Turkish Van

The Turkish Van cat is a large, muscular yet elegant breed with a white body and distinctively coloured head and tail. These cats are well balanced and strong in appearance. The large ears are set high on the head and the eyes are large, oval, and expressive. The Turkish Van cat's coat is long, soft, and silky with no woolly undercoat. The paws are tufted, and the tail has a full brush.The Turkish Van cat’s body is chalk white with coloured markings on top of the head. The colouring on the head is separated by a vertical white blaze. Occasionally small thumbprints of colour appear on the body. The eyes may be amber or blue or one of each.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

Turkish Van cats are extremely intelligent and friendly, and they make excellent companions. They are lively cats and will enjoy playing games with humans or other cats and so they need stimulation and a chance to play. Turkish Van cats have soft voices.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Turkey

 

Other Names: : Turkish Swimming Cat

 

The most amazing characteristic of the Turkish Van cat is its affinity with water. It not only likes water but also seems to enjoy a swim. The breed originates from the area surrounding Lake Van in Turkey and has been domesticated there for hundreds of years. 

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

At present there are no diseases specifically linked to this breed. As with all cats, the Turkish Van breed needs vaccinations, parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognized as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarization may still be able to live with children.

 

Tonkinese

The Tonkinese cat breed is medium-sized of Oriental build with a gently rounded head with broad ears, set wide apart. The eyes are more open than the classic Oriental shape and can range from green to light blue. The body is well balanced, firm, and muscular. The Tonkinese cat's coat is short and close lying with a fine, soft, and silky texture. The mask, ears, legs, and tail, are darker than the body and merge gently with the body colour. The Tonkinese cat breed comes in a range of colours.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
Personality

The Tonkinese cat breed has the same affectionate, friendly nature, as its close relatives the Burmese and Siamese. These cats are very people-oriented and make ideal family pets. They are said to be very inquisitive and intelligent. They can be trained to do tricks and require toys and games for amusement. They love company and if left alone for a long time, then a companion is a necessity. They are quite vocal and will chatter happily and follow you around.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA

 

Other Names: : Golden Siamese

 

The Tonkinese cat breed is the result of crossing a Siamese cat with a Burmese cat and, therefore, displays characteristics from both breeds. Mostly ignored when they were first developed as 'Golden Siamese' cat in America 1950s, it was not until the 1960s when they reappeared as Tonkinese that their popularity grew.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Currently there are no specific inherited problems reported with the Tonkinese cat breed. As with all cats, Tonkinese cats benefit from protection against disease through vaccination and need regular parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Tiffanie

The Tiffanie cat is built like the Burmese but with a longer coat. The head forms a short wedge shape with large to medium ears. The long tail is plumed. The eyes are set well apart and are neither almond-shaped nor round and can be any colour from yellow through to green. The body is firm and muscular with a strong straight back.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Very talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
Personality

The Tiffanie cat is friendly and affectionate. This breed loves attention and needs to be part of the family. Tiffanie cats can be quite demanding and often follow their owners around the house crying for attention. The Asian group of cats seems to be intelligent and can often work out such problems as how to open doors. If spoken to them, often appear to understand and answer. They can be very sensitive to their owner's feelings and this makes them excellent companions.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain The Tiffanie cat is the only semi-longhaired member of the Asian group. Apart from the Burmilla, which was the product of an accidental mating between a male chinchilla and a lilac female Burmese, the cats of the Asian Group were brought about by breeders attempting to create cats of Burmese type, but in colours not recognised in Burmese cats. During the course of the Asian breeding programme, some litters contained kittens with longer coats, and these cats were used to produce this attractive new breed.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

There are no specific conditions relating to the Tiffanie cat breed in the veterinary literature. As with all cats, Asian cats benefit from protection against disease through vaccination and need regular parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Sphynx

