Anatolian Cat: Features Of The Breed's Appearance, Care And Maintenance Of The Cat, Character And Habits, Breeding Pets, Owner Reviews

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

Anatolian cat: aristocrat of street origin

Cats that understand human speech, love music and sing like birds themselves, and also swim well, can be trained no worse than some dogs and keep order in the house in the strictest manner. It is hard to believe that all that has been said is about one breed, which, moreover, has not a high aristocratic, but purely street origin. Our story is about the Anatolian cat, the national pride of Turkey.

Content

• 1 History of the origin of the Anatolian cat breed

• 2 Features of the breed

  • 2.1 External data

    • 2.1.1 Photo gallery: Anatolian cat color palette
    • 2.1.2 Difference from Turkish Vans and Angora cats
    • 2.1.3 Photo Gallery: Three Famous Turkish Cat Breeds

  • 2.2 Character, behavior and intelligence

    2.2.1 Video: Anatolian - a cat who knows how to tweet

  • 2.3 Propensity to disease

• 3 How to choose an Anatolian kitten

  3.1 Video: Anatolian kittens playing

• 4 How to care for an Anatolian breed

  • 4.1 Hygiene
  • 4.2 Feeding
  • 4.3 Toilet

• 5 Breeding work

  • 5.1 Breeding Anatolian cats

    5.1.1 Video: a caring mother with kittens

  • 5.2 Castration and sterilization
• 6 Owner reviews

History of the origin of the Anatolian cat breed

According to one version, it was in Turkey, and not in Egypt, that the domestication of wild cats began. If so, then it is Anatolian cats who live next to a person longer than all their other fellow tribesmen.

Anatolian cats still live freely on Turkish streets

Long-term natural selection gave Anatolian cats the most valuable thing that they have - high intelligence, strong immunity and the complete absence of hereditary diseases. The Turkish short-haired - as this breed was also called - was geographically formed in the area of Lake Van, practically without human participation. However, for a long time, local residents willingly took these cats into their home - unpretentious, clean, wonderful hunters.

Turkish connoisseurs of the breed prefer white to all others.

In Turkey, this breed has long been considered a national treasure. But before the eyes of the world community, Turkish shorthair cats made their debut only in 1995, when three individuals of this breed were shown at a felinological exhibition in Germany in the city of Castrop-Rauxel. Within five years, the breed was recognized by such an authoritative organization as the WCF association. At the time of this landmark event, there were only a little more than a hundred Anatolian cats all over the world, who received the official status of representatives of a new breed, called Anatoli or Turkish Shorthaired cat.

Features of the breed

In the first official description, the Anatolian breed was called a variety of the Turkish Van. These two breeds, due to the same developmental conditions, are indeed very close: both genetically and phenotypically. However, very soon the Anatolian "branch" was singled out into an independent breed, which is actively developing. Now two related breeds are united only by the old name - "van kedisi". Today, mating of Anatolians with Vans is strictly prohibited - kittens received from them will not be activated and will not have pedigrees.

External data

The seemingly modest appearance on closer inspection demonstrates a true feline classic. Anatolians are in all respects Cats with a capital letter, and in terms of their external data as well.

Van kedisi - modest but full of feline dignity

These are animals of large or medium size, their well-muscled body has a wide chest and tapers somewhat towards the pelvis. The average weight of an adult cat with a height at the withers up to thirty centimeters is about seven kilograms, and a cat is about five. Very agile, proportional and not too long, slightly tapering towards the tip. The low paws are very strong, widely spaced, the gait is firm and springy.

The triangular head with a small nose and a straight, beautiful profile has pronounced cheekbones, high and well-defined. The ears are medium in size, pointed. The eyes are large, oval, slightly slanted. Their color can be different, but not in contrast with the color. For white cats, multi-colored eyes are preferred: blue and yellow or greenish.

White cats may have discordant eyes if both eyes are blue, which is often indicative of deafness.

The hair of the Anatolian cat is unique for its water-repellent properties - after getting wet it becomes dry almost instantly. The fur in its structure has both a thin undercoat and a stiff awn; ironing such wool is very pleasant. If internal, Turkish preferences are reduced to pure white Anatolians, then the international breed standard is much more democratic about colors - everything is allowed, except for the following:

• any point options;
• chocolate;
• lilac;
• brown.

