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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

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 Cat

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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