Munchkin

The Munchkin cat breed is a medium-sized cat with extremely short legs and a long spine. The Munchkin cats’ movements are described as that of a ferret, so it does not have the feline grace of longer-legged cats. They have a thick body with a well-rounded chest. The breed may have long or short hair. Both varieties have plush, all-weather coats with a silky appearance. The longhair Munchkin has a plumed tail. Munchkin cats can be in any colour or coat pattern and their walnut-shaped eyes can be of any colour.

The need-to-know

Playful and curious cat
Sociable and dependent cat
Quiet cat
Average build cat breed
Requires grooming once a week
Non hypoallergenic breed
Indoor cat
May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

Munchkin cats are sweet and outgoing. Their curiosity and playfulness continue well into adulthood. The Munchkin cat breed is sociable and enjoys company. They can be taught to play fetch and to obey voice commands. While Munchkin cats can leap on countertops, many prefer to intelligently find an easier way up. They can also run fast, despite their short legs.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USASeen as the feline equivalent of the Dachshund, this breed has caused controversy in the cat world. The Munchkin cat mutation was discovered in America in 1983 where it was named after the 'little people' in The Wizard of Oz. Short-legged cats like the Munchkin cat, were reported in England in the 1930s and in Russia in the 1950s but these breeds were not perpetuated.

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 short leggedness of this breed is a deformity that is linked to bone and spinal problems, so it has not been welcomed by all cat associations. Dog breeds with similar conformation are known to have problems with arthritis and it is feared that some will occur in the Munchkin cat breed. As with all cats, Munchkins need vaccinations, 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.

Manx

The Manx cat closely resembles the British Shorthair in type with the obvious exception of the tail. The body is compact and solid, with a broad chest and short back. The rump is rounded and should be higher than the shoulders. The legs are short and powerful, with the back legs being slightly longer than the front. In the show cat there must be absolutely no tail and the rump should be completely rounded but stumps of varying lengths are allowed in the breeding or pet cat. The Manx cat's coat has a double quality with a short thick undercoat and a slightly longer overcoat. Any combination of colour and markings is seen with the exception of the Siamese cat breed's pattern.

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 Manx cat breed is good-natured and affectionate. They love to cuddle and are very adaptable to family life.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain (Isle of Man)The tail-less Manx cat has been known for hundreds of years in the Isle of Man, and there are various myths surrounding its exact origins. One even claims that Noah closed the door of the Ark too quickly and chopped off the tail. Another says that tail-less cats swam ashore to the Isle of Man from the wrecked galleons of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The lack of tail is undoubtedly the result of a genetic mutation possibly caused by inbreeding among the small population of British Shorthair cats on the island. The true or 'rumpy' Manx cat has only a small hollow where the tail would have been, although cats with residual tails are born. These are called 'stumpies', 'stubbies', or 'longies' depending on the tail’s length. The mutant gene that causes the taillessness may also be responsible for other skeletal deformities.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

The lack of a tail is a severe genetic defect and the Manx cat's 'deformed' spine may cause problems. If misshaped vertebrae affects the spine, the cat may be prone to arthritis from an early age. In some cats, the anal passage may be narrowed and this can cause bowel blockages. The mutant gene that causes the taillessness may also be responsible for other skeletal deformities. When two completely tail-less 'rumpies' are mated together, the offspring are often born dead or die shortly after birth. The spines of Manx cats almost always show other deformities. Sometimes the vertebrae are shorter than normal and in the lower part of the spine they tend to fuse together and they may be fewer in number.

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.

Maine Coon

The largest of all the cat breeds, the Maine Coon cat has a powerful muscular body and substantial legs. The head has a squared-off muzzle and large ears held wide and tall. The coat is long and thick and consists of an undercoat covered by a substantial glossy, waterproof top coat. The hair on the head, neck and shoulders is shorter and increases in length down the back, sides, and tail. The hair on the belly and breeches is full and shaggy. There is a ruff, which begins at the base of the ears and is heavier in males than females. The tail hair is long and flowing. The ears have tufted tips. The paws also have tufts forming a snowshoe effect. The Maine Coon cat breed has a variety of 30 or more colours. The eyes maybe green, gold or copper. In white cats it is possible to have blue or odd-eyes.

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
Great family cat

Personality

Maine Coon cats have a sweet nature and are very playful and friendly. They enjoy human company and make good pets. Possibly because of their humble origins, they are often found curled up in the strangest of places. They enjoy the outdoor life, and so need a chance to climb and simulate hunting. Maine Coon cats are noted for the delightful, quiet, chirping sound they make.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USAThe ancestors of the Maine Coon cat were longhaired coats brought into the State of Maine in America by seafarers in the 1850s. These cats mated with the local shorthair cats. The offspring were big, strongly built cats with semi-long coats and brush-like tails that resembled the raccoon’s tail, hence the name Maine Coon. The cats developed thick dense coats to withstand the extreme Maine winters. Special shows were held for Maine Coon in the early 1860s and the breed gained popularity as pets.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

The Maine Coon cat breed seem to have a high prevalence of a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It also has a high prevalence of hip dysplasia. Ask the breeder about both these conditions before you buy.

