2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
Today, cats in the house do not surprise anyone. These graceful, attentive, and sometimes lazy and a little capricious animals become real family members.
Historically, cats lived on the street, near houses and barns. They protected food from the invasion of rodents. By destroying rats, they saved people from the spread of dangerous diseases, such as plague.
Gradually, people domesticated cats, making them their interlocutors, companions, friends. Photos of sleeping cats with hamsters or parrots have already become quite common.
Although they don't choose friends based on appearance, this rule is most often violated in the case of pets.
Classification by coat length
People's hair grows all their lives, so you can constantly change your hairstyle: tired of combing - cut your hair short (or even bald), to create a new image - grow your hair … But, unfortunately, cats do not have this feature: what is inherent in genetics, it will grow.
There is a general classification of cats by coat length:
- naked rocks. Not,they are not completely bald, very short and almost imperceptible hairs grow on the skin. But they are not enough to protect the skin from sunburn or exposure to temperatures.
- shorthair cat breeds. The photo below shows a pet of the Bombay breed. The length of wool in shorthairs is less than 5 cm.
- semi-longhair, these are cats with long hair, but not so thick and fluffy undercoat compared to, for example, Persians.
- long-haired breeds with hairs up to 12 cm long. These are the most demanding representatives of the cat world.
Great-great…your Murka's grandmother
Most of all there are pets with short hair. And it is the short-haired breeds of cats (in the photo, the Libyan buckskin cat is the very first of the family tree of cats, also called the Nubian or North African steppe).
Considered great-great-great….progenitors of all other breeds.
If we turn to the description of the breed of short-haired cats, the answer is immediately clear why representatives with short hair are more common than others, including on the street. The shorter the coat, the less maintenance it requires. Such cats are more independent, cling less to surrounding objects, are less prone to skin diseases, and it is easier to catch parasites in their fur.
How many of you
Today it is impossible to answer exactly how many breedscats exist, because new ones constantly appear, old ones disappear. Each association has its own standards by which the breed is determined. If you answer approximately, then the figure is simply amazing: more than a hundred cat breeds are officially recognized and registered, and more than 700 varieties exist. Try to remember for yourself how many you can list: two dozen or three?
If you take only shorthair cats, then experts divide them into three more global groups: American, European and Oriental.
It is difficult to collect all shorthair cat breeds with photos, names and descriptions in one article - you get a whole essay on the topic "War and Peace" (a joke, but fair in terms of the amount of information).
It is worth noting that in Russia people are used to familiar breeds: British, Scottish, European, Russian Blue. More exotic would be the American Curl, Burmilla Shorthair (the name itself already sounds exotic), Munchkin, Egyptian Mau or Oriental Shorthair.
The most popular and numerous in Russia are the European and American Shorthair breeds. A little more about them below.
Description of the European Shorthair cat breed
Cat withunique hunting abilities - Celtic cat. This is one of the first breeds of pets that lived in the northern part of Europe.
How many people - so many opinions. We can say that this breed of shorthair cats is the leader in conflicting information. Should weigh up to 8 kg, but for some individuals the norm is 3 - 6 kg or from 3.5 - 7 kg. Some sources claim that the UK has not recognized the Europeanization of this breed, other sources mention that it is still officially recognized. Another opinion is that the European Shorthair cat breed has not received recognition outside of the western part of Europe (although it is mentioned that it was popularized in Australia). Pretty polarizing opinions, isn't it?
Appearance
Let's try to put together the signs and distinctive features of the breed.
The head is quite large, rounded (you can meet a conical shape), with wide-set, almost vertical ears of medium size.
The eyes are rounded, slightly slanted, the color is in harmony with the color of the coat. As a rule, they have a yellow tint, but they can be green, blue, gray.
Wool is short but thick and soft.
Build is strong and muscular, but not compact enough. The short-haired cat breed is a born hunter, so they are distinguished by excellent flexibility and incredible plasticity.
Limbs of medium size, strong, with tightly interlocking fingers.
Tail of medium length, wide at the base, towards the endtapering.
Almost any color is allowed by the breed standard. Usually those that are not recognized are listed: fawn, cinnamon (in any shades), acromelanic, chocolate, lilac.
