What Breeds Of Cats Are: The Name Of Rare Cats, Classification By The Length And Type Of Wool, Color, Type Of Ears And Tail, Photographs

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

These different and beautiful cats: breed classification, photos, reviews

Cats have long and firmly settled in our apartments. Due to their gracefulness, gentleness and small size, they have become one of the favorite pets for a city dweller. For a long time of coexistence, we are so accustomed to these cute creatures that it seems we know everything about cats. In fact, only felinologists are interested in the origin of the known breeds. And there is still no consensus about when cats began to live next to humans and where they came from.

Content

• 1 When did cats appear

  • 1.1 Legends about the origin of cats
  • 1.2 Mystical qualities of felines

• 2 Great variety

  • 2.1 Classification by coat length

    • 2.1.1 Long-haired cats
    • 2.1.2 Semi-longhaired cats
    • 2.1.3 Shorthaired cats
    • 2.1.4 Hairless cat breeds

  • 2.2 Classification by tail length and shape

    • 2.2.1 Short-tailed cats
    • 2.2.2 Tailless cats

  • 2.3 Classification by ear shape

    • 2.3.1 Dropped ears (lop-eared cats)
    • 2.3.2 Big ears
    • 2.3.3 Straight ears
    • 2.3.4 Curled ears (curls)
  • 2.4 Classification by color

• 3 Determine the breed

  3.1 Video: how to determine the breed of cats

• 4 Cute short-headed - brachiocephalic breeds

  • 4.1 Persian cat
  • 4.2 British shorthair cat
  • 4.3 Scottish Fold cat (Scottish Fold)
  • 4.4 Himalayan cat
  • 4.5 Exotic shorthair cat (exotic)

• 5 The rarest cat breeds

  • 5.1 American Wirehaired Cat
  • 5.2 Nibelung
  • 5.3 Elf
  • 5.4 Kao-mani
  • 5.5 Turkish van
  • 5.6 Napoleon
  • 5.7 Savannah
  • 5.8 Chinese Li Hua Mao (Dragon Li)

• 6 Black cat breeds

  • 6.1 Bombay
  • 6.2 Devon Rex
  • 6.3 Persian
  • 6.4 American Bobtail
  • 6.5 Siberian
  • 6.6 American Shorthair
  • 6.7 Oriental cat

• 7 Affectionate and calm cat breeds

  • 7.1 Ragdoll
  • 7.2 British Longhair
  • 7.3 Exotic Shorthair
  • 7.4 Maine Coon
  • 7.5 Persian breed
• 8 Reviews of owners of different cats

When did the cats appear

According to archaeological excavations, the history of the appearance of a cat next to people is more than 10 thousand years old. At that time, agriculture was actively developing and people began to lead a sedentary life. The domestication of cats is attributed to the ancient Egyptians, but many scientists disagree.

It is widely believed that the North African steppe cat was domesticated in Nubia 4 thousand years ago. Then cats spread to Egypt. Appearing in Asia, they mixed with Bengal breeds. Hence, a variety of species and colors appeared. Having appeared in Europe, Asian and African cats interbred with European cats. There is a version that cats appeared simultaneously in different places of the planet and the development of the breeds took place independently of each other.

North African steppe cat - the ancestor of modern domestic cats

Legends about the origin of cats

There is a saying in Iran: "A cat was born when a lion sneezed." With the light hand of the ancient Persian historian, a legend about the origin of these animals appeared. The author writes that the Creator, while creating the world, forgot to create a cat. When Noah, having gathered in a couple of all the creatures in the ark, rushed across the endless waters, rats multiplied on the ship, which destroyed supplies. Noah stroked the lion's head, and a cat and a cat jumped out of his nostrils. Little rat-catchers quickly dealt with the gluttonous rodents and saved the inhabitants of the ark from hunger.

In more ancient Persian myth, it is said about the legendary hero Rustam, who once saved a great magician from robbers. The grateful wizard suggested that the hero choose whatever he wishes as a reward. The humble Rustam said that he had everything he needed: the warmth of a fire, the soothing smell of a fire and stars overhead. Then the magician mixed fire, smoke, stars and presented the hero with a fluffy gray kitten with shining eyes. This is how the Persian cat appeared.

