The Gentle Giant!

If you are planning an addition of a Maine Coon to your family, you will be happy you did.

One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, Maine Coon is generally regarded as a native of the state of Maine. Maine Coon was developed basically as a ‘working cat’, being able to fend for himself in rough, woody terrain and under extreme climatic conditions. In just looking at a Maine Coon one can see the power she possesses. She is a tall and broad kitty, but with a heart of gold!

Looks that kill…

[caption id="attachment_4701" align="alignright" width="300"] Woodle[/caption]

Here’s a cat with tall ears, broad chest, substantial boning, strong muscles, rectangular body and flowing tail. They have large eyes and ears, essential for detecting prey. They have a long silky shaggy coat, short over the head and long over the back. They have double coat - a soft undercoat and a weatherproof topcoat. They can be Tabbies as well as solid colours and also sometimes have white paws and chests.

Gentle giants…

Maine Coons have an amiable disposition that endears itself to all. For being such a large powerful cat, they are affectionate, loyal and gentle. They love giving head butts to show their affection. It is not uncommon to see breeding males interacting with kittens, grooming and cuddling them as their mothers would. Female Maine Coons make excellent mothers, giving their full attention to their kittens as they grow. The average litter of kittens is 4-5 but can be as large as 7-8. Kittens are playful, curious, funny and delightful. Kittens should stay with their mothers for 12-16 weeks. By that age they are able to function independently and will be a joy to their new home.

Grooming needs…

Grooming a Maine Coon involves a quick combing twice weekly with a Greyhound style stainless steel comb. They are relatively easy to bathe especially if started as kittens but it is not necessary.

Water animals…

One of the interesting things about the Maine Coon’s personality is their love of playing in water. They splash in their waterbowls, slap at running water from the tap and are intrigued by showers. One better be careful or you will have a Maine Coon in the shower with you!

Intelligence beyond words…

They are also adept at opening doors by turning the doorknobs with their front paws and then pushing the door open. One curious thing about Maine Coons is their fascination with watching things fall as they push it off a ledge, countertop or table. It is as if they make a study of the effects of gravity as the objects fall.

Healthy breed…

Being a natural breed, Maine Coons have relatively few health problems. If given proper veterinary care, they live long, healthy lives.

(Kim B Tomblin is TICA approved Allbreed Judge; President - Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association; Chairman -TICA Maine Coon Breed Committee and Breed Section; and Executive Vice President - Tomlin Mill Creek, Inc.)

Aristocratic blue!

The aristocratic Russian Blue is the gem of the feline world. Is it any wonder they are rumoured to have been the pets of the Russian Czars and a favourite of Queen Victoria? Here's more about this amazing breed.

Sheer elegance combined with intelligence make Russian Blue a winner in the show ring and in the home. They hold out hearts with their great beauty, incredible intelligence and amazing personalities. Once you've had a Russian Blue you are spoiled for any other breed – you will never want any other breed.

Beautiful looks…

[caption id="attachment_4695" align="alignright" width="260"] Aristocratic Russian Blue[/caption]

Also known as the Archangel cat, the Russian Blue's short, dense silver-tipped blue fur glistens and shimmers in the light as they move, providing an elegant setting for their glowing emerald green eyes. The deep, vivid green eyes engage your attention and draw you deep into their depths. Their beautiful faces have an enigmatic smile as they survey their dominion with satisfaction. The characteristic smile is emphasised by the crossing of the muzzle and cheekbone planes. The wide, high cheekbones frame the large, almost round emerald eye.

They are a medium-sized cat with fine boning and large, flared ears - all in wonderful harmony. They are lithe and muscular. The long legs are fine boned and the cat seems to know it as he often poses sitting high with feet crossed in a pose that accentuates the line of the cat. The head is a wedge with seven angular planes that create a pleasing look. The large, flared ears frame the exquisite face providing a pleasing balance.

Russian Blues come in one coat colour – Blue, and one coat length - Short. Watching a Russian Blue moving in sunlight is like watching poetry in motion! The dense coat stands out from the body and you can draw patterns in the coat that will stay until you smooth them out again.

Lovely companion…

The elegant, aristocratic Russian Blue has a keen intellect that makes him an engaging companion. They survey a situation before diving in and so rarely get into a difficult situation - he observes people to determine if they are worthy of his companionship. Sometimes people see this behaviour as shy or aloof when he is really just reserved with strangers until he has fully assessed them. Once the Russian Blue decides you are worthy of his attention, he is extremely affectionate and expects your loving attention to all his needs.

Living with them…

They will teach you how to play Fetch - bringing you their toy and demanding you throw it for them! Their quick intelligence has them learning all the time - and they will watch you until they figure out how to open that container containing their favourite treats! While they are generally quiet cats, they will talk to you if you talk to them and can develop a large vocabulary.

They are playful, loving companions who get along well with children and other pets. They are a great choice for the modern family because they are content with their own company while you are out but delighted to spend time playing or curled in your lap when you get home.

