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Burmese

The Burmese cat is medium-sized, with a rounded head and an elegant yet well-muscled body. The breed is not as large and sturdy as the British Shorthair cat breed nor as slender and dainty as Siamese cats. The eyes are large and lustrous and may be any shade of yellow often seeming to change in variations in light quality. The tail is straight and ends in a rounded paintbrush tip. The fine, short glossy coat is a distinctive feature of the Burmese cat and lies close to the body. The Burmese cat comes in 10 colours but in all colours, the underparts will be lighter than the back and the shading will be gradual.

 

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
  • Great family cat
Personality

The Burmese cat is an extremely friendly and affectionate creature that needs attention from human beings to be happy. The Burmese cat breed is very demanding and Burmese cats will follow owners around the house crying for attention – they might even climb their owner's leg begging to be picked up and cuddled! As very vocal cats, they will often greet owners when they return home or demand what they want and join in with all activities. Loyal to their owners, they are sometimes known as the 'dog cat' as many are happy to play retrieve. They are very intelligent and can work out problems such as opening doors are often successful escape artists!

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Burma

 

A dark brown cat resembling a Siamese cat in shape was first taken from the far east to California in the 1930s. As there were no other Burmese cats in America at the time, the 'Wong Mau' breed was mated with a Seal Point Siamese cat. Through selective breeding, a new dark-coated breed became known as the Burmese cat we know today. The Burmese cat was first recognised as a breed in America and came to Europe in the 1940s. Breeding programmes have since developed a range of coat colours.

 

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

 

Burmese cats are quite robust healthwise but some lines of the breed do seem to be susceptible to diabetes mellitus. Hypokalaemic polymyopathy (muscle weakness due to low levels of blood potassium) is seen occasionally in young Burmese cats. A few Burmese cats have developed an unusual condition called feline orofacial pain syndrome. This condition causes exaggerated licking and chewing movements, and pawing at the mouth, which can be very distressing for the cat. In the USA there has been a problem with a head and brain deformity, but this is not reported in other countries. Some lines of Burmese cat breeds also have unusual eating habits and will eat wool garments and other inedible items (this is known as pica).

 

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.

 

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair cat is a largish breed which could be described as chunky or cobby. Many of its contours are rounded – face and cheeks, ears, eyes and head. Its short broad nose sits above a deep strong chin and these, along with its deep chest and short, thick tail, all convey a strong and sturdy cat. The coat is short and dense without being fluffy and comes in over 100 colours and coat pattern combinations.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Quiet cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat
Personality

Some consider British Shorthair cats as the 'gentle giants' of the cat world. They are loving and affectionate with people and other animals. British Shorthair cats do not continuously demand human attention and are quieter than their Oriental counterparts, nor do they have the curious nature that gets many Oriental cat breeds into trouble!

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain

 

Although there are only written records for the British Shorthair cat that date back to the beginning of the century, the breed has been in existence for hundreds of years. They were exported in large numbers to the New World where they were very popular. The variety of colours and coat patterns available today have come from the selective breeding of the best street cats during the nineteenth century and careful breeding plans to the present day.

 

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

 

British Shorthair cats are generally a robust breed without too many problems. Because they have been bred with Persian cats in the past there is a small chance of a being affected by polycystic kidney disease. This disease causes kidney problems because of the cysts or holes which develop progressively. There is a gene test available, so it is worth asking the breeders about the status of their cats. Good breeders should know about it.

 

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.

 

Bombay

The Bombay cat is medium built, with a glossy, jet black coat that shimmers like patent leather. Its head has a gently rounded dome, rounded ears and a broad blunt muzzle. The beautiful copper/gold eyes are set well apart and are full and expressive. The body is firm and muscular with a strong straight back. The nose leather and eye rims are black and the paw pads are black or dark brown.

 

The need-to-know
 

  • Calm 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

Cats in the Asian cat breed group are extremely friendly and affectionate. Bombay cats have unique voices and are usually very vocal. They are not a traditional.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain and USAThe Bombay cat is one of the Asian group of cats brought about by breeders attempting to create cats of Burmese type, in colours not recognised in the Burmese.

 

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

 

Bombay cats are generally long lived and can live well into their late teens. Currently, there are no known diseases associated specifically with this 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.

 

Birman

A Birman cat is semi-longhaired with darker colouring to the points, face, legs, ears and tail, and a pale toning body colour. It is a largish cat with thickset body and short legs. The Birman cat has blue eyes and four pure white feet. The front gloves covering only the feet, but the rear socks are longer. The head is broad and rounded with medium size ears . Birman cats come in lots of different colours.

