Scottish Fold

The most noticeable feature of a Scottish Fold cat is its ears, which are small and tightly folded forward to cover the ear opening. The tips of the ears are rounded. The Scottish Fold is of medium size with a solid compact body. The head is rounded, with well-defined whisker pads, and is set on a short neck. The eyes are large and wide open with a sweet expression. The coat of the Scottish Fold is short and dense. It comes in a variety of colours and patterns.

The need-to-know

Playful and curious cat
Friendly but independent cat
Somehow talkative cat
Average build cat breed
Requires grooming once a week
Non hypoallergenic breed
Indoor cat
May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

The Scottish Fold cat breed has a sweet, gentle temperament despite its strange appearance. Scottish Folds are not an active breed, and this may be because of the pain involved in movement.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Scotland

Named after its forward folding ears, the Scottish Fold cat breed was first seen as a natural mutation in Scotland in the 1960s. British cat show judges and numerous veterinary surgeons decided that the cat's folded ears were an undesirable deformity and would make it impossible for the cat to clean its ears. Deformities of the spine, hind legs and tail also appeared when folded-ear cats were bred to one another. The breed is popular in the USA and 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

Scottish Fold cats can suffer from painful degenerative joint disease throughout their lives. This arises as the Scottish Fold cat mutation detrimentally affects cartilage, most obviously seen making the ear cartilage fold. As the disease progresses, the joints stiffen, bones fuse and movement becomes more difficult and painful. Cats progress from slight lameness to reluctance to move.

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.

Savannah

The Savannah cat is a tall, slim, long-legged cat and its final size may also depend on how close that particular offspring is to the first generation crosses – the early generations being quite large. Male Savannah cats tend to be larger than females. Because of the random factors in the Savannah cat breed's hybrid genetics, there can be significant variation in size, even in one litter. The overall look of an individual Savannah cat depends greatly on generation. They are usually spotted but can also come in classic or marble patterns, snow colouration and blue or other diluted colours. The ears are tall, deeply-cupped rounded and erect (the backs of the ears have a central light band bordered by black, dark grey or brown, giving an eye-like effect). They have a wide nose and hooded eyes. Their short tails have black rings, with a solid black tip and their eyes may be green, brown, or gold.

The need-to-know

Highly active and inquisitive cat
Friendly but independent cat
Somehow talkative cat
Lean and elegant cat breed
Requires grooming once a week
Non hypoallergenic breed
Outdoor cat
May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

As Savannah cats are not common, it is difficult to generalise about their personality traits and how predictable they are. Some say they are very social and friendly with new people and other cats and dogs, while others may run and hide or revert to hissing and growling on seeing a stranger. Apparently Savannah cats can also jump very high (8ft) from a standing position and learn quickly. This is probably not a first cat. It is quite large and strong and is frequently described as 'assertive'. Savannahs are said to both 'chirp' like a Serval or meow like a domestic cat or a mixture of the two. They are also said to hiss quite loudly.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USASavannah cats are rather controversial. They are the result of crossing a domestic cat and a Serval — a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat. These first crosses are then bred again and the resulting cats are termed domestic. The breed began in the mid 1980s and is recognised by one of the cat fancy organisations.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

It is too early to know whether the Savannah cat breed has any health problems as none are yet cited in the veterinary literature.

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.

Russian Blue

The Russian Blue cat is medium to large with an elegant, graceful body and long, slim legs. The cat walks as if on tip-toes. The head is wedge-shaped with prominent whisker pads and large ears. The vivid green eyes are set wide apart and are almond-shaped. The coat is double with a very dense undercoat and feels fine, short, and soft. In texture, the coat of the Russian Blue cat is very different from any other breed and is the truest measure of the breed. Although named the Russian Blue, black and white Russian cats do sometimes appear. In the most popular blue variety, the coat colour is a clear even blue with a silvery sheen.