Life expectancy is approximately 15 years, but this figure depends on many factors: conditions of detention, type of food, habitat, past diseases.
He alth and character of the European cat
The big plus of this breed of shorthair cats is that it developed naturally, so all representatives are distinguished by excellent he alth without a tendency to diseases, including genetically determined ones. Long-term selection work has allowed the formation of strong immunity, but mandatory vaccination is needed, even if the cat is a homebody.
They are not fussy eaters, require minimal care: comb their hair, trim their nails, clean their eyes and ears.
These cats will suit everyone and everyone. Their character cannot be described in one word, because it is versatile. Animals adapt to the temperament of the owner (if there are several family members in the house, then they choose one leader) and will be completely (or almost) in solidarity with you. If a person prefers a calm and lonely lifestyle, then the cat will respectfully and independently settle nearby so as not to interfere. If you are an active person, then get ready to live with a four-legged merry fellow.
An important feature is that Celtic cats are extremely silent. You will hear their voice only if the animalhungry or his tail pinched. In any case, the "Europeans" will amaze you with their intelligence, quick wit and ability to adopt the habits of their master.
History of the American Shorthair cat
More than four hundred years ago, the first settlers arrived on the ship "Mayflower" (some sources indicate the name "Mainflmashauer"). With them, cats sailed on board, which became indispensable hunters and guards from rodents. These are the first mentions of the American Shorthair breed. By performing a protective function, cats have developed a powerful and flexible body, a strong jaw, and a quick reaction.
But the most popular animals won in the mid-1960s, when they got to exhibitions and began to win prizes. Another recognized name for this short-haired cat breed is the American Pointer.
An interesting fact is that the "American" became the basis for breeding such breeds as the Bombay, Ocicat, Maine Coon.
American character
The favorite pastime of cats of this breed is to bask on the couch, watching what is happening around. Because of this, pets are prone to obesity. That is why the owner is obliged to make the cat move more often and must be attentive to the diet.
It is possible that due to laziness "Americans" perfectly adapt to the new conditions of life. Whether it's a spacious house with a yard or a small apartment, cats are sure to find their favorite corner.
This breed gets along well with children and other pets. So withfriendliness and communication problems do not arise.
Description of the breed
It makes no sense to rewrite the description of a European or Celtic cat, their appearance is the same. The difference lies in the fact that the European Shorthair is larger, its color is richer than that of the American Shorthair cat breed, the European has a slightly longer nose, and the head is more oblong.
Not accepted American Shorthair colors: Lavender, Himalayan, Chocolate.
He alth nuances
Although the American cat breed is accustomed to the outdoors, thereby developing strong immunity and good he alth, but they have a predisposition to three diseases that are worth paying attention to.
First, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or hereditary heart disease. Unfortunately, this can be fatal.
Second, hip dysplasia. Cats may experience pain and limp when walking.
Third, polycystic kidney disease. This is another genetic disorder that can cause kidney failure.
Cats can't complain, and if something bothers them, if they don't behave the way they usually do, be careful. Only you will be able to notice the first warning signs.
Pure angels
White color in many peoples and cultures is associated with purity, innocence. Therefore, breeders often opt for the breed of white shorthair cats. One of the most famous representatives is the Britishcat.
And the most exotic is Khao Mani, a Thai by origin. Despite the fact that this breed has existed for more than one century, it was officially registered with TICA only in 2009.
A distinctive feature of kao mani are multi-colored eyes. This is a very sociable cat breed: she would rather spend time with her owner than just lie on the couch.
And finally
Cats fit into people's lives so harmoniously that you stop noticing their uniqueness. Now it is much easier to meet a person with a cat than without one. There is even a saying, funny enough, but reflecting the truth: in a house where a cat lives, wool is already seasoning.
Instructions for cat owners on how to make a bed will not be superfluous:
- open chest of drawers with bedding;
- get the cat, take out the sheet, spread it out;
- get the cat, get the pillows;
- get the cat, get the blanket;
- the cat is no longer in the dresser, you can close the door… a sheet runs past.
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