The breed standard encourages a variety of colors

Photo gallery: Anatolian cat color palette

The bicolor options are unique and very interesting

White Anatolian cat - Turkish classic breed

Three-flowered cats are considered "happy" among many nations

Such a simple courtyard color is proudly called "van"

"Wild" colors are good in any breed, Anatolian is no exception

Black Anatolian is a real oriental sorceress

On short coat, the blue color shines with silver

The ginger cat was and remains the most notable and popular

Difference from Turkish Vanir and Angora cats

Despite the common territory and a similar history of origin, Anatolians differ in many ways from other primordially Turkish breeds: Vana and Angora. The external similarity is explained by the fact that all three breeds belong to the Mediterranean genetic group of cats, and the percentage of an admixture of Anatolian blood is quite high in both the Turkish Vanir and the Turkish Angora.

But the modern paths of this trio have diverged, and each of the breeds is now soloing completely independently. The visual difference between them is seen primarily in the length and quality of the wool:

• the Vans' fur coat changes depending on the season - in the cold season it is much longer than in the warm season, and has a delicate cashmere texture;
• angora has silky, long and crumbly wool, does not change its length and does not possess water-repellent properties;
• the Anatolian's fur is stably short, the awn is thin, but tough, to a slight creak, most of all resembles mink fur.

Photo gallery: three famous Turkish cat breeds

The Turkish Van has a strong boning and a water-repellent fur of uniform length

The graceful Turkish Angora prides itself on its luxurious, ostrich-like tail

Anatolian cat is very harmonious, her hair is short and resembles a mink coat

Character, behavior and intelligence

Anatolian cats are unobtrusive and self-sufficient, they are always able to find interesting activities for themselves, patiently endure the absence of the owner and sincerely rejoice at his return. At the same time, animals are very temperamental, active and tireless, which does not at all entail destruction in the house. Turkish Shorthairs are smart and judicious, they value their living space and do everything possible to keep it in order.

Anatolian cat will become the keeper of your home

To guests and other people who come, Anatolian cats are friendly and tolerant, but they do not allow unnecessary liberties in relation to themselves. They are quite tolerant of pets too - not only will they not provoke conflicts themselves, but, if anything, they will intervene with a peacekeeping mission. You will not be able to restore the world on your own - they will run for help from the owner. And you can even be sure that your cat will be the first to report any violations of the calm domestic lifestyle: for example, a faucet flowed, milk escaped, or a cup broke.

In general, Anatolians know how to make completely inimitable sounds: either they sing, or they melodiously stretch the vowels, or they chirp or clatter loudly. You won't hear anything like it from any other cat. These singing animals are also avid music lovers: they adore rhythmic music, and listening to it, they "conduct" their tail.

By their nature, they are researchers - the natural curiosity of a kitten does not pass from him as he grows up. Closed doors and doors, tightly closed drawers will not save from feline curiosity - for the Anatolian cat there are no barriers according to the principle: everything that closes can be opened somehow. To direct its energy in a more constructive direction, provide the cat's corner with toys and "simulators": put there a large scratching post, ladders or at least a few cardboard boxes.

Provide your cat with a rich leisure time

As much as Anatolians are attached to their home, they will always feel nostalgia for the vastness of the wild, or at least for walks in the fresh air. In a private house, such problems are, of course, easier to solve than in a city apartment. But it is enough to purchase a comfortable harness to ensure regular exercise for yourself and your pet.

Regular walks for this breed are required

Another rare quality of Anatolian cats that distinguishes them from most other breeds is their love of water. They perfectly know how to swim and will even keep you company in small swims on the sea or in the river. In the absence of such an opportunity, they can observe the flowing or dripping water for a long time.

However, you can always come to an agreement with them: the owners of anatoliek claim that these cats are so smart that they understand human speech - they sort out individual words so accurately. In any case, they clearly learn and execute the standard set of commands that are usually used for training. Yes, these cats, among other things, can be trained like dogs. By the way, they are also wonderful aporteurs.

