Tag: cat breed

  • All About the American Bobtail Cat Breed

    Although the domestic cat has been domesticated for millennia, many people still consider them to be somewhat of a wild animal. This is not only true in the way that some cat breeds tend to act, it may also be in the way that they look as well. That certainly is true of the American Bobtail, who have a look as if they just stepped out of the wild and into your home. They may have a wild look, but they are an excellent pet.

    There are genetic mutations involved in the short tail that is associated with any bobtail cat. They have been seen throughout the ages, including centuries ago in Japan and in other faraway places. At times, these bobtail cats may gain some attention of those who are interested in breeding and before you know it, a new breed is brought to life. That seems to be what happened with the American Bobtail, which came about as a result of a short tailed kitten that was bred with other cats in Iowa. It is a relative newcomer to the scene and it didn’t even gain recognition until 2002. Since that time, however, it has become one of the most popular breeds of cats.

    If you ever have a difficulty choosing between a cat the dog, the American Bobtail may just be the compromise that you are looking for. They tend to be very outgoing and puppy like, with plenty of energy and enough size to make them feel like a dog in the home. Of course, it is the personality that really shines through with this breed because they are smart as a whip and absolutely love being around people. They also tend to train quite well, and it is not uncommon to see one of these cats being walked on a leash.

    One of the considerations for any type of cat is the health of the breed. You will be happy to know that the American Bobtail is relatively free of any issues that are associated with the breed directly. Individual cats may have a variety of health problems but for the most part, you will not have any difficulties with this feline.

    The coat of the American Bobtail may tangle from time to time but as long as you brush it on a regular basis, you will be able to avoid this type of problem. In addition, the cat may tend to throw its coat during the spring and fall, so try to brush them more frequently during those times of the year to avoid excessive shedding.

    The American Bobtail is a wonderful breed and it is one that certainly deserves some recognition for being an excellent family pet.

  • Cat Breed – Nebelung

    Some cats are well-known for their personality and others are distinguished in the way that they look. The Nebelung is a breed that is certainly known for the way that they look and it is difficult to beat the raw beauty of this amazing animal. The most striking feature about the Nebelung is their coat, which is a blue silver color and it seems to flow from the ears down to the tail.

    The Nebelung is often thought of as being a German cat has the name is German for “creature of the mist.” This likely has a lot to do with the color of the cat, which is extremely beautiful. The breed itself was developed from the Russian Blue, which was bread with a long hair black cat and a short hair domestic cat. Eventually, the breed produced a long-haired blue kitten after only two litters. As a relative newcomer to the scene, it has gained ground quickly as a popular breed and they received full recognition as of 1997.

    Many people appreciate the Nebelung, not only because of the awesome way that they look but because of their personality as well. They tend to be relatively quiet and gentle but sometimes, they can also be elusive in the home. When they are part of a family, however, they are typically by your side at all times and they also enjoy playing, including retrieving. Perhaps one of the ways in which they shine is the fact that they will give attention to any guests that enters into the home quickly but they will also recognize the beauty of this amazing animal that you have in your family.

    More than likely, you are not going to have any serious health issues with the Nebelung that are out of line with any other breed of cats. In fact, they tend to be fairly healthy and there are very few genetic markers that are passed down from one generation to another that would cause any serious problems. One of the only issues that you really need to be concerned about is the fact that they can gain weight quickly, so you would want to feed them according to a schedule and not step outside of those boundaries.

    This particular breed doesn’t require a lot of grooming but they would benefit if you were to brush them on a twice weekly schedule. Doing so will help to remove a lot of the loose hair that could otherwise end up on your furniture, floors and everywhere else in the home. It also helps to distribute the oil of the skin across the coat, leaving it healthy and shiny.

    The Nebelung is not the best known breed but it is one that can certainly have a part in any family. They are gentle, kind and beautiful, so what’s not to love about them?

