Thursday, March 1, 2012

Minnie is Going to Live a Long Life

Minnie is Going to Live a Long Life



I found Minnie when she was around 3 weeks old without a mother. Minnie has been diagnosed with PRAA. Persistent Right Aortic Arch is a congenital anomalies of the blood vessels of the heart that results in constriction of the esophagus. I have to feed her small portions of food at a time so she doesn't regurgitate. I am saving up my money for her surgery, so she will be able to live a long happy healthy life. She is such a sweet little girl, very playful, she loves to sit in my lap and cuddle. She sleeps right beside me every night. I am very glad that she is my kitty!

Problem is a Bit Nutty

Problem is a Bit Nutty



Problem is a tuxedo short hair and is nuttier then most cats. He loves to eat real red chili. And he will head butt you all day. When he was only 10 weeks he caught his first mouse!

Cookie"s Sorry Eyes

Cookie"s Sorry Eyes 



She is essentially an indoors cat and I've had her for around four months. She is very mischievous, but so adorable that her big "Sorry" eyes melt your heart every time!

Fuzzball

Fuzzball



Fuzzball is a real pain in the butt, but is cute as anything. She likes being fed and petted (when it suits her). She meow's about nothing constantly and looks at you like you know why!!

Lucy the Princess

Lucy the Princess



My adorable Lucy was bought from a breeder about 2 hours away from home. She cried all the way home. She is very skittish, but loves to be rubbed by her Mum when we snuggle on the bed. She looks like a princess and she sure does act like one. I love her to bits and she always makes my day.

Cute Cat

Cute Cat



Persians

Persians



Persians are the oldest breed of cat. These cat can be pedigreed or not. If they are not a pedigree than they are called domestic longhairs. These cats are quiet, and make good companions and come in many different colors. They tend to make good show cats.

The bi-color cat

The bi-color cat



A bicolor cat has white fur combined with fur of some other color. This can be either black or tabby, but may be something else. There can be many different patterns of bicolor cat, including a pattern where there is color on the crown of the head and the tail only. Also you can have a cat with through to solid color with a different color in the throat area. A tuxedo pattern (looks like the cats wearing one) is also one of many possible bicolor patterns.

The Russian Blue

The Russian Blue



The Russian Blue is a breed of cat with a silvery blue coat ( my first cat was a Russian blue.) They are considered to be highly intelligent and playful cats who are timid around unfamiliar people. They make good companions, and are thought to be less prone to causing allergies, making them popular pets.

They are unique cats with great personalities. Both the American and European versions of this cat tend to have thicker fur and bodies.

Non-pedigree Cats

Non-pedigree Cats



Non-pedigree cats are so called because one or both parents were cross-breeds themselves. Non-pedigree cats are also affectionately called "moggies."

These types of cat breeds may have been mixed over several generations and this makes the temperament of non-pedigree cat types difficult to predict. Non-pedigree cats are readily available and inexpensive, animal shelters often have an abundance of non-pedigree cats to choose from.

There is no limit to colors or type and these types of cats generally have no health issues. As the character traits of the parents are unknown, it is not possible to ascertain how the cat will mature in terms of looks and temperament and you do not know how the animal was raised or cared for. You might have to wait awhile to get the color, sex and age of your choice.

Cross-breed Cats

Cross-breed Cats



Cross-breed cats are from pedigree parents, but the parents are of different pedigree breeds. The Chinchilla is an example of a cross-breed cat which is a cross between the Angora and the Persian.

These types of cats are generally hardier than pedigrees, although it does depend on the genetics of the parents. Cross-breeds are less expensive than pedigrees and if you know what the parents are like, it is a good indicator of what to expect in terms of appearance and character.

If you want a specific cross breed, it might not always be available and certain combinations of breeds can be problematic such as a cross between a Siamese and a Burmese – both are highly demanding and vocal breeds and this might be more than you are willing to handle.