The main feature of a Sphynx cat is its lack of a fur coat! The cats are not, however, entirely hairless but covered with fine, downy hair that is said to be like a peach skin. This cat has no whiskers or eyelashes. The head resembles that of a Devon Rex. The eyes are deep-set and the shape of a lemon. The body is fined boned but muscular and has a barrel chest. The legs are long and slender and have a bow-legged appearance caused by the barrel chest. The tail is long and tapering and hard to the touch. They are warm and soft to touch and have earned the name 'suede hot water bottle'. The skin is wrinkled on parts of the head, body and legs but should be taut everywhere else. Pigmentation is clearly visible on the skin of the Sphynx cat. All skin patterns and colours are acceptable.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Very talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Indoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

The Sphynx cat is outgoing, mischievous, people-oriented and loves attention. These cats often greet their owners when they come home and are very talkative. They are highly intelligent, playful, and cuddly. Sphynxes are champion purrers. They like to sleep with their owners - under the covers. Their body temperature is a degree or two above the average for normal cats and they have voracious appetites to compensate for the heat loss. With little protection against the elements, these cats cannot be left out in the cold, they don't like to sit on cold surfaces and they do appreciate central heating! Those that do go outside in the sun may need sun protection on pale skin.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Canada

 

Other Names: : Canadian Hairless Cat

 

Hairless cats have been known for generations; the Aztecs are said to have kept hairless cats. The Sphynx cat is the first hairless cat breed that has been bred specifically for that trait. The breeding programme began in 1966 in Ontario, Canada when a pet cat gave birth to a hairless male kitten. However, most Sphynx cats born today are descended from three hairless kittens found in Toronto in 1978.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The breed is prone to skin problems including the development of rashes and fungal infections. Care must be taken to protect the Sphynx cat from sunburn. As with all cats, Sphynx cats benefit from protection against disease through vaccination and need annual veterinary health checks.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Somali

The Somali cat is of medium build; firm, lithe and well-muscled. The head forms a medium wedge with gentle contours and the ears are set wide apart and tufted. The eyes are almond-shaped, set well apart and are often amber, hazel, or green in colour. The deeper the shade, the better. The legs are long and have oval tufted paws. The coat is of medium length and the soft, fine hair is dense but lies flat against the body. Mature adult Somali cats will have a ruff and full breeches, but this will not be evident in kittens. On each hair, there should be at least three bands of ticking giving six contrasting colour sections from base to tip. The Somali cat comes in a choice of 28 colours. 'Usual' is a rich golden brown with an apricot base coat ticked with black.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Outdoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

Somali cats are highly intelligent. The Somali breed is good-natured and playful and enjoys games and toys. Somali cats may be shyer and more independent than their Abyssinian cousins but enjoy human company. They are active and enjoy access to outdoor exercise.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USAThe Somali cat is the long-haired version of the Abyssinian. The longhair gene was introduced into the Abyssinian breed in the early 1900s, but the longhaired variety was not bred specifically until the 1960s. The original introduction of the longhaired gene took place in Britain and Abyssinians carrying the recessive gene were exported to Europe and America. Systematic breeding of the Somali cat began in America. Somalis soon became popular in other parts, particularly Australia where they are bred almost to the exclusion of the Abyssinian.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Although most Somali cats are healthy, there are a few hereditary diseases which are known to appear in their near relative the Abyssinian therefore, may be linked to this breed too. Abyssinian cats can suffer from an inherited disease called pyruvate kinase deficiency that can cause anaemia. A reliable test is available for this, and prospective owners should ask breeders if their cats have been tested and are clear of the problem. An eye problem called progressive retinal atrophy, which causes progressive blindness has been identified in some countries so it is worth asking the breeder about this as well.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Snowshoe

The Snowshoe cat is a medium-sized breed and combines the solid heftiness of the American Shorthair with the lithe elegance of the Siamese. The head is a rounded triangle, the eyes are large and slanting and their large, pointed ears are set wide apart. Their body is long and athletic, and their coat is short and glossy with the mask, ears, legs and tail much darker in colour than the body. Snowshoe cats come in blue, seal, lilac and chocolate varieties and the white areas cover less than one-third of the cat. The eyes of all Snowshoe cats are a deep blue.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
Personality