The need-to-know

Playful and curious cat
Friendly but independent cat
Quiet 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

Russian Blue cats are quiet and sensitive, sometimes shy and reserved, but are said to be tremendously loyal to their chosen human being. They may be cautious of strangers and take time to develop friendship with humans. Once settled in a loving environment, they love to play with toys and enjoy jumping, climbing, and racing around and are extremely agile and light-footed.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Russia

The Russian Blue cat was originally known as the Archangel Cat because it was said to have arrived in Europe aboard ships from the Russian port of that name (Arkhangel'sk). It has also been known as the Spanish Cat and the Maltese Cat, particularly in the US where the latter name persisted until the beginning of the century. There is, however, strong evidence linking the cat with Russia. Large numbers of cats with similar coat colours are found in Scandinavia and their dense coat is indicative of living in a northern climate. Although blue is considered the typical colour of this breed, black and white Russian cats are known. These colours arose during World War II, when the few remaining Russian Blue cats were crossed with the British Blue and the Siamese to maintain numbers.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

The Russian Blue cat breed seems to be 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.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll cat breed is large, powerful, and imposing with distinctive markings. However, the cat is extremely relaxed and laid back giving the floppy ragdoll impression. The broad head has a flat top and is wide between the ears. The deep blue eyes are large. The body is long and muscular with a broad chest, short neck and sturdy legs. The paws are large round and tufted and the tail is long and bushy. The Ragdoll cat's coat is silky and dense and of medium to long length, and on adult cats there should be a ruff and knickerbockers. There are three different coat patterns in the Ragdoll cat breed and each pattern comes in four colours. There is also a mitted Ragdoll cat with additional white markings.

The need-to-know

Calm cat
Sociable and dependent cat
Quiet cat
Larger stockier cat bree
Requires grooming every day
Non hypoallergenic breed
Needs some out-door space
Great family cat

Personality

The Ragdoll cat is possibly the most laid back of all the domestic cat breeds. These cats are basically content and undemanding and tolerate most situations. They have an extremely gentle and relaxed nature and make loyal and devoted pets. There is an old-wives tale that these cats are immune to pain, but this is totally untrue! Their relaxed disposition stems from a very trusting nature, not a lack of feeling.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USAThe first Ragdoll kittens were born in California in the 1960s. They are probably the result of a mating between a white Persian cat queen (female) and a Birman or Birman-type tom. When picked up, the cat becomes very relaxed and is as floppy as the ragdoll from which it takes its name. Some say that this was brought about by an accident the queen had while carrying the kittens, but it is genetically impossible for the effects of the injury to be inherited by the kittens.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

The Ragdoll cat breed is associated with an inherited form of heart disease (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) that can lead to heart failure at an early age – ask the breeder if you are considering buying this breed.

Best cat breeds for children

While this breed tends to be excellent with kids, each cat has a different personality based on training and life experience. Please consult the adoption organisation, if you are adopting for details on a specific cat’s character.

Pixiebob

Pixie-Bob cats are a large breed and resemble bobcats in many ways. Perhaps the most obvious being the short tail (although the tail can be almost non-existent, though short or can even be long). The body is muscular, the face pear-shaped and the ears have tufts. The woolly coat stands out from the body and has a spotted pattern on a light tan to a reddish background. Most Pixie-Bob cats have black fur and skin on the bottom of their paws, tipped ears, heavy ear hair, black lips, and white fur around the eyes but with black eye skin. Most are short-haired, but some are long-haired. The eyes are gold or greenish gold. The Pixie-Bob cat is one of the few breeds that allows polydactyl toes (extra toes) in its standards, with a maximum of seven toes.

The need-to-know

Highly active and inquisitive cat
Sociable and dependent cat
Somehow talkative cat
Larger stockier cat breed
Requires grooming every day
Non hypoallergenic breed
Outdoor cat
May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

Pixie-Bob cats are said to be confident, social, and active. Some are sociable, some are shy.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA The Pixie-Bob cat breed originated in the USA in the 1980s from wild looking barn cats and other cats which resemble a cross between a North American Bobcat and a domestic cat. The original kitten from the beginning of the development of the breed was called Pixie, hence the name. The breed came to Europe in 2001 but is not common.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

There is little information on the health of the Pixie-Bob cat breed and no reported problems. Some Pixiebob cats are polydactyl – that is they have extra toes. In general encouraging extra toes in breeding is not recommended as they can cause problems.

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.

Persian Long Hair

The Persian Longhair cat is a medium-sized stocky breed with a massive head in proportion to its body. The head is round and broad with small wide-set ears and a short open face. The eyes are large and round with brilliant colour. The legs are short, thick and strong with large round paws and tufted toes. The tail is short and bushy. The coat is long, thick, and luxuriant with a dense, soft undercoat. The Persian comes in a wide variety of patterns and colours.