The age-old relationship…

I fell in love with this magnificent breed of cat many years ago as a child. I have bred cats for over 40 years and have had many different breeds throughout the years; however today my husband and I breed Russian Blues exclusively. They hold out hearts with their great beauty, incredible intelligence and amazing personalities.

(Amanda Bright has bred cats for over 40 years and has had many different breeds throughout the years; and she and her husband currently breed Russian Blues exclusively.)

Bold is beautiful

The Peterbald (also called Petersburg Sphynx, especially in its native country Russia) is a breed of hair-losing cats, rather than a hairless one. They distinguish themselves from other hairless breeds by more elegant boning, long and delicate legs, Oriental head and large set apart ears. They are actually naked Oriental Shorthair or Siamese.

Handsome looks...

[caption id="attachment_4704" align="alignright" width="250"] Pic courtesy: Owned by Refineddemon Cattery, www.peterbald.go.ro[/caption]

The Peterbald is actually a naked Oriental Shorthair or Siamese. This is an elegant mid-sized breed, Oriental in type, with wrinkled skin on the head and body. They have a slender body on high slim legs. The muzzle is long, with a straight profile. Ears are very big, wide at base and set wide apart. Whiskers and eyebrows, if they exist, are curly. The breed comes in the following varieties: completely naked (kittens born are absolutely hairless, with soft skin, warm and almost sticky to the touch, forming charming wrinkles on all body); flock (hair type is short, fine down made of sparse, rather little hairs; appear hairless from a distance); velour (kittens born with the most fine and rare coat (1-3 mm), skin feels velvet-like to the touch, they start losing their coat by the age of two months); brush (kittens have short, residual hair that is of a wiry texture and brush-like to the touch, they have curly whiskers); and straight-coated (kittens with normal coat and look like an Oriental Shorthair or a Siamese cat).

The Peterbald is a hair-losing breed. Most of the Peterbald kittens are born with more or less fuzz, which they start losing in their first weeks of life. This process can last until their reach the age of two years. The outcrosses include Siamese, Balinese, Oriental Shorthair and Oriental Longhair.

Persona defined...

The Peterbald is a cat with strong personality. It is the cat of superlatives: intelligent, overwhelming, gushing temperament, unsurpassed obstinacy and a capacity worthy of all admiration to get their own way. Like their Siamese relatives, they are very ‘communicative’. They have sweet temper and they are peaceful, curious, smart and energetic cats. They are extremely attached to their pet parents, accompanying them everywhere, wanting to know and see what they are doing. Peterbalds have to be part of the family. They can’t stand being left alone, they need love and care.

Grooming needs...

The care and grooming of the Peterbald is relatively simple. The good thing is that brushing is obviously not needed. Even though their skin is not as oily as that of the Canadian Sphynx, their skin does get dirty, so it is necessary to bath them every few weeks. In between, you can clean their skin using baby wipes. Bathing is not difficult at all, as a kitten should be started at a young age in getting used to the water. Using a mild shampoo, lathering up and rinsing is all that is required. Towel drying is quick and easy and similar to drying your own skin.

Since there is usually no hair to protect the ears, regular cleaning is required with a cotton swab to get out any accumulated oils. Eyes should also be cleaned more frequently.

Through their graceful and special personality, the Peterbald becomes the centre of attention in no time.

(Raul Hreniuc runs Refineddemon Cattery, a TICA registered cattery in Romania. The cattery was established by breeding Oriental Shorthairs and now introduced Peterbald breeds; www.peterbald.go.ro)

Ragdoll Breeders

Ragdoll Breeders -Welcome to Love Ragdoll Cats! We are a group of small in home catteries that specializes in Blue Eyed Traditional Ragdolls and Rare Aqua Eyed Mink Ragdolls.

Picture purrfect!

Chausies don’t lie on the sofa…they drape themselves over it. They don’t run…they lope. They don’t sit…they pose. For many people, one Chausie is the beginning of a love affair with the breed. Which breed of cat looks like an Egyptian cat statue, but is too tall, too long, and far too deep-chested to be an Abyssinian? He doesn’t have long fur, but he has ear tufts and a unique tabby pattern. Some of them like water and might even eat frogs if given a chance. Yes, we are talking about the Chausie.

The wild heritage…

[caption id="attachment_4707" align="alignright" width="300"] Chausie[/caption]

Pronounced CHOW-SEE, Chausie is a breed derived from breeding non-domestic species Felis chaus (also called jungle cats) to domestic cats. Today’s Chausies usually have much more domestic blood than non-domestic blood, but they retain many of the best traits of their wild ancestors.

The wild looks…

The Chausie is a domestic breed which preserves the type of the jungle cat as well as his colours and patterns like the brown (black) ticked tabby, solid black, and black grizzled ticked tabby. The grizzled pattern is unique to the jungle cat and thus to the Chausie breed.

The recognition…

The first cats were registered in TICA 1995. The breed was accepted to begin showing in TICA (The International Cat Association) in 2000. On May 1, 2013 the Chausie will begin competing in the Championship Class.