Video: Anatolian is a cat who knows how to tweet

Disease propensity

Aboriginal origin is the main reason that Anatolian cats are endowed with excellent health. For millennia, their ancestors had to survive in the difficult conditions of their natural environment, and only the strongest individuals most adapted to natural disasters replenished the livestock. This is the inheritance received by cats, which today constitute one of the most elite domestic breeds.

They do not know anything about genetic diseases, most of them live without problems for twenty years, or even longer. The life expectancy and physical condition of the pet directly depend on the conditions that the owner will be able to create for him. However, nothing supernatural is required here. For a cat to please your family for many years, only three factors are needed:

• balanced, well-built diet;
• sufficient and regular physical activity;
• lack of psychological stress and emotional overload.

Strong natural health and excellent immunity are the undoubted advantages of this breed, but they still turned out to be insufficient with a sharp change in the lifestyle of this cat from semi-wild to purely domestic. The digestive and excretory systems of the body, as well as the teeth of the Anatolian woman, are at risk - they can malfunction if the animal is not properly kept. Poor nutritional management can provoke the following chronic diseases:

• urolithiasis;
• gastritis;
• colitis;
• inflammation of the gums and destruction of dental tissue.

A self-walking cat is more prone to parasitic infections

How to choose an Anatolian kitten

The first catteries of the Anatolian breed appeared recently in Russia, which, of course, will simplify and reduce the cost of purchasing a kitten. Previously, the purebred Turkish Shorthair could only be bought in Europe or Turkey. The cost of a pet class kid starts at five hundred dollars. Buying a breeding or show individual will cost you three to four times more. Such a high price is due to the fact that the breed is still quite rare - and, as you know, you have to pay for exclusivity.

Promising show-class kittens are very expensive

The aboriginal origin of the Anatolian makes this expensive and rare animal similar to an ordinary yard pussy. Often, only an experienced specialist will be able to discern the breed characteristics in a small kitten. This circumstance is willingly used by scammers who offer completely outbred, albeit very cute, babies under the guise of an Anatolian cat.

This cute outbred baby was offered for sale as an Anatolian kitten

In order not to become another victim of deceivers, you need to buy a kitten not from random dubious traders, but only in professional catteries. Of course, even with this correct approach, you can stumble upon unexpected pitfalls.

The magic word "kennel" should not be decisive and final in your choice - make inquiries about breeders, read reviews about their work. In the presence of the Internet, it is not a big problem to find out at least what breeds this nursery specializes in.

Ask the breeder to show your kitten's littermates

Read the standards for breeds similar to Anatolian carefully - the main differences have already been described in this article. Ask the breeder for as many photos and videos of both the proposed baby and his parents as possible, study their documents with the specialists. And if there is a possibility of personal contact, just stroke the kitten: even the Anatolian children's wool is so specific that it is impossible to confuse it. The short fur is both tough and silky at the same time, it creaks slightly under the arm.

When purchasing a kitten, conclude an agreement with the breeder

And most importantly - buy an Anatolian kitten only under an officially certified agreement with the breeder. This, of course, is also not one hundred percent, but still a guarantee that you will not be deceived for your own money.

Video: Anatolian kittens play

How to care for an Anatolian breed

Caring for a noble Anatolian is as simple as for the most ordinary yard cat. If there are absolutely problem-free pets, then the representatives of the Anatolian breed will certainly fall into their number. For thousands of years, these cats have done without human help in caring for themselves, if they need it now, then in a minimal amount.

Anatolian cat is used to taking care of its cleanliness itself

Hygiene

Given the special love of this breed for water, do not limit your pet in such pleasure - let her swim in the bath, but under your supervision. But full-fledged bath procedures using shampoo should not be arranged too often - Anatolian women are clean and do a good job with hygiene on their own. Breeders recommend bathing them in preparation for an exhibition or as they become dirty, but not more often than once every two to three months.

Brushing and massaging is good for any cat. Anatolians will need this procedure at least once a week so that the awn sparkles and the fluff does not stain the house. Try using a brush with thick natural bristles - it will work more efficiently on such a specific coat than a metal slicker. During the moulting period, the cat will have to comb out more often so that it does not "overeat" its own fur while licking itself - for gentle digestion of anatolytics it is fraught with troubles.

