The Wonder of Cats

by Peter Scottsdale

  Maine Coons were taken to sea for rodent control.

  Maine Coons were originally known as American Forest Cats.

  The Maine Coon breed has medium-length fur adapted to live outdoors with a dense undercoat and glossy, waterproof topcoat, and they support a ruff on their chests.

  Maine Coons are one of the healthiest breeds and can tolerate wide temperature ranges for long periods of time.

  These cats have a strange habit of sleeping in small places in seemingly uncomfortable positions.

  The Maine Coon will clean its long tail by wrapping it around a front leg and then spiraling around.

  Maine Coons like water and enjoy playing with water dripping from a tap.

  Maine Coons have a surprising chirping call.

  Maine Coons are easy to train to walk with a leash and harness.

  Maine Coons can have a variety of coloring with each litter.

  Maine Coons are known as the “gentle giant.” They are large cats and can weigh up to 25 pounds, but the average size is 13 – 20 pounds for males and 7 – 11 pounds for females. Males can grow longer than 40 inches, with the longest Maine Coon on record measuring 49 inches. Maine Coons reach full growth at 4 – 5 years.

  The Malayan

  The Malayan originated in the U.S. and only differs from the Burmese by color.

  Malayan kittens are produced in Burmese litters naturally and regularly.

  Malayans come in three varieties:

  1. Blue

  - With blue-grey fur

  2. Platinum

  - With silver-grey fur

  3. Champagne

  - With yellow-brown fur.

  The Brown Tortie Malayan tends to lack any black color and is usually brown and red.

  The Manx

  The Manx was first discovered on the Irish Sea Isle of Man.

  Most likely, the origin of the Manx happened when they were used for rat control on galleons of the Spanish Armada and some of these ships sank near the Isle of Man. The Manx swam for the island where they were later discovered. However, it is also believed that the Manx breed came from cats native to the island.

  The Manx has a short, thick undercoat with slightly longer guard hairs resulting in a double coat.

  The Manx cats live a long time and show few signs of aging.

  The Manx has a mutation of the spine, resulting in varying tail lengths from no tail to full length. Many have a tail “stub” but are known for having no tail. The gene that controls the tailless feature is dominant so that kittens are usually born tailless. Breeding Manx can be difficult as mating two tailless cats often results in stillbirth or kittens dying shortly after birth if the new kitten has two copies of the tailless dominant gene. So a Manx can only carry one dominant tailless gene.

  Because the tailless gene is dominant, most Manx are without tails. However two Manx cats can produce tailless cats (“rumpies”), short-tailed cats (“stumpies”), and regular length tailed cats (“longies”).

  A true Manx has absolutely no tail and is also known as a rumpy.

  In the rumpy Manx, there is a hollow where the tail would begin.

  Spina bifida is common in the Manx so adding vitamin B to an expectant mother’s diet helps to counteract the disorder.

  The Manx is easy to train and has quick reflexes for hunting.

  The Manx is another dog-like breed that will fetch and can be walked on a leash. They also like the outdoors and car rides. They are a social breed, loving people and their children, making them a great family companion.

  The residents of the Isle of Man set up a cattery to preserve the Manx on their native island.

  The people of the Isle of Man so loved the Manx that they minted a coin in its likeness and set up a cattery to preserve the Manx on their native island.

  The (North) American Shorthair

  The (North) American Shorthair originated in Europe. These felines were taken to North America to help control rodents where they evolved into the American Shorthair.

  After reaching North America, the American Shorthair adapted to the new environment and lifestyle and increased their numbers by interbreeding.

  The most popular breed in the U.S. and Canada is the North American Shorthair.

  Tabbies are among the most popular shorthairs, but American Shorthairs are only popular in North America and are not common in others parts of the world.

  The biggest difference between British and American Shorthairs is the shape of their faces. American Shorthairs tend to have a less rounded face with a longer nose. And American Shorthairs are a little bigger than their British counterparts.

  The American Shorthair is equipped for survival with a muzzle length good for catching prey with strong jaws and is resistant to the cold.

  The American Shorthair has thick, stiff, and dense fur to protect them from injury, moisture, and the extreme temperatures.

  This breed epitomizes the nation’s pioneer spirit; it has a working past and is bold and inquisitive.

  American Shorthairs developed intelligence because of their having to fend for themselves for years in the wild.

  Tabbies are skilled hunters and still have the urge to hunt, because they evolved through a process of natural selection.

  The American Shorthairs are friendly and gentle, making them great family pets.

  It is not fully mature until 3 – 4 years of age.

  With its stripped and barred look, the tabby pattern gets its name from Attibya of old Baghdad that was known for its watered silk produced with a wavy appearance.