Living with Chausie…

The Chausie tends to be a long, tall, lanky cat. He’s not as heavy as he looks, but can be quite an armful to pick up. This is a cat who likes to have room to spread out, to run, leap, and jump. The Chausie is active, social with humans and other cats, and quite intelligent. This is not a breed who likes to be left alone all the time or in a boring environment. Chausies from the third generation onward are quite domesticated. They have no litter box issues and are not more challenging than any other active domestic breed. They are comparable to Siameses and Abyssinians in energy and activities. They probably won’t eat your shoes, but certainly will learn how to open all the doors, cupboards, and drawers.

(Bobbie Tullo was breeding Persians, British Shorthairs and Pixiebobs for many years, until she fell in love with Chausie in 1997. Since 1998, she has been exclusively breeding Chausies.)

Snowshoes: kittens for life!

Snowshoe cats are like snowflakes, no two are the same; they vary in their own unique patterns and personalities.

The alluring looks…

[caption id="attachment_4710" align="alignright" width="300"] Snowshoe Cats[/caption]

The Snowshoe’s coat is very silky, with a bounce that’s close lying and short. All Snowshoes have beautiful blue eyes and white feet, except the colour points who do not have any white on them at all. The colour point pattern Snowshoes resemble the old style Siamese in looks. The most preferred pattern is white mitts and inverted ‘V’ on the face with coloured ears and tail, giving the distinctive snowshoe look. You can get Snowshoes in all varieties of Siamese colours, including tortie and tabby Snowshoes.

Their expected lifespan is 12-15 years. Males can be quite a bit bigger than the females and weigh around 5 kg.

Lovely personality…

Snowshoe cats are naturally assertive and confident cats and are true people pleasers. When bred in the right circumstances and socialised well, they are very adaptable cats who love change. Snowshoes are very intelligent cats and like to make eye contact. They use a wide variety of different sounds to communicate and will happily talk to you, although some are quieter than others. They have softer voices than Siamese with a gentle melodic voice.

Living with them…

Snowshoes require very little grooming and love water, so enjoy a good bath every now and then. Health of the Snowshoe cat is considered very good, with little or no problems. What’s more? They thrive in busy homes and love families, other cats and children. They can be clicker trained and need quite a lot of exercise, so access to a secure garden or walk out on a harness is recommended. Snowshoe cats feel secure with set boundaries and will try to get their way especially during the growing up phase. They love lots of interaction and play and are pretty much kittens for life. Snowshoes have a laid back attitude and will happily flop in your arms for a cuddle.

To live with a Snowshoe Cat, expect to be accompanied everywhere you go and any changes will be fully investigated. Snowshoes have a ‘need to be touched attitude’ and love interactions with people and animals alike. If left on their own, they can get mischievous, but another Snowshoe or lots of games usually keep the Snowshoe occupied. They are very social and make wonderful companion cats.

(Kelly Cruse of Destrier Snowshoe Cats Cattery is based in the UK and Secretary for Snowshoe Cat Club.)

Charming Singapuras!

Elegant, muscular, affectionate, intelligent and inquisitive… Singapura Cat is an ideal companion! If you are blessed with one, you will definitely ask for more!

Singapuras were first found in the harsh environment of the storm drains of Singapore and their physical attributes of large ears and eyes and intelligence make them very good hunters, quick to learn and very fast. In the mid 1970s, Tommy Meadow took them back to America. They are now capturing the hearts of their pet parents across the world.

The killer looks…

The breed is a small to medium cat whose shape has occurred naturally. Their expression with those large eyes is very appealing and adds to the charm of their personality. Singapuras only come in one colour - sepia brown, ticking on a warm ivory background. There are leg markings which occur as dark bars. They have distinctive facial markings known as cheetah lines which extend from the inner corner of the eyes to the nose, and the nose and eyes should have a dark outline.

Sweet temperament…

These sweet natured cats with a gentle temperament love to be around people. They are not noisy or pushy but will talk to their pet parents with gentle voices. They like to be off the ground and can often be found on the top of cupboards, on shelves or on their pet parent’s shoulders, anywhere to get a better view of the world. They all enjoy warmth and if not with their pet parents can often be found in the warmest spot in the house.

Life with Singapuras…

As kittens, they are mischievous and amusing but easy to care for, given a kitten diet, a warm bed, litter tray and toys. However, it is often their pet parents’ bed that they will choose to sleep in if allowed.

Their playfulness remains with them throughout their lives and being very active and inquisitive they have to investigate everything. They love to play interactive games with their pet parents - laser light pens and table tennis balls are ideal for this although they also quickly learn to fetch a small toy that is thrownfor them. You must have the time to spend with your Singapura friend or they will become bored.

Groom me little!

Grooming is easy with their short coats, a weekly brush with a soft brush and a rub over with a chamois will bring out a shine in the coat. Indoor cats may need their front claws clipped as these quickly grow into short points so a strong scratching post is needed.

Health - no issues!

Their health is generally good, although they are small in stature, they are robust and hardy cats who enjoy life. You are not so much a pet parent of a Singapura so much as a member of their family - such is the charm of these cats. Living with Singapuras is certainly not dull and once owned by, you will never want to be without one.