The need-to-know

Calm cat
Friendly but independent cat
Quiet cat
Average build cat breed
Requires grooming every day
Non hypoallergenic breed
Needs some out-door space
Great family cat

Personality

Persian Longhair cats are calm and affectionate. They are gentle and are not as active as some shorthair breeds. Generally speaking they do not mind living on their own and are quite content to be an only cat. They are quite content to sit quietly and look pretty.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Turkey and Persia

The first documented ancestors of the Persian cat were imported in the 17th century from Persia into Italy, and from Angora (now Ankara), Turkey into France. The Persian cats were grey coated while those from Angora were white. Descendants of these longhaired cats eventually reached Britain in the 19th century. These early Persian cats were quite different from the cats that win shows today: their faces were longer, their ears larger and they had a rangier shape. Over the years, selective breeding has produced the stocky body and flat-faced appearance that is familiar today. The coat is not just long; it has a very thick undercoat which requires a huge commitment in terms of owner grooming – the cat cannot keep this matt-free on its own.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

While the Persian Longhair cat may be expected to live for about ten to twelve years, it is a breed that is recognised as having a number of health problems. Because the head shape has been shortened and the face flattened, there can be jaw deformities which can lead to dental disease and potential problems with eating and drinking. Small nostrils and a soft palate which is too long can also lead to severe breathing problems. The tear ducts may not follow their natural path and so the eyes run and wet the face constantly – this can lead to skin rashes and sores on the face. The flat nature of face also increases the chances of eye disease. Persians can carry a gene that leads to kidney failure (called autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease) through the development of cysts in the kidney. This condition was found in more than a third of all Persian and Exotic shorthaired cats in the 1990s when screening tests became available. Using screening, breeders are now working to try to eradicate the problem – always ask the breeder to show the PKD certificates for the cats used to produce your kitten. Persian cats may also have an increased incidence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (thickening of the walls of the heart). Like other longhaired cats, Persians are the most likely to develop fungal skin infections, such as ringworm.

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.

Oriental Short Hair

Oriental cats are medium in size but feel heavier than they look. The body is similar to a Siamese; long, slim, long whip-like tail with long, slender legs. The head is a triangular wedge-shape, straight in profile, with large wide-set ears. The Oriental cat's coat is very short and close lying. The texture is fine and glossy. Oriental Shorthair cats come in a huge variety of colours and patterns.

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

Like the Siamese, the Oriental cat breed is an intelligent, curious cat that makes its presence known. They love to talk to their human companions and expect a reply. They want to be part of the family and enjoy playing games like fetch with a ball of scrunched up paper. Oriental cats like to be kept amused and do not like to be left alone, so if you are out at work all day, getting another Oriental cat is probably a good idea.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA/Britain

The Oriental cat is really a Siamese with a different colour coat and green eyes (except in the case of the Foreign White which has blue eyes). The shape and temperament are exactly the same as the Siamese. The Oriental cat breed was created by crossing Siamese cats with other breeds to produce different colours. Black 'Siamese' had been in existence for a long time, but it wasn't until the 1950s that serious efforts were made to breed different colours and the black form is known as the Black Oriental cat. The next Oriental cat breed to be developed was the Havana, a chocolate colour 'Siamese' (not to be confused with the Havana Brown which is a separate American breed). Selective breeding has since produced many more colours and coat patterns.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

Oriental cats can live well into their teens. Although most Oriental Longhair cats live long and healthy lives, there are a number of disorders that seem to be associated with the Oriental cat family - those similar to the Siamese as they are closely related.

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.

Oriental Long Hair

Oriental Longhair cats feature a long, lithe, and elegant, Siamese-style body with a triangular wedge-shaped head and ears. The coat is long and silky, but unlike the Persian cat, there is no woolly undercoat and the coat lies flat against the body and so is officially classified as a semi-longhair. The tail forms a magnificent plume. The range of possible coat colours includes everything from solid colours to smokes, tipped or tabby types. All Oriental Longhair cats have almond-shaped green eyes, except for the whites, which may have green or blue eyes, or be odd-eyed (two different coloured eyes).

