The Chinese cat is the most mysterious, because it has been little studied due to its natural characteristics. She occupies an intermediate place between the domestic and wild representative of the family. There are also two curious breeds that can live in captivity. All of them are distinguished by their large eyes, and one of them is a mutated cat, whose paws impress with their small size.
In the photos, the listed cats are really impressive and do not leave anyone indifferent. It is pleasant to look at them due to their unusual appearance and patterns on the wool. To get such purebred individuals will not be affordable for many families, so they are content with mestizos.
Chinese cat
The second name of this breed is the Gobian gray cat (in Latin - Felis bieti). Her name was given in honor of the French missionary and naturalist Felix Bieu. The Chinese name of this breed has an interesting decoding. First of all, the native name suggests the idea that this cat is desert and mountain at the same time. Representatives of the breed are able to survive both in one locality and in another. However, the predominant amount still lives more in mountain settlements.
Among cats, this representative is one of the most unexplored creatures. She is not a pet and differs from it in size. At the first meeting, it may seem to someone a wild animal. They have characteristic similarities. These individuals in some characteristics (for example, size and weight) resemble a reed cat.
Morphology of a chinese cat
Unlike other members of the family, the Chinese cat has large ears. They can have brushes no larger than 2.5 cm in size. There is wool on the pillows, which makes it easier to find in the desert. The coat is dense and thick, there is a good undercoat. The tail is thick. There are transverse rings (4-6 pieces).
Chinese cat differs from wild in some characteristics. First of all, a skull. For example, her head is much larger than that of other species.
There are various colors: gray-yellow, gray-brown. All available spots and stripes are not clearly defined.
Area
Most often, this breed is found in the north-west of China, while in the mountains and steppes, as well as in Mongolia. Most of the representatives live in areas of elevated heights. As a rule, such are meadows, clearings with shrubs, forests. In actual deserts it is impossible to meet the Chinese breed. Kittens, photos of which are posted in the article, more like a warm climate. If we talk about the mountains, then individuals are found at an altitude of 2-4 thousand meters above sea level. This breed is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, including temperature extremes. Often strong winds (mostly dry) blow that are observed all year round. Winter in this area is too cold, and summers are too hot.
Enemies and power
Unfortunately, the Chinese cat breed receives a predominant percentage of dangers from a person. This is due to the constant hunt for its representatives and the spread of poisons dangerous to her.
The first and main reason for the decrease in the population of this breed is the almost complete elimination of production. Back in 1958, instructions were given to destroy all rats and rodents. This would significantly reduce the number of zocors, which posed a direct threat to livestock. The main chemical used to exterminate them was zinc phosphide. Over time, it ceased to be used, because scientists have proved its detrimental effect on all carnivores that consumed rodents for food.
This Chinese cat with big eyes, in addition to the animals represented, also consumes rabbits, pheasants and other representatives.
Cat behavior
Due to its lifestyle and habitat, this breed is rarely found in nature. Unfortunately, the study of cats was suspended in 1985. In those days, it was based on observations made in a Chinese zoo, where 34 representatives of the breed constantly lived.
A characteristic feature of the behavior of the “Chinese” (kittens, whose photos mesmerizes and touches, behave almost the same way as adults) is a nocturnal lifestyle. Maximum activity occurs at night and morning. Representatives of this breed prefer to be separate - females and males live in different places. Their burrows also have significant differences. For example, the home of a female is protected and fairly reliable.
In order to achieve maximum results when catching prey, Chinese cats completely rely on their ears. Thanks to artificial studies, it was found that representatives of the breed are able to track down poplars and moles while they move 5 cm underground. Cats of this breed very quickly dig their prey.
Munchkin
This breed differs from others in that its representatives have short paws. As a rule, they are two to three times smaller. That is why in colloquial terms this breed was called the dachshund. Cats received this distinctive feature in the process of mutations that sometimes happen to pets. This is their main difference. Other external features of individuals of this breed have not changed. The spine and its flexibility remain the same.
Munchkins are intelligent cats, it is pleasant to communicate with them and it is easy to look after them. There are representatives with both long and short hair. There are cats of various colors and combinations, you can also see the medallion.
This breed is unique not only in its paws. Cats with short legs have a round head and eyes of a special shape, a long or short nose, a protruded chest.
Munchkins are very popular among people. They are especially adored by children. Good friend and faithful companion - what could be better?
Li hua
Chinese Li Hua has a completely different name in China. She is also considered one of the most popular and young cats. This is due to the fact that the breed was officially registered only in 2010. However, the first mention of this cat is found in ancient books. This indicates the antiquity of the breed.
The main color of the animal is brindle; in other cases, it does not exist. It should be noted that the stripes that are on the wool have a pronounced character. This indicates the authenticity of this representative.
The Chinese cat has very interesting eyes. They are Asian in shape, but large enough. Often there are representatives of the breed with green eyes. But you can also find brown, yellow and brown eyes in these cats. The ears are rounded.