Ancient legends tell of the appearance of cats from the nostrils of a lion

The mystical qualities of felines

Primarily, cats have always been prized for their unrivaled ability to hunt mice and rats. They were deified for this in ancient Egypt and attributed to them magical properties. It was believed that magic rat-catchers were able to talk to the gods. Even the words "saint" and "cat" were designated by the same hieroglyph. The Norman and Celtic tribes of pre-Christian Europe also endowed the cat with magical qualities, considering poor animals werewolves and servants of evil gods. Perhaps that is why during the time of the Holy Inquisition, European cats had a hard time. They were tortured, executed and burned at the stake along with their owners. Only when Europe was almost destroyed by the plague epidemic, cats were rehabilitated, recognizing the best exterminators of the spread of infection - mice and rats.

Cats are great rodent hunters

Great variety

Nobody knows how many cats exist in the world. Someone calculated that there are about 600 million pets on Earth. But there are also wild and street cats. The variety of breeds also dictates their rather detailed classification: according to the length of the coat and tail, the shape of the ears and color. All this does not matter when the cat lives in a house for the soul. But to participate in exhibitions, you need to know the parameters of a cat's appearance.

Classification by coat length

According to the length of the coat, cats are divided into four types: long-haired, semi-long-haired, short-haired and hairless.

Long-haired cats

Depending on the season, the length of the coat of long-haired cats reaches 15 cm. Such a "coat" requires daily grooming and combing to avoid tangles and tangling. This category includes such breeds as the Persian, British Longhair, Himalayan, Neva Masquerade and others.

Neva Masquerade cats are famous for their long and fluffy hair

Semi-longhaired cats

Cats of this type are quite common. They have a very dense integumentary pile and a well-developed undercoat. Semi-longhaired cats are famous for their fluffy collars, pants and sides. They are curious and fearless. Semi-long-haired cat breeds: Burmese, Somali, Maine Coon, Siberian, etc.

All Burmese cats have a fluffy collar, sides and tail.

Shorthair cats

This is the most common category of cats, living with humans for a long time. Caring for them does not require much effort. It is enough to brush the coat 1-2 times a week, and the pet will look great. This category includes breeds such as the Russian Blue, Abyssinian, British Shorthair, Siamese and others.

Russian blue is one of the brightest representatives of shorthair cats

Hairless cat breeds

The category name can be misleading. Among the hairless cats, there are individuals with very short, soft hair. To the touch, the skin of completely bald cats resembles rubber, and the almost imperceptible cover resembles expensive fabric. Even within the same breed, there are animals with different types of skin - completely without wool, sparse, hard wool (brush) or soft fluff (flock, velor). Hairless cats have short eyebrows and mustaches.

On different continents and in different litters, hairless kittens were born from ordinary cats. This spontaneous mutation, breeders could only fix. Breeds in this category:

• Canadian Sphynx;
• don sphinx;
• Petersburg Sphynx (Peterbald);
• Ukrainian levkoy;
• elf;
• bambino;
• dwelf;
• Hawaiian hairless (kohana).

Lack of hair in cats is a natural mutation

Classification by tail length and shape

Different cat breeds have different tail lengths, which are relative to body length. For some breeds, a long tail is a sign of a deviation from the norm. For others, a shortened tail or no tail is the standard. Bobtails have a tail no more than 13 cm long, the number of vertebrae is from 5 to 14, some of them are deformed. Tailless cats have 2-3 accrete tail vertebrae or none at all. The absence of a tail determined the structure of the rear part of the body, different from others: in tailless cats, short and powerful femurs, stocky and strong constitution. In the absence of a tail, which in cats plays the role of a balancer, they maintain balance due to physical strength. Therefore, tailless cats are deprived of the opportunity to move gracefully, elegantly: they walk slightly bouncing.

Short-tailed cats are divided into categories:

• long (tail half as long as usual);
• stump (tail is barely noticeable);
• rizer (tail of small vertebrae);
• ramp (complete absence of a tail).

