Today, cats in the house are not surprising. These graceful, attentive, and sometimes lazy and slightly moody animals become real family members.
Historically, cats lived on the street, near houses and barns. They protected food from the invasion of rodents. By destroying rats, they saved people from the spread of dangerous diseases, such as the plague.
Gradually, people domesticated cats, making them their interlocutors, companions, friends. Pictures of sleeping cats with hamsters or parrots have become quite commonplace.
Although they do not choose friends in appearance, in the case of pets, this rule is most often violated.
Wool Length Classification
People’s hair grows all their lives, so the hairstyle can be constantly changed: if you are tired of combing your hair, cut your hair short (or even bald), grow your hair to create a new look ... But, unfortunately, cats don’t have this feature: what is inherent in genetics - it will grow.
There is a general classification of cats by the length of their hair:
- bare breeds. No, they are not completely bald, very short and almost invisible hairs grow on the skin. But they are not enough to protect the skin from sunburn or exposure to temperatures.
- Shorthair cat breeds. The photo below shows a pet of the Bombay breed. Shorthair coat length less than 5 cm.
- half-long-haired, these are cats with long hair, but not so thick and fluffy undercoat compared to, for example, Persians.
- long-haired breeds, in which the hair length reaches 12 cm. These are the most demanding representatives of the cat world to care for.
Great-great ... your Murka’s grandmother
Most pets with short hair are found. And it is short-haired cat breeds (in the photo the Libyan Bulan cat is the very first of the generic tree of cats, also called the Nubian or North African steppe).
They are considered great-great-great .... the progenitors of all other breeds.
If we turn to the description of the breed of short-haired cats, then the answer is immediately clear why representatives with short hair are more common than others, including on the street. The shorter the coat, the less care it requires. Such cats are more independent, less cling to surrounding objects, less susceptible to skin diseases, and parasites in their coat are easier to catch.
How many of you!
Today it is impossible to answer exactly how many breeds of cats exist, because new ones constantly appear, old ones disappear. Each association has its own standards, according to which the breed is determined. If you answer approximately, the figure is simply amazing: more than a hundred cat breeds are officially recognized and registered, and more than 700 species exist. Try to remember for yourself how much you can transfer: a dozen two or three?
If we take only shorthair cats, then experts divide them into three more global groups: American, European and Eastern.
It is difficult to collect all short-haired cat breeds with photos, names and descriptions in one article - you get the whole essay on the theme “War and Peace” (a joke, but in terms of information - it’s fair).
It is worth noting that in Russia people are accustomed to familiar breeds: British, Scottish, European, Russian blue. The American curl will look more exotic, the burmilla is short-haired (the name itself already sounds exotic), munchkin, Egyptian Mau or oriental short-haired.
Before you start a new pet, thoroughly study all the possible information, talk with the breeders, look for a breed with a character and lifestyle that suits you: if you are a fan of lying on the couch, then you definitely should not have a small and energetic cat all your life.
The most popular and numerous in Russia are European and American shorthair breeds. About them a little more in detail below.
Description of the breed of European Shorthair
A cat with unique hunting abilities is a Celtic cat. This is one of the first breeds of pets that lived in the northern part of Europe.
How many people - so many opinions. We can say that this breed of short-haired cats is a leader according to conflicting information. Should weigh up to 8 kg, but for some individuals the norm is 3 - 6 kg or from 3.5 - 7 kg. Some sources claim that the UK has not recognized the Europeanization of this breed, while other sources mention that it is nevertheless officially recognized. Another view is that the European Shorthair cat breed has not received recognition outside the western part of Europe (although mention is made of popularization in Australia). Enough polar opinions, right?
Appearance
Let's try to put together the features and distinctive features of the breed.
The head is large enough, rounded (you can find a cone-shaped shape), with wide-set, almost vertically medium-sized ears.
The eyes are round, slightly beveled, in color in harmony with the color of the coat. As a rule, they have a yellow tint, but can be green, blue, gray.
The coat is short, but thick and soft.
The physique is strong and muscular, but not compact enough. The shorthair breed of cats is a born hunter, therefore they are distinguished by their great flexibility and incredible plasticity.
The limbs are medium sized, strong, with tightly closed fingers.
