All about the Russian Blue

There are many different breeds of cat to choose from but one that many people consider is the Russian blue. This cat is an excellent choice if you are looking for a faithful companion that will be by your side through thick and thin. This particular cat may have a reputation for being quiet and gentle but they do love to play, so you should prepare for that fact when they are a part of your home. They can entertain themselves quite well during the day but when you are with them, they will rarely ever not be by your side.

Although the Russian Blue cat breed has been around for quite some time, there is very little that is actually known about the origin of the breed. As the name would suggest, most experts feel that the Russian blue does come from Russia and when you consider the fact that they have a thick coat, it does make sense that they would come from a colder part of the world. Unlike many domestic cats that were bred by crossbreeding specific breeds, it seems as if the Russian blue may have come about through the natural breeding in the wild. They began to be seen in the late 1800s and since that time, they have become a very popular house companion.

There is an old saying that you can’t judge a book by its cover and that certainly is the case when it comes to this breed of cat. On the outside, they may appear to be somewhat reserved, quiet and gentle but when you have one in your home, you will find that they can be quite active as well. Yes, they are a loving animal that does well with the family and guests but they will also stick very closely to the person that they consider to be their favorite. The Russian blue will enjoy your company when you are around but they will also entertain themselves while you are away. One piece of advice that I would give you for the Russian blue is to ensure that they are fed on schedule. If you don’t feed them, they will remind you.

Most Russian blues don’t have many health problems to speak of, although, like all cats, they may experience various issues that would require the assistance of a veterinarian. One issue that you may want to watch out for is the weight of the cat, which can vary quite widely if you feed them too much.

Some basic care is all that is necessary to ensure that your Russian blue is happy and healthy. Brushing their coat twice a week, brushing their teeth daily and feeding them on time are all that is typically necessary to ensure that your cat is well cared for.

If you’re looking for a loyal companion that will be there for you through thick and thin, the Russian blue is a choice that should not be overlooked.

All about the Tonkinese

There are many cat breeds that are familiar to us and some may be instantly recognizable, the moment that we see them. There are other breeds, however, that are relative newcomers to the scene and they may have various characteristics from the specific breeds that were used in the breeding process. That is the case with the Tonkinese, a cat that is a mixture of a Siamese and Burmese. They have a reputation of being standoffish, but once you own one, you will see that it is not well earned.

The Tonkinese is a rather interesting cross between two cats from Southeast Asia. The Siamese cat was bred because of its specific looks but they wanted to come up with a breed that was similar but had less of a voice than the Siamese. That is when they brought the Burmese into the mix and when the two were bred together, it resulted in the Tonkinese breed. This breed may have been around in the late 1800s but it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that a more specific breeding program began to take hold. Shortly thereafter, they gained official recognition and today, they are one of the most popular breeds of cats in existence.

If you are looking into owning the Tonkinese and bringing them into your family, you may have heard that they can be a little bit standoffish. Once you actually have this delightful feline in your home, however, you will realize that nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, the Tonkinese is one of the most loving and friendly cats that you could ever hope to have and they will keep you active, as they love to play frequently. They also tend to be rather intelligent and can be taught tricks easily. They do like to talk, but not quite as loudly as the Siamese

Unfortunately, the Tonkinese can experience a wide range of health issues and you should be aware of these potential problems so that they can be addressed if they become an issue. Many of these conditions are seen in the Siamese, although they may have some that are more specific to this breed. Some of the different health problems that they may experience include gastrointestinal issues, heart defects, lymphoma, excessive grooming, Amyloidosis and bronchitis.

The coat of the Tonkinese is relatively short so they don’t typically need any more than a weekly brushing to keep them in shape. They may require additional care, however, in the way of dental care. Brushing their teeth on a regular basis can help to keep periodontal disease to a minimum. They also do better as an indoor cat, so be sure you prepare for that when you own a Tonkinese.

If you have a home with children, other cats or dogs that get along well with cats, the Tonkinese will fit right into the family. They are more of a lover than a fighter and you will find that they are quite a delight to have around.

