Cats- Part I Breeds Most breed pictures from

Cat breeds Differ in color and color patterns, length of hair, shape of ears, shape and color of eyes, head shape, body conformation, size, and disposition

Shorthair breeds

* Three recognized breed colors- ruddy (orange-brown), red and blue, all ticked with darker colors at tips of each hair * Medium sized muscular cat with almond shaped eyes * Cat is very active, fond of water, and can be taught to retrieve

Came to U.S. with English settlers 34 recognized color patterns with tabby the most common color Medium to large sized cat that is affectionate and makes a great lap cat (Domestic Shorthair)

Relatively new breeding resulting from a cross between Burmese and American Shorthair Medium sized cat is a jet black color with copper or gold colored eyes Are graceful, charming, gets along well with others, even strangers

Oldest natural English breed Larger and taller than American Shorthair with large rounded head and big, round copper or gold eyes Quiet, easy going, docile nature that likes to sleep a lot

Originated in the U.S ’s by crossing a Siamese and Burma Medium-sized cat that is sable-brown in color with gold eyes Have a sweet disposition and enjoy being held, but may become bossy, stubborn, and angry

Small to medium sized cat with oval eyes and curves or rippling hair coat Must be kept indoors because it lacks guard hairs to protect it from the elements

Resulted from feral (wild) domestic cat crossed with cared-for stray Medium sized cat with wavy hair coat Large, wide based ears are set low and distinctive to this breed

Known for calico (tortoiseshell or 3 colors). Calico is some shade of black, orange (red), and white Cat has a distinctive “short” (bob) tail is kinked to form a “pom” or “bunny tail” The tail is sensitive and care must be taken to prevent injury and pain when handling the cat

Protective of family members and reserved with strangers. Medium-sized cat with silver blue fur tipped with silver that produces a halo effect

Among earliest European Breeds and is a result of a genetic mutation Medium-sized affectionate but tends to be better in one-on- one relationships The BEST show Manx cats do not have a tail (rumpy), others have a short tail (stumpy), and others have a long tail (longy)

Eye color is always deep blue and head forms an equilateral tirangle from the nose to the tips of the ears Very little pigmentation in color pattern, but pigmentation is darker at the points and color is restricted to the points: mask, ear, foot and tip of tail Medium sized cat that is very long and refined Are very unpredictable; however, they are described as talkative, loyal, fearless cats of extraordinary intelligence Particularly sensitive to vaccinations and anesthetics

Small breed known for its quiet, shy disposition Males weigh at most 6 pounds Females usually weigh less than 4 pounds

Medium to large size cat similar to American Shorthair named because of its white feet Bright blue eyes are large, oval; ears are large and broad at the base; modified wedge shaped head The mask, tail, ears and legs are usually defined seal or blue with the masking colors covering the entire face, except for inverted white V shaped pattern over mouth and nose White tipped front paws and white hind legs up to the hock with a white chest, chin and muzzle

Cat of Canadian origination in the late 1960’s. Known for its tough, wrinkled hairless skin Indoor cat that cannot survive outdoors and depends on people for survival Constantly purrs and adores body contact and is very affectionate Body temperature is 4 degrees F higher than most other breeds Unable to store body fat and must eat more frequently to maintain its body temperature

Longhair breeds

Body style of Siamese except long hair Warm, vocal, and persistent Eyes are deep vivid blue

Sturdy cat of medium to large size with long, silky coat that does not mat and requires little care Very sociable cat that needs company of others White paws are characteristic Eyes are round, ears are medium with rounded tips

Alert and sweet natured cat that is excellent with other pets and children Large cat that is tailless

Siamese x Persian x Birman Medium to large size Persian type cat Long, flowing hair coat with Siamese patterns

Oldest natural breed in North America, Native American origin Large sized cats that reaches pounds Brown tabby is the best known color Lovable and friendly with a tiny voice that squeaks and chirps

One of the oldest and most popular breeds Medium to large size with a short, compact body, large head, and small, rounded ears Well-mannered, easygoing, quiet cats that make good apartment cats and excellent companions Require daily grooming to avoid tangles and knots in their fur and regular bathing to remove excess oil from the coat

Originated in U.S. in 1960’s Exceptionally large and heavy breed with blue eyes Are docile, quiet, and composed Get their name because they show little signs of fear or pain and take a floppy posture when handled

Himalayan x Burmese Medium size oriental style that is essentially a long-haired Burmese Follows owner like a puppy Few exist in the United States

Small to medium sized cat Polite, intelligent, very responsive, and easily trained to perform tricks Prefers a clean, almost spotless environment

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