(Jane Brooks from England has bred Singapuras for 16 years and smitten by this small breed with full of characters.)

Mekong Bobtail: Friends forever

A little God in a beautiful graceful cat’s body! For many centuries these amazing cats have been admired, respected and even worshipped by their royal patrons. And today their spectacular exotic appearance, bright character and unusually high intelligence conquer the hearts! Once settled in your soul, the Mekong Bobtail will stay there forever.

The Mekong Bobtail looks at people with Buddha’s eyes… straight into your soul, never looking away. It is impossible to forget those big eyes of all the shades of sapphire and turquoise. Though it is a rare breed, Mekong Bobtail’s popularity is growing steadily. It is assumed that the breed name Mekong Bobtail is symbolical and has occurred from the name of the river Mekong, dividing Thailand with other states of South East Asia. This native breed was first recognised in Russia.

Spectacular looks…

The Mekong Bobtail is a surprising, original breed with a charming short tail. She is a colour-pointed cat, medium-sized, with developed musculature, but slender and elegant. Paws are fine and oval, tail is short with different combinations of kinks or curves. The coat is short and glossy, almost without undercoat, close-lying. Her ears are of medium size, broad at the base while eyes are blue, almond-shaped, slightly slanting.

Unique attributes…

Main feature of Mekong Bobtail is her famous character! She is a cat with a dog’s soul - the most loyal and devoted friend with a big, hot and brave heart. ‘The cat who walks by itself’ - this statement is absolutely not about her! Mekong Bobtail happy only with you, shoulder to shoulder, in trouble and in joy, friends forever!

Sweet demeanor…

They are alive, inventive and naturally intelligent. Their gaiety, perfect intuition and passion for children and any other little ones is commendable. The intelligent, mentally stable cat gets along well with children, dogs, other cats, as well as more exotic animals like guinea pigs, parrots and even rats! They are really talkative cats but neither annoying nor clamorous.

Living with her…

Your cat will follow you wherever you go. The cat will joyfully greet you at the door; she may even get your slippers. An irrepressible curiosity and attachment to humans make the Mekong Bobtail a participant in all family functions. She is a very neat, diplomatic, obedient and well-behaved cat. No matter where you are – at home, at a party, in the country, in a forest – she will give you no trouble at all! Travelling with her is pure pleasure! The Mekong Bobtail gets accustomed, not to premises, but to humans.

Besides, they have a pronounced hunting instinct: there will be no bug, worm, fly or mouse in your house. When you are not well, she will come efficiently and lay on the sore spot. Often Mekong Bobtails take upon themselves dogs’ responsibility reacting on a door bell by a funny yelp. But the fun may end right here: the Bobtail will not let just anybody in the house!

Walk and play…

She likes playing with sticks and different toys. She will love to sit on your shoulder while going out as well as walking on a leash.

Grooming and care…

These cats do not require any special care. It’s enough to brush the coat once or twice a week to remove dead hair, wipe the inside of the ears with a cotton ball moistened with feline ear treatment and trim claws if necessary. There is no hair in the house even during shedding.

Healthy cat…

Mekong Bobtails have excellent health and a strong immune system.

Amazing qualities…

• They have an incredible jumping ability (she can leap from the floor up to one meter and a half or even more).


• They have the ability to reproduce even in extreme old age.


• Extraordinary offspring care (females as well as males are excellent parents. Both of them care for kittens of theirs’ and sometimes others as well).


• The Mekong Bobtail’s family is a matriarchal one. If there is a cat couple, the wife will be the family’s head and the cat will become a henpecked husband.


• Males do not have the habit of territory marking.

(The author runs the Mekong Bobtail cattery “Cofein Pride” in Moscow, Russia.)

From Russia with love

Long body, wide-set green eyes, long and dense fur, and mild disposition – that’s how a Nebelung kitty is!

The origin…

The Nebelung cat is a breed from Russia – a variety of semi-longhaired Russian Blue. The word Nebelung means ‘creature of the mist’. This is a rare breed, some breeders can be found in the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Canada, Germany, France and more recently in Great Britain.

The physical traits…

The body is long and elegant. Well-muscled without any heaviness, he can appear more sturdy than truly is due to density of coat. The slightly upturned corners of the mouth give him a sweet smiling expression. The eyes are walnut shaped, rather large, vividly green and set wide apart. The ears are set at an ear-width; the outside is covered with short and fine hair. His legs are long and slim, proportionate to body while feet are small and relatively round.

The disposition…

The Nebelung cat is lively, playful, affectionate, intelligent and good company. He lives very well indoors. Like his cousin, the Russian Blue, he prefers a quiet house. Nebelung cat is aloof with strangers but participates actively in the life of the family. If he is very attached to his pet parent, his human is indispensable.

Play, play and more play…

As all cats, his games are mostly hunting games. He is tireless. Races are endless, which are punctuated by long naps as well...