The eyes also need to be cleaned weekly, do it in the direction from the outer corner to the inner corner. You will definitely need two (for each eye - separate) cotton pads and a weak decoction of herbs or tea, a special lotion, simple boiled water (of your choice). The ears should be wiped with the same frequency. Please note: cotton pads are safer for this case than cotton swabs.

The teeth of an Anatolian cat require compulsory care, since the home diet of inexperienced owners can provoke not only the deposition of tartar, but also the development of inflammatory processes and specific diseases. Purchase a healing paste for these purposes at a pet store, and a "human" toothbrush can also be used - as long as it is not too hard.

Feeding

The digestive system of the Anatolian cat is designed in such a way that natural food is absorbed better than freeze-dried ready-made food - even the highest quality. Therefore, natural feeding is more preferable for this breed. With such a diet, the Turkish Shorthair is not threatened with obesity - they have a remarkable metabolism.

The Anatolian menu should be dominated by protein foods, moderately supplemented with healthy fats and fiber, vitamins and minerals. The following foods are recommended for feeding your pets:

• raw meat of low-fat varieties;
• bird, rabbit and nutria;
• river and sea fish;
• quail eggs - 2-3 per week;
• dairy products;
• fresh and boiled vegetables;
• porridge - no more than twice a week.

In addition to carefully selected vitamin complexes, it is recommended to periodically introduce sprouted grains into the pet's diet - for example, oats. This herb is not difficult to grow on your own, and it will definitely benefit your cat's digestion.

Sprouted grains are good for cat digestion

Treats from the master's table are categorically unhelpful for any cats. Once and for all, cross out these positions from the cat's diet:

• everything smoked, salted, fried, spicy and fatty;
• any baked goods and confectionery;
• legumes, citrus fruits and herbs unknown to you.

Offer your pet only high quality dry food

Restroom

Even small kittens of the Anatolian breed are easily accustomed to using the litter box - usually this educational process is led by their mother-cat. When moving to a new place, you need to help your pet quickly get used to solving this important but delicate issue.

Try to use the type of litter he is familiar with and a tray similar to the one the kitten used at the breeder. For this breed, medium-sized granules are usually recommended, and the type of filler, like the tray, will suit any - only the personal preferences of your cat will be decisive here.

Choose a litter box and litter that your cat will like

Tribal work

The Anatolian breed is closed, mating with Angora, Van and other breeds is prohibited for it, which is still practiced by some unscrupulous breeders. Breeding strategies should be uniform, aimed at developing and improving the best qualities of the Turkish Shorthair cat, stabilizing its phenotype and gene pool.

Breeding Anatolian cats

Like most aboriginal cats, Turkish shorthaired cats mature very early - by the age of six months they become sexually mature and theoretically can give birth. In practice, the complete physical and psychological formation of the breed representatives is completed only by two or three years. Before this age, animals should not be included in breeding programs.

Such problems are relevant for all rare and small breeds. Their solution cannot be quick - only thanks to the systematic work of enthusiasts of the breed can its full development, popularization and growth take place. But for this, the approaches to breeding Anatolian cats must be competent, professional and thoughtful for a few moves ahead. Knitting "for health" in this case is categorically unacceptable.

Love is not superfluous in breeding work

Future parents are connected on the territory of the cat and the cats are left there for the period of hunting. If the couple has a relationship, then in a little over two months one should expect the birth of heirs. In preparation for such an important date, both manufacturers must be examined by a veterinarian and undergo antiparasitic treatment.

Anatolian cat becomes a very caring mother

If happy parents, a cat and a cat, live in the same house, then they are together raising kids. In other breeds, this family idyll is extremely rare. Kittens usually leave for new families after three months of age, when they are ready to live without parents and are fully vaccinated.

Video: caring mom with kittens

Castration and sterilization

Animals that will not participate in exhibition and breeding activities are often castrated or sterilized. Such a surgical intervention can be performed both at the request of the owners, and at the request of the breeder, or for medical reasons. The optimal age for surgery is from eight months to a year, when the animal has already entered puberty, is sufficiently developed and strong.

Owner reviews

The seemingly modest appearance of an Anatolian cat is deceiving. A closer acquaintance helps to reveal a huge arsenal of advantages of this animal, in which absolutely everything is amazing - from its history to character.