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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

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 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

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.

 

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

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 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

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 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.

 

Devon Rex

The first impression of a Devon Rex cat is of an impish face and a crinkly coat. The cheeks are wide, the eyes and ears are very large, and set low on the head. The short coat has guard hair that are wavy but is mostly made up of the undercoat of down hair. The Devon Rex cat has the characteristic Rex 'Marcel wave', and the fur forms ripples and waves, particularly on the back. The whiskers and eyebrows also curl. The Devon Rex cat breed can be any coat colour or pattern.

 

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • May require familiarisation before living with children

 

Personality

Devon Rex cats are fondly described as 'little terrors' and 'monkeys in cats' clothing' with antics such as swinging from the curtains and climbing the wallpaper! They are lively and extroverted cats. They have several 'dog-like' qualities, such as fondness for fetching toys, and can be trained to walk on a harness and lead. They are very gentle and loving cats and hate to be bored or alone. Visitors to the house may be surprised to find that they are thoroughly investigated by a nosy Devon Rex cat before they have a chance to sit down!

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: England (county of Devon)The Devon Rex cat breed stems from a curly-coated cat found in Devon in 1960. Like the Cornish Rex cat breed, the Devon Rex cat's coat is caused by a recessive gene, and inbreeding was necessary to perpetuate the breed. However, the Devon Rex cat gene is different to that which curls the coat of the Cornish Rex, and crossing Devon Rex cats and Cornish Rex cats produce litters of straight-coated kittens. The two mutations must have arisen independently, despite arising so close geographically, ie, in Devon and Cornwall. 

 

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

 

Because of the nature of its coat, the Devon Rex cat can be prone to yeast infections of the skin that can cause ear problems, greasy deposits on the skin and itching. Devon Rexes can also be prone to baldness, a disorder known as hypotrichosis. Because of the back-crossing needed to establish the breed's initial gene pool, in the past there have been genetic spasticity problems associated with the breed (known as Devon Rex myopathy), but careful breeding has eliminated this now.

 

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.

 

Cymrics

The Cymric cat breed is solidly built and chunky with a similar body type to the British Shorthair cat breed with large eyes and widely spaced ears. The lack of a tail is the breed's most outstanding feature. Its hind legs are longer than the front legs. The Cymric cat's hair is thick and provides a layer of padding over the main body, adding to the round appearance. A rabbit-like hop can sometimes be seen in Cymric cats because of the spinal deformity, similar to spinabifida, which is associated with taillessness. Cymric cats come in all colours and patterns, except the pointed Siamese cat breed type.

 

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 Cymric cat is very quiet, playful, and intelligent cat. It can be a little shy and reserved around strangers and tends to bond very closely with one individual. It is a breed that seems to keep its kitten-like behaviour well into adulthood.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Isle of Man (UK)/Canada

 

The Cymric cat breed is a semi-longhaired version of the Manx cat. Though Cymric cat derives its name from Cymru the Celtic name for Wales, it originates from the Isle of Man. Tailless cats are common on the Isle of Man where inbreeding among the island cats allowed a naturally occurring tailless gene mutation to spread. As for the Manx cat, litters of Cymric kittens can have stumpy tails of various lengths (classed as rumpy-risers, stumpies, and longies) or no tails at all (rumpy). Breeding programmes in Canada in the 1960s lead to the popularity of Cymrics in the USA where only completely tailless animals are shown.

 

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The lack of a tail is a severe genetic defect and the Cymric cat's 'deformed' spine may cause health problems including arthritis from an early age. In some cats, the anal passage may be narrowed and this can cause bowel blockages. As with all cats, Cymric cats and kittens 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.