Being social…

With young children, be careful, they don’t like loud noise. With guests, he will wait a moment to come and see the guests but if it is too noisy he will stay in his place. With other pets, he is quite tolerant.

Grooming…

Weekly brushing is enough and he loves it! He does not lose his hair too much. He is free of genetic diseases.

(Virginie Leroux, AIME Secretary, is a young breeder of Nebelungs)

Egyptian Mau: Spots are beautiful!

Elegant, royal, sweet temperament, loving, caring and a melodious voice – is there anything more you want from your feline? Your search for a purrfect cat ends at the Egyptian Mau.

Spotted beauty…

Egyptian Maus are small-sized short-haired cats with naturally spotted coat. Slender and muscular, they are the progenitor breeds of the modern domestic cat. Their legs are shorter in the front than in the back. Like cheetah, they have a skin fold under the belly, which helps them to stretch their legs and aid in running.

Sweet temperament…

He is serene, aware of the perfect mastery of his environment. He is sensitive to the various problems of the house and its occupants. If you are sick, he is just sad and will be attentive to your voice. With small children and their screams he is wary, but with older children who respect him, he will want to play ball.

The family bonding…

He has a royal appearance and a great affection for his family. He is always looking for the best place to observe the movements of the house. Loneliness weighs on him; left alone for too long, he may fall in depression. If absences are long, a second cat will be essential.

Games he play…

His games are mostly hunting games. He is tireless. Races are endless but they are punctuated by long naps as well....

The melody king…

He is quite talkative, but without excess. His voice is very melodious, like a cooing. He has a very wide meow, which starts with a “mia” - dry and imperative to finish with a languorous cooing.

In short, the Egyptian Mau is all you want in your purrfect feline companion.

Thai cats Gentle n’ elegant

Thai Cats are very devoted to their pet parents…they exactly know when you are in a happy mood and when you are sad. Here’s more about this amazing breed.

Thai Cats, often called Wichien-Maat (meaning ‘moon diamond’ or ‘diamonds and gold’) or ‘Old-style Siamese’ are native pointed cats of Thailand. But these cats are very emotional and if you are looking for a close companion, this is the cat for you!

The elegance…

Short-haired with colourpoint pattern, deep blue eyes and whitish beige body…the Thai Cats are a sight to behold. They have a short flat coat, which is soft and silky. The ears are broad and set high on the head. Thais are available in different point colours and solid points, tortie points or torbie points.

The sweet demeanour…

Like Siamese cats, the beautiful Thai Cats are equally blessed with sweet character. They are quite and sedate, never aggressive. They have a great sense of humour and are active and curious.

Very intelligent, they are extremely devoted to their pet parents. They try to be with them all the time…following them from room to room and accompanying them during executing all home actions. They just want to be a part of the family all the time. They are also friendly with other cats.

The self-cleaners…

Thais are clean cats, they groom themselves perfect. Hence, they are easy to maintain and would require occasional grooming.

Perfect for someone who is looking for a friend for life!

Purring love – Tonkinese

Part puppy (following their pet parents around the house), part monkey (in their antics) and part elephant (the sound they can make while running through your house) - the colourful, warm and loving personality of the Tonkinese makes them an ideal addition to a feline loving family.

The Tonkinese is a stunning feline who has attracted attention not only for their exceptional good looks but also for their engaging personality.

The lineage…

Tonks were developed in North America in the 60s and 70s from Siamese and Burmese to get a more moderate breed than the extremes of the two parent breeds and they wanted new mink colours with aqua eyes.

The physical traits…

Tonkineses are medium-sized, surprisingly heavy and muscular cats. They have short, soft silky fur that is easy to care for and feel wonderful to pet. A weekly brushing with a small rubber brush will keep the shedding to a minimum and give them a shiny coat. Tonkineses come in four base colours and three coat patterns for a variety of 12 different looks. The base colours are Platinum (frosty gray), Champagne (medium brown), Natural (dark brown) and Blue (slate gray). The coat patterns vary in contrast between the body and the face, ears and tail. Each coat pattern has a corresponding eye colour. The three patterns are Point (high contrast with blue eyes), Mink (medium contrast with aqua eyes) and Solid (low contrast with green to yellow green eyes).

People cats…

People-oriented, social, active, playful and loving, the Tonkineses and their affectionate ways are impossible to ignore. They quickly endear themselves to family and visitors. In addition, the Tonkinese gets along with children, other breeds of cats and dogs. They just don’t like being ignored or left alone. They love to invent games to play with their pet parents or other family pets. Two of their favourite games are fetch and hide & seek.

They often climb or leap on people’s shoulders just to give a hug or a kiss. In doing this, they seldom use their claws. They also insist in sleeping in bed with their pet parents and usually will be found under the covers.

Although kittens are great fun, the Tonkineses tend to remain kittens throughout their life. What’s even more amazing is that Tonks love to talk to their pet parents. They talk in sentences and paragraphs when they have something to say, not just to hear their own voices.

Health…

Tonkineses are relatively a healthy breed with no known genetic inherent health issues.

