World of Pedigreed Breeds
Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is one of the oldest known breeds in the cat fancy. They originally arrived in North America from England in the early 1900s. Their short-haired and ticked coat pattern comes in ruddy, cinnamon, blue and fawn colors. Abyssinians are very loyal, intelligent and affectionate companions who are very people oriented, however not a lap cat.
American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a medium- to -large cat with a naturally occurring bobbed tail, native to North America. They come in two coat lengths: a short, dense coat and a medium-longhair coat in a variety of colors and patterns. They have a distinctive wild appearance. American Bobtails are an intelligent and loving breed and make a great family pet.
American Curl
The American Curl’s unique feature is their ears that curl naturally backwards. All kittens are born with straight ears that begin to curl in 3-to-5 days. They are available in both short-hair or long-hair coats that have a silky flat-lying undercoat in a variety of colors and patterns. This medium-sized cat is very people oriented and adores children and other pets. Their natural mutation originated in California.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair breed originated when early settlers from Europe had “working cats” on ships coming to North America. They were originally called Domestic Shorthairs, but were renamed in 1966. This breed is even tempered, hearty, quiet and great hunters which makes them a calm, devoted pet for the whole family. This medium-to-large sized cat comes in more than 80 different colors and patterns.
American Wirehair
The wiry coat is what separates the American Wirehair from other breeds. A natural breed that is uniquely American, is medium sized and comes in all colors and patterns. Individual hairs are crimped, hooked or bent. They are easy to care for and are quiet loving pets. Approximately half of all kittens will be wirehaired at birth.
Balinese
The Balinese originated after a kitten with longhair was born in a Siamese litter. They have long tubular bodies and fine boning and their silky coat comes in a variety of pointed colors and patterns. Balinese are a vocal cat that bonds closely with their family. They demand a lot of attention and can get into mischief if left alone for long periods of time.
Bengal
The beautiful vivid spots or distinctive marbling of the Bengal make their pelt-like plush short-hair coat a sight to behold. They are the only domestic cat to have markings like the Leopard, Jaguar and Ocelot. The Bengal is a curious and active athletic cat that is devoted to their owners. This medium-to-large size cat comes in a range of colors.
Birman
The Birman arrived in the U.S.A. in 1959: most can trace their origins from England, France, Australia and Germany. Like all colorpoint cats, they are born all white and develop their point color as they mature. The Birman is a medium sized, semi-longhaired cat with white paws, known as gloves, and beautiful sapphire blue eyes. They make great family pets.
Bombay
The Bombay is a man-made breed developed by crossing a black American Shorthair with a Sable Burmese. This combination produced a cat that resembles a miniature black panther. The Bombay is a medium-sized cat that is an easy going, affectionate and playful cat . They enjoy playing fetch or just sitting on your lap. The Bombay adapts well to busy life-styles, children, elders or other pets.
British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is the oldest English Breed of cat. They are often described as teddy bear cats with large, round eyes. They have a dense plush coat and come in a variety of colors and patterns; however, Blue remains the most popular. This breed is easily trained and very adaptable; they are a calm and quiet breed who enjoy people.
Burmese
The Burmese,we know today, was developed when a small brown female from Burma was bred with a Siamese cat. This produced the color Sable we know today. Over time the colors platinum, champagne, and blue were recognized. This medium-sized cat is extremely loving, loyal and people-oriented. They adore sitting on laps.
Burmilla
The Burmilla is the newest breed to the Cat Fancy and is still a rare breed in the United States. They are a medium-sized cat with a sparkling silver coat and distinctive “make-up” lining the nose, lips and eyes. The Burmilla comes in two coat lengths, semi-longhair and shorthair and has beautiful green eyes. They are sociable, playful and affectionate.
Chartreux
The Chartreux is a natural breed of France dating back to the 16th century. They are a quiet breed known for their smile. It is one of the few breeds to come in blue only and its fur is medium length with a woolly texture that make their hard top-coats water repellent. These cats prefer to always have their paws firmly on the ground. They quickly attach to their family.
Colorpoint Shorthair
The Colorpoint Shorthair is a man-made breed that began when breeders decided they wanted a Siamese in red. Today there are 16 colors. They have nontraditional point colors with the body and head type identical to their close relative the Siamese. The Colorpoint is sensitive to their owner's moods and is very talkative. They are heat seekers and enjoy a warm lap any time of year.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a medium-sized cat with a soft, wavy coat that comes in many colors and patterns. They are a natural breed that originated in Cornwall, England. Cornish Rex are a quiet and intelligent cat that are acrobatic and retain their kittenish personality throughout their life, but always love a warm lap. They do not like to be left alone for long periods.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex is originally from Devon, England. They have oversized ears with large impish eyes and a naturally curly, wavy coat that comes in many colors and patterns. Devon Rex are intelligent, quiet and mischievous cats that remain kittens at heart forever. These little Pixies are a friendly and fun cat that adapt well in an active home.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is an ancient breed that is featured in many artworks of the Ancient Egyptians. They are the only domestic cat with naturally occurring spots that come in the limited colors of silver, bronze, black and smoke. Though they can be shy at times, they are very athletic, loyal, intelligent cats.