The Snowshoe cat is an intelligent animal and loves to be around people. It is vocal but not as loud as the Siamese, talking instead in a soft, melodic voice. They do need company, so if you are out all day-getting two litter mates may be the answer. They are playful and can be taught to fetch and do need toys and games for amusement. Snowshoe cats also enjoy water, particularly running water, and may on occasion swim. They are very active and have a fondness for perching and high places.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USAThe Snowshoe cat came from the characteristic white paws of this breed. The Snowshoe cat is an American breed resulting from crossing Siamese with American Shorthair during the 1960s. The Snowshoe cat has Siamese style points combined with white paws and white spotting. Snowshoe kittens are born all white and only begin to show their colours and markings after several weeks. No two kittens have the same markings. This breed is increasing throughout America but is still rare elsewhere.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

No common inherited problems have been identified in the breed, however the Snowshoe cat breed is not common outside the USA. As with all breeds, Snowshoe cats benefit from protection against disease through vaccination and need regular parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Singapura

The Singapura cat looks like a small Abyssinian. Its head is rounded with a definite whisker break and a short broad muzzle. The ears are large and deeply cupped. The eyes are large and almond-shaped, slightly slanted and held wide open. Although these are small cats, their body is stocky and muscular. The tail is slender with a blunt tip. The coat is short and smooth with bands of black, brown, or ivory in each hair. The hair are darker on the back, tail, and legs. The chest and belly are a pale ivory colour. The eyes can be hazel, green or yellow and are outlined in black.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

The Singapura cat is very affectionate and friendly but, unlike its Oriental counterparts, it has a very quiet voice and is more reserved. Singapura cats love human company and they are content to sit on their owner's knee or shoulder – they seem to love the warmth. They seem to prefer to be above the ground and will often find a position that will give them a good view such as the top of bookshelves or wardrobes. They are active, lively, and always willing to play. They learn quickly and are inquisitive and mischievous.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Singapore

 

The Singapura cat originates from Singapore and its name means Lion City, the local Malay name for their island. It was known as the 'drain cat' because of its habit of sleeping in drains and living in the gutters. This is also the reason given for the cat's small stature; the Singapura cat is the world's smallest breed of cat. The Singapura cat breed is thought to have existed for about 300 years and is descended from cats from all over the world that arrived in Singapore on ships and bred with the local feral cats. The authorities considered them to be vermin and periodically culled the population. In 1974, the cull was so widespread that only three cats of the Singapura breed survived and these cats were exported to America along with a fourth found in 1980. From these four cats, the recognised breed was founded. 

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

At present, there are no reports of problems within the breed. As with all cats, Singapuras benefit from protection against disease through vaccination and need regular parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Siberian Forest

The Siberian Forest cat is a largish breed with a muscular build and a barrel-shaped torso. The coat is long and dense, and the head is a modified wedge shape with rounded contours and very expressive eyes. The overall physical appearance is one of strength and power. The longer hair of the triple coat are pale near the skin, darkening towards the outer end. This makes the coat shimmer as the cat moves. Although brown tabby is the most common colour, a Siberian Forest Cat may be any pattern or colour or combination of colours, solid lilac or solid chocolate.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Larger stockier cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat
Personality

The Siberian Forest cat is an affectionate pet and loves attention, so they make great companions. The breed is said to be loyal, sociable, and confident. Siberian Forest cats are very intelligent and seem to 'problem solve' to get what they want. They also love to play in the water, water bowls and kitchen sinks. They like to climb and are excellent hunters. They purr readily but also squeak and chirp. Most Siberian Forest cats will 'shimmy' their tails when they are happy.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Russia

 

Other Names: : Siberian cat

 

The Siberian Forest cat is the national cat of Russia. This natural breed has existed in Russia for hundreds of years. There is documented history of Siberians as early as the year 1000 and it is rumoured to be the ancestor of most modern longhaired breeds. After living in the cold Russian climate for many generations, the breed has developed a hardy constitution and a dense triple fur coat that is water-resistant. 