Short-tailed cats

These breeds of cats are called bobtails (English bob - stub, shaving brush and tale - tail). They have a shortened tail with any deformities after the 5th vertebra. The following breeds of bobtail are recognized:

• American;
• Japanese;
• Kurilian;
• Thai (Mekong);
• Karelian;
• skiff-tai-don.

Mekong (Thai) Bobtail - a typical representative of short-tailed cats

Tailless cats

There are only two representatives of this species - the Manx (cats native to the Isle of Man) and the Cimrick. They either have no tail at all, or it consists of no more than four deformed vertebrae.

Kimrick is a tailless cat

Classification by ear shape

Cat breeds differ in the shape of their ears. Sometimes this trait forms the name of the breed. The shape and size of the ears do not affect hearing in any way - all cats hear perfectly. At a distance of up to 500 meters, they are able to catch mouse "conversations" on the verge of ultrasound.

Dropped ears (lop-eared cats)

There are only two officially recognized breeds: Scottish Fold (Scottish Fold) and Highland Fold (Scottish Semi-long-haired Fold). No matter how much romantics would like to date the appearance of the first lop-eared in the 19th century, 1961 is considered the official birth of the breed.

In breeds of this type, the ears can be completely pressed against the head or with a slight gap. Most appreciated by breeders are individuals whose ears have three folds, which makes them completely pressed to the head. Cats with one or two folds on the ears are considered less valuable.

Closed ears do not affect the hearing of the Scottish Fold

Big ears

The owners of big ears are breeds that came from Asia and Africa, countries with hot climates. This is not due to the peculiarities of capturing sounds, but to heat exchange. Large ears with thin skin and many capillaries serve as cooling cats for cats. Representatives of these breeds: Somali, Siamese cat, Devon Rex and others.

Big ears are needed for "southern" cat breeds for cooling

Straight ears

Representatives of European breeds have straight ears. These include Scottish Straight (Scottish Straight), British cat and others.

British shorthair cat - representative of European cats with straight ears

Curled ears (curls)

Curls are a breed that appeared in the 80s of the last century in America as a result of a genetic mutation. The change in ear structure - a fun bend back - was a pleasure for breeder enthusiasts. They have fixed and improved this anomaly, which has absolutely no effect on the health of the breed. Today there are two types of American curls - shorthaired and longhaired.

A genetic mutation - curled ears - formed the basis of the American Curl breed (curl)

Another experimental breed with curled ears is the elf. This funny cat is not officially recognized. She is the fruit of a cross between the Canadian Sphynx and the American Curl.

Elf is an unrecognized breed of cats

Color classification

Only two varieties of one pigment are responsible for the variety of cats' colors - eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (red, red). Only professional breeders-geneticists from complex combinations of pigments can obtain the required color. There are colors of such groups:

• black;
• red;
• white;
• with white spots;
• siamese;
• figured;
• shaded.

By type of color, cats are divided into:

• tabby (Tabby) - a group of cats with a characteristic pattern of stripes and spots on the face, limbs and tail and classified by the type of pattern on the body;
• solid (Solid / Self) - one color without agouti;
• silver color (Silver) - tabby colors similar to wild ones, but differing from them in background color (white with a grayish tint, reminiscent of the color of silver);

• sepia (Sepia) - a monochromatic color of Burmese cats, the outdated name for the "ivory" color of Siamese cats;

  

  Neva Masquerade cats are of Siamese color (point)

• harlequin (Harlequin) - van color with evenly distributed spots on the body and legs, intermediate between bicolor and van;
• bicolor (Bi-Color) - evenly distributed spots of the main color on white;
• agouti - wild color, when each hair on the cat's body has pronounced zones - ticking, the tip of the hair has the color of the main color - tipping;

• Abyssinian Point - combination of point color with ticking;

  

