ANS 105 Exam 2 Cat Breeds

Ragdoll

Pale blue eyes and long coat

Reach adulthood by 4

Don’t really jump

Developed in CA in 1960s

6 colors, 4 patterns, 3 point varieties

All have colorpoint gene (darker extremities than body)

Name came from laid-back demeanor when lifted

Sociable, calm, adaptable, good family cat

Maine Coon

Only cat breed native to US (Maine)

Largest cat (around 20 lbs)

Hunts mice

Desire to be with owners

Loves water

Originally thought to come from domestic cat x raccoon

Tufted ears and large plumed tail

Persian

Most common pet cat breed in US and likely world

Brachycephalic flat face and long fur so trouble breathing and overheating issue

Quiet and prefer routine

Reported origin in Persia (Iran) but unsure if true

Long coat

All around round

Not very interested in toys

Don’t like being of ground-maybe due to lack of depth perception due to flat face

Exotic

Persian x Shorthair cross then bred back to Persians

Similar to Persian (brachycephalic) but short hair

Originally named Exotic Shorthair

Many new coat colors showed up early on in breed not found in other shorthair breeds (name origin)

Cohabitate well with others and not very vocal

Devon Rex

Similar to Sphynx but with curly/wavy plush coat

Elfish or pixie like

Loyal, eager to please, and needs to be around owners

One of largest coat and pattern varieties

Exotic tastes (may like veggies) and quiet besides chirps

Love to play and accepts new people

From Devonshire, England

Abyssinian

Retains look of African Jungle Cat ancestor

Not actually Abyssinian origin (Ethiopia) and instead likely from Asia

Good around others of its breed and humans but not lap cat

One of oldest and most intelligent breeds

Only shorthair, typically brown or gray

Inquisitive and aware of changes

Energetic and will invent toys if they don’t like the ones they have

Suitable for harness training and walks

Attentive like guard dogs

Scottish Fold

Chondrodystrophy-ears bent forward (pinna)

Folded ears came from a spontaneous mutation and are a dominant gene

Straight eared version elevated to show status in 2022

American Curl ears go back and bobtail breeds

Owl-like due to large eyes and round head

Short or long hair

Gentle tempered and don’t need attention but will play if asked

Stand upright like prairie dog if something catches attention

Bombay

Full black coat and glassy shine bred to resemble black leopard of India (namesake comes from Bombay, India but no wild blood)

Bred to be parlor cat and have yellow large eyes

Good lap cat, well-behaved

Hybrid breed recognized by CFA (American Shorthair x Burmese) but now a standard breed (originated via hybridization in 1966)

Combo of cat, dog, and clown or monkey

Loves toys but happy with cardboard box

Siamese

Crystal blue eyes and born fully white

First exported from Siam (Thailand)- namesake and royal cat

Supported beginning of cat shows with feline elegance

Fatter originally but now more slender like Sphynx and Devon Rex

Color at points and always shorthair

Active, loud, and demanding

Ancestor of many other breeds (one of oldest)

Sphynx

Arose from natural mutation that breeders liked and wanted to replicate

Hairless but have suede-like fur

Skin issues and sun/temperature related problems

Need human-like skincare (baths, lotion, shampoo, sunscreen)

Skin secretes oils and they don’t have hair to absorb it so wipe with microfiber cloth and bathe sometimes

Lack of hair around ears is concern so clean often and use cap when bathing to prevent infections

Good for people allergic to fur not saliva

One of best apartment breeds

Like people for body heat

Sphynx with two different colored eyes likely come from Devon Rex cross in last 3-4 generations

Ocicat

Bred to resemble wild cat but no wild blood

Spotted coat

Abyssinian x Siamese x American Shorthair

Russian Blue

Blue short coat with green eyes

Cleanly and know how to fetch and open doors

Singapura

Smallest (8 lbs max)

Originated in Singapore

Curious and playful

Somali

From longhaired Abyssinian mutation

Can use paws like hands to open cabinets and drawers

Resembles little red fox

Hybrid “Breeds”

Bengal: Asian Leopard Cat x Domestic Cat

*Can register with CFA

Chausie: African Jungle Cat x Domestic Cat

*Bengal and Chausie are closest hybrids to being domesticated

Savannah: Serval x Domestic Cat

Safari: Geoffrey cat x Bengal

Cheetoh: Bengal x Ocicat