Calico Cute cats

Calico Cute cats 



Calico cats are not a breed of cat; calico is a color pattern. To be called "calico", a cat must have black, white and orange in its coat. Variations of these colors include gray, cream and ginger. True calicos have large patches of these three colors, whereas a tortoiseshells or "torties" have a mix of these colors often blended or swirled together, rather than separate blocks of color. The size of the patches can vary from a fine speckled pattern to large areas of colour. Typically, the more white a cat has, the more solid the patches of color. In the UK, these cats are called "tortoiseshell and white". We have more photos of very cute calico kittens.

Calico Cute Cat

Calico Cute Cat



Do you know the difference between calico and tortoiseshell markings? Are calico cats male or female - can they be both? You can find out more about calico markings and see beautiful pictures of more kittens as well as mature cats on our calico cat page. Common names for calico cats are Biscuit and Cookie.

Silver Cute Cat

Silver Cute Cat



What do people call their silver kitten? Smokey is an obvious one. Nickel, Ashes, Sylvia, Misty, Bullet, Charcoal, Raindrop, Stormy, Shadow, Dusty...
Many of these beautiful kittens show tabby markings. You can find out more about tabbies and see beautiful pictures of mature cats on our tabby page.

White Kittens: Cute Cat

White Kittens: Cute Cat



White cats in various countries have been regarded as bringing either good or bad luck. Many people, however, see white cats as beautiful animals.

Funny Cat

Funny Cat



If you have a funny picture of your cat, Funny Cats page. You may also add a short title or write a story describing the picture.

Cat Breeds,

Cat Breeds,



An Abyssinian cat is known to be a direct descendent of the sacred cat in Egypt.  There is a definitive resemblance between the Abyssinian and the ancient Egyptian cat. This breed of cat is in between a Burmese and a Siamese. It is a colorful cat and very beautiful in its appearance. It shows a lively and eager interest in its environment. The Abyssinian is of medium size and is muscular and strong.

The Birman cat is a domestic cat. It is separate from the Burmese cat. Its body is pale with deep blue eyes. They sport little white boots which are actually their white paws. The Birman cat is supposedly originated from Burma.  Birmans are bred for companionship with humans. They form a close bond with their owners. They seem to be very intelligent and take a keen interest in their surroundings. When a Birman is a kitten it requires constant attention and as it grows up it tends to be very lively and playful.

Ragdoll is a breed of cat known for its color point coat and distinct blue eyes. Its coat is silky and soft and has long semi long hair. It has an affectionate nature and is well known for its placid and docile temperament. When a Ragdoll is picked up it has a tendency to become limp. They are considered to be laid back and gentle in nature. A male Ragdoll weighs approximately twenty pounds and a female weighs up to fifteen pounds.

The Tabby cat has dots, stripes and swirling colors which is very similar to the Calico cat. The Tabby cat’s distant descendant is known to be the African Wildcat. The Tabby has an ‘M’ marked on its forehead. The Tabby has four patterns such as classic, spotted, mackerel and ticked. This pattern shows up in other cat breeds which make a Tabby not a real breed.

Cats

Cats



There are different breeds and varieties of cat, varying in size, body shape and temperament. The majority of cats owned in the UK are non-pedigrees.

Typically, cats live for fourteen years, but many live for much longer.


Cool Cat Photo of the Week

Cool Cat Photo of the Week



I love watching older cats playing like kittens. Cleo is 13 years old, but sure doesn't look it in this picture. Her story can be seen with a full-size photo in the Funniest Cat Picture Show and Tell. I liked this photo because she's so darned cute, and because the soft focus made it look almost like a painting.

Cat Breed of the Week: Exotic Shorthair

Cat Breed of the Week: Exotic Shorthair



This breed could easily have been called "Shorthair Persian," as it is cousin to that breed. People who love the look and sweet personality of the Persian, but who don't care to be a slave to daily brushing, will find the Exotic a perfect pet. Selectively bred to develop the short plush coat, the exotic in every other way resembles the Persian, including its quiet, affectionate disposition.