The need-to-know

Highly active and inquisitive cat
Sociable and dependent cat
Very talkative cat
Lean and elegant cat breed
Requires grooming every day
Non hypoallergenic breed
Outdoor cat
May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

Like all cats of Oriental type, these cats are lively and companionable. This breed is 'into everything' and always wants to know what's going on. Oriental Longhair cats are very talkative cats that can become bored easily and need plenty of attention for fun and games. These cats crave company, which is something to consider if you are out for most of the day – getting two litter mates may give them some company.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: England

Other Names: : Foreign Longhair, Angora, Madarin, British Angora

Oriental Longhair cats were originally imported from Ankara in Turkey in the 19th century and were the first longhaired cats to be brought to Western Europe. The breed disappeared when the more fully coated Persian arrived in the early 1900s. The modern Oriental Longhair cat has been genetically recreated by breeders in the UK through crosses with Abyssinian cats (for longhair gene) and Siamese cats (for body type). A few of the original cats were taken to the USA where they were bred and are now classified as Turkish Angoras. The Oriental Longhair cat breed was formerly known as the British Angora before being renamed in 2002 by British cat fancies in avoid confusion with the Turkish Angora cat breed. In Europe, a solid coloured Oriental Longhair cat is known as a Javanese.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

Although most Oriental Longhair cats live long and healthy lives, there are a number of disorders that seem to be associated with the Oriental family - those similar to the Siamese cat breed as they are closely related.

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.

Ocicat

The Ocicat is a medium to large cat with a well-spotted coat. The chest is deep and broad and the legs are powerful and well-muscled. The head is wedged-shaped with a 'squareness' to the jaw. The large, wide-set, tufted ears help give it a wild look. The Ocicat's coat is short and sleek with a satin texture. The spots are well scattered in a distinctive pattern on the sides of the body, shoulders, and hindquarters, extending down the legs and onto the belly. The forehead displays the distinctive tabby 'M'. The tail shows alternate spots and rings of darker colour ending with a dark tip. The Ocicat comes in many colours.

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
Outdoor cat
May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

Although the Ocicat has been bred to look like a wild cat, its temperament does not reflect this. The breed is intelligent and playful, curious, and friendly and can be demanding of attention. They prefer like all active cats to have company and are very happy with human companions. But if the humans are out at work all day, having two may help to provide companionship.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USA

Other Names: : Oci

The Ocicat cat breed is a relatively new breed of cat that resulted from some experimental matings in the 1960s in America. Breeders were trying to produce an Abyssinian pointed Siamese but instead produced a kitten with an amazing coat of gold spots on an ivory background. He looked like the wild Ocelot, hence the name Ocicat. American Shorthairs were introduced into the breeding programme, which brought the lovely silver colours and strong musculature and bone.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

There are no inherited disorders reported for the Ocicat breed at present.

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.

Norwegian Forest

The Norwegian Forest cat is larger than the average cat. It is an elegant breed with a semi-longhair coat (it is a little shorter in the summer). The body is long, muscular and strongly built with solid bone structure. It has long legs and a bushy tail. The head is long and triangular with a straight profile and high set ears with a tufted tip. A smooth glossy coat covers the woolly undercoat, which is water-repellent. A cat in full coat has a ruff, shirtfront and knickerbockers and even tufts of hair between the toes. The Norwegian Forest cat may be any colour except chocolate, lilac or Siamese cat pattern and may have any amount of white markings on the paws, chest, belly or face. The eyes may be any colour.

The need-to-know

Highly active and inquisitive cat
Sociable and dependent cat
Quiet cat
Larger stockier cat breed
Requires grooming every day
Non hypoallergenic breed
Outdoor cat
Great family cat

Personality

Norwegian Forest cats love people and thrive on human company. At times, they can be very demanding of affection. At other times, they appear quite independent. They are used to outdoor life and are well adapted to roam and hunt outside and are said to be excellent climbers. They can be very rewarding companions as they are extremely friendly and playful. The breed is slow in developing and may not be mature until four years of age.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Scandinavia

The Norwegian Forest cat is a breed believed to originate from the shorthair cats brought by the Vikings from Great Britain and longhair cats brought by the Crusaders to Scandinavia, which then mated with local farm and feral cats. The breed's origin in the cold north of Scandinavia means that it is well adapted to the cold winters and is rugged and hardy. The best adaption to the climate is the double coat that keeps out the wind and snow and dries quickly. The breed was first recognised in Norway in 1930 and first appeared at cat shows in 1938. Norwegian Forest cats were only exported from Norway in the 1970s.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

The Norwegian Forest cat seems to be a robust breed with no major inherited problems documented.

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.