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Category Archives: Cat Breeds

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Jul 19, 2023
Turkish Angora: An Elegant Longhaired Cat

The Turkish Angora is believed to originate in the Ankara region of Turkey and is among the oldest recognized cat breeds. It is known for its silky white coat, though many colors exist.

Quick facts

  • Weight: about 2.5 to 5 kg (5.5 to 11 lb)
  • Lifespan: often 12 to 18 years
  • Coat: fine, silky, semi-long with little undercoat
  • Energy: high

Appearance

Angoras have a slender, elegant body, a wedge-shaped head and a plumed tail. White cats may have blue, amber or odd eyes. White cats with blue eyes can be prone to deafness.

Personality

They are clever, active and attached to their family. Expect them to climb, play fetch and investigate every cupboard. Angoras like to be at the center of things, so they do best with an owner who can supply play and attention.

Grooming

The silky coat tangles less than many longhaired coats. Brush a couple of times a week and more often in shedding season. Check ears, teeth and nails regularly.

Health

Generally healthy, though some lines carry risk of heart disease and ataxia, and deafness in white cats. Choose breeders who test their cats.

Final thoughts

For an active, affectionate and elegant cat, the Turkish Angora is a lovely choice.

This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinarian. If your pet seems unwell, contact your vet.

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Jul 19, 2023
Maine Coon: The Gentle Giant of Cats

The Maine Coon is native to the northeastern United States and is known for its size, tufted ears and bushy tail. Despite the large frame, it is often called a gentle giant.

Quick facts

  • Weight: about 5.5 to 11 kg (12 to 25 lb), males larger
  • Lifespan: commonly 10 to 15 years
  • Coat: long, shaggy, water-resistant
  • Maturity: up to 3 to 5 years

Appearance

Maine Coons have a rectangular body, large paws, lynx-like ear tufts and a thick ruff around the neck. Colors and patterns vary widely, with brown tabby the best known.

Personality

These cats are sociable, playful and often dog-like. Many follow their people, enjoy water and chirp or trill rather than meow. They tend to get along with children and other pets.

Grooming

Brush two to three times per week, and daily during heavy shedding, to prevent mats on the belly, behind the ears and on the britches.

Health

The breed can develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia and spinal muscular atrophy. Reputable breeders screen for these conditions. Provide a big litter box, sturdy scratching post and measured food portions.

Is it for you?

If you have space and time for a large, affectionate cat, the Maine Coon is a joy to live with.

This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinarian. If your pet seems unwell, contact your vet.

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Jul 18, 2023
Persian Cats: Luxurious Coats and Calm Temperament

The Persian is one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds, prized for its calm manner and long, dense coat.

Quick facts

  • Weight: about 3.5 to 5.5 kg (8 to 12 lb)
  • Lifespan: commonly 12 to 17 years
  • Coat: very long and thick, needs daily care
  • Energy: low to moderate

Appearance

Persians have a round head, large eyes, small ears and a short muzzle. Some lines have an extremely flat face. Coat colors range from white to tabby, smoke and tortoiseshell.

Temperament

They are gentle, quiet and enjoy a peaceful home. Most prefer lap time to acrobatics.

Grooming

Daily combing is needed to prevent mats, and many owners schedule regular baths. Wipe tear stains from the eyes daily, as the flat face can cause tear overflow.

Health considerations

Persians can have breathing difficulty (brachycephalic airway syndrome), eye problems, dental crowding and polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Seek breeders who test for PKD and avoid extreme flat faces.

Final thoughts

A Persian suits a calm home where someone can brush the coat daily. Love and routine care keep them thriving.

This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinarian. If your pet seems unwell, contact your vet.

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Jul 17, 2023
Burmese Cats: Affectionate and People-Focused

The Burmese traces its roots to a cat called Wong Mau brought from Burma to the United States in the 1930s. Today it is loved for its satin coat and sociable nature.

Quick facts

  • Weight: about 3.5 to 5.5 kg (8 to 12 lb), heavier than they look
  • Lifespan: commonly 12 to 16 years
  • Coat: short, glossy, close-lying
  • Energy: moderate to high

Appearance

Burmese cats have a rounded head, expressive golden eyes and a compact, muscular body. Colors include sable, champagne, blue and platinum.

Personality

They are affectionate, talkative in a soft voice and love being with people. They enjoy play well into adulthood and tolerate other pets. Expect a “shadow” that follows you around.

Care

Brush weekly, maintain dental hygiene and give plenty of play. Do not leave a Burmese alone for long periods.

Health

Possible issues include diabetes mellitus, dental disease and some inherited conditions. Choose breeders who test and keep your cat at a healthy weight.

Final thoughts

A Burmese suits a home where someone is around and ready to play.

This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinarian. If your pet seems unwell, contact your vet.

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Jul 12, 2023
Siamese Cats: Elegance, Voice and Personality

The Siamese is one of the oldest cat breeds from Thailand (formerly Siam). It is famous for blue almond-shaped eyes and a cream coat with dark points.

Quick facts

  • Weight: about 3 to 5.5 kg (6.5 to 12 lb)
  • Lifespan: often 12 to 20 years
  • Coat: short, fine, pointed
  • Vocal: very

Appearance

Siamese cats have long limbs, a wedge-shaped head and large ears. Point colors include seal, chocolate, blue and lilac.

Personality

Siamese are highly social and talkative. They want to be near you, can follow you around, and may be unhappy alone for many hours. They are intelligent and can learn tricks.

Care

Brush weekly, keep teeth clean and give lots of mental stimulation.

Health

Concerns may include dental disease, respiratory problems and progressive retinal atrophy. Choose a breeder who tests.

Conclusion

Siamese cats suit people who enjoy conversation and constant company.

This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinarian. If your pet seems unwell, contact your vet.

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