Scottish Fold

Scottish Fold



There’s no denying the high adorability factor on the Scottish Fold. Beloved for their sweet expressions and equally sweet dispositions, Scottish folds have a tiny little voice that they rarely use. Called “Coupari” by some Canadian breeders, Scottish Folds have a naturally-occurring gene mutation that causes the cartilage in the ear to fold over, giving them their distinctive owl-like appearance. They are first known to have appeared in the Tayside region of Scotland in 1961 and were given full championship status by the CFA in 1978. Scottish Folds are medium-sized cats with soft, rounded bodies, full whisker pads, and large, widely-spaced, curious eyes. Born with straight ears, Scottish Fold kittens begin to exhibit their trademark “fold” at around 3-4 weeks of age, though not every Scottish Fold actually winds up with a Scottish Fold ear. These hearty and strong cats are generally mellow and take life as it comes. For this reason, they are excellent companions in homes with multiple animals or children.

The Sandcat

 The Sandcat



Cat fanciers can be forgiven for falling instantly in love with the beautiful and sleek Sandcat. A gorgeous sand color with striking gold eyes, the Sandcat has large triangular ears that protrude from its long, flat head, making it especially good at hearing even the softest sounds. Alas, the Sandcat is not available for domestic ownership, residing in the deserts of Africa and the Middle East. The Sandcat is especially well-suited for hunting in the desert; it’s sandy color helps it blend in with the, you guessed it, sand, and it sports hair between its toes that help it grip the sand and protects its foot pads from the hot sand and rocks.

Persian Cat

 Persian Cat


Adored by cat fanciers across the globe for its thick, lustrous coat, the Persian is one of the oldest breeds of cat, having been imported from Persia to Italy in 1620. Despite a long, heavy coat that requires daily grooming, the Persian has become the most popular breed of cat in the world. While the flowing coat of the white Persian is probably most familiar to cat lovers, the CFA currently recognizes more than seven color divisions for show Persians. To keep its beautiful coat from being stained by dirt and other elements, Persians are best kept indoors by their owners The Persian’s extremely foreshortened muzzle In addition, its large eyes can tear excessively. Though a bit more high-maintenance than other cats, Persians are beloved by their owners for their sweet, gentle dispositions and loving companionship. Unlike some other cats who love to jump and play, Persians are happiest perched on the back of a sofa or window sill. Because of their laid-back nature and tiny little voices, they are wonderful companions for children and senior citizens.

Toyger

Toyger



In 1980, a breeder was attempting to clarify the mackerel markings on tabbies when she noticed tiger-like markings on the heads of two of her cats. This discovery prompted the idea of a domestic cat resembling a wild tiger, but suitable as a pet. In other words, a “toy tiger” that would inspire cat owners to care about the cause of preserving wild tigers. Though still not quite the final breed ideal, breeders hope to have achieved significant progress towards making this gentle and loyal companion further resemble a wild tiger by 2010. The ideal Toyger will have a large, muscular body, rounded ears, a long muscular muzzle, and vertical, tiger-like stripes. Though not recognized by the CFA, Toygers have been granted full status in TICA.

Ragdoll

Ragdoll



First created in the 1960s by a breeder in California, Ragdolls are known for their long silky coats and extremely relaxed and gentle temperaments. Indeed, Ragdolls are carefully bred for just such features. Larger than most other breeds, Ragdolls males reach between 15-20 pounds and the females weigh as much as 10-15 pounds. They sport a semi-long, silky coat and striking bright blue eyes. Due to their large size, Ragdolls mature at a slower rate than other cats, not realizing their true size until around 4 years of age. The CFA recognizes three variations of this “pointed” breed, two with patters containing white (mittened and bi-color) and one with no white at all (colorprint). As a result of careful breeding, Ragdolls are considered to be more interested in their human owners than some other breeds, often following their owners from room-to-room and enticing them to play “fetch.” Careful with their teeth and nails, Ragdolls are quiet and non-confrontational. Because of their relaxed and non-aggressive nature, Ragdolls should never be allowed outside unsupervised.

Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora



Considered a national treasure in its home country of Turkey, the Turkish Angora can trace its ancestry back to the Ankara region of Turkey to at least the 16th Century. Having most likely originated in the mountains, the Turkish Angora is believed to have developed its silky, medium-length coat as protection from the cold. Though the iconic Turkish Angora is white, breeders have increasingly developed them in different colors, including black, blue and tabby. The CFA currently recognizes more than 20 color varieties of Turkish Angora. In the early 1900s, the Turkish Angora was bred with Persians indiscriminately and almost ceased to exist as their own breed. Thanks to a controlled-breeding program in Turkey, the breed has continued to grow in numbers. However, every Turkish Angora registered with the CFA must be able to trace its lineage back to Turkey. The first Turkish Angora on record arrived in America in 1954, the breed quickly became popular for its beautiful-but-low-maintenance white coat, almond-shaped eyes, and large head. Playful and friendly, the Turkish Angora is extremely intelligent, good with children, and loves to provide entertainment for all comers.

Chausie

Chausie



Never heard of a Chausie? You’re not alone. This exotic breed is the result of careful breeding between wild “jungle” cats and domestic cats. Chausies were first bred in the 1960s and 1970s as a safer alternative to keeping jungle cats in the home. The goal in breeding Chausies today remains the same as it was when they were first created: a breed that has the looks, grace, and size of a wild jungle cat, but the gentle disposition of a domestic cat. Today, the most common domestic breed used for producing Chausies is the Abyssinian, as it has the same look as a jungle cat but is significantly smaller. Because adult males can reach as much as 25 pounds, Chausies require large spaces and a lot of activity. Though Chausies are not recognized by the CFA, they were granted status in The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1995. Chausies are large and heavy-boned, with long slender legs and strong, muscled bodies. Their head is a “Chausies sport piercing oval gold or yellow eyes, and a modified wedge” head, meaning it should look like a triangle with three rounded corners. Male Chausies in the first and third generations are usually sterile, so only Chausies four generations removed from the wild cat ancestor are considered “show quality.” In addition to being extremely loyal to its owners, Chausies have a high energy level, are champion jumpers, and are extremely playful, making them an ideal companion for young children.

American Shorthair

American Shorthair



Extremely popular for its longevity, gentle nature, and handsome features, the American Shorthair is truly “America’s breed,” reputedly having arrived in the United States on the Mayflower, where they were used to trap mice and rats. Though related to the British Shorthair, the American version is longer, leaner, and more athletic than its British counterpart. The CFA, which lists the American Shorthair among the first five breeds ever registered, recognizes over 80 colors and patterns of American Shorthairs, including tabby, smoke, silver, and calico. While many feral and alley cats may resemble and American shorthair in countenance, the true mark of a pedigreed American shorthair is its ability to pass on its own desirable color, markings, and facial traits to its descendants. True “working” cats, the American Shorthair has come to be beloved in America as much for its amiable nature and playful personality as for its skill in mousing. American shorthairs are known for being extremely affectionate with their owners, gentle with children, and easy-going with other household pets. Possessed of a generally quiet disposition, American Shorthairs are amongst the healthiest and most energetic of breeds.

Manx

Manx



Believed to have originated on the Isle of Man hundreds of years ago, the Manx is the only truly “tailless” breed recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. While the tail length on the Manx can vary from “rumpies” (no visible tail), to “stumpies” (small “stump” of a tail) and “tailies” (short tail) the breed standard for the Manx specifies that only “rumpies” can be shown. Manx mothers are often known to produce “rumpies,” “stumpies,” and “tailies” all within the same litter. Recognized by the CFA since at least 1920, the Manx can be long or shorthaired and comes in a variety of different colors and patterns. The Manx is round in appearance, with its hindquarters higher than its front end due to its long back legs. The Manx is beloved by its owners for its sweet expression and playful personality. Manxes are often described as “dog-like,” and their playful nature can lead them to retrieving and burying their toys. Because of their longer back legs and unusual hopping gait, Manxes have been said to descend from rabbits.


