Five Breeds of Cats You Never Knew Existed

Five Breeds of Cats You Never Knew Existed

Sphynx: In 1966 a domestic house cat gave birth to a hairless kitten somewhere in Toronto, Canada. It was discovered through many scientific tests, to be a natural mutation and the Sphynx cat, as we know it today, came into existence.  These are some of the rarest domestic cats in existence. The Sphynx is not always totally hairless; some have very light "fuzz" close to their bodies, which makes it feel like a warm peach. Some light hair is often present on the nose, tail and toes. The texture of the Sphynx skin has been likened to suede, or faux leather, or a heated chamois. They come in a wide variety of cat colors. The color is seen in the pigment of the skin and the few hairs that they do have. One of the questions most frequently asked is "Don't they get cold?" Well, of course, if it is too cold for you it will be too cold for a hairless cat too. Don’t be surprised to find this kitty under the covers with you or curled up with all your clothes.

Havana Brown: There are several theories about how the Havana Brown cat got its name. Some people believe it was named after the rabbit of the same color, some people believe they were named after the cigar. Their eyes are green in color, oval in shape, and lower on the face than other cats. This gives the appearance of a cat looking down its nose. The result of which, makes the cat appear to have an alert appearance. Very little is actually known about this breed

Croshca: Croshcas are an ancient breed of longhaired cats.  This breed was thought to be a combination of all modern longhaired cats including both the Angora and the Persian.  Sometimes it is referred to as simply the "Siberian Cat" or the "Siberia". This breed was common to Russia. They have a thick fur, waterproof, oily coat that protects them from the cold. In Russia at the time people could not have pets, pedigreed or otherwise, because of the food shortage, so this cat was very rare. Another interesting fact about these cats is that they are believed to be hypoallergenic.  People, who are usually allergic to cats, seem to tolerate this cat fairly easily.

Devon: The Devon has a soft, downy coat with waves as if he had just stepped out of a hair styling salon. They have a velvety, short undercoat. It gives a most extraordinary appearance. You can't truly appreciate this unique coat until you have had an opportunity to feel the velvety soft texture. It is something you'll never forget.  The Devon's ears are very large. They are wide at the base and set low on the head. The head is also short and wide. These cats are hypoallergenic and hardly even shed.

Sokoke: Sokoke cats have nice long legs and a medium build torso. They have very dense short coat without any undercoat. Their markings can be compared with a cheetah. The most usual colors are light brown, dark chestnut and chocolate. In the wild Sokoke cats are never found to be white, but domesticated types come sometimes in a white tabby. The body of a Sokoke cat is very muscular and elegant. Their back legs are longer than the front legs; it allows the cats to run very fast. The tail is long and whip-like. Sokoke Cats are very rare, perhaps the rarest cat breed in the world. Only about 100 exist today.  Cat and feline societies have been trying to promote the breeding of this rare breed, but finding breeders are very difficult. Some countries do not have breeding standards, so most attempts are restricted to the United States and the United Kingdom.  Hopefully this breed will come back before it becomes extinct.

Cuddly and Cute - Cat Breeds that are best for Kids

If you have kids, then you will want a cat that does well with kids.  You don't want any animal that has any aggression issues. There are 9 cats that pet owners and veterinarians all agree are best for children.

Abyssinian: The Abyssinian has a distinctly ticked, tawny coat. The tail and paws show tabby markings. They have beautiful eyes that are lined with dark fur around them and large ears. The coat is generally a warm golden color, gray, or cinnamon red. These are active and very playful cats, and are very curious and friendly. Not much of a lap cat, these animals will enjoy exploring and any playing a lot. Many toys and cathouses and gyms will be needed to keep these guys busy. If not entertained they can become depressed.

American and Exotic Shorthair: American and Exotic Shorthair cats will be gentle kitties.  They love to play with children and are very common. They come in all shapes and sizes and a vast array of colors. These cats are good natured and relaxed. They get along with other cats and dogs as well. These cats are also more likely to think they are people and will bond great with all family members. They tend to be gentle with small children and don’t tend to scratch as much as other breeds do.