The tail is of medium length, wide at the base, tapering towards the end.
Color is allowed by almost any breed standard. Typically, those that are not recognized are listed: faun, cinnamon (in any shades), acromelanic, chocolate, lilac.
Life expectancy is approximately 15 years, but this figure depends on many factors: conditions of detention, type of food, habitat, past illnesses.
The health and character of a European cat
A big plus of this breed of short-haired cats is that it developed naturally, therefore all representatives are distinguished by remarkable health without a tendency to diseases, including genetically determined ones. Long breeding work allowed to form a stable immunity, but compulsory vaccination is needed even if the cat is a homebody.
They are not fastidious in food, require minimal care: comb hair, cut nails, brush eyes and ears.
These cats will suit everyone and everyone. Their character cannot be described in one word, because it is versatile. Animals adapt to the temperament of the owner (if there are several family members in the house, then they choose one leader) and will be completely (or almost) in solidarity with you. If a person prefers a calm and lonely lifestyle, then the cat will respectfully and independently settle nearby, so as not to interfere. If you are an active person, then get ready to live with a four-legged merry fellow.
An important feature is that Celtic cats are extremely silent. You will hear their voice only if the animal is hungry or his tail is pinched. In any case, the "Europeans" will amaze you with their intelligence, quick wit and ability to adopt the habits of their master.
History of the American Shorthair cat breed
More than four hundred years ago, the first immigrants arrived on the Mayflower (some sources indicate the name Mainflower Tower). Cats came aboard with them, which became indispensable hunters and guards from rodents. These are the first references to the American Shorthair breed. Performing a protective function, cats have developed a powerful and flexible body, a strong jaw, a quick reaction.
But the animals gained the most popularity in the mid-1960s, when they got to exhibitions and began to win prizes. Another recognized name for this shorthair cat breed is the American Kurzhaar.
An interesting fact is that the "American" became the basis for breeding such breeds as Bombay, Ocicat, Maine Coon.
American character
The most favorite thing for cats of this breed is to bask on the couch, watching what is happening around. Because of this, pets are prone to obesity. That is why the owner must make the cat move more often and must be careful about the diet.
It is possible that because of laziness, the "Americans" are perfectly adapted to new living conditions. Whether it is a spacious house with a plot or a small apartment - cats are sure to find their favorite corner.
This breed gets along well with children and other pets. So there is no problem with friendliness and communication.
Breed description
It does not make sense to rewrite the description of a European or Celtic cat again. Their appearance coincides. The difference is that the European Shorthair is larger, its color is richer than that of the American Shorthair cat breed, the European has a slightly elongated nose, and her head is more elongated.
Not accepted colors of American Shorthair: lavender, Himalayan, chocolate.
Health Nuances
Although representatives of the American cat breed are accustomed to the street, thereby developing strong immunity and good health, they have a predisposition to three diseases that are worth paying attention to.
First, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or hereditary heart disease. Unfortunately, this can be fatal.
Secondly, hip dysplasia. Cats can experience pain and limp when walking.
Thirdly, polycystic kidney disease. This is another genetic disease that can cause kidney failure.
Cats cannot complain, and if something disturbs them, if they behave differently, you will be careful. Only you can notice the first alarming symptoms.
Pure angels
White color in many peoples and cultures is associated with purity, innocence. Therefore, breeders often opt for a breed of white shorthair cats. One of the most famous representatives is the British cat.
And the most exotic is Khao Mani, Thai in origin. Despite the fact that this breed has existed for more than one century, it was officially registered with TICA only in 2009.
A distinctive feature of kao mani are multi-colored eyes. This is a very companionable breed of cats: she would rather spend time with her master than just lie on the couch.
And finally
Cats fit so harmoniously into people's lives that you stop noticing their uniqueness. Now it is much easier to meet a person with a cat than without him. There is even a saying, quite funny, but reflecting the truth: in the house where the cat lives, wool is already seasoning.
An instruction for cat owners on how to make a bed is not superfluous:
- open the chest of drawers with bedding;
- we get a cat, we get a sheet, we spread it;
- we get the cat, we get the pillows;
- we get a cat, we get a blanket;
- there’s already no cat in the dresser, you can close the door ... a sheet runs past.