All about the Siamese

Many cat lovers consider themselves to be sophisticated, and they may even choose a cat that is sophisticated as well. Perhaps that is why the Siamese cat is such a popular breed. In fact, the Siamese has consistently ranked near the top of the list for many years and that is a factor that is not about to change anytime soon. Of course, if you are interested in owning a Siamese cat, you should be ready to put up with the personality, which can be rather strong. That being said, their striking features are a thing of beauty and it certainly can be pleasant to look upon them as your pet.

As is the case with many breeds of cats, the Siamese is a rather ancient breed. There is no real indication as to where they came from, however, but some ancient manuscripts have shown that they may have been in Thailand for centuries. They ended up coming into the West during the late 1800s and were even part of the show at the Crystal Palace in London. Although not everybody had an immediate appreciation for the looks of the Siamese cat, they were adopted by many well-known individuals, including President Hayes. Today, they are one of the most well-known breeds in existence.

If you’re looking for a cat that will curl up on your lap and show you lots of love, you may not want to consider a Siamese. They can be affectionate but they can also be quite opinionated and they are not afraid to voice their opinion out loud when they have one (and they always have an opinion). When you’re asleep at night, however, they will likely be right by your side and they may curl up in your lap when you sit down. The Siamese cat is intelligent, playful and beautiful. They make a wonderful pet.

As an ancient breed of cat, they have relatively few health problems but there are some that are more likely seen in the Siamese than many other breeds. They may suffer from a condition known as Amyloidosis and may have various heart defects or suffer from asthma. As is the case with any feline, if you experience problems with this cat, you should seek the help of a qualified veterinarian.

The Siamese has a very short coat so it is not typically necessary to give them more than a weekly combing. Doing so will help to eliminate a problem with shedding, which could otherwise be an issue. In order to avoid dental problems, it is also best if you take part in a regular dental care program with your Siamese cat, including brushing the teeth. Keep the Siamese indoors as they could be susceptible to various health issues if they were to come in contact with other animals.

When you own a Siamese cat, you own one of the best-known felines in existence. They have a very distinct look but they also are quite personable, which is why many people love this breed.

All about the Abyssinian

Most breeds of cats tend to be relatively intelligent but some are off the charts in the form of intelligence. That is the case with the Abyssinian breed, which is highly intelligent and quite observant. In fact, when you have an Abyssinian in the home, it is unlikely that anything is going to take place that will escape their notice. Perhaps that is why they appreciate being up as high as possible, which is one factor to keep in mind when you have this breed in the house.

It is unknown when this particular breed came into existence but what is known is that they were shown in 1871 as a feline that was captured in the late Abyssinian war. The cat ended up taking third place in that show and since that time, it has been a popular breed. According to genetic testing, this breed may have originated somewhere in the coastal area Southeast Asia and may have been brought to other lands by Dutch and British traders. Today, the Abyssinian may be different than what they were originally but they are a beloved cat for many people.

If you are looking for a feline that is full of life, you will have a difficult time beating what the Abyssinian brings to the table. They are so inquisitive and intelligent, it seems as if nothing is going to get by them without being recognized. This can be a fantastic trait of the breed but sometimes, it can also make it difficult because they seem to be one step ahead of their owners at any given time. One of the personality traits of the Aby is that they seem to be in motion at any given time. Regardless of whether they are prowling during the night or jumping up on the windowsill to look at a squirrel, they rarely stop moving. Some owners may even wonder if they ever sleep.

A number of health problems may be seen in the Abyssinian, including a problem with periodontal disease. That is why it is important to brush their teeth on a regular basis. Other health problems can include kidney disease, degenerative eye disease, a condition that causes them to groom themselves excessively and a hereditary disease that can affect the organs in the body.

The Abyssinian does not necessarily require a lot of care but it is a good idea to brush them weekly and to care for their teeth. It is also a good idea to keep the litter box clean so they continue to use it, as they can be somewhat picky about the cleanliness of that area. Most Abyssinians will do well if you keep them indoors, as it will help to limit their exposure to disease that may be spread by other animals.

