We Love All Cats

Tag: cat breeds

  • All about the British Shorthair Cat Breed

    Many of us choose to have a cat as a companion because we are looking for a loyal animal that has an air of distinction. Some Breeds may not fit into that mold but that is not the case with the British Shorthair. As a matter of fact, they have a lot of British reserve and they can be a wonderful companion, even though they don’t demand your attention at all times. Perhaps that is why they are one of the more popular breeds worldwide.

    The British Shorthair is a product of Britain, as the name would suggest. He is also quite a popular cat in movies as well, as the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland was tailored after this particular breed. They came about hundreds of years ago during the Victorian era and the standard was kept for quite some time, although they did experience a lot of problems during the world wars at the early part of the 20th century. After the Second World War, the breed began to take off again and today, they are popular both in England and in the United States.

    You would expect that a cat from England would be stereotypically reserved and you would be pleasantly surprised with the personality of the British Shorthair. It tends to be relatively easy going, which is why it is found in many households. This particular breed is perfectly happy to be nearby, but they don’t necessarily need to dominate your attention at all times. They also tend to mellow out as they get older and an adult shorthair can be more of a couch potato than an active cat. That is why it is important to watch how much you feed this particular breed, because they can gain weight quickly.

    The British Shorthair is a relatively healthy breed so you are not likely to see any serious health problems that are breed-specific. Like any cats, however, you may experience some health problems that are specific to their upbringing or perhaps their family line. Some of the more common problems that are associated with this breed include heart disease and gingivitis.

    Since gingivitis is one of the more common problems with the British Shorthair, it is important to ensure that their teeth are taken care of on a regular basis. You should begin brushing them from the time that they are a kitten and get them accustomed to the process. It would also benefit if you brush them on a weekly basis to remove any loose hair and to help keep their coat healthy.

    The British Shorthair is a breed that has an air of distinction that you will absolutely love. Make this cat a part of your family and you will find that they are by your side at all times.

  • 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.