Birman:  A large, long stocky cat. It has long silky hair, not as thick as that of the Persian, and is of a texture that doesn't mat. The color of the coat is light, preferably with a golden cast, as if misted with gold. Birmans are gentle, active, and playful, but quiet and unobtrusive if you are busy with other things. This is a great cat for kids. 

Burmese: These are great cats in the hair department. They have a silky short coat that doesn’t need more than a good petting as far as grooming goes. They are clumsy and playful and stay that way throughout their lives. These are also very vocal cats and will talk to you and each other a lot. They are the life of the party and great for entertainment.

Maine Coon: The Maine Coon is well known for its loving nature. They are very friendly, playful and intelligent. They love to explore and play with toys. These cats have longer hair and do require grooming to keep it soft and unmated. They are vocal and love to shower their owners with meows. Maine Coons are also great with other cats and dogs too.

Manx: The interesting thing about these cats it their tails, or lack thereof. They come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. They also can be found with long or short hair, and a variety of tail lengths. Some have no tail at all, some have varying lengths of a nub, and others seem to have a normal tail. They love kids and get along with just about any other animal.

Persian: Persians are the most popular cat breeds today. They have long fluffy fur and squished little faces. They do need regular grooming to keep their coats free of matting and hairballs. They love children.  Persians are most at home in an atmosphere of security and peace and quiet, but with love and reassurance, can easily adapt to the most active of households. Their quiet, melodious voices are pleasant and non-abrasive. They communicate delightfully with their large eyes and make perfect pets for all ages.

Ragdoll: Ragdolls adore their owners. They run to greet you at the door, follow you everywhere, lie on you, sleep with you, and love you.  They seem to worship the ground you walk on. They are gentle, carefully avoid scratching people, and are good with children, the elderly, and dogs. Ragdolls tend not to jump. They feel that humans prefer purrs to yowls, and keep their voices soft.

Somali: The Somali is an amazing cat to look at. It looks a lot like a little fox, with its large ears, masked face, full ruff and bushy tail. They have soft voices and are usually quiet.  They love their owners and adore children.  They love to play and nuzzle their owners.  They are the true lap cat, and love attention.

These are the most common cats among parents and cat owners.  These have been known to live best with kids.  That's not to say that another cat won't do just as well, but these do best.

Five Ways to Choose the Best Cat Breed for your Family

Choosing a pet for your family takes time and preparation. Deciding what type of cat will best serve your family’s needs is not a light task. You must take into consideration if you have kids, allergies, a fear of lots of hairballs, etc. Do you want to adopt a cat or kitten or pick one from a litter? Do you want to have a pure bred from breeder with papers or just get a free tabby? These are just some of the things you need to think about before picking out a cat. You also need to make sure that once the cat is home you can provide food, toys, and vet cost. Cats need shots and vet visits too. Also think about grooming costs for a longhaired cat, it can get expensive. A free cat is not free, it costs money to own a pet and be a good pet owner.

1: Choose a personality

When choosing a cat, pay close attention to what their personality is. Is the animal playful, skittish, rough, quiet or loud? If you have children you may want to go with a more mellow and relaxed cat. One that isn’t bothered by noise and sudden movements, it will be less likely to scratch or hiss at the kids. If you are picking out a kitten than it can be hard to know which ones are going to be what as they grow. The kitty that pays you the most attention should be the one you get. Let your cat pick you out. Have patience with your cat as you discover his/her personality. Nighttime friskiness is to be expected and even the mellowest cat will play through the night.

2: Kitten or Cat?

Many people want a sweet little kitten. What is not to love about kittens? Well, for starters they attack everything, including the baby, the plants, your clothes, your body, and just about anything that peaks their fancy at that moment. If you can handle picking up after your new little tornado and can handle litter box training (not all kittens come trained), then you might enjoy the playfulness a kitten can bring. If you don’t want to deal with those things and are worried about small children getting scratched than adopting a mature cat might be a better option for you. Adopting an older cat cost less initially as well. You will pay an adoption fee, usually somewhere between $30-$50, and you cat comes with all its shots and fixed. You will be responsible for the cost of all that when getting a kitten. Older cats also tend to be more passive and instead of scratching kids, they know how to simply avoid them.