  The standard allowed bicolor color in British cats

• van bicolor (Van / Van Bicolour) - white color with a colored tail and the same spots on the head between the ears;
• smoky (Smoke) - monochromatic version of silver tabby (typing no more than 1/2 of the total length of hairs);
• Shaded - silvery and golden colors similar to chinchillas and differing from them by a slightly longer tiping length (no more than 1/4 of the total length of hairs), the term "shaded" is also used to refer to this type of color for red, cream and tortoiseshell variations;
• calico (Calico) - a combination of tortoiseshell color with white without agouti, smoke and silver, the ideal option is spots of different colors without common borders, but separated by white;
• Lynx / Tabby Point - point color with tabby pattern;
• mitted (Mitted) - white "slippers" on all four paws;
• mink (Mink) - the body is darker than in point color, and the tips of the paws and muzzle are even darker;
• weakened color (Dilute) - lightening intense colors of black - to blue, chocolate - to lilac, red - to cream, etc.;
• particolor (Parti-Color) - tortoiseshell color occupies no more than a third of the body surface;
• point (Pointed) - Siamese or Himalayan color - the body is lighter than the legs, tail and ears;
• ticking - alternating areas of the background (from grayish-yellow to bright orange) and the main color on each hair of agouti cats. The width of these areas, small at the root, increases towards the tip of the hair, the number of areas is not always the same in different colors and varies from 4 to 7–10;
• tiping (Tipping) - the tips of the hairs of the cat's fur, usually having the color of the main color;
• torby (Torby) - combination of tortoiseshell color with tabby;
• torbico (Torbico) - combination of tortie tabby color with white;
• tricolor (Tri-Color) - tortoiseshell bicolor; the same as calico;
• tortie color (Tortie) - colors, characteristic, as a rule, only for female animals, alternating spots of black (blue, chocolate, purple, cinnamon or fawn) and red (cream) color on the cat's coat;
• tortie point - point color with tortoiseshell markings;
• chinchilla (Chinchilla) is the name of a specific silver and golden color, characterized by an almost complete absence of the usual tabby pattern, a decrease in the size of the main color areas and an increase in the background areas in the ticking, while typing takes up no more than 1/8 of the total hair length.

Defining the breed

Only an experienced specialist can accurately determine the breed of a cat. But every owner, buying a cat, wants to be sure that he will not be deceived. And they won't slip a half-breed instead of a purebred animal. Or having a mustachioed pet, he wants to check if his cat has signs of any breed. Outbred cats are similar to each other. But if the animal has distinctive features: an unusual color, eye color, ear shape, tail structure. It is possible that it was not without a thoroughbred parent. Each breed has its own distinctive features. You can determine the breed by the following:

• in appearance;
• by the size of the body;
• head;
• eyes;
• unique features;
• wool;
• coat color;
• unusual body structure;
• the nature.

Video: how to determine the breed of cats

Lovely short-headed - brachiocephalic breeds

Brachiocephalic (short-headed) cat breeds. Simply put - cats with a flattened muzzle. This is a genetic change in which the width of the head can be up to 80% of the height. For a long time, the efforts of breeders of some breeds have been aimed at increasing this pathology in cats. This is very bad for the health of these cute creatures. All brachiocephalics have breathing problems and increased tearing. There are not so many of these breeds.

Persian cat

Nice, good-natured creature. A calm and unobtrusive Persian does not require special education. Even if at a young age the fluffy is too playful, then having matured, he prefers imperturbable rumbling on the owner's lap to any active games. Special care will be required for long hair, which can reach 15 cm. And, of course, for health. Persian cats can be of a wide variety of colors. This breed has participated in the creation of many others.

Persian cat - champion in variety of colors

British shorthair cat

The Briton is neat, tidy. Absolutely not aggressive and surprisingly self-sufficient. He will not become nervous if left to himself for a long time. The classic color of the short coat of the British cat is blue, but it can also be red, black, lilac. A characteristic feature of the Briton is a round, massive head with pronounced "wings".

A real British cat is neat and unperturbed

Scottish fold cat (Scottish fold)

Compared to other brachiocephals, the Scottish Fold is not so pronounced "short-headed". The short, thick coat comes in a wide variety of colors. Playful Scottish kittens are well trained. Taking part in children's games is their favorite pastime. The character is calm, balanced. Scottish Folds are human-oriented and very fond of the owners.

Himalayan cat

Withdrawn in the middle of the last century is not recognized by all international organizations. The Himalayan is considered by many to be a variation of the Persian. Possessing all the "Persian" set of external data, the Himalayan has the color of a Siamese cat. Children love them very much - they do not scratch when used as a toy.