If you’re looking for an active cat that will keep you on your toes, the Abyssinian certainly is one that you should consider. They make an excellent pet for the entire family and one that you will treasure having in your home.

All about the American Shorthair

The American shorthair is a very popular cat and it is one that many people consider to have as a member of the family. They tend to be rather adaptable to almost any type of conditions within the household and when it comes to people, they are good to have around. Although they are an excellent house cat, they do still retain many of their skills in the form of hunting so there will not be a rodent that will escape their notice.

It is not fully known when the American shorthair got their foothold in the United States, but it is widely known that cats were part of many seafaring vessels. That was certainly the case with the Mayflower and other ships that came from the old country to the United States. Those ships brought people who were ready to make a new life but they also carried shorthaired cats, whose hunting ability was used in order to keep rodents to a minimum. It wasn’t until the late 1800s, however, that the short hairs began to really take hold as a distinct breed. Today, they are one of the best-known breeds.

Many of the shorthaired cats that may have gone into the American shorthair breed were likely good hunters and were used for that specific purpose. Today, they are still able to hunt quite readily but they are more often seen as a member of the family. They tend to be fairly active and enjoy some playtime with the family. They also enjoy sitting on your lap and socializing, which makes them a wonderful family pet for almost any household.

Like any breed of cat, the American shorthair may experience various health problems. One of the more common issues that they may experience, however, is heart disease, in particular, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This may be a problem with the breed but it may not be able to be traced easily down through the family line. Choosing a quality breeder and selecting the kitten carefully can help to reduce the likelihood that this will be a problem. When any serious health issues are recognized, it is always best to seek veterinary care immediately.

It is fairly easy to care for the coat of an American shorthair, as you can simply run a brush over it a few times a week. This will help to reduce problems with shedding and will distribute the skin oil to make the coat healthy. Your cat would also benefit from a regular ear checkup and you should brush their teeth for the prevention of gum disease.

Although there are many different breeds of cats to choose from, the American shorthair is one that certainly can be a part of any family. When you find that they are a part of your family, you will likely find the cat on your lap and rarely ever very far from your side.

All about the Persian Cat Breed

Some Breeds have been around for a very long time and that is the case with the Persian. It is one of the most popular types of cats, not only because of the age of the breed and also because of their personality. Although it may differ from one particular cat to another, most Persians tend to be quite docile and dignified in the way that they handle themselves. This makes him a very welcome guest in the home and they can be a wonderful part of the family.

The Persian cat has been around for many years and it may have gotten a start in Mesopotamia, which is in modern-day Iran. This older cat breed has been around so long that it is difficult to say exactly where they got their start and it may be possible that the Persian was slightly different back then that it is today. In more recent years, however, breeding has made the Persian what you see, and that breeding began sometime in the 17th century. It was in the 1800s, however, that long-haired cats from that area began to be bred together and today, they are known as the Persian.

The personality of a Persian cat is where most people really tend to fall in love. Many cats tend to be somewhat elusive in the home and they could be considered standoffish but that is not the case with the Persian. In most cases, they are a very quiet cat that is known for their sweet and docile demeanor. They also tend to be quite dignified and they will show that dignity, regardless of whether they are on their own or sitting on your lap. One thing that you may notice about this breed, however, is the fact that they tend to be a part of the family and they don’t necessarily take well to strangers.

There is always a possibility of health problems occurring in any breed of cat and the Persian is no different. In fact, they may have a number of different health issues that are relatively common and could require ongoing care in some cases. At times, they may have a difficulty with breathing or their nostrils may become constricted so that they are rather loud when they breathe. They may also suffer from other issues, such as sensitivity to heat, tearing, kidney disease and a variety of conditions that affect the eye.

The Persian is one type of cat that tends to need to be groomed on a regular basis. In fact, you may find that you are grooming them every day and this can go a long way in helping their coat to remain tangle free and clean. As is the case with many long-haired cats, be sure that their litter box is kept clean and you may need to wipe their eyes regularly to prevent staining from various eye conditions.

The Persian is a great choice for the family. They tend to be family oriented, so you can enjoy this cat and all that they bring to the home.