(Nancy Mikita has been breeding and showing Tonkinese in CFA since 1993. She is an active member of the Tonkinese Breed Association, which is an intentional CFA Tonkinese Breed Club).

Charming Exotic Shorthair!

There is no one comparable to an Exotic Shorthair... they have a sweet teddy bear look, a docile and loving temperament and are much easier to maintain and groom.

The Lazy Man’s Persians…

Aptly termed as Lazy Man’s Persians, Exotic Shorthairs were bred to make a perfect pet for people who are looking for the laid back personality and their look, minus the grooming hassles. Their short, dense coat is very easy to maintain as against the long flowing coat of the Persians.

Historical facts…

The story of the origin of Exotic Shorthairs unfolded with American breeders who crossbred Persians in an attempt to strengthen their types in the early 1960s. But the resulting kittens were unique in appearance, rather different from what they expected. Looks of the kittens were quite appealing to the breeders who eventually decided to call them Exotic Shorthair.

Exotic look…

Like Persians, Exotic Shorthairs have a short compact body and large round head. They have a short but broad muzzle. Large round eyes, small nose and ears and sweet expression complete their adorable look. They have a short thick tail, which is carried low. Their coat is short, dense and fluffy. They can be found in many colours…in fact all colours of the rainbow and varied patterns!

Exotic persona…

They are extremely affectionate and win hearts wherever they go. Like Persians, they are gentle and well-mannered. They love to get attention…will follow you from room to room… and will hug you when you pick them up. They get on well with children and other pets. The Exotic Shorthair is an ideal breed who are quite, sweet and peaceful.

Love to play…

These playful cats love all types of games like chasing paper balls or playing with a toy. They are a real joy to be around! It is her easy-going nature that makes them so charming.

Simple care…

They are less-maintenance breed and need simple grooming routine like brushing the coat and wiping the eyes.

In all, Exotic Shorthairs bring cheer to a household…they are a bundle of good looks, sweet temperament and easy disposition.

(The author runs the cattery My Exotic Furs in New Jersey and can be reached at www.myexoticfurs.com)

Playful Pixiebobs!

Intelligent, affectionate, loving and playful…a Pixiebob can give you hours of entertainment…playing, loving and cuddling with you.

Muscular and solid, Pixiebobs are medium to large cats. Their eyes are triangular in shape and their brows are heavy. They usually have a short tail of almost nothing to about six inches. They may have kinks and knots and curly cues. They are polydactyl, that is, they have extra toes. They can have upto seven toes in each paw.

They usually come in various shades of brown spotted tabby. Occasionally they may be found with the classic pattern, and/or the different colours of orange, grey or black.

Loyal and playful…

They are loyal, confident, assertive and even obedient. What’s more? They like to ride in the car! They are very quiet and intelligent. They can be trained to walk on a leash and have been known to play ‘fetch’ and ‘hide & seek’. They are active, but not hyperactive. They get along well with dogs and children, given proper introductions. They also bond deeply with their family.

Make life beautiful…

Life will never be the same after having been adopted by a Pixiebob. They would love to snuggle with you and give you company.

Grooming…

Their coat is weather-resistant and required little grooming.

Healthy breed…

As a breed, the Pixiebob has a very wide gene pool, therefore there are no ‘breed specific’ diseases.

In all, a Pixiebob is a loving and playful cat…who can bring life and energy to any household.

(Shari Fedewa has been breeding Living Legend Pixiebobs for over 11 years near Orlando, Florida.)

Savannah the Mini Cheeetah

Blessed with the marking and attitude of the magnificent Cheetahs and an affectionate temperament, the Savannahs are simply superb.

Wild beautiful looks...

Savannahs are the largest of all pet cats with the longest legs compared to body size of any cat in the world. They are the only cats to have hooded eyes, which is to cut out the sun’s glare whilst they are hunting. This gives the eyes an almond shape. They have “Cheetah Tears” which are black streaks running down from inside of the eyes along either sides of the nose, again to cut out sun glare. Their eyes are emerald green or gold and nose can vary from brick red to jet black.

The head is triangular in shape and long, while the ears are very big with dark coloured tips and then a lighter colour beneath. They are bred from wild African Servals which are cousins to Cheetahs, so the Savannah is very like both of these wild cats in build. They have long lean bodies, long legs and a long tail. The pelt is very wild looking, profusely spotted and striped and with the exception of the Bengal, they are the only pet cats to have spotted coats. The colours are usually shades of brown or grey above and white or lighter brown on the tummy all covered with black or dark spots and stripes.

Friendly ones...

The Savannah is very friendly and enjoys the company of humans and other animals. She is intelligent, inquisitive and loves to play. They will fetch ball or favourite toys for you to throw and enjoy going for walks with their pet parents on a lead and harness. They are very loyal to their pet parents.

Grooming ‘n care....

Savannahs don’t need much in the way of grooming but they enjoy a weekly brush and as they are not afraid of water, they can be bathed when needed. Their tips of the claws need to be cut once or twice a month.