Exotic shorthair cat (exotic)

Affectionate, calm, playful exotics differ from the Persians by their playful disposition (at any age) and short hair. It is easier to look after them. They seem to be made for lazy owners. This cute, "plush" cat gets attached to the house and loves its owners. Perfectly finds a common language even with dogs

Exotic short wool does not require complex care

The rarest cat breeds

Opinions about what breed of cats is considered the rarest are subjective and contradictory. Felinological organizations annually carry out calculations and research, and all the results are different. Someone thinks that the rarest is the recently registered breed, which has several individuals. Others call the rarest species aboriginal species that disappear, for various reasons, in natural conditions.

Savannah is one of the largest cats in the world

American wire haired cat

This breed is recognized only in the USA and Canada. It began with the fact that an unusual curly-haired kitten was found on one of the farms. They found a mate for him - an American Shorthair cat and started breeding a funny breed with curly hair. The result is small cats with round heads and golden eyes.

Nibelung

The ancestor of the Nibelung is considered to be the Russian blue cat. Almost a century has passed since its discovery until its official recognition in 1987. The cat is unique for its silver sheen. This is due to the fact that her coat has the property of reflecting light. The Nibelungen are very friendly and sociable. They love their owners and do not tolerate strangers. Loneliness is not tolerated.

Nibelung - a cat with a silver tint

Elf

The American Curl and the Canadian Sphynx became the progenitors of the elf. A cat that gets its name from its appearance. Mainly because of the large curved ears. Despite their “alien” appearance, elves are friendly and benevolent. They adore children.

Elf cat looks like an alien creature

Kao mani

One of the most expensive and rare breeds. Kao-mani is from ancient Siam. This is one of the oldest cat breeds. It was created by nature itself. The breeders did not interfere with the formation of the breed. That is why she is so beautiful. Snow-white wool and multi-colored eyes with a diamond shine. These cats are playful and sociable. Very active and easy to train.

The Kao Mani breed was formed in a natural way, without human intervention

Turkish van

Another ancient and rare breed. It got its name from the name of Lake Van, in the vicinity of which this cat was discovered. The Turkish Van has large eyes (they can be of different colors), a long bushy tail and large ears. There are membranes between the toes of the front paws. Van swims and hunts beautifully. Despite the wayward nature, he treats children very well.

Turkish van swims and hunts beautifully

Napoleon

Outwardly, Napoleon is a dwarf Persian cat with short legs. Unlike the Persian, brachiocephality is not so pronounced. A rare young breed, officially recognized at the end of the 20th century. The parents of the breed are the Persian cat and the Munchkin. The weight of an adult Napoleon is no more than 2 kg. Affectionate and friendly. They are patient and condescending to children.

Napoleon - a breed of dwarf cats

Savannah

An expensive and rare hybrid. Serval, domestic and wild African cat took part in its creation. Now Siamese and Bengal cats, Egyptian Mau and Oriental Shorthair are used for breeding. To obtain hybrids of the desired shade, an ordinary domestic cat of the corresponding color is used. Savannah is the most expensive mestizo in the world. The price for a kitten can reach 22 thousand dollars. Savannah is a very large cat up to 60 cm high at the withers, weighing up to 15 kg. They love water and outdoor play.

Savannah is the world's most expensive cat

Chinese Li Hua Mao (Dragon Li)

It is considered the rarest cat breed. At home, in China, it is not very common, and outside the Middle Kingdom, several individuals live only in America. Li hua mao is one of the oldest breeds. The first mention of similar cats dates back to the 1st century AD. It is a large, well-built cat. The weight of the cat reaches 6 kg. Due to its low prevalence, very little is known about whether hua. Except that all dragons are marked on the forehead with the letter M.

Li hua mao can be confused with an ordinary cat

Black cat breeds

Black cats have been and are credited with the most incredible qualities. Depending on the region where they were lucky (or not lucky) to be born, black cats were either deified or demonized. If we cast aside prejudices and calmly look at black beauties of any breed, then you can see one unifying feature - good nature. And do not forget that the black color, along with the tabby color, is basic for all colors of cats.

