your family is the amount of time your family can spare to take care of your cat. Longhair cats need regular grooming, which involves bathing, drying and brushing. If you are too busy to facilitate these things, get a shorthair cat.

The health of your family must also be considered when choosing a cat breed. Some longhair varieties shed their fur and dander frequently and these may cause some allergic reactions to you and your family. On the other hand, there is a particular breed of cat that some people claim is hypoallergenic.

Another factor to consider when choosing a cat breed for your home is the expense of feeding and grooming the cat. Cat food can be expensive and grooming services for longhairs can also be expensive, as with veterinarian services. Feeding your cat leftovers can be dangerous because some foods can be deadly for cats.

The personality and temperament of the cat must also be considered when choosing a cat breed. It is better to first get to know the temperament of cat breeds before you adopt or purchase one. Some cat breeds do not like to be treated as lap pets while others relish this. Others also prefer to stay outdoors while others are best kept indoors. Some might also have some inherent sickness like deafness in white cats.

In choosing a cat breed, it is best to scout around first and not base your judgment solely in physical appearance. It would also be helpful to adopt cats instead of buy kittens since many full grown cats now show their personalities and you are getting what you get.

Cat Breeds – From Self Breeding To Breeding To Suit Man’s Own Desires

The association between cats and man goes back for many thousands of years, though in modern times, cats are the number two most favored type of pet in the world today. The beauty of keeping a cat for a pet is that you can leave it in the home and go out for work, study or do other tasks and the cat will not require much supervision in your absence. All they need is to be fed and paid attention to and unlike dogs, don’t require being walked about or anything like that.

Not Pedigreed Cats

The majority of pet cats are not pedigreed cat breeds and often they are mixed breeds and it is believed that as few as three percent of all domestic cats are of a cat breed that is pure, though owning a purebred cat does not offer you any significant advantage over other types of cat breeds. In fact, from all across the globe, there are more than hundred different pure cat breeds.

Most cat breeds are different from one another in their body shapes, sizes as well as length of coat and also color of their eyes, and maybe even in their personality. Of all the different cat breeds, there are two major categories which are short hair and long hair and the short hair cats are the most common of all cat breeds.

Most cat owners may not prefer to own long hair cats because they are more difficult to care for since they need to be groomed on a daily basis and they also are more at risk of having hairballs from which fleas may be very difficult to get rid of, and in case such cats get them cut or are grazed, it will be quite difficult to properly care for them.

In any case, for thousands of years cats have bred themselves quite well and have evolved from being used for hunting as well as for eliminating rodents and now cat breeds are the product of human intervention and they are meant to suit mankind’s own needs. Thus, it should not surprise you to learn that at present there are as many as seventy different cat breeds that are recognized through many different cat registries.

Among the many registries, you will find some that recognize merely forty cat breeds and there are many variations to them as well. The roots of certain cat breeds go back all the way back to some thousand years ago to Japan though today these cats are more of myth not only in Japan, but in the rest of the world.

The Five Most Popular Cat Breeds Today

Cat breeds can be as diverse and colorful as any other species of animal, and each type will come with its own unique look, characteristics and temperament. If you are thinking of adding a cat to your family, why not consider one of the most popular cat breeds today? There are plenty of gorgeous cats to choose from, but these five breeds have won over the hearts of more cat lovers than any others.

The Persian

It is no wonder why the Persian has been one of the most popular cat breeds for generations, with their beautiful thick coats and sweet, gentle dispositions. You can find Persians in a wide variety of colors, including black, grey, orange and the popular white. Persians originated in the country of their name, and are thought to go back at least as far as 1684 B.C., when hieroglyphics make reference to this animal.

The Siamese Cat

Siamese cats are another popular cat breed, and often the one that people think of most when they think felines. Siamese also come from the country of the same name, which is known as Thailand today. These cats have a very beautiful appearance and tend to be rather high maintenance creatures to own. They crave attention and will voice their displeasure when they don’t get enough with their distinct cries.

The Maine Coon Cat

The Maine Coon is an ancient breed that is highly adaptable to a wide variety of climates and environments. This cat breed is considered to be the original American long-hair cat, and continues to be a popular choice for cat lovers today. The playful and pleasant nature of these cats makes them a good choice for families, including those with small children.

The Ragdoll

The popularity of this breed is undoubtedly due as much to its laid-back nature as it is to its beauty. Ragdolls can be more like dogs than cats at times, running to the door to greet you when you come home or enjoying a rousing game of fetch. These cats have medium-length coats that need some grooming to keep them looking their best. This cat breed is another great choice as a family pet, as long as it will be kept indoors.