  The American Shorthair cat comes in 34 different colors.

  The Red Mackerel Tabby gets its name from the line markings on its back and sides resembling a fish skeleton.

  The Brown Classic Tabby American Shorthairs have a classic patterning with a “bulls eye” visible on their sides.

  The Norwegian Forest Cat

  The Norwegian Forest Cat originated in Northern Europe among the forests and mountains of Scandinavia and can survive very cold temperatures because of their fluffy, thick, double-layered coat, bushy tail, and tufted ears. The dense underlay and coarse outer layer of their coat makes it virtually waterproof so it can resist heavy rain.

  The males are large (13 – 22 pounds) with the females being half the size of the males. They love human companionship, are great hunters, and love to play and explore.

  Norwegian Forest Cats have hind legs longer than forelegs.

  The Norwegian Forest Cats have ears that are high, open, and wide at the base with lynx-like tufts.

  The Norwegian Forest Cat has such able claws that she can climb rock walls.

  This cat will shed once annually, retaining only long fur on her tail.

  The Ocicat

  The Ocicat gets its name from the wildcat, the Ocelot, because of its spotted coat and wild appearance. It did not originate from the Ocelot but rather was bred from a mix of Abyssinian, Siamese, and later American Shorthairs.

  They are people oriented, like strangers, and make excellent family pets. They can also be taught to do tricks and be walked on a leash, like a dog.

  The Ocicat is active and acrobatic.

  Ocicats grow as large as 14 to 16 pounds.

  The Oriental Shorthair

  The Oriental Shorthair is a non-pointed member of the Siamese family. They are like Siamese in size, shape, and features except fur color.

  With the Oriental Shorthair, there are almost 400 possible color forms. Possibilities exist of superimposing just about any color and pattern into Oriental Shorthairs, such as Red, Cinnamon, and Ebony.

  The White Oriental Shorthair has had deafness problems like other white cats, but that problem has been eliminated.

  The Fawn Oriental Shorthairs make affectionate and very demanding pets.

  Oriental Shorthairs are vocal but usually quieter than their Siamese counterparts and are just as affectionate, demanding, and become attached to their owners. They are also intelligent, playful, and lively, m
aking them popular. Sam sez, “Nothing beats a Siamese. Stick with the original.”

  The Persian

  The Persian originated from the Iranian plateau and is one of the oldest breeds. Persians have a long, thick coat that needs to be groomed everyday. They have a shortened muzzle, which can lead to health problems affecting their breathing and sinuses.

  Persians have changed since the 1880s. There is a wider range of coat colors and the coat is more profuse. The body is larger and cobby shaped. The ears have more hair inside and are smaller. The head is larger and more compact with a shorter nose. Additionally, they have now have well-tufted paws which are large and round.

  Persians have broad skulls, small ears, round faces, and round eyes.

  Persians have the longest, densest hair and constantly shed.

  In Blue-eyed White Persians, the blue eyes are often linked to deafness.

  In the Odd-eye White Persian, the cat has different colored eyes, usually blue and orange or deep copper. This results in deafness in the one ear that is on the same side as the blue eye.

  Calico Persian’s name results from a resemblance to the color cotton.

  Cream Persians are almost always male, same with red Persians.

  Blue Cream Persians are usually female and any males are mostly sterile.

  Chocolate Tortie Persians are mostly female.

  Torbie or Tortie Tabby Persians are likely to be bred only as females. Only one in 3,000 Tortoiseshell Persians is male and is usually sterile.

  The tail of Persians can be a target of fleas.

  Persians are good mousers.

  Persians appear to weigh more than they do (usually six pounds) because of the amount of long fur.

  Over feeding of Persians can lead to a fat cat with heart problems.

  The Persian is the most popular breed in U.S. cat shows with the Siamese being the most popular shorthair.

  The Ragdoll

  Ragdolls are placid and laid back and get their name from going completely limp when picked up, stroked, or petted. They are docile and tolerant of children. Even in stressful situations, the Ragdoll tends to stay relaxed. Its typical posture is lying on its side, totally relaxed.

  They are not aggressive and do not hunt. A pointed breed, they have a medium-length coat. This breed was developed in the 1960s with a breeding program using Burmese, Persians, and Birmans to accentuate certain traits like its gentle demeanor, big size, and its going limp and relaxed when picked up.

  Ragdolls can take three years or so to reach full size as large, heavy adults.

  It is one of the largest cat breeds, where females weigh between 10 – 15 pounds and males weigh 12-20 pounds.

  Seal Point Ragdolls have a long coat on the neck, giving it the look of a bib.

  At about one week of age, Ragdoll kittens start to get their point markings.