Best cat breeds for children

La Perms

La Perm cats have an elegant look similar to the Siamese, with a wedge-shaped head. The curly coat on both varieties (long and short hair) may vary in length and fullness depending upon the season and maturity of the cat but has no undercoat. The curls range from tight ringlet-type curls to long corkscrew curls. The tightest curls occur on the underside of the cat on the throat and at the base of the ears. The longhair version has a curly plumed tail and the shorter-haired has a 'bottle-brush' type. All types boast a set of long, curly whiskers. The La Perm cat breed may be any colour or pattern. Its eye colours run the gamut of gold through aqua, and also 'odd eyes'.

Personality

La Perms are gentle cats. They love people and seek out human company. They are very affectionate and enjoy being cuddled and readily learn to fetch as well as many other skills. They are inquisitive by nature, always wanting to know what is going on around them. They are generally quiet voiced but may be vocal when required attention.

The need-to-know

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

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USAThe La Perm cat's curly or wavy coat is its most remarkable feature. The originator of this breed was found in a litter of ordinary cats on a farm in Oregon in 1986. A single kitten in the litter of six was born bald. Within eight weeks, the kitten began to grow very soft, curly hair. At three to four months of age, the kitten had a full coat of curly hair found in all La Perms. Unlike other curly coats breeds, such as the Devon Rex cat breed or Cornish Rex cat breed, the La Perm's coat may be short or long. The breed is not common outside America.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

Inherited ailments have yet to be identified in the breed.

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.

Korat

The Korat cat breed's coat is short, glossy, and fine and lies close to its body. It comes in just one colour that is a shade of blue tipped with silver. The nose leather, lips and paw pads are dark blue-grey or lavender. It is similar to the Russian Blue cat in appearance, but has a single rather than a double coat, is more rounded and has peridot green rather than emerald eyes. The head has a characteristic heart shape with large eyes and ears and an alert expression. The body is strong and muscular, neither long like a Siamese cat nor stocky like a British Shorthair cat.

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
May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

Korat cats have a quiet, sweet nature but are very intelligent and playful. They make ideal household pets and can be devoted to their human companions.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Thailand

Other Names: : Si-Sawat

The Korat cat breed is named after a province in Thailand. In Thailand, where the breed is often known as 'Si-Sawat' (meaning good fortune) - a pair of Korat cats were a traditional gift for a bride. A Korat cat may have entered a British cat show in the 19th century as a Blue Siamese cat. They first appeared in America in the 1950s and thereafter arrived in Great Britain in 1972. They are one of the few breeds that are only available in one colour, in this case, silvery blue.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

The Korat cat is quite a long-lived cat with ages of 18 and 19 not uncommon. Korat cats are known to suffer from gangliosidosis, an inherited enzyme deficiency that affects the nervous system causing paralysis. There is a test for this and owners should check that the breeder's cats have been tested and are free from the problem before buying a kitten.

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.

Khao Manee

Khao Manee cats are lithe and muscular with a pure white, short, smooth, close-lying coat. The ears are medium to large, and the nose has a gentle curve. The eye colour is the cat’s most distinctive attribute and can be anything from blue to amber, yellow or green, or a mixture of blue and any of the other colours. In Thailand, the odd-eyed Khao Manee cat is considered to be the best and is often given as a good luck cat. Sometimes, white kittens are born with a small dark mark on the top of the head that disappears by one year of age. This is normal.

The need-to-know

Highly active and inquisitive cat
Sociable and dependent 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

Khao Manee cats are reputed to be active, outgoing, communicative, intelligent and playful. They are people loving, with a lovely purr and attractive voices.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Thailand

Other Names: : White Gem, Khao Plort, Diamond Eye

The Khao Manee (pronounced Cow Maneee) is a rare breed of cat originating in Thailand, and has an ancient ancestry which can be traced back hundreds of years. Known as the “White Gem,” the Khao Manee was thought to bring good luck and was a popular breed with Thai royalty.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

There is an established link between the white coat colour, blue eyes, and deafness. Not all blue-eyed whites will be deaf but it is a possibility. Cat fancy organizations and the Khao Manee Cat Club are recommending that cats registered for breeding must be tested.

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.

Japanese Bobtail Short Hair

The Japanese Bobtail cat has elegant lines and well-developed musculature. The head is finely chiselled with large upright ears and large round eyes set at a pronounced slant. The tail, when carried normally, only extends about 5 to 8 cm. When the cat is relaxed the tail is carried upright. The hair on the tail is generally thicker and longer than elsewhere and grows in all directions to create the effect of a pom-pom or bunny tail. Bobtail cats can be long- or shorthaired. The coat is soft and silky and comes in many colours. The preferred colour in Japan is the tri-colour, or tortie and white (known as Mi-ke), a mixture of black, red and white, which symbolises luck -this colouring is usually found only in females.