Keep him indoors and only allow him out on a lead and harness, don’t use collars as it will damage their long necks. They love to go for walks with you once they are lead trained, they will enjoy activities like playing fetch once you teach them. They are like a best friend and crave your attention and will not be suitable for those out at work all day unless they have the company of another animal. It is a privilege to live with a Savannah, they are such majestic and beautiful cats, it’s like having a little cheetah at home.

(With inputs from Gillian Mitchell, who has a tica registered cattery and breeder of Savaanah cats in the UK (http://www.topcatsuk.com/) and Teresa Adebahr from WildStreak Savannahs, Canada).

Beautiful Burmese

Good looks, steady and affectionate nature, a quiet voice and a willingness to please... that’s how a Burmese is…a wonderful pet for people of all ages, especially children. If you are thinking of adding a cat to your family, consider a gregarious, extremely lovable and intelligent Burmese.

Blondie, my cream Burmese, fetches and retrieves her toy mice on command. Suki, a brown Burmese, sailed around the world with her owner on his ocean-going yacht. What’s more? Burmese enjoys rides in cars, boats and wheelbarrows. They can even walk on a leash and can be taught tricks as well. No wonder then that Burmese is the most popular cat breed in Australia.

Sensational Burmese…

Burmese are medium-sized, muscular, but surprisingly, heavy for their size. They have expressive eyes, golden in colour, and have a sweetheart shaped face. Their coat feels like satin to touch. The Burmese breed comes in 10 colours: brown, chocolate, blue, lilac, red, cream, brown tortoiseshell, chocolate tortoiseshell, lilac-cream (tortoiseshell) and blue-cream (tortoiseshell).

An ideal pet…

Burmese are noted for their friendliness and self-confidence, making them a much sought after pet. In fact, they are the Peter Pan of the cat world, who refuse to grow up. They play tricks, share a joke, fetch and retrieve as well all their lives, not just as kittens. They are lapcats and would love to sit in your laps. They would follow you from room to room and if given an opportunity, would even sleep in the same bed.

Adds joy to your life…

They are party animals – looking to play and party at every opportunity. Life is never dull or boring with a Burmese. They are instant entertainment for your family, friends, and guests. In fact, the lovable Burmese turns a house into a home.

(The author runs House of Burmese in Australia)

Long-hair Burmilla Truly affectionate

The silvery Long-hair Burmilla kitties are easy going cats who are happy to sit and watch most of the time. However, when it is time to play, their eyes light up and are on the go...

Our first Long-hair Burmilla ‘Momo’ came to us in 2004 and we just fell in love. Momo was so affectionate and gentle; I could not believe that a cat could behave like that. We started breeding Burmillas in 2005 and have not looked back since. These cats are just the most beautiful and affectionate cats we have ever seen. Most of them are lap cats and want nothing more than spending the day with us.

Silver n’ shine...

The Long-hair Burmilla is a silver cat with tipping or shading on the end of the hair shaft. Tipping or shading can come in five colours - black, brown, blue, chocolate and lilac. The most striking feature of the breed is their large beautiful green eyes with mascara reflecting their coat colour. Equally enchanting is their brick red nose and a round domed head with well set medium sized ears. They also boast a true semi-longhair easy care coat.

Loving n’ affectionate...

Isabella with one of her Burmillas

They are generally laid back cats, playful as kittens but tend to settle down when they reach adulthood. They are affectionate cats and love to be with their people and involve themselves in everything they do.

Food n’ play...

Long-hair Burmillas are not fussy cats and are generally happy to eat most foods. They love feathers so a feather teaser is a must. A tall cat tree with a platform on the top is just perfect as cats love to sit up high and watch the world go by. What’s more interesting, many of them fetch like dogs. They are also easy to train through clicker.

Groom n’ shine...

Because of the true semi-longhair coat, the Long-hair Burmilla only requires to be brushed once a week with a wide tooth metal comb. They do not tend to shed until they reach adulthood. In summer time or warm weather, you should brush your cat more frequently to assist with the shedding process.

Watch out for...

Since the Burmillas were originally created by crossing Burmese with Chinchilla Persian, Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) could be passed on from the Chinchilla parent.

Isabella Wong Leung is an NSWCFA registered breeder of Long-hair Burmillas (www.aaralyncattery.com and www.isabellacatography.com)

Toygers: Mini tigers to love and cuddle

Those who are enchanted by tigers can bring home a Toyger with looks of a tiger but size like a toy and a heart of gold

Dressed to kill

Toygers were created to look like Toy Tigers. They are short haired, completely domestic cat derived fromcarefully selected domestic shorthairs and pedigreed cats like the Bengal. Medium-sized, Toygers are strong with long and muscular tail. Their coat is short and thick and soft to touch. Their colour is orange/tan background with dark stripes that reminds us of beautiful and athletic tiger.

The recognition

Toygers were recognised in TICA (The International Cat Association) for registration only in 1993 and worked up from Preliminary New Breed, Advanced New Breed and finally Championship status in May of 2008.