The Burmese

The Burmese is another cat breed that likes people, making it a good companion for individuals and families. This is a short-haired breed that requires little or no grooming maintenance on the part of the owner. Burmese can use their voices like a Siamese cat will, but their cries tend to be on the softer side.

Burmese Cat Rescue Organizations Are Selective Saviors

Despite the large number of cat lovers in this world, many cats end up on the streets. This can lead to dreadful results for the animals—they could be injured, or worse. The grim prospects for Burmese cats and other cats have lead to the development of rescue groups for cats.

Yet, many cats continue to be killed in these shelters, including pure breeds. Thus, organizations such as Burmese cat rescue organizations have been established with the purpose of rescuing specific pure bred cats. These cats are kept until a safe home can be found for them.

Babying The Burmese

Although rescue groups can be found for many breeds, one of the most common is Burmese cat rescue groups. This is because of the Burmese cat’s personality. Burmese cats are known for being too trusting and for having barely any survival instinct. Thus, the role of Burmese cat rescue groups is extremely important.

A Safety Net

How do Burmese cat rescue organizations work? Well, they don’t rescue the cats themselves. The role of the organization’s volunteers is to travel the many animal shelters in the area in an attempt to identify Burmese cats (or whichever other breed they might be looking for) in order to save them from being killed.

Once they have identified a specific breed, they bring the cats with them until they can be adopted. Purebred cats, such as Burmese cats that have been rescued, are more likely to be adopted than mixed breeds. This is because many people seek to enter purebred cats in animal shows, and others simply like the prestige of saying that they own a purebred cat!

Recognizing The Rarity

The Burmese breed is fairly rare, but it can still be difficult to recognize this breed at times. Many confuse it with the Siamese cat breed, though it can be differentiated from this cat breed by its lighter color. It is important for members of Burmese cat rescue teams to be able to recognize the distinct characteristics of a Burmese cat.

Burmese cats are medium sized, but they manage to pack a substantial amount of weight onto their frames. They have round heads, full faces, and large eyes. Their tails are of medium length, and their coats are known for being satin-like, short and fine.

Perhaps what would most allow Burmese cat rescue organizations to recognize the breed are their distinct colors. There are four colors that the CFA recognizes for Burmese cats: champagne, blue, sable, and platinum.

Here, Kitty Kitty!

Rescuing Burmese cats is a noble cause. Without breed-specific rescue organizations like these, many more cats would lose their lives.

The History Of The Burmese Cat

The Burmese cat is a wonderful breed of domesticated cat that was first discovered in the country of Thailand in the early eighteenth century, when they were transplanted to Burma. They were introduced into British society in 1871, by Harrison Weir and quickly gained in popularity. The Burmese breed wasn’t officially recognized as a true breed until 1936, when the Cat Fancier’s Association granted recognition of the Burmese as being separate and distinguishable from the Siamese cat.

Varieties Of The Burmese Cat

Interbred with the Siamese cat for many years, there are several different varieties of the Burmese cat. They range in color and size, as well as originating country. The most popular breed of the Burmese is the Traditional Burmese cat found in Britain. Also available is the American Contemporary Burmese, although many organizations and breeders do not recognize the American version as a true breed.

The most common colors of the Burmese cat are Sable, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Red Cream, and Tortoiseshell. Other colors not as common include Cinnamon, Fawn, and Caramel.

The American, contemporary Burmese cat is a stockier variety, whereas the Traditional Burmese found in Britain is considered to be a more “oriental” look. The traditional Burmese has a more triangular head, whereas the contemporary variety is classified as being more pug-like, with a rounder head, and a stockier build.

While the features of the contemporary Burmese cat have always been considered more desirable, the rounder shape of the head, and the stockier body are actually caused by a genetic defect. Many breeders of the contemporary variety are unconcerned, however, and maintain that the defect is only actually lethal in a small number of kittens born. These affected kittens are most always euthanized upon birth.

Cat Associations

The Burmese Cat Society of America was the most popular cat society dedicated solely to the breeding and continuation of the Burmese breed, and succeeded in gaining the breed Western recognition in 1953. The Burmese Cat Club, based in Britain, was founded a few years later in 1955. In 1979, The Burmese Cat Society of Britain was founded.

Each of these groups are affiliated with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancier, an organization based in the United Kingdom which acts as the governing force over the rules of pedigree cat breeding. Their involvement with the Burmese cat was first recorded in 1930, when Doctor Joseph Thompson imported a female into the United States.

The Burmese cat is a very loving breed, unlike the Siamese they so resemble. If you are interested in owning one of these lovely felines, talk to your local cat society today!