Feline Breeds & Colors – Clinical Medicine I (VT-101)

Question-and-answer flashcards covering cat associations, CFA rules, colors, patterns, body builds, and the distinctive traits of major feline breeds discussed in the lecture.

What is the premier registration body for pedigree cats in the United Kingdom?

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

What guiding principle does the GCCF promote?

Responsible breeding of pedigree cats and responsible owning of all cats.

Which U.S. registry is the largest registry of purebred cats in the world?

The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).

In what year was the CFA founded?

1906.

Approximately how many shows does the CFA license worldwide each year?

More than 400 shows.

How many breeds does the CFA currently recognize and which two are awaiting advancement?

Recognizes 43 breeds; Khao Manee (Miscellaneous class) and Toybob (Provisional class) are working toward full advancement.

Roughly how many pedigreed cats has the CFA registered to date?

Over 2 million pedigreed cats.

Name the four CFA breed classification categories.

Natural, Hybrid, Established, and Mutant breeds.

When breeding produces kittens unlike either parent, what is usually suspected?

A spontaneous mutation reflecting ancestry.

What age range defines the CFA Kitten class?

Pedigreed kittens 4–8 months old (altered or unaltered).

Which CFA class is for altered pedigreed cats over 8 months of age?

Premiership.

What is the minimum age and reproductive requirement for cats to enter the Household Pet class?

Cats over 8 months must be neutered or spayed and may not be declawed.

What is the purpose of the CFA Miscellaneous class?

To exhibit new breeds for judge evaluation; no awards are given.

What opportunity does the CFA Provisional class provide?

Cats compete for Best of Breed but are not yet eligible for finals.

Which cat color pattern consists of large patches of white, black, and orange?

Calico.

How does a dilute calico differ from a classic calico?

Black turns to grey and orange turns to cream/peach, giving a softer (dilute) look.

Describe the ‘tuxedo’ pattern in cats.

Mostly black coat with white chest, belly, and often paws—resembling a tuxedo suit.

What term describes striping on cats such as ‘orange tabby’ or ‘brown tabby’?

Tabby pattern.

In pointed coloration, where does the darker color appear?

On the extremities—ears, face mask, paws, and tail (e.g., seal point, blue point).

List the three feline body-build types.

Slender/Oriental, Intermediate/Average, and Cobby/Compact.

Which ancient breed has a muscular body, arched neck, and short ticked (agouti) coat?

The Abyssinian.

What working-cat breed followed early European settlers to North America and remains a good mouser?

The American Shorthair.

At what age do American Curl kittens’ ears finish permanently setting into their curve?

Around 16 weeks of age.

Which breed is known to chirp or trill and has a naturally short, variable tail?

The American Bobtail.

The Balinese is a long-haired mutation of which short-haired breed?

The Siamese.

What unique paw feature distinguishes the Birman?

Pure white ‘gloves’ on all four paws.

Which breed has dog-like personality traits and males that are typically more relaxed than females?

The Burmese.

Which Rex breed has deep, soft waves in its coat and a whippet-like arch to its body?

The Cornish Rex.

What makes the Egyptian Mau unique among domestic cat breeds?

It is the only naturally spotted domestic cat breed.

Name two winter adaptations of the Maine Coon.

Large, tufted paws for snow walking and an uneven, triple-length shaggy coat for insulation.

Which Scandinavian breed has a waterproof double coat and a straight facial profile?

The Norwegian Forest Cat.

What physical trait is characteristic of the Manx?

Natural taillessness (rump higher than shoulders due to longer hind legs).

Which breed was developed from Abyssinian, Siamese, and American Shorthair crosses to create a spotted coat?

The Ocicat.

Roughly how many color, pattern, and coat-length combinations are accepted in the Oriental breed?

Over 600 combinations.

Which long-haired, brachycephalic breed requires daily combing and is judged in seven color divisions?

The Persian.

Which large, blue-eyed breed is famous for going limp when handled and for playing fetch?

The Ragdoll.

Describe the hallmark appearance of the Russian Blue.

Short, silvery-blue coat with bright green eyes and a fine-boned, muscular body.

What genetic mutation produces the folded ears of the Scottish Fold, and when do ears typically fold?

An incomplete dominant mutation; ears fold forward by 3–4 weeks of age if the gene is expressed.

Which vocal, intelligent breed from Thailand is prone to cardiomyopathy?

The Siamese.

How long can it take a Siberian cat to reach full maturity?

Up to 5 years.

Which breed resembles a ‘fox’ with its longhaired agouti coat and full plumed tail?

The Somali.

What Canadian breed is nearly hairless and requires regular bathing to remove skin oils?

The Sphynx (originated in Toronto, 1966).

How many basic colors and pattern varieties create the 12 color varieties of the Tonkinese?

Four base colors combined with three pattern varieties (pointed, mink, solid).

All CFA-registered Turkish Angoras must trace their ancestry to which country?

Turkey.

Which white-pawed breed is recognized by the ICA but not by the CFA?

The Snowshoe.