Pet lovers often prefer affectionate and cute cats. Special attention was paid to the “plush” cat breeds, whose representatives look like soft toys. If you are faced with the question of establishing such an animal, it is worthwhile to figure out which breeds you will have to consider in search of your four-legged friend.
British Shorthair
This cat breed is now quite popular. Bred her in England in the 19th century, crossing the Persian and English home. When the "plush" British cats were shown at exhibitions, they were recognized as the best. The aristocratic public pampered these cats with their attention. And later, the breed began to be in demand in other countries.
Today, cats with "plush" hair of the British Shorthair breed are so common that they can be found in almost every home.
Description and nature of the breed
The following features are referred to the standards of this feline variety:
- the head is large, round in shape, the skull is flat, with broad cheekbones and drooping cheeks;
- the neck is short, with a skin fold around;
- the nose is medium length, wide, at the place of transition to the forehead forms a depression;
- strong chin;
- medium-sized ears, rounded tips, low landing;
- eyes are large and round, set wide, have a saturated color - bright orange, blue or green;
- body of medium size or large, massive;
- the back is even, smooth, the chest is wide, weight is from 4 to 6 kg;
- paws are dense, muscular, short;
- the tail is short, thickened at the base and tapering to the tip;
- the coat is thick, dense, short, resembles plush, of the same length, there is an undercoat, the color may be different.
The character of the British cat is complex. She is balanced, not too active, prefers a measured life. With age, it becomes even more sedate. The British are not very attached to the owner, while strangers are shunned. It is important for them to have their own space, they can hide in a secluded corner to be alone. Caring for a cat does not take much time, it is enough to brush its hair weekly.
Exotic breed
These cats are loved by many for their appearance, friendly nature and activity. Externally, exotics look like charming toys: large eyes with an surprised expression, flattened nose and “plush” coat.
The first representatives of the breed appeared in the 50s of the XX century as a result of an unsuccessful experiment in crossing the Persian and American Shorthair. Breeders set a goal to change color and weight the backbone. As a result, the result was not at all what was expected, but the new species pleased the breeders a lot, and it was decided to continue to breed such cats.
So there was a breed of exotic shorthair, by its standards repeating the parameters of a Persian cat, but characterized by unusual hair.
Description of "plush" cats of exotic breed
The appearance of the representatives of this breed is simply unique, and it simply will not work to confuse them with any others. Animals are distinguished by a strong physique and rounded body shapes. The eyes of exotics are round and large, widely set. The coat is thick, "plush".
Description of appearance:
- the skull is large, wide, the head is massive, the neck is short, strong, the nose is short, neat, the cheeks are full, the chin and jaw are strong;
- ears of small size, widely set, with rounded tips;
- the eyes are large, round and expressive, it is precisely for the expression of the eyes that such a breed parameter as "sweet expression of the face" is noted;
- the body is stocky, muscular, the chest is wide;
- paws are short, strong, tufts of wool between the fingers;
- the tail is short, fluffy, the tip is rounded.
The hair of exotic cats is like plush. Its length is medium, the color can be anything but light beige and cinnamon.
By nature, exotics are friendly and accommodating with any family members. However, they need time to get used to new people or animals. Once in the family, the cat will first observe the behavior of its owners. Having looked closely, she will choose for herself the main person to whom he will be betrayed, like a dog, with all the others he will be simply friendly.
Scottish Fold, or Scottish fold
Scottish fold plush cats are incredibly popular due to their appearance. Such a cat resembles a cub of an owl - on its round muzzle its ears are almost invisible, and its eyes are large and round.
The breed appeared in Scotland. In 1961, William Ross bought a cat and named her Susie. It was from her that the breed originated after several crosses. The first representatives of the Scots were not very attractive, but after crossing with the British smooth-haired cat acquired unique features, and the breed was recognized as independent.
However, the further path to recognition turned out to be very difficult. In 1971, thanks to research, they learned that the gene responsible for the shape of the ears often leads to deafness in animals. Genetics banned the breed. But photos of "plush" cats have already spread around the world and won the hearts of cat lovers. Therefore, they began to look for ways to fix the problem, and in the end, a solution was found: the binding of two Scottish folds was prohibited, they were crossed with straights.
Breed Standards:
- the body is medium in size, stocky, with a tight bones and voluminous chest, wide back, cat weight - 4-7 kg;
- the neck is short, massive, the tail is of medium length, tapering to the tip;
- the head is round;
- paws are not long, muscular, thick, very similar to the legs of plush toys;
- eyes are large, round, yellow or green;
- the nose is short;
- ears are small, with bends covering the sink, with a wide landing, with a turn forward;
- the coat is short and dense, resembling plush; its color may be different.
Scottish Fold Character
By their nature, cats of this breed are docile and unflappable. They can not be called mischievous and mobile, they are more likely intellectuals who do not allow themselves to hang on curtains or rush about the apartment. They are more pleasant to soak up on a sofa near the owner, but excessive caresses are useless.
Scottish fold likes people who respect personal space. Although outwardly the cat looks indifferent, in fact it is faithful, it simply does not show its feelings. This is almost the calmest cat breed in the world. Scottish folds do not show aggression, do not fall into conflicts, meow rarely. These cats love to take interesting poses - stretch their paws, stand in a column, like meerkats, sleep on their backs.
One of the features of the breed is the inability to jump from a height, so Scottish folds try to stay in the lower part of the room.
Scottish fold "plush" cats are very friendly, attached to members of the human family where they live. They are ideal four-legged friends for children, you can play with them, but you should not offend them, these cats have a vulnerable psyche.
Scottish fold have a developed intellect, they are well trained in teams and tricks, but strive to perform only what is interesting to them. Their reluctance to follow the lead of someone is often interpreted as laziness.
Caring for a cat of this breed involves combing the hair once a week, but just do not do it with a curler.
Cornish Rex
This breed of "plush" cats (pictured below) appeared in the 50s of the 20th century, when a strange kitten with "plush" hair was born in a cat litter on an English farm. They called him Kalibunker. The owner of the cat decided to take him to castration, but the veterinarian saw in the pet the future founder of a new breed. Nina Ennismore, the owner of the cat, became responsible for the development of this species and came up with its name - Cornish Rex.
The breed was on the verge of extinction several times, until it was finally registered with a felinological organization in 1983.
Description
Representatives of the corns look sophisticated and delicate, but a rather strong animal hides behind this appearance. Curly hair, strong bones and strong muscles, sharp claws and teeth - these are what distinguish these cats.
Breed Standards:
- The head is ovoid or triangular in shape, the muzzle is wedge-shaped, the nose is of the Roman type, the cheekbones are high, brightly outlined.
- Ears are wide at the base, conical in shape, set wide apart. The tips are rounded.
- The eyes are slanting, widely spaced.
- The neck is long, graceful.
- The body is strong and mobile, the body is slim, the stomach is tucked up, the waist is noticeable.
- The tail is long, mobile.
- The limbs are thin-boned, muscular, with long fingers on the paws.
- Soft and silky hair is the dignity of the breed. It has a snug fit to the body, lies in even waves, curling.
- The color can be different, including Siamese (in this case, the cat is called C-Rex).
Character
This “plush” Cornish Rex cat is truly unique not only externally, but also in character. Representatives of the breed are considered very active and playful. Lying on the couch is definitely not for them. Cornish are inquisitive and mobile, constantly exploring the room. Any item is regarded as a toy, so the owner of the animal should take care of the safety of valuable and fragile things. Cornish Rex is delighted with the chase and other outdoor games.
Here are the main breeds of "plush" cats, known and popular around the world.