Bombay

Many breed standards allow black coats along with others. But only in the Bombay cat, any speck is considered a marriage. A cat of this breed should be all black - from the tip of the nose to the pads of the paws. She has a short, shiny coat and a medium-sized muscular body. Despite the fact that Bombay looks like a real little panther, the character of this cat is quite domestic. Moreover, the Bombay cat is a "100% Yankee". The breed was bred by the Americans in the middle of the 20th century, and has nothing to do with India.

The Bombay cat must be completely black by breed standards.

Devon rex

One of the breeds of cats in which black coat color is allowed. The cat with unusual wavy hair was bred by the British in the middle of the 20th century. It features large eyes and ears. The Devonian has an average build with rather long legs and a flattened head. Devon Rex is perfectly adapted for city life. By nature, affectionate and energetic. What is important - these cats are hypoallergenic.

Wavy Devon Rex coat is hypoallergenic

Persian

Along with many other colors, Persians can be black. The black Persian cat looks very impressive. While maintaining their best qualities - calmness, bordering on indifference, and benevolence.

Black color is rare in Persian cats

American bobtail

The short-tailed American can weigh up to 7 kg. The bobtail has a wide wedge-shaped head with slightly slanted eyes. Thick two-layer wool and "rabbit", small tail up to 3 cm in length. They are very intelligent and well trained. Various colors are recognized by the breed standards. Including black.

Black color is allowed in the Bobtail breed standards.

Siberian

Black Siberian is an unusual phrase. And it is also rare to find a black cat of this breed. But the black color in combination with a characteristic appearance, a powerful physique, thick semi-long hair looks very impressive. The Siberian is the first Russian breed to be officially recognized by the international community. An excellent hunter. Calm and independent.

Black Siberian looks very impressive

American shorthair

Black color is quite common among representatives of this breed. The American Shorthair cat became one of the parents of the Bombay. The American has a well-proportioned head with a square muzzle and a round nose. The limbs are of medium length and a thick long tail. These cats are calm and self-sufficient. Left alone, they will always find something to do. They are unobtrusive and do not tolerate violent hugs.

The American smooth-haired cat is graceful and self-sufficient

Oriental cat

A graceful bully with an exotic appearance. The color can be different, but always - even throughout the body. The bones are thin with strong muscles. Wedge-shaped head with large ears and almond-shaped eyes. The weight of cats reaches 8 kg. Extremely agile and playful at any age. Smart, smart. They are very trainable. The Orientals have a "doggy" character. They are very devoted and attached to a person, they require constant communication.

Orientals are very loyal to the owner

Affectionate and calm cat breeds

Having decided to get a cat, every owner wants to get himself a gentle, affectionate pet. A cat is an animal that does not live with you to perform certain functions. Of course, she will help get rid of rodents in the house. But most owners need it "for the soul." For each owner, his cat is the best and most affectionate. But there are cat breeds, as if specially created for "family" life.

Regdoll

One of the best cat options for family living. They don't know how to bite or scratch at all. Loyal to the owner and adore children. No wonder the name of the breed in translation means "rag doll".

Ragdoll Kshka breed great with children

British longhair

Perfect fluffy toy for kids. The British are kind, calm and patient. The docile nature allows them to find a common language even with dogs.

British Longhair cats are kind and patient

Exotic shorthair

A classic example of a tame pet. He will not allow anyone to come to him. But if he loves you, then forever. The exotic will give affection even if you don't want it.

Exot is an affectionate toy for the owners

Maine Coon

A huge fluffy good guy for the whole family. That says it all. She will never allow herself to be angry or capricious without reason. Even if there is a reason, he will have enough intelligence and endurance not to show it.

Maine Coon is a big and kind keeper of the family

Persian breed

A gift for those who love peace and quiet. A phlegmatic Persian will never bother you. And he will not be indignant if you decide to take him in your arms. They even express requests with a glance.

Persian cat will bring peace to any home

Reviews of owners of different cats

Authorship

From a variety of cat breeds, everyone chooses a pet for himself in character, color, size and intelligence. It doesn't matter why you get a cat - for breeding or for the soul. You will love him anyway. And he will respond in kind. And this is the main thing.