  • All about the Bombay Cat Breed

    Some cats are well-known because of their color and the way that they look. That certainly is the case with the Bombay, as the black coat and beauty of this animal is going to be clearly seen from the moment that you lay eyes on them. Of course, there is more to the Bombay than just the color of the coat. They are a delightful animal that loves to play and can be quite interactive with the entire family.

    Although black cats have been around for millennia, the Bombay is actually a relative newcomer to the scene. One thing that is interesting about this particular breed, however, is the fact that it does not actually have any ties to Bombay, which is an Indian port city. Rather, they come from Kentucky and they didn’t come into existence until the late 1950s. The breeder wanted to come up with a black cat that had a shiny coat and a muscular body but was still very friendly to the family. When it comes to the Bombay, they truly nailed it.

    Most families really appreciate this breed of cat because they are able to fit into almost any family situation. They tend to be good-natured about their living arrangements, so it doesn’t matter if you have a large home or a small apartment; it is likely that they are going to be quite satisfied with the accommodations. They do well with every member of the family and also tend to do well with other pets, so it is great for a home that has a serious love of animals. That being said, they do love the warmth so they will likely look for the warmest part of the house and that is where you will find them.

    Although most Bombay cats seem to be quite healthy, there are some issues that may occur because of their ties to the Burmese cat. That issue is a craniofacial defect that is typically seen in newborn kittens. Although this can be a problem with this breed, it is not always going to be an issue. In most cases, a kitten that experiences this problem is not going to survive in order to try to eliminate it from the breed.

    A gentle brushing every week is all that is typically necessary to keep the Bombay happy and healthy. The coat will benefit because of the distribution of natural skin oils and the removal of loose hair. They do not typically need to be bathed but it is a good idea to check the ears regularly and brush their teeth to avoid problems.

    A Bombay cat can be an excellent choice for the home. They are not as needy as many other breeds of cats but they still could be a delight to have around and they tend to love the people that make up their family unit.

  • All about the Scottish Fold

    There are many different breeds of cats that are almost instantly recognizable by the way that they look. It could be one of the distinct features of the cat, such as the color of the eyes or perhaps the coat. When it comes to the Scottish fold, however, it is the folded ears that really are the hallmark of the breed. They are a beautiful and delightful cat that will make a welcome part of any family. Knowing more about the cat can help you to appreciate the breed even more.

    Sometimes, cats are bred into existence because of a mutation in the genetics that would take place unexpectedly as the breed was being propagated. Apparently, that is what took place with the Scottish fold and the breed can be traced back to 1961 and one particular white cat that lived in a barn in Scotland. This cat, named Susie, was crossbred with a local Tom and one of the kittens became the cat that was eventually bred into the Scottish fold. They are best known because of the fold of the ear but they also have a beautiful coat as well. They were brought to the United States in the mid-1970s and became recognized as a specific breed but they still are not a breed in Scotland.

    One of the interesting things about the Scottish fold is the way that they tend to handle themselves as they are going about their day-to-day activities. Some of them may sit before flattening out and others may sit up as if they were a groundhog. Aside from that unusual type of behavior, they tend to be a relatively smart cat that enjoys playing and can be readily trained. In most cases, you will find this particular breed hanging out with the people in the household and getting as much attention as they possibly can. They can be left alone during the day, but it is best if they have a companion at most times.

    One of the reasons why the Scottish Fold is not recognized as a breed in Scotland is out of fears that the ear fold may lead to problems with the hearing or infections. In actuality, they don’t tend to have those problems and they tend to be a relatively healthy breed that can live up to 15 years or longer. They do suffer from a variety of problems, including degenerative joint disease and a type of heart disease known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These are not a problem in all Scottish Folds, but it is often seen in the breed.

    The long coat of this breed should be brushed on a weekly basis and you should also pay attention to their ears, nails and teeth. They may also need a bath from time to time.

    If you’re looking for a loyal companion, you don’t need to look any further than the Scottish Fold. They will be a cat that is by your side through thick and thin.

  • 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.