All about the Ragdoll Cat Breed

People may choose to have a cat in the home for many different reasons. For some, it is the fact that they can be a good friend and they may stick by your side, regardless of how your day happens to be going. For others, it may be because they can keep you entertained, especially if you have the right breed. In either case, the ragdoll cat breed is an option that you would certainly want to consider. Not only are they an excellent companion, they are quite smart and can learn tricks easily.

Some cats have been around for a very long time but the ragdoll cat breed has only been around for a few decades. In fact, it was in the 1960s that they were developed by Ann Baker, who is a breeder from Riverside, California. It was a combination of different cats, including a long-haired domestic with a white coat and a number of other long-haired cats that were found around the neighborhood. These different cats were chosen because they were fairly gentle, had a large size and had beautiful coats. As a result, the ragdoll came into existence and it continued to be developed, perhaps even adding Persians and Burmese into the mix.

As far as personality is concerned, this is where the ragdoll really shines. They are unlike many other types of cats, who seem to be rather elusive and you may not see them very often around the home. The Ragdoll will greet you at the front door and they are most comfortable when they are sleeping in your arms. In fact, the ragdoll breed shows love to all people and it doesn’t matter if they have met them before or not, they will be your friend very quickly. Many people also appreciate a Ragdoll because they are smart and train very quickly. They also tend to be a good house companion and don’t scratch at the furniture very often.

A number of different health problems can exist in this breed, although the breed itself is relatively healthy. In some cases, they may suffer from calcium bladder stones and this is something that would need to be treated by a veterinarian. They are also prone to a type of heart disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These and other conditions that may be seen in this breed tend to be genetic.

Since the ragdoll has a long fur coat, it is best if it is groomed on a regular basis. Brushing them twice a week should suffice. You should also be sure to keep their litter box clean, as that can help to reduce the necessity to give them a bath.

Ragdolls are an excellent house companion and can be a great choice for any household. When you have one in your home, you will quickly come to appreciate their docile nature and the love that they show it.

All about the Ragamuffin Cat Breed

Some cat breeds tend to be standoffish and you might not see them very often, unless you happen to cross paths in the middle of the night. That isn’t the case with the ragamuffin, however, because this cat is certainly a lover. In fact, they are perfectly at home when being held in your arms and you may find that tend to gravitate toward you anytime you are around. They are also quite docile, which makes them an excellent choice for a family cat.

As you might expect, the ragamuffin is closely related to the ragdoll, although there are some significant differences between the two. Breeders that were interested in the ragdoll wanted to introduce new characteristics to the breed in the way of patterns and colors. As a result of that selective breeding, a new group of cats came into existence and eventually, the ragamuffin found its way into our homes. The breeding was associated with Himalayans, Persians and a number of different long-haired domestic cats. They are a relative newcomer to the scene but they are quickly gaining ground in the way of popularity.

When it comes to the personality of the ragamuffin, it is very similar to their close cousin, the ragdoll. These cats are absolute lovers and they are willing to go out of their way to be with you and preferably, the be on your lap anytime you are around. You might also appreciate this breed, not only because they will grow close to you but because they are smart as a whip. In fact, if you are looking for a breed of cat to teach tricks, including walking on a leash or playing fetch, the ragamuffin will readily respond to that type of training.

It is likely that a ragamuffin is going to be a very healthy cat but there may be times when some genetic issues may show up in certain felines. It is always best if you have anything questionable checked by veterinarian as soon as it occurs. In addition, finding a quality breeder that is truly interested in the health of the kittens can go a long way in keeping your cat happy and healthy for life.

As is the case with most long-haired cats, it is best if you brush the coat on a weekly basis. Doing so will help to keep the tangles away and will limit the shedding, which can be a problem in some ragamuffins. You might also want to take their hygiene a step further by checking their ears on a weekly basis and doing any preventative maintenance according to the specific way it should be done for the breed. Even brushing their teeth on a daily basis can go a long way in helping to keep them healthy and happy.

A ragamuffin is an excellent breed for the family. They will greet you at the door like a puppy and are fantastic for visitors as well.

