M AJOR GROUPS AND BREEDS OF CATS Small Animal Technology Course

G ROUPS 2 different cat groups: Shorthaired Breeds (13 total) Longhaired Breeds (26 total)

SHORTHAIRED BREEDS The Abyssinian Believed to be direct descendant of the Sacred Cat of Egypt, which was worshiped and held sacred There are 3 recognized breed colors: ruddy, red, and blue. Ruddy=orange-brown color, ticked with dark brown or black Red=ticked with chocolate-brown Blue=blue-gray, ticked with slate-blue Considered extremely affectionate, quiet, highly intelligent, and alert Breed is very active, can learn to retrieve, and is fond of water Medium sized with a firm, muscular, well-balanced body Its head is slightly rounded and wedge-shaped with large ears and large, almond-shaped eyes

A BYSSINIAN

S HORTHAIRED BREEDS The Burmese Developed in U.S. in 1930’s Crossed a brown female Burma with a Siamese Has a sweet disposition and enjoys being held Breed can become stubborn and angry Medium-sized cat with a solid, short body Rounded head with a broad, short muzzle and a distinct nose break Sable-brown in color with gold eyes Upper respiratory diseases are common in kittens and inbreeding has increased the incidence of heart defects, mutative malformations of the face and head

B URMESE

S HORTHAIRED BREEDS The Colorpoint Developed in England in 1947 Colorpoint gets its name from the color of the extremities; nose, ears, feet, and tail Colorpoint cats have one general body color with darker extremities or points. Breed is considered bold, very demanding, vocal, and full of nonsense. Very intelligent and loving Genetically Siamese and possesses the same characteristics, with an elongated, angular body and wedge-shaped head Breed is medium in size and eyes are a vivid blue

COLORPOINT

LONGHAIRED BREEDS Maine Coon Considered to be the native American longhair cat that first appeared on the rocky coast of New England Oldest natural breed in North America Considered lovable and friendly and enjoys companionship of another pet or person Breed has a tiny voice with squeaks and chirps Large-sized cat, often reaching pounds Medium-wide head, medium-long nose, and large tufted, tall ears Fur on the tail is especially long compared with the fur covering the body Brown tabby is the best-known color and pattern for the Maine Coon, but a wide range of colors and patterns exists Eye color varies from green to gold to copper; white cats have blue eyes

MAINE COON

LONGHAIRED BREEDS The Birman Very sociable cat the needs company of others Considered a sweet-natured, charming, & intelligent cat Medium to large in size Sturdy, stocky cat with a long body Head is strong, broad, and rounded with a strong, rounded muzzle and low-set nostrils Eyes are round and ears are medium in size with rounded tips Coat is long and silky Genetic defects include weak hind legs, nasal obstruction, and poor occlusion, which may cause breathing through the mouth

B IRMAN

EXIT SLIP 1) How many different types of cat groups are there? 2) What are the different types of cat groups? 3) Which breed is considered to be the oldest natural breed in North America? 4) Which breed is considered to be the direct descendant of the Sacred Cat of Egypt? 5) Which breed gets its name from its coloring on its nose, feet, ears, and tail? 6) Which breed has genetic defects like weak hind legs and poor occlusion? 7) Which breed was developed in the U.S. in the 1930’s?