3: Short hair or long hair?

Long or short hair, now that’s the question. It can be hard to tell if a kitten is going to be long or shorthaired, they all are fluffy and fuzzy when they are little. Also with domestic cats you can’t rely on what the parents look like either. Shorthaired kittens tend to look a bit less fluffy than longhaired. All cats shed no matter what hair type they have and so cleaning will be a must for both. Shorthaired cats seem to have hair all over the place, where longhaired cats seem to have clumps here and there. Longer haired cats also require more maintenance.  Some require daily brushings to keep the hair untangled and clean. Grooming visits to trim the cat’s hair from the back end helps fervent nasty litter box mishaps, but can be costly.  Shorthaired cats require hair brushing too, to minimize their shedding. Another thing to consider is a hairless cat, which are great if you are allergic to cat fur. Grooming is a part of any pet owner’s life, how much time you want to invest is what you need to figure out.

4: Breed

There are thousands of types of cats out there to choose from. Even a domestic cat comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Choosing a breed really is a personal option. If you are looking for a pure bread cat and are willing to pay good money for it then you want to research the different breeds and what to expect. Each breed has its own unique things to consider that may make the difference when adopting. Some breeds have a longer life span.  Some are more territorial.  Some are more aggressive.  Some have a tendency to go blind.  Some do not like other pets or children. Most pure bread cats come with health and purity certificates. If you are picking a kitten from a domestic litter or adoption then it is more of what color and hair length do you want. Most domestic cats are free and can be found listed in the paper, grocery store bulletin board, or word of mouth. Remember a free cat really isn’t free, it may require defleaing before coming home and will need to go to the vet immediately if not adopted from a shelter.

5: Commitment

Cats live ten to fifteen, sometime twenty years.  When you are adopting a cat, you are adopting a long-term commitment to care for that cat.  You are adopting a commitment to feed that cat.  You are adopting a commitment to protect that cat. You are taking on the responsibility to provide medical care, love, and time to care for this pet. Cats may be lower maintenance animals but they require all the same things other animals do. Their litter boxes need regular cleaning and they need affection. Being a pet owner is a big commitment and should not be taken lightly.

Meow Cheese! Pampering your Cat's Teeth Can Lead to a Long Life

Just like humans, a cat's teeth needs to be well cared for in order to ensure a long and healthy life.  Cats are prone to gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can result in the permanent loss of teeth.  Properly caring for your cat's teeth can not only ensure that she lives happily and healthily, but the time spent together taking care of her teeth can also help establish a bond between the two of you. Here are seven tips to getting your cat started on a lifelong program of good oral health.

1.  Begin by examining your cat's teeth and gums.  You will want to do this in a location with lots of clear, natural light where you can get a good view of her mouth.  A penlight and small dental mirror may come in handy for this examination, as well.

As unpleasant as you may find this, dentists and veterinarians suggest that you begin by making note of the smell of your cat's breath.  If your cat's breath has a distinctly foul odor, your cat may be suffering from some kind of infection, most commonly a gum infection.  If your cat's bad breath persists, even after regular brushing and maintenance, pay a visit to your vet. 

Many people are wary when first attempting to examine their cat's teeth.  The trick is to approach your cat calmly.  Speak to your cat as you would any other time, petting her head continuously as you prepare to open her mouth.  Once your cat seems relaxed, slowly tip her head back and use your fingers to pry her mouth slightly open.  Examine the teeth for signs of plaque, the sticky bacterial substance that causes cavities.  Early signs of plaque consist of yellowing at the back of the teeth, although in severe cases you may find it near the front of your cat's mouth.  You will also want to check for tartar, which is slightly darker than plaque. 

Examine your cat's mouth for broken or missing teeth.  Your cat's gums should be a healthy bright pink.  If they are red or very pale, your cat may be suffering from an infection.  Any sign of abscesses, bleeding, or irregular colors should be checked out by your vet as soon as possible.