European Burmese
The European Burmese and the Burmese we know from North America originated from the same far eastern region. The main difference between the two is the European Burmese has more variety of colors and the eye shape and body roundness are slightly different in type. They are an affectionate, intelligent, loyal and inquisitive cat.
Exotic
Exotics meet the standard of the Persian in every way except that they have a short,thick, dense coat. Though they are an easy-going, gentle and quiet breed, they love to play and are loyal companions. Exotics come in all the same colors and patterns of the Persian.
Havana Brown
The rich warm mahogany brown coat of the Havana Brown is smooth, lustrous and close-lying. They are a medium-sized cat that is heavier than expected. Havanas are moderately active, naturally inquisitive, and often extend a paw of friendship. These gentle, affectionate cats make a playful addition to the family.
Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail has a naturally occurring short pom-pom tail that has one or more curves, angles, or kinks that can be no longer than three inches. They come in both longhair and shorthair lengths and a variety of colors and patterns. Native to the islands of Japan this ancient breed is at least 1000 years old. Japanese Bobtails are happy, out-going cats that love to talk and interact with the family.
Khao Manee
The Khao Manee means White Gem and with its shining white coat that glistens it is aptly named. They have a heart shaped face with jewel-like eyes that can be any shade of blue, green, gold or odd. The Khao Manee is a naturally occurring ancient breed originating from Thailand. This athletic, medium-sized cat is an intelligent breed that is curious and devoted to their family.
Korat
The Korat is an ancient cat from Siam (now Thailand). These small-to-medium short-haired cats are the only breed with a heart-shaped head. The Korat has a close-lying coat and only comes in the unique color of silver-tipped blue that gives it a shimmering shine. They are an active and energetic cat that has extraordinary senses of hearing, seeing, and scent.
LaPerm
The LaPerm was originally a domestic “barn cat” that had a natural mutation of very soft curly hair. The coat can be a wavy coat to curls that range from tight ringlets to long corkscrew curls. The LaPerm is a medium-sized cat that comes in many colors and patterns. They are an affectionate and active breed, but equally enjoy sitting on your lap.
Lykoi
The Lykoi name comes from the Greek word Lycos, meaning Wolf, because many people agree that they look like little wolf cats. They have a unique appearance with their partial hairlessness and “roan” patterned coat. The Lukoi have a natural mutation that occurs in feral cat populations that were first discovered in 2010. This medium-sized cat is a fun loving and very intelligent breed.
Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large cat with a shaggy coat that is native to Maine. Their longhair coat is much easier to keep groomed than other breeds. Maine even named them their state cat. They are a rugged cat that comes in many colors and patterns. The Maine Coon is a quiet, good-natured cat that is often called the “Gentle Giant”.
Manx
The Manx is an ancient breed originating from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea and are one of the original show cats. These medium-sized cats are known for their lack of a tail and all over roundness. They can have various tail lengths in a litter, but only the rumpy, with no tail, is admitted for championship. The Manx have a thick, dense long or short coat that comes in many colors and patterns. They are intelligent, quiet and loving.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a large cat with semilonghair who is native to Norway. Known as the “Skogkatt”, which means forest cat, they traveled with the Vikings where they are included in folklore and legend. King Olaf made them the official cat of Norway. This rugged cat loves high places and is a homebody. Playful, loving and interactive they make a great family member.
Ocicat
The Ocicat is a man-made domestic cat that resembles the spotted cats of the wild; especially the Ocelot from which they get their name. They are the result of a planned cross between Abyssinians, Siamese and American Shorthairs. This exotic-looking cat may look wild but they are a very social breed devoted to their family. The Ocicat is large, active cat that comes in 12 colors.
Oriental
The Oriental is a man-made breed that started from the desire to include more colors on the Siamese body type. Today this long or short hair cat comes in over 600 color, pattern and coat lengths. The Oriental is talkative, intelligent and athletic. They are a very social cat that loves attention and does not do well as an only cat.
Persian (including Himalayan)
The Persian is an old breed that originated in ancient Persia. The Persians of today look little like their ancestors. The luxurious, flowing coat needs daily combing to not develop painful mats. The Persian is a medium-to-large cat with a stocky body and short legs. The Persian is divided into 7 divisions by color or pattern. They are quiet, sweet and affectionate.
