Top 10 biggest cats
Among the representatives of the largest breeds of domestic cats there are long-legged, lean, short-haired beauties and shaggy hulks with a somewhat predatory appearance.
The giants of domesticated representatives of the cat world, whose weight reaches fifteen kilograms or even more, include individuals of only a few breeds, and their prices are sometimes off the charts. Pets weighing from 7 to 12 kg are not so rare, but they look no less impressive and respectable. It is worth saying that cats, invariably included in the ranking of the largest, are mainly distinguished by their physique - solid bones, powerful muscles, and not at all by how well they are fed by their adoring owners. Without exception, all mustachioed giants reach their prime only by 3-4 years, and it is at this age that their individual weight is established. The overwhelming majority of males are much larger than females. Depending on the breed and litter, the difference in weight between them varies and can range from three to five to six kilograms.
The largest cat breeds: 8 domestic giants
The largest cats are divided into huge, very large and large.
Savannah
One of the largest representatives of giant cats is the Savannah animal breed - spotted cats similar to leopard and cheetah. So, if you are partial to these wild creatures, the shroud is just a gift for you. By the way, breeders bred the breed specifically so that real wild cheetahs would not end up in the homes of “lovers” of wild fauna and would not suffer in captivity. Now they can easily be replaced by huge spotted cats, weighing from 7 to 15 kilograms. The cost of pets ranges from $1500 to $5000.
Norwegian forest cat
Norwegian forest cats are not at all like wild animals. They are just big fluffy dogs who love to be outdoors. They have one feature that touches and distinguishes them from other breeds. If a Norwegian climbs a tree during a walk, he will come down from it upside down.
Turkish van
Other large cats are very beautiful - Turkish Vans, long-haired and very friendly animals. They get along easily with everyone who lives in the house, be it children, dogs or cats of other breeds. Vanirs are very active and inquisitive creatures, whose favorite pastime is catching thrown objects. At the same time, they perform such pirouettes that they can’t lag behind professional gymnasts. The weight of cats of the breed reaches 6 kg, and males - up to 9 kg.
British shorthair cat
British Shorthair cats are considered descendants of the Cheshire cat. Animals are very independent and easily tolerate loneliness. Another advantage of the British is that they rarely speak out and do not hold concerts. Pets will always find something to amuse themselves with, and will not unexpectedly jump on your shoulders. The average weight of a British dog is 7-8 kg.
Chartreuse
French Shorthaired Chartreuse are jealous by nature. If you have these cats, then you will not be able to have any other animals - Chartreux simply will not allow them to live.
Siberian cat
Siberian cats, which weigh 5-7 kilograms, cannot but inspire admiration. Unlike Chartreuse, they have an easygoing character and are distinguished by almost dog-like devotion. When a Siberian cat appears in the house, you don’t have to worry that mice will live there, since Siberians consider it their duty to rid the owner of rodents. But they miss their owners very much, do not tolerate separation well and are very jealous of other pets. However, Siberian cats will never demand attention when they see that the owner is busy.
Chausie
The Chausie breed, Hausie or Vauzie (all variants are acceptable in Russian), was obtained by crossing a domestic cat and a jungle cat. Chausies are natural hunters, and in this way they are very similar to wild descendants. But at the same time, they are very friendly and easily get along with all the inhabitants of the house. In addition, animals love to travel. This is one of the main features of this amazing, but not yet studied breed. The weight of a Wauzi cat reaches 7 kg, and that of a female cat – 5.5.
Ragdoll
Giants with a gentle character - this is how representatives of the Ragdoll breed are characterized, which translated from English means “rag doll”. Representatives of the breed got their name from their habit of relaxing in the arms of their owner. However, it will not be possible to keep such a “doll” for a long time, because it weighs from 7 to 9 kilograms.
Savannah
Savannah, the largest domestic cat on the planet, is one of the rarest, most expensive, exotic and young breeds. Selection work on its breeding began in the 80s of the last century and took place in stages. In fact, the Savannah is a hybrid of a domestic cat and an African serval - a predatory mammal, a close relative of the lynx and caracal, but in its color this beauty is more reminiscent of a cheetah. Her homeland is the USA, or rather, one of the farms in the state of Pennsylvania, where, as a result of crossing a serval and a domestic Siamese cat, a female was born, who was named Savannah - it was she who became the ancestor of the new breed. Later, breeders included Bengal cats, Egyptian Mau, and Ocicats in the selection process. The breed standard was officially approved in 2001.
Savannah is a magnificent strong animal whose weight reaches 15 kg, and sometimes exceeds this figure. The length of the cat's body is about a meter, and the height at the withers is about half a meter. Distinctive features of her appearance are an elongated neck, a nobly set head, tall slender limbs, thick fur, and large ears.
Despite the fact that the Savannah has a wild and, one might even say, unkind look, it is not at all aggressive. This cat is quite sociable, friendly to children, devoted to its owner, understands commands perfectly, like a dog, and is ready to walk on a leash without whims. However, in urban conditions, the savannah experiences discomfort, as it needs an active lifestyle. She must be able to realize her instincts: climb to heights, hunt, jump, demonstrating the wonders of tightrope