 

 

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

Birman cats are known as especially loving and affectionate breeds, having been bred as companion cats for many generations. They are docile and quietly spoken. Birman cats are sociable, smart and friendly cats, curious and people-oriented, but not too noisy.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Burma/France

 

Other Names: : Sacred cat of Burma

 

While there is no clear record of the origin of Birman cats, one pair was taken to France around 1919, from which the breed became established in the western world. However, Birman cats were almost wiped out as a breed during World War II and were heavily outcrossed with long-hair breeds (mainly Persians) and also Siamese lines to rebuild the breed. By the early 1950s, pure Birman cat litters were once again being produced.

 

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 young Birman cats show evidence of impaired kidney function on blood tests – the significance is not certain but some may go on to develop kidney failure.

 

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.

 

Bengal

The Bengal cat is a large, sleek and very muscular cat with a thick tail that is carried low. The Bengal cat's wild appearance is enhanced by its distinctive, thick and luxurious, spotted or marbled coat. Its broad head has small ears and pronounced whisker pads and eyes are black rimmed and almond-shaped. The tail is thick, tapering to a black tip. There is no other breed of cat which displays the gold or pearl dusting effect (glitter) found on some Bengal cats and can be very demanding because of high activity levels.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent 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

Bengal cats have an affectionate disposition. They have an extremely energetic, playful nature. Bengal cats are intelligent and seem to look at everything around them as, 'can this be played with?' They are agile, love to climb and can be vocal with a distinctive voice which has been described as a cooing or chirping, or as a strange gravelly sound. Bengal cats are a very vocal breed and have a wide vocabulary that may on occasion be quite strident, especially in unfamiliar situations. They need companionship during the day to prevent boredom as well as opportunities to climb and simulate hunting.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USAThe Bengal cat is a relatively new breed of cat that was originally created by crossing an Asian Leopard Cat with a domestic cat in the USA. The Bengal cat derives its name from the Latin name of its wild ancestor, Felis Bengalensis (Asian Leopard Cat). The goal in developing the domestic Bengal cat breed was to preserve a strong physical resemblance to its beautiful wild ancestor and, at the same time, the new domestic breed was designed to be a pleasant and trustworthy family companion.

 

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 inherited defects listed for the Bengal cat breed yet but it is suggested that they may have a higher prevalence of a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy than some breeds. Some Bengal cats also seem to be more susceptible to feline infectious peritonitis.

 

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.

 

Balinese

The Balinese cat is a beautiful, elegant, medium-sized cat breed with the same long svelte lines as the Siamese. The body is slender and graceful and the head has a straight profile with large ears which may have tufts. It has a fine, silky flowing coat which can be from one to several centimetres long and lies flat against the body. The tail is long and plumed with much longer hair. Th Balinese cat has no woolly undercoat and so it is classed officially as 'semi-longhaired'. The eyes are bright blue and oriental in shape and setting. The coat features the same coloured points (ears, face, legs, feet and tail) and mask as the Siamese. In the USA, Balinese-type cats with additional markings to those accepted for the Balinese are known as Javanese.

 

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Very 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

The temperament of the Balinese cat breed is similar to that of the Siamese, but some owners think the Balinese is somewhat quieter. However, it is likely that the Balinese cat will still be something of an extrovert and will demand attention from its human companions. Balinese cats are extremely vocal and almost seem to talk to their owners. They need to be part of the family and their need for attention means they like human company and suit someone who is not out all day.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: America

 

The Balinese cat is basically a longhaired Siamese. First noticed in the early 20th century, breeders at first gave away their longhaired kittens. After the Second World War, the breed was developed and originally called the 'Longhaired Siamese'. It was renamed 'Balinese', due to the cats' resemblance to elegant, Far Eastern temple dancers. In 1961, the Balinese cat was recognised in America, but it was not until the mid-1970s that the Balinese cat breed was imported into Europe.

 

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 its links to the Siamese, the Balinese cat breed may suffer from similar inherited disorders.

 

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.

 

Australian Mist

Australian Mist cats are a medium-sized short haired breed, with a round head and large, expressive eyes in a range of greens. There is nothing extreme about Australian Mist cats - they are of moderate size and medium boned with a friendly face. The coat has a pale background with some ticking which seems to give it a misted look, as well as a pattern of fine spots or marbled swirls, with legs and tail ringed and barred, and the face lined. Australian Mist cats come in seven colours: brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, caramel, gold and peach.