2.  Begin a regular oral hygiene program that includes regular teeth cleaning.  If your cat is new to having its teeth cleaned, begin by using your index finger as a toothbrush.  Wrap your 'finger' brush with sterile gauze, dip the tip of your finger into a bit of toothpaste, and slowly open your cat's mouth.  Use your finger brush to very gently rub the paste against your cat's teeth and gums.  While you brush your cat's teeth, it may help to play soothing music and talk to her.  Once you cat has gotten used to the routine, you may graduate to a small child's toothbrush.

Experiment with different flavors of toothpaste to see which kind your cat seems to enjoy best.  As a reward for her cooperation, feed your kitty a small dental treat after each teeth-cleaning session. 

3.  Feeding your kitty high quality kibble is essential.  In order to ensure that your cat benefits from a regular oral hygiene program, make sure she munches only on high quality kibble.  While most cats love the taste of moist cat food, your cat needs the dry, crunchy texture of dry kibble to keep her teeth strong and clean.  You will want to inspect the ingredients to make sure the kibble does not contain artificial preservatives and flavorings, as these are usually hard on the teeth. 

4.  Treat your kitty to special dental treats. If your cat seems to take to the oral hygiene program, treat her to some special dental treats.  Many cat owners are surprised to learn of the variety of oral care products available for cats.  For the sweet and cooperative cat that enjoys the pleasures of good oral care, buy her s some special dental treats, such as Petrodex Dental Treats for cats.  These special fish-flavored treats are specially formulated to cleanse and freshen you’re kitty's breath while killing plaque and tartar.  Another special gift for your kitty is the C.E.T. Cat Oral Hygiene Kit.  This kit comes with everything you need to keep your cat's mouth healthy, including a special seafood-flavored toothpaste, finger brush, and a special toothbrush designed for the size of the average cat's mouth. 

Pillow Fight! Pamper your Princess Kitty with a Plump Pillow

Want to really pamper your princess kitty?  For the truly pampered cat, pick out a plush new pillow for her to doze and nap on.  Hip new pet boutiques are quickly coming into fashion across the United States, and one of the top selling items at pet boutiques, besides clothing accessories, are stylish beds, pillows and other sleeping accessories that your pet can use to nap during the day.  With most cats sleeping for about 16 hours each day, buying a comfortable pillow or bed for your kitty can actually be quite a practical investment in your cat's health and well-being.

If you're just starting to look for the perfect plump pillow for your favored feline, here are a few tips for finding just the right pillow.

1.  Measure your cat before you go shopping.  More specifically, measure the length of your cat when she is sleeping.  Cats curl themselves tightly to sleep, so your large size cat may actually only need a medium sized pillow.  No matter how well you think you know your kitty, you would be surprised just how puzzling the act of shopping for the right-sized pillow can be.  Should you go for the medium-sized pillow, or the larger one?  Do you think she'll fit OK on the small one?  These are just some of the questions you might find yourself debating if you don't measure your kitty before hand.

Cat pillows come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 18 inches to more than 50 inches!  Be certain you know what size range you are shopping for.

2.  Once you've measured the length of your cat when she's curled up and dozing, add about one foot to this measurement to find the proper size of the pillow.

3.  Before buying a pillow, make a note of the fabric.  It can be easy to get carried away when you think you find the right pillow.  These days, there is quite an assortment of pet pillows and beds to choose from.  But just because a certain pet pillow seems to match the décor of your apartment, it may not be the right pillow for your cat.  Fleece is an all-around popular and good choice for a pet pillow:  it is warm, soft, easy to clean, and durable.

You should also make careful note of the pillow's fitting.  While cotton and foam may be suitable for a pillow that will remain inside at all times, it may not hold up well if you plan to travel with the pillow.  If you suspect the pillow will eventually be exposed to the elements, or if you live in a damp, humid environment, consider purchasing a pillow that contains cedar filling.  Cedar repels moisture, dampness, moths, and other insects.