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Some Siberian Forest cat lines may be prone to a heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Siamese

The Siamese cat is a medium-sized breed with a long, lithe body that is graceful and elegant but still has a muscular feel. The body is well balanced and athletic, the legs slender and the paws small and oval. The head viewed face-on resembles a triangle tapering in straight lines to a fine muzzle. The ears are large and pricked and are set so that they follow the lines of the triangle. The eyes are oriental in shape and slant towards the nose. The tail is long and tapering and free from kinks. The short, fine, and close lying coat has a pale main body colour is pale with darker intensely coloured points. The coloured points only extend to the mask area of the face, ears, legs, and tail which are the cooler parts of the body. It comes in a wide range of colours. The eye colour in all coat colours and patterns will be a vivid intense blue.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Very talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

The Siamese cat is probably well known for its loud vocal personality and its classic looks. The breed is usually outgoing, extrovert and can be extremely noisy. Siamese cats demand attention and like to be part of the family. This is not an ideal cat for someone out at work all day, as they do not like to be left on their own - two litter mate Siamese may be the answer! Siamese cats are highly intelligent and need to be kept amused. Toys and scratching posts should be provided for their amusement and they can be taught to retrieve toys.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Thailand (formerly Siam)The Siamese cat is one of the most popular breeds of pedigree cat in the UK – second only to British Shorthair in number. It is possibly one of the most easily recognisable. The Siamese cat originated in what is now Thailand and has been in existence for hundreds of years. Legend says that Siamese cats were sacred and guarded Buddhist temples. Siamese cats were imported into Britain in the 1880s. The original Siamese cat breed colour was the classic seal brown points with a warm cream coloured body but breeders in the west developed more colours by introducing other breeds of cat into the breeding schedule. The original Siamese cat had eye squints and tail kinks which are now considered serious faults.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Siamese cats are a long-lived breed with reports of some living into their twenties. However, there are some conditions linked to this breed. that are linked to the breed. Some lines may be predisposed to some cancers such as lymphoma and some intestinal tumours. Siamese cats do also seem to suffer more from chronic coughing (bronchial disease) and vomit more than other breeds. Some lines of Siamese cats will ingest strange non-edible items (this is known as pica) such as eating woollen garments, plastic, and other materials – the reason for this is not understood.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Selkirk Rex

This is a medium to large cat with heavy boning that gives the cat surprising weight and an impression of power. It has a chunky build, short muzzle, and a round head. Selkirk Rex cats can be long- or short-haired. All three types of coat hair guard, awn, and down hair are found in the Selkirk Rex cat breed and they are all wavy, giving the coat a soft feel. The curliness of the coat varies with age, gender, climate, and season. In the Selkirk Rex Longhaired cat breed, the tail curls are plumy and stand out away from the tail. The ruff hairs are longer and frame the face. Selkirk Rex cats come in all coat colours and patterns.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
Personality

The Selkirk Rex cat has an alert and active personality with an endearing disposition. This laid back breed is happy to sit on your lap and loves to have a cuddle. It is also more than happy to play games and makes a great family pet.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA

 

Other Names: : Sheep cat

 

The Selkirk Rex cat breed (long hair) is named after the Selkirk Mountains in Wyoming where the first was born to a litter at an animal shelter in 1987. This kitten had an unusually curly coat. An experimental breeding programme with this cat and its offspring, found that this curly coat mutation was a dominant trait – half of all kittens had a curly coat. The trait is recessive in other rex breeds. The Selkirk Rex cat is very popular in the USA and Canada where its striking, thick, curly coat has gained it the nickname 'Sheep cat'.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. So it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Selkirk Rex cat breed lives well into its teens. Some Selkirk Rex cats can suffer from hair loss. Because of input from Persian cats, the Selkirk Rex cat breed is usually tested for polycystic kidney disease which occurs mainly in Persians. As with all cats, Selkirk Rex cats need vaccinations, parasite control and regular veterinary checks to remain healthy.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.