 

 

The need-to-know

 

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

Australian Mist cats are said to be affectionate and happy with people or other pets and easily fit in to become a member of the family.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Australia

 

Other Names: : Spotted mist The Australian Mist cat is short haired breed that was developed in Australia in the 1970s by crossing Burmese, Abyssinian, and domestic shorthair cats to create a cat with a spotted coat and for this reason was initially called the Spotted Mist. As the Australian Mist cat breed developed and more patterns emerged, including marbled coats, the name was changed in 1998 to Australian Mist. There are not yet many Australian Mist cats in the rest of the world, but the breed is growing and breeders are working to have it recognized by cat fancy organizations.

 

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 reports of inherited problems in the Australian Mist cat 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.

 

Asian

Asian cats have long medium-sized, quite muscular bodies and a tail that tapers to a rounded tip. Female Asian cats are much smaller and daintier than males. The head is wedge-shaped with a gently rounded dome, medium-sized wide-set ears, and large eyes with a silvery rim. The coat, which can look like watered silk, is short, fine and lies close to the body. A wide range of colours and patterns are available in this group.

 

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

The Asian cat breed is very like the Burmese in temperament - extremely friendly and affectionate - but slightly less boisterous than the Burmese. Asian cats love attention and need to be part of the family. They can be quite demanding and often follow their owners around the house crying for attention. Asian cats are very intelligent and can often work out such problems as how to open doors. They can be very sensitive to their owner's feelings and this makes them excellent companions.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain

 

Asian cats look similar to Burmese but with coats in colours not recognized in the Burmese breed. The Bombay cat is from this group, as is the Burmilla and the Tiffanie cats. This is a young and rapidly developing breed that is rising in popularity. The Asian cat breed includes the Bombay cat, Burmilla cat and Tiffanie cat breeds which are listed separately.

 

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 Asian cats in the veterinary literature. However, there may be a tendency for this group to develop conditions associated with the Burmese. Some lines of Burmese 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.

 

American Wirehair

As its name suggests, it's the coat that characterises this American Wirehair cat breed. The American Wirehair is on the large size and has a harsh, springy and wiry coat - each short-to-medium hair is thin and crimped, or hooked. The whiskers are often curly. The full extent of the 'wiring' only becomes apparent when the cat is mature; American Wirehair kittens that appear to have very curly coats when they are young can grow up into merely wavy, rather than wiry adults, and vice versa. They come in all sorts of colours, patterns and markings.

 

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

The American Wirehair cat is friendly and laid-back. It is relaxed, sweet natured, gentle and playful, enjoying toys, and games with its owner. This is not a particularly talkative cat breed.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: America

 

The American Wirehair cat breed began as a spontaneous mutation in a litter of New York farm cats in 1966 when one wirehaired kitten (named Adam) was produced among normal coated littermates. All American Wirehair pedigree cats can be traced back to Adam. The American Wirehair cat has become popular in the USA and Canada, but is little known 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

 

American breeders claim that the American Wirehair cat is a robust breed with few 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.

 

Abyssinian

Abyssinian are elegant medium-sized cats with strong, lithe bodies and long, slender legs. They have round, wedge-shaped heads with distinctive small tufts on the tips of ears and large almond-shaped eyes. The short, close-lying coat of an Abyssinian cat, has a distinctive 'ticked' look caused by bands of colour on each hair. The most well known colour is 'ruddy' but there are several others.

 

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Non hypoallergenic breed
  • Outdoor cat

  • Great family cat

     

Personality

The Abyssinian cat is quiet, intelligent and curious and is said to enjoy human company and become attached to its family. It enjoys space and activity, is a good climber, and will appreciate a garden full of trees and high places. Abyssinian cats are playful but tempered with some sense, so are not too reckless!

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

 

Other Names: : Abys, Bunny cat

 

The Abyssinian cat resembles the African wildcat, ancestor of the domestic cat. The history of the Abyssinian cat in the UK is a little obscure, but it is likely that it was brought back via army personnel from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia), in the 1860s. The early Abyssinian cats were crossed with British Shorthairs, and later with oriental breeds. Long-haired Abyssinian kittens have been found in litters for many years, and since the 1970s they have been developed as a separate breed called the Somali.

 

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

 

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 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.

 

Cat