4.  Consider your cat's special needs.  If you have an aging or arthritic pet, make sure you buy a pillow that is designed to meet their needs.  If you want your cat to be very comfortable, consider purchasing a pillow that has poly fill lining.  These pillows are designed to mold themselves to your pet's specific shape, and may provide an extra degree of comfort for your aging pet.

5.  Resist the cute designs and trendy motifs.  Many pet boutiques carry pet pillows and beds which are beautiful to look at, but which may not be practical for your pet's needs.  Remember, the decorative designs may wear out quickly.  It's more important that you find a pillow or bed you think your cat will love to sleep in for years to come.

6.  Be prepared to face a wide range of prices.  What can you expect to pay for a good quality pet pillow or bed?  The price range for these types of pet accessories can range from $20 to more than $200!   With so many different price ranges to choose from, it's important that you prioritize the features you are interested in.

7.  Go round.  If your cat sleeps curled into a ball, then you should opt for a round pillow.  As you shop for your pet pillow, you will find many rounds, squares, and oddly shaped pillows.  A round pillow is a good choice for the majority of cats.  If, however, your cat likes to sleep sprawled out, you may consider buying a square or rectangular-shaped pillow.

Top Six Gifts for Cat Lovers

Do you have gift list that includes a true cat lover?  If so, you're in luck!  Buying for a cat lover is easier than ever, especially with the selection and specialty items available over the Internet.  Before you grab the first kitty-themed item, take a moment to consider the following criteria.  The more specific and personal your gift is, the more special it will be.

Before you buy a present for the cat lover on your list, consider:
What type of cat breed does the prospective recipient favor or own?  Many potential gifts for cat lovers are also breed specific.  If possible, purchase a gift that reminds the recipient of their favorite feline.

If you are buying a gift for someone who currently owns a cat, find out if the cat is male or female. Many cat-themed gifts are gender specific, so you will want to know what sex your recipient's cat is.

Does your recipient like to dress up your cat?  If you are buying a gift for someone who likes to dress their cats in sweaters or other types of clothing, your search for an appropriate gift will be much easier.  Don't assume that the recipient dresses their cat, however.

Now that you've taken a few moments to consider your recipient's cat, here are the top six gifts that any cat lover would be pleased to receive.

1.  A cat-themed picture frame.  What better way to express your love for your pet than putting his or her picture on display?  Any cat lover would be pleased to receive a lovely picture frame to display their pride and joy.  You may want to make sure your intended recipient doesn't already own too many cat picture frames.  This is a popular gift to give and to receive, so it's not uncommon for avid cat lovers to own more than one cat picture frame.

2.  Cat themed jewelry.  It is not uncommon to run across a lovely cat broach, pin, charm bracelet, necklace, or other piece of jewelry.  Nothing could be more personal or intimate than a lovely piece of jewelry.  If you have a close friend who you think would enjoy this type of gift, you will find many online retail websites dedicated to cat-themed gifts that carry an excellent selection of cat related jewelry.  For an even more personal touch, you can often have these type of gifts inscribed as well.

3.  Cat related stationary, desk calendar, engagement calendar, diary, or books.  Every New Year, hundreds of beautifully designed calendars become available for purchase.  The selection can be astounding, with hundreds of breeds and cat themes represented.  This is a great choice that any cat lover would enjoy receiving, especially if you can find a calendar that represents the recipient's favorite breed.  If you want to go beyond the ever-popular cat calendar, you can also purchase lovely cat-related stationary for your recipient.  Another great choice is to find a nice cat-themed diary for your recipient.

If you can't find a cat calendar, stationary set, or diary that you like, consider buying the cat lover on your list a beautiful cat-themed coffee table book.  Most cat lovers will delight in feasting on the gorgeous photography and text of a good cat coffee table book.

4.  Cat themed clothes and coffee mugs.  Cat lovers will enjoy receiving cat-themed T-shirts and sweaters.  You can often find funny cat-themed coffee mugs too.