The need-to-know

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

Personality

The Japanese Bobtail cat breed is friendly and intelligent. The breed is said to have a sweet nature and get on with most other animals and love human company. Some can learn tricks and do need to be kept amused and stimulated. It is a fairly talkative breed.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Japan

The unique feature of the Japanese Bobtail cat is its tail. When the cat is relaxed and natural the tail looks like that of a rabbit, but it can be unfurled to a length of about 10 to 12 cm. In Japan, the breed can be traced back to the 8th century but it was not seen outside Japan until the 1960s when the shorthaired Japanese Bobtails were imported into America. The Japanese Bobtail cat has established a following in America and it is now a recognised breed and is widely shown in the USA.

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

In America, the Japanese Bobtail cat is known as a robust and healthy breed that lives well into its teens. It is said not to have the same problems as other tailless breeds such as the Manx because it is a different gene mutation. However, not enough information is available on this yet.

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.

Japanese Bobtail Long Hair

The Japanese Bobtail cat has elegant lines and well-developed musculature. The head is finely chiselled with large upright ears and large round eyes set at a pronounced slant. The tail, when carried normally, only extends about 5 to 8 cm. When the cat is relaxed, the tail is carried upright. The hair on the tail is generally thicker and longer than elsewhere and grows in all directions to create the effect of a pom-pom or bunny tail. Japanese Bobtail cats can be long or shorthaired. The coat is soft and silky and comes in many colours. The preferred colour in Japan is the tri-colour, or tortie and white (known as Mi-ke), a mixture of black, red, and white, which symbolises luck. This colouring is usually found only in females.

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 Japanese Bobtail cat is friendly and intelligent. The breed is said to have a sweet nature and get on with most other animals and loves human company. Some can learn tricks and need to be kept amused and stimulated. It is a fairly talkative breed.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Japan

The unique feature of the Japanese Bobtail cat is its tail. When the cat is relaxed and natural, the tail looks like that of a rabbit, but it can be unfurled to a length of about 10 to 12 cm. In Japan, the breed can be traced back to the 8th century, but it was not seen outside Japan until the 1960s when the shorthaired Japanese Bobtail cats were imported into America. The Japanese Bobtail cat has established a following in America and it is now a recognised breed and is widely seen in the USA.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

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.

Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair cat is a medium-sized, stocky cat breed. 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 short, thick, and luxuriant with a dense, soft undercoat. The Exotic Shorthair cat comes in all the many Persian cat colours and coat patterns and as spotted tabbies.

The need-to-know

Highly active and inquisitive 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 Exotic Shorthair cat has the same gentle affectionate nature as it's longhaired cousins and is not as boisterous as many shorthair breeds. Exotic cats are quite happy to be left at home on their own and to lead a quiet life.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: America/Britain

The Exotic Shorthair cat breed is in every way a shorthaired Persian cat breed, so much so that it is included in the longhair section of cat shows. In America, selective breeding of American Shorthair and Persian longhair cats was undertaken to produce a cat that looked like the Persian cat in every way except for the coat. In Britain, British Shorthair cats were crossed with longhaired Persian cats in the same way. The medium-length coat is easy to care for but still has a huge range of colours and patterns. The Exotic Shorthair cat was first seen in the 1960s and is becoming a very popular cat.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

There are several health problems associated with the Exotic Shorthair cat breed and its close relative, the Persian cat. 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 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 their face also increases the chances of eye disease. Exotic cats 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.

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.

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau cat breed is an elegant, athletic-looking cat characterised by a random spotted pattern. Mau cats are said to have a unique 'worried' expression.

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
Needs some out-door space
May require familiarisation before living with children

Personality

The Egyptian Mau cat is a loving and playful cat breed. They are known to be extremely clever and enjoy learning tricks and walking on a lead. Enjoying fuss and attention the breed is an ideal family cat. As they are active, Egyptian Mau cats need some stimulus such as toys or companions to play with, especially if they are going to be left on their own for long.

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Egypt/Italy

Mau is the Egyptian word for cat and bears a striking resemblance to the statuesque spotted cats depicted in Ancient Egyptian art. The breed originates from a spotted cat found in Cairo that is said to have been taken to Rome in 1953 by a Russian princess. She bred several spotted cats in Italy and later moved to North America where breeders developed the modern Mau. The characteristic markings on its head are said to resemble the scarab beetle held sacred by Ancient Egyptians.

Nutrition and Feeding

Other Information

Health and common issues

The Egyptian Mau cat is not a common breed and at present there is no information on significant health 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.