Your cat is one of a kind, but her traits come from very specific strands of kitty DNA. At the moment there are between 44 and 48 cat breeds recognized, according to the Cat’s Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the largest cat registration body.
If you just adopted, bought or simply saved a stray cat, maybe you are not so confident what kind of breed it is and you need some additional information to be able to identify it. We will offer you some details upon some breeds that aren’t so widely known.
- AMERICAN CURL. The American Curl is a medium-size cat, weighing 5 to 10 pounds. True to his domestic shorthair heritage, he is moderately active, curious and smart. The Curl stands out for his distinctively shaped ears, but even without them he is a striking cat with a sweet expression, and a silky coat that can be long or short and any color, including such exotic shades as chocolate tortoiseshell smoke, silver patched tabby and lilac lynx point. The longhaired variety has a pretty plumed tail. The ears, however, are the most intriguing characteristic. Straight when a kitten is born, they begin to curl back at two to 10 days after birth.
2. ARABIAN MAU. The roots of the Arabian Mau go back over 1,000 years. It is commonly suggested that the breed originated in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates. Most male Arabian Maus weighs in at nine to 16 pounds and most female Arabian Maus are between eight and 14 pounds. An interactive treat toy is a must. This is a smart breed who loves to figure out solutions on their own. The Arabian Mau is a short-haired cat whose coat is often described as having a glossy feel to the touch. The Arabian Mau’s coat can come in an array of colors, although combinations of black, white, and brown are most common, often with tabby-style markings.
3. BAMBINO. The Bambino is a mixed breed cat–a cross between the Sphynx and what are known as Munchkin Cats. The Bambino is a small cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary. Most Bambinos weigh in at five to nine pounds and most female Bambinos are between 4 and 7 pounds. The hairless Bambino usually comes in a light cream or darker black color. Due to the mixed breed’s lack of fur, the Bambino is often considered to be a hypoallergenic cat and can be a good fit for someone who suffers from cat allergies.
4. CHANTILLY-TIFANNY. The Chantilly-Tiffany is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary. Most Chantilly-Tiffanys weigh between six and twelve pounds. The Chantilly-Tiffany was originally found sporting a distinctive chocolate brown colored coat, and many still do; although they’re also now found in other shades. The coat is considered semi-longhaired.
5. CYMRIC (PRONUNCED KIM-RICK). What is the most special thing about this breed is the fact that this is a tail-free cat. This is a medium-size cat who weighs 8 to 12 pounds and feels surprisingly heavy when lifted. The Cymric is known for his lack of a tail, but not every Cymric is completely tailless. Some, known as “longies,” have a normal-length tail, and others, known as “stumpies,” have short tails. A Cymric with no tail is called a “rumpy” and one with just a rise of bone at the end of the spine is known as a “riser.” The Cymric has a long, soft, silky double coat that comes in many different colors, including various solids, tabbies, tortoiseshells and calicos.
6. DONSKOY. The Donskoy is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary. Most Donskoys weigh in at six to 15 pounds. The Donskoy’s coat comes in four different types that can be many different colors. These coats are known as rubber bald, flocked, velour, and brush. Rubber bald cats are bald and remain that way for life. Flocked coats are yellowish and may disappear as the baldness gene takes over. Velour kittens have a bald spot on their heads with wiry, woolly hair on the body that disappears after their first year, though some of the coat can remain. Brush coats cover the whole body except for patches on the head and neck or back. When it comes to grooming, the Donskoy is a hairless cat so you’ll need to wipe the breed down daily.
7. FOLDEX. The Foldex is a mixed breed cat–a cross between the Scottish Fold and Exotic Shorthair breeds. The Foldex is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary. The Foldex is a breed of cat that you’ll see in almost every cat color and in patterns that include tabby and calico. In terms of climate, the Foldex is generally an adaptable breed of cat. Although you should always make sure that there’s enough shade and fresh water available during the hotter months.
8. SINGAPURA. Singapura cats have big ears, big eyes, and high intelligence. The saying about cats and curiosity may have been invented to describe the Singapura’s mischievous nature and inquisitive ways. Other characteristics are: Big, almond-shaped eyes amber or green, muscular yet slender body, tail is shorter than the length of body, tail is dark brown with a blunt tip, large, pointy ears, a short, sleek coat, rounded chin, paw pads are dark brown. Finding a Singapura might be a challenge since it’s a bit rarer than some other breeds. However, the affectionate companionship this breed offers is worth the effort to find a reputable breeder. A Singapura will quickly become like another family member and will offer many years of love.
9. NEBELUNG. The Nebelung is a rare pedigree breed of domestic cat. Nebelungs have long bodies, wide-set green eyes, long and dense fur, and mild dispositions. The name Nebelung — apparently a portmanteau of the German word Nebel (‘mist’ or ‘fog’), and the name of a medieval Germanic saga, Nibelungen-Lied (The songs of the Nibelungs). Nebelung cats are characterized by a long, graceful neck and body, long legs, long coat, and long tail. Slightly oval eyes are a vivid green color, or sometimes a yellow-green. Large, pointed ears sit atop a modified wedge-shaped head that is more pointed than rounded. The overall appearance is of a long, sturdy, well-muscled cat. The soft double coat feels fine and silky, it is gray in color and is tipped with silver.
10. LAPERM. The LaPerm is a special breed of cat. A LaPerm’s fur is curly (hence the name “perm”), with the tightest curls being on the belly, throat and base of the ears. LaPerms come in many colors and patterns. LaPerms generally have a very affectionate personality. The LaPerm is a rex breed that originated in the U.S.A. and is now present in many other countries worldwide. The breed is genetically unique and not related to any other rex cat varieties, having a dominant gene causing their curly coats. The breed standard describes a muscular foreign-type body, which is medium in size with longish legs and neck. The head is a modified wedge with rounded contours and a muzzle which is slightly broad of the wedge. In profile, the straight nose leads into a break between the eyes up to a flattish forehead. LaPerms also have rather broad noses, flared ears and medium-large almond-shaped eyes.