Scottish Fold Cat

Scottish Fold Cat



The Scottish Fold is a breed of cat with a natural dominant-gene mutation that makes its ear cartilage contain a fold, causing the ears to bend forward and down towards the front of their head, which gives the cat what is often described as an “owl-like” appearance. Originally called lop-eared or just lops after the lop-eared rabbit, Scottish Fold became the breed’s name in 1966. Depending on registries, longhaired Scottish Folds are varying known as Highland Fold, Scottish Fold Longhair, Longhair Fold and Coupari.

The Sandcat

The Sandcat



The Sand cat , also referred to as the “sand dune cat”, is a small wild cat distributed over African and Asian deserts. (The name “desert cat” is reserved for Felis silvestris lybica, the African wildcat.) The Sand cat lives in arid areas that are too hot and dry even for the desert cat: the Sahara, the Arabian Desert, and the deserts of Iran and Pakistan.

Ashera Cat

Ashera Cat



The Ashera is hybrid cat marketed by Lifestyle Pets. The cat is an alleged domestic/wild hybrid cat, a hybrid between the African serval, the Asian leopard cat, and a domestic housecat. However, the authenticity of the breed has been challenged, as the only known examples of “Ashera” cats have been proven by DNA testing to be Savannah cats, an existing breed.

Persian Cat

Persian Cat



The Persian  is a longhaired cat characterized by its round face and shortened muzzle. One of the oldest cat breeds, it takes its name from its place of origin: Persia. Recognized by the cat fancy since the late 19th century, it was developed first by the English, and then mainly by American breeders after the Second World War. In Britain, it is called the Longhair or Persian Longhair.

Toyger Cat

Toyger Cat


The toyger is a breed of cat, the result of breeding domestic shorthaired tabbies  to make them resemble a “toy tiger”, as its striped coat is reminiscent of the tiger’s. The breed’s creator, Judy Sudgen, has stated that the breed was developed in order to inspire people to care about the conservation of tigers in the wild. It was recognized for “Registration only” by The International Cat Association in the early 1990s, and in 2007 its status was upgraded to allow the breed full Championship status. There are several breeders in the United States, three breeders in the UK, two in Canada as well as one in Australia working to develop the breed.

Ragdoll Cat

Ragdoll Cat



The Ragdoll is a cat breed with blue eyes and a distinct colorpoint coat. It is a large and muscular semi-longhair cat with a soft and silky coat. Developed by controversial American breeder Ann Baker, it is best known for its docile and placid temperament and affectionate nature. The name “Ragdoll” is derived from the tendency of individuals from the original breeding stock to go limp and relaxed when picked up.

Turkish Angora Cat

Turkish Angora Cat



The Turkish Angora  is a breed of domestic cat. Turkish Angoras are one of the ancient, naturally-occurring cat breeds, having originated in central Turkey, in the Ankara region.

Chausie Cat

Chausie Cat



A Chausie  is a hybrid of the domestic cat  and the Jungle Cat . Generations are identified by F1, F2 etc, with F1 being the offspring of the original cat and jungle cat mating. Males in the F1 to F3 generations are usually sterile; however, some F4 males may be fertile. The domestic cat breed most widely used for Chausies is the Abyssinian, because they have the same look and active habits as a Jungle Cat, but are very much smaller.

American Shorthair Cat

American Shorthair Cat



The American Shorthair is the 8th most popular breed of cat in the United States, according the Cat Fancier’s Association for 2006–2007. The breed is believed to be descended from English cats  brought to North America by early British settlers to protect valuable cargo from mice and rats.

Manx Cat

Manx Cat



The Manx is a breed of cat with a naturally occurring mutation of the spine. This mutation shortens the tail, resulting in a range of tail lengths from normal to tail-less. Many Manx have a small “stub” of a tail, but Manx cats are best known as being entirely tail-less; this is the distinguishing characteristic of the breed and a cat body type genetic mutation. The Manx are said to be skilled hunters, known to take down larger prey even when they are young. They are often sought by farmers with rodent problems.