Lecture #8 ~ Cat Breeds and Their Characteristics

How many breeds of cats does the Cat Fanciers’ Association recognize?

45

10 most frequently registered breeds:

Persion

Maine Coon

Exotic

Siamese

Ragdoll

Abyssinian

Birman

American Shorthair

Oriental

Sphynx

When was CFA founded?

1906

What is the largest registry of pedigreed cats in the world?

CFA

Where is CFA headquartered?

Alliance, Ohio (since 2010)

How many pairs of chromosomes do cats have?

19

Are cats carnivorous or herbivorous?

Carnivorous

When do cats open their eyes, and what color are they

7-10 days; blue

What eye colors are acceptable for the Abyssinian breed?

Related to coat color

What eye colors are acceptable for the Siamese and Birman breed?

Blue (i think)

Is odd eye color common?

Yes, and especially in white catsT

True or false: white cats with blue eyes are often deaf

true! (can be one eye or two)

Why are white cats often death?

During embryogenesis, the dominant white gene inhibits the migration of auditory nerve cells required for hearing

Cats can see ___ times better in the dark, because of __ 

6; larger pupils

What is the tapetum luciden?

Reflective layer behind the retina which enhances ability to see in low light conditions; acts like a mirror

how many teeth do domestic cats have

30

how many milk/decidous teeth to kittens have? and when are they replaced?

26; 3-6 months

What are molars/carnassial teeth used for?

shearing/slicing

true or false: cats have a limited ability to grind foods

true

What are some innate balancing mechanisms in cats?

flexible spine

balancing organ in middle ear

tail

What is the tail useful for?

Maintaining balance while at speed or climbing

Which way do cats come down a tree?

backwards (rear legs don’t rotate)

Cats can jump ___ times their own height

5-6

How many sets of vocal cords do cats have in their throat?

two

What sounds do lower vocal cords produce?

Meows

What sounds do upper vocal cords produce?

Purr and growl

What are rubber-like pads on cat feet used for

treading softly and quietly, and stalking prey

true or false: cats love stability and status quo and dislike change

true

How many whiskers do cats have? and how many rows?

30, 4

What are whiskers used for?

Feeling immediate environment, navigation aids (cats w/ damaged ones move with less assurance), communication (express mood/intentions)

Which breeds have only one color and what is it?

Bombay - black

Chartreux - grey-blue

Havana Brown - chestnut brown

Korat - silver blue

What are the six basic coat patterns?

Solid

Bicolor

Calico

Tortoiseshell

Colorpoint

What is bicolor?

White + another color

What is calico?

tricolor- white, black, and red/orange (or diluted version)

Where are genes for red/orange or black located in calico cats

X chromosome

What is the chromosome for male calicos?

XXY (sterile)

True or false: most calicos are female?

TRUE

What is colorpoint?

Face, paws, and tail are darker in color than rest of body, because of temp-dependent enzyme involved in pigment synthesis w/ cooler body parts having greater production of pigment

how to recognize tabby coat pattern?

M-shaped marking on forehead

What’re the five distinct patterns classified as tabby

Mackerel

Classic

Ticked

Spotted

Patched

What is tortoiseshell?

Combo of two colors, usually orange and black (NO WHITE)

Describe Persian

most popular breed

Named for country of origin

Serene nature

describe main coon

intelligent

good with kids and dogs

can deal w/ harsh climates

large

describe exotic

looks like short haired persian

quiet

describe siamese

oldest breed?

vocal

people-oriented

expressive face

describe ragdoll

created from free-roaming cats in CA

extremely people-oriented

“floor” cats

describe abyssinian

very old breed

intelligent

interactive

People-oriented

describe birman

originated in burma

temple cat

borne white

four white gloves

gentle, curious

describe american shorthair

80 different colors/patterns

bred for consistent, distinct look

different from domestic shorthair cats

describe oriental

very curious

intelligent

over 300 colors

siamese ancestry

describe sphynx

center of attention

needs bathing

medium-sized

breed originated from hairless mutation seen in kittens