  On the lower abdomen, the Seal Bicolor Ragdoll has a fatty pad that hangs down.

  The Ragdoll has a high tolerance for pain and certain injuries can go unnoticed by this cat.

  The Rexes

  The Rex name from the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex breeds was given because the cat’s curly coat is like that of a rabbit with curly fur.

  Rex cats, with their low shedding and low dander coats, are good for people who like cats but are allergic. Since most allergic reactions to cats are because of dander and saliva, the Rexes can still cause allergic reactions (but to a lesser extent than other breeds), since they groom like other cats.

  Rex cats will overeat when allowed, resulting in unwanted weight. Sam sez, “Time to diet.”

  Rex females make excellent mothers and their kittens, usually 4 – 5 per litter, are active early in life.

  The Rex breeds also tend to have curly whiskers.

  Cornish Rex

  The Cornish Rex has relatively short fur making it possibly unable to withstand cold and/or wet weather. Its coat is short, dense, and wavy. Whiskers and eyebrows are normally crinkled.

  Cornish Rexes have a higher possibility of becoming obese.

  The Cornish Rex coat tends to be greasy and can lead to the condition known as stud tail.

  The Cornish Rex only has the down undercoat as its fur and has no guard hairs. It loses few hairs when shedding because it lacks an outer coat. This breed smells similar to cheese, with the smell coming from sweat glands in the paws. Sam sez, “I like cheese…Wait A Minute! I’m no mouse! But still, I like cheese!”

  The fur of the Cornish Rex is fine, curly, and silky; whereas, the Devon Rex has fur that is a little curlier, thinner, coarser, and more twisted than the Cornish Rex.

  Devon Rex

  The Devon Rex, a rare breed, is not linked to the Cornish Rex. It has all three types of fur (down, awn, and guard hairs) but with abnormal texture, giving it its curl. They have unusually large ears, large eyes, and a slightly upturned nose. Additionally, they have uncommonly big toes. These cats are good pets.

  The Devon Rex wags its tail when content unlike other cats whose tails wag when disapproving. This wagging, the curled fur, and their devotional personality led to the Devon Rex being called a “poodle cat.” Sam sez, “Woof! Er…I mean Meow.”

  The Dilute Calico Devon Rex has fragile whiskers that can break easily, and they are prone to baldness in certain areas especially when shedding.

  Selkirk Rex

  The Selkirk Rex has highly curled fur with short- and long-haired varieties, unlike the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex breeds. The coat is dense and has loose, wavy curls that have a wool look and is quite soft. Selkirk Rexes tend to shed a lot and are not good pets for those with cat allergies. However, for those who are not allergic, they are cuddly, playful, and laid-back, making them great pets.

  The Selkirk Rex is known for its curly fur and whiskers.

  Other Rexes

  The LaPerm, a Rex breed, originated in Oregon and is known for its coat of curls, soft waves, and ringlets, giving it the appearance of a shaggy perm. Hence, the name.

  A Rex with Siamese points is known as the Si-Rex.

  The Chocolate Point Si-Rex has curls, waves, and ripples in its coat.

  The Russian Blue

  Russian Blues were first known as the Archangel Blues, from their Russian city of origin, and were also known as the Maltese and Spanish Blues.

  They were brought into Great Britain in the late 1800s.

  The Russian Blue is a medium-sized cat with a short, plush, double coat, like that of a stuffed, plush toy. Their coat is unique with a downy, soft undercoat and blue guard hairs with silver tips, which give it a shimmering look.

  Russian Blues are prone to six toes on each front paw.

  Both male and female Russian Blues make excellent parents.

  The Scottish Fold

  The Scottish Fold breed began in Scotland in 1951 with the birth of a kitten with folded ears and soon began the breeding of the Scottish Fold.

  The Scottish Fold is known for its small, stubby ears that appear to be rounded or folded next to its skull, making it look like an owl. Sam sez, “The wise old Scottish Fold.”

  The Scottish Fold’s folded ear tips tend to point to the nose and fold forward.

  It takes 2-3 weeks for Scottish Fold kittens’ ears to fold over.

  The Scottish Fold has a hearing loss potential due to the folded ears.

  Scottish Fold’s ears must be checked and cleaned on a regular basis.

  The Scottish Fold is the result of a rare, chance genetic mutation.

  This breed is also known for its long hair.

  Scottish Folds are placid and tolerate of other pets, including dogs.

  The Scottish Fold comes in many forms, including the American Shorthair, Red, Smoke, and Chinchilla.

  The Siamese

  In the 16th century Siam, Siamese cats were revered and were kept around the Royal Court.

  Siamese cats came to England as gifts to the British Consul-General from the King of Siam in the early 1870s.