5.  A work of kitty art.  Cat lovers abound nowadays, so it easy to find works of art that is cat related.  For the true cat lover, a lovely cat sculpture can be a wonderful and whimsical gift.  You can easily find all sorts of cat-related ceramic pieces, wooden sculptures, planter, fountain, or other types of cat art.  For the truly dedicated cat lover, you can even commission a local artist to complete a portrait of your friend's cat!

6.  A gift subscription to Cat Fancy magazine!  For the die-hard cat fanatic, a subscription to a cat themed magazine can be quite a treat.  If you can't locate cat related magazines at your local newsstand, visit your local pet supplies store.  You'll find other magazines besides Cat Fancy that your recipient can enjoy receiving for many issues to come.

Several Ways Cats Pamper Their Humans

Do you ever get the feeling that your pet is taking care of you, rather than vice versa?  You may not be too far off.  Recent research has demonstrated conclusively that owning a loving pet provide innumerable benefits, enriching both your physical and your emotional life.

Here are five ways that cats pamper their humans in ways you may not have realized before.

1.  Your cat may just help you get a better night's sleep.  Researchers are just beginning to measure the sleep patterns of individuals who sleep with their pets, and gauge the effect pets have on their owners.  So far, it appears that sleeping with your pet can provide significant benefits.  Human beings that sleep along side their animals are certainly not beginning a new phenomenon.  It is believed that in prehistoric times, humans and animals slept close together to create and sustain warmth.  Even now, with our space heaters and air conditioning units, nothing quite beats the warmth and comfort of having a loving pet at your bedside.

The emotional and psychological benefits of sleeping with a pet can be even more substantial.  Just knowing that your pet is going to join you at night can help provide with a relaxing environment that is conducive to getting a good night's rest.  Winding down after a long day's labor can be a treat for both you and your cat.  Moreover, the time you spend together each night serves to enhance your relationship and helps to nourish a sustaining emotional bond.

2.  Your cat may also be pampering you with their busy paws.  Cat lovers are very familiar with the kneading action that many cats make with their paws when they are in a relaxed state.  As many cat lovers’ can testify, this kneading paw action can give quite a massage!  Stroking, petting, or brushing your cat's fur can also be a relaxing and enriching experience for you and your cat.

3.  The allure of the sweet purr.  What cat lover hasn't enjoyed the soft trill of a cat's purr?  The sound and vibration of a cat's purr is beginning to be scientifically studied, and it is believed that the sound can lower your heart rate, blood pressure, and aid your ability to fall asleep.  The cat purr phenomenon has begun to grow in popularity, with researchers taking interest and investigating the so-called curative and sedative effects of a cat's purr.  A new compact disc featuring the purring of cats is even being marketed to individuals who have trouble falling asleep.

4.  The joy of companionship.  To those who've never experienced the companionship of a cat, it can be difficult to describe the allure of having a feline companion at your side.  Cats provide a type of companionship that is marked by loyalty and affection.  Unlike dogs, cats are notoriously more independent than dogs.  They are capable of grooming themselves and going to the bathroom with little need for help from their owners.  This combination of loyalty and independence creates a unique relationship between cat and owner that parallels many human relationships.

5. Cats pamper their owners by showing them a better way to live.  It has been argued in the pat that animals often experience life more richly than humans.  Let your cat pamper you by observing and learning from her life philosophy.  Your cat's philosophy may include:
Take frequent naps.  They don't call it a 'cat nap' for nothing!  Cat's famously fall asleep quickly, then awaken refreshed and ready to play at a moments notice.  Taking a moment in your day to rest can ease even the most difficult day.  So do as your cat does, and take a nap!
Bask in your solitude.  Even the most outgoing person needs a few minutes each day to recharge and refresh.  Cats wisely know that solitude feeds the soul and distresses your mind and body.  So take a cue from your cat and take some time out for yourself.
Stretch the tension out of your tired body.  What do cats do best, besides sleeping and eating?  Stretching!  When a cat rises from a long nap, note the moments of luxurious stretching.  Not rushed or harried, but simply a long, slow stretch to slowly reawaken the body.  Human beings, too, would benefit from frequent stretching.