 

Cornish Rex

Cornish Rex cats are muscular and have a slender, rangy shape. They feel heavier than they look. The cat has a long wedge-shaped head, flat skull, and large ears set high. The most distinctive feature is its curly coat which is fine and soft to the touch. The curly coat has no guard hair and should wave and have a rippled look. The whiskers are curly like the coat. The Cornish Rex cat breed has a distinctive scent which some owners describe as slightly 'cheesy'. It can have any coat colour or pattern.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Hypoallergenic breed
  • Needs some out-door space
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

Cornish Rex cats have a mischievous side to their character and a personality that can almost be described as forever young! Rexes are very intelligent, enjoy playing and love to learn new tricks. They will happily play fetching games for hours on end. While they are lively cats, they do have quieter times when they are happy to curl up in a lap. Cornish Rex cats can become cold quickly and will always seek out the warmest place to sleep.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: England (county of Cornwall)The Cornish Rex cat breed owes its existence to a natural mutation that was discovered in a kitten born to a farm cat in Cornwall in 1950. It had a curly coat and was mated back to its mother and two of the resulting litter were born with the curly coats that are now associated with the breed. The Devon Rex cat and Cornish Rex cat breed curly hair mutations are different. Crossing Devon Rex cats and Cornish Rex cats produce litters of straight-coated kittens!

 

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

 

One condition linked to the breed is hypotrichosis – hair loss leading to baldness. The unusual coat predisposes the cat to certain skin conditions including excessive yeast infection.

 

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.

 

Chinchilla

The Chinchilla cat comes in one colour - white with green eyes. It has a broad head with small wide-set ears and a short open face. The eyes are large and round with brilliant colour. Although the Chinchilla cat tends to be more finely boned than most Persian cats, its legs are still fairly short, thick, and strong. The tail is short and bushy. The coat is long, thick and luxuriant with a dense, soft undercoat.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Calm cat
  • Sociable and dependent 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

The Chinchilla cat is sweet tempered, loving and affectionate. Persian-types are generally known to be fairly inactive and quiet. The Chinchilla cat breed is said to be more outgoing and extrovert than most Persian cats.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: England

 

The Chinchilla cat breed is really a specific type of Persian cat. The breed comes in one colour - a pure white coat that is subtly tipped with black to produce a silvery sheen. Its emerald green eyes are distinctively lined with black. The Chinchilla cat breed was the first cat to have been selectively bred for a specific colour. It was first shown in 1894 in Crystal Palace, London.

 

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 Chinchilla cat breed is a type of Persian and there is some overlap between the Chinchilla cat type and other Persian Longhairs, so many of the problems of the Persian cat can also occur in the Chinchilla cat breed. 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 cats and Exotic shorthaired cats in the 1990s when screening tests became available and although it seemed less prevalent in Chinchillas, it was still there. 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.

 

Burmilla

The Burmilla cat breed is of medium build, similar to Burmese cats, with a sturdy, well-muscled body and a strong straight back. The female is much smaller and daintier than the male. The head has a gently rounded dome, a wedge-shaped muzzle and wide-set ears. The expressive eyes may be any colour from gold through to green. The coat is short and close lying with a pale undercoat and even 'tipping' (darker colour at the tip of the hair) over the rest of the body and a distinct 'M' marking on the forehead.

 

 

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

There are no specific conditions relating to Asians in the veterinary literature, however, there may be a tendency for this group to develop conditions associated with the Burmese. Some lines of this breed appear to be more susceptible to diabetes mellitus than other breeds.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain

 

The Burmilla cat is a shorthaired member of the Asian cat breed group. The breed was created in 1981 by an accidental mating between a male Chinchilla cat and a lilac female Burmese cat. The kittens looked and behaved like Burmese cats but they had the stunning silver colouring and the tipped markings of the Chinchilla cat breed. It gained so much interest that the pair were allowed to mate again, and a new breed was formed.

 

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 Asians in the veterinary literature. However, there may be a tendency for this group to develop conditions associated with the Burmese. Some lines of this breed appear to be more susceptible to diabetes mellitus than other breeds.

 

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.

 

Cat