All about the Bengal Cat Breed

Many people have a difficulty differentiating the domestic cat from the wild cat, although there is a distinct difference. At times, however, certain breeds of cats may teeter on the edge and could even be considered wild, to a certain extent. That is the case with the Bengal cat, a very active breed that is prized as a pet in many areas. They may look as if they should be prowling around in the jungle but the fact is, they are a breed that is meant for living at home.

The Bengal cat has a relatively interesting beginning. In the mid-1900s, an Asian leopard cat could be purchased at a pet store so it was only a matter of time before they would breed with a domestic. One particular breeder in California purchased an Asian leopard cat and to her surprise, it bred with a black Tom she had on her property. The resulting litter produced a spotted female that was bred with the father and the breed was born. Interestingly, domestic cats and Asian leopard cats were also being bred at a university because they were not susceptible to the feline leukemia virus. The breed eventually gained recognition in 1991.

If you’re looking for an intelligent cat that is full of energy, the Bengal is going to be an excellent choice. They can be somewhat of a challenge, because they tend to rule the roost when they are at home. Because of their intelligence and their ability to use their paws almost like hands, you often find that they are toying with things around the home and perhaps even getting into mischief. One interesting factor about the Bengal is that they love water. Most cats tend to avoid water when they can but the Bengal will jump right in when it is bath time. This breed will also be quite at home while sitting on your lap and enjoying some quiet time with the family.

One of the issues that are associated with this breed is flat-chested kitten syndrome. Many of the cats that experienced this problem are eventually able to outgrow it. Bengals may also have problems with hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation, retinal atrophy and distal neuropathy. Finding a quality breeder may help to limit the possibility that these problems will be seen in your cat.

Like many short hair breeds, the Bengal can be easily cared for with a weekly brushing. Doing so will limit the amount of shedding that takes place and will help to keep the coat healthy. The Bengal loves spending time outdoors, but you may want to keep them indoors to avoid some problems that could otherwise occur.

As an active animal, the Bengal does have certain challenges as a breed but they are an excellent pet for those who care for them properly. They are loving, loyal and very intelligent.

All about the Maine Coon

What is it that people look for when they are choosing a particular cat breed? For many people, it has to do with the personality of the cat but for others, it could be the looks of the cat or perhaps even how they handle other animals in the home. One of the most popular breeds is the Maine Coon, and they certainly do have a lot to bring to the table. As a native of New England, they were used around the farm, on ships and in various areas where a mouser was needed.

The history of the Maine Coon is rather interesting, and it is something that you will likely find interesting, especially if you are looking into this breed. They are a relative newcomer to the scene, but they had been around for at least 200 years. In the early years, they were used around the area of New England and in particular, Maine to work around the farm or on a ship catching rodents. There is not much that is known about this breed in particular, but it is thought that their ancestors may have been brought to North America by the Vikings. Since those humble beginnings, they have become a well-known and popular feline.

Many people really appreciate the Maine Coon because of their personality. To to be sure, if you want to cat that enjoys being around you but doesn’t necessarily need to be sitting on your lap at all times, this breed is an excellent choice. They will readily accept any attention that you give but they won’t be too demanding of it. They are great house pet but they still have strong mouser skills, so it is always handy to have them around in case a rodent decides to invade your home. They tend to be playful yet dignified, so they do the species proud.

This breed tends to be relatively healthy but there are certain health issues that may be problematic in Main Coons. Some of the more common issues that take place are associated with genetics including hip dysplasia, polycystic kidney disease and spinal muscular atrophy. If you notice that any serious problems are occurring with your cats, you should take them to a veterinarian for professional care.

Regular grooming of the cat’s coat will go a long way in helping to keep it silky and tangle free. It will also help to spread the natural oils and keep shedding to a minimum. It may also be necessary, at times, to give a cat a bath. Your cat will likely appreciate it if you keep these bathing sessions to a minimum. You can also help to keep their coat clean by keeping the litter box clean as well.

Although you have many choices when it comes to cat breeds, the Maine Coon is one that you should certainly consider. They have the personality and abilities that make them a wonderful addition to any family.