Extremely lovable

They are very lovable and get along well with children and dogs. They are very intelligent and make wonderful companion animals. They love to play, love lap time with their humans and enjoy social activities such as fetch and tug-of-war. They are athletic and love to run, climb and play with their human companion as well as other animals and children.

Kitty care

They are easily trained to walk on a leash if started at an early age. They must be kept indoors as they might find someone else to go home with or may be a bit hard on wildlife with their excellent hunting skills.

Grooming needs

Toygers are very sturdy, healthy breed of cat who require minimal grooming. Most Toygers enjoy bath time since they love to play in water. Their shiny (glittered) coats feel silky and plush to the touch.

Breeder tip

I would highly recommend a Toyger to anyone looking for a loving, playful companion. They may not be for everyone since they are very active and playful. They also love to talk and will carry on a complete conversation with you. They are an absolute joy to live with and the most amazing cat I have ever owned!

(Kim Chenault is TICA – LH/SHJudge in training and she owns a cattery – www.KCsJungleBabes.com)

Balinese kitties Beautiful mutants

Exotic, beautiful, lovable and playful...the blue-eyed Balinese cat will become the cynosure of your eyes if you happen to have one at home.

 

Beautiful me...

Though Balinese kitties have been derived from the Siamese cat, they have a single semi-long silky coat and plumed tail. Their stunning blue eyes take the breath away. The kittens are all born white and the main coat colour remains cream except in the darker points especially seal when their coats can be darker all over. They are available in all the same colour points: seal, chocolate, blue, lilac, cream and red. They may also have tabby, lynx, spotted and torti points in the above colours.

Kitten care...

Kittens should not leave their mother until 10 or 12 weeks of age with at least a vaccination for injection against Feline Flu. Feed them three times per day with fresh water available all the time. Give them a small cosy bed in a safe spot away from other animals. Provide a clean litter tray as well. Besides, interact, communicate and cuddle as much as possible.

Groom me little...

As the coat is single layered, it does not tend to knot or cause fur balls, and brushing is not really necessary, just gentle stroking will release dead fur. You can also use a very soft brush.

Love to play...

Kittens love to play with fluffy things, small toy mice, feathers, balls, ribbons, etc. They will run around and love to climb up on high tables and shelves.

Love to live with me...

Many people who are allergic to other cats find that they are not allergic to Balinese cats as they do not shed their fur much. Also, they are not as aloof as many breeds and love to be with people. They are inquisitive and will want to watch what you are doing. As soon as you sit down you will have at your knees to smooch and go to sleep.

I am different...

Many Balinese kittens will learn to fetch their toys and bring them back to you when thrown. They will talk to you, but are not as demanding or noisy as the Siamese. The only exception is when a female is in season, she will then cry most of the time!

I am healthy...

As they have not been genetically changed to any extent, they are healthy breed. All cats must be neutered at four months unless the owner is a registered breeder.

(Rosalind Meadmore has owned, shown and bred this beautiful breed for 10 years and enjoys promoting the Balinese Cat. Check her cattery at www.kutiebalinese.net)

Chinchilla Persian: Kohl eyes that take your breath away!

"Chinchilla Persians are regal Persian cats with white or golden undercoats and minimal silver tipping. You just can’t ignore their beautiful emerald green eyes with black lining!"

The Chinchilla is a colour within the Persian breed. They are an elegant and regal, with a long beautiful luscious flowing coat, round face and large round eyes. The Chinchilla is depicted by the white undercoat with minimal silver tipping. Shaded Silver Persians have more silver tipping on the hair. The most remarkable thing about a Chinchilla/Silver Persian is their eyes, they have black lining around their eyes that make them look like they are wearing eye make-up. The emerald green eye colour is unbelievably beautiful against the coat. The rare Golden Chinchilla has pale honey/golden undercoat with a mantle of silver tipping.

Personality plus

They have a stunningly beautiful appearance and are outstandingly affectionate and gentle. This gorgeous breed is blessed with personality plus and has a great sense of humour. Chinchillas are generally placid, quiet cats who are more than happy to lie around the home being decorative. This breed will adapt to most situations and is a truly special breed that will completely captivate you and steal your heart. They are intelligent and will follow you from room to room, with the tones, his meows changing according to his moods and wants. Typically, they have a laid-back personality.

Happy & content

Persians are quiet cats, easygoing and generally get along with other pets and family members although boisterous children should be supervised with kittens. Strictly an indoor cat, this breed thrives of human companionship and it is recommended the Chinchilla be housed indoors, unless supervised or on a harness.

Grooming and genetics

This exceptionally pretty breed should be combed daily to avoid the coat knotting and matting. Special attention needs to be paid to the under arms, stomach and tail area, where the fur may run and knots occur more commonly. Some Chinchilla Persians may have runny eyes; this is easily kept clean by gently wiping clean with a wipe and warm water. This is due to their flat faces, some Persians may have problems during hot weather and are best kept indoor. If this is not possible perhaps get their coat clipped off for the hotter months, this makes a happy contented kitty. The long white coat does shed hair, which will become worse in spring as they are shedding the heavy winter coat.