RagaMuffin
The RagaMuffin is a medium-to-large cat whose soft coat comes in all colors and patterns except pointed. They are a calm and patient cat that is likely to go limp in your arms, as the rag part of their name implies. The RagaMuffin is sweet and trusting, therefore it is most important that they be kept indoors as should all cats.
Ragdoll
The Ragdoll is one of the largest of the cat breeds with a medium-length silky coat and beautiful blue eyes. They come in three patterns: they maybe pointed only. pointed with white mitts or pointed with white. The Ragdoll is a relaxed, quiet, and affectionate cat, and like a ragdoll will go limp in your arms when cuddled. They get along well with children and other pets.
Russian Blue
The Russian Blue is known for their short, dense blue fur that is silver-tipped causing it to glisten and sparkle. This medium-sized cat with gem-colored green eyes is a shy and quiet cat that is sensitive to their owner’s moods. The Russina Blue is an affectionate cat that makes a great addition to the modern family. They are believed to have originated from the Russian port of Arkhangelsk in the White Sea.
Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold’s unique trait is their ears that fold forward and downward on their head. Their ears are a spontaneous mutation that was first spotted on a farm in Scotland. The Scottish Folds come in all patterns and colors in both long and short-hair lengths. All kittens are born with straight ears and about 50% will fold in 18 to 24 days. They are an inquisitive, loyal and affectionate breed.
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is one of the newest breeds. This medium-to-large cat has a naturally curly coat that comes in both a long woolly coat and a plush dense short coat all in a rainbow of colors. The Selkirk Rex is a quiet, patient and loving cat. Owners should be prepared for all the jokes about their cat’s “bad hair” day.
Siamese
The Siamese is believed to originate from the ancient sacred temple cats of Siam (now Thailand). Nothing is round on the Siamese, they should be long in body, tail, ears and head. The Siamese is a short-hair cat that comes in point colors of chocolate, seal, blue and lilac and has deep-blue colored eyes. They are a very talkative and active breed.
Siberian
The Siberian is a medium-to-large cat that has strong hindquarters that allow them to jump exceptionally high. They have been documented in Russian literature for hundreds of years and are considered a Russian national treasure. It is a quiet and gentle cat that enjoys playing and clowning with their family. The Siberian has a semi-longhair coat that varies with the season. They love to play in water.
Singapura
Singapura is the Malaysian word for Singapore where they were first discovered on the streets. Though they are the smallest breed of cat, they make up for their size in energy and are extroverted, sweet and occasionally demanding. The Singapura comes in one color only- a rich warm sable ticking that resembles an old fashioned sepia photograph.
Somali
The Somali is a semi-longhaired Abyssinian that comes in the colors of ruddy, cinnamon, blue and fawn. They are said to resemble a wild little fox. Somalis are affectionate, active and athletic. They enjoy looking down on their surroundings. This medium sized cat is happiest in the company of others, but not always in large cat populations,
Sphynx
The Sphynx cat received its name due to the similarities to the ancient Egyptian cat sculptures called Sphinx. They have a natural mutation that causes the cat to be almost totally hairless. The Sphynx have rounded bellies and loose skin that is soft to the touch. This medium-sized cat tends to get oily so they will need to be bathed periodically. They are intelligent and extremely friendly.
Tonkinese
The Tonkinese is a breed that exists naturally in its country of origin, but was re-created in the Americas from a mating of a Siamese to a Burmese. This medium-sized cat has a mink-like soft coat that comes in 12 colors and pattern varieties. The Tonkinese have a loving, social, active and playful personality that makes them a popular breed as companion cats. They can be vocal.
Toy Bob
The Toy Bob is a small cat with a natural-mutation bobbed tail that was originally found among feral cats in Russia. The coat can be short or semi-longhaired and comes in all colors and patterns. They are a new breed that is affectionate, active, playful and agile. This easy to handle and gentle cat gets his name from Toy, meaning small-sized, and Bob from the tail.
Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora originated in Turkey with the earliest references in the 1600s. This semi–-longhaired cat comes in both the traditional white and a wide range of colors and patterns. They are agile and graceful and have been called the ballerina of the cat fancy. Excellent choice for families with young children.
Turkish Van
The Semi-longhair Turkish Van is an ancient breed thought to have originated in Turkey where it was called the “Vancat” by residents. Their coat has a unique cashmere-like texture that repels water and dirt and is all white except for color on the head and tail. The Turkish Van loves water and they have been nicknamed “the swimming cats.” This large, agile cat is an intelligent, sweet, loyal and curious breed.
Photos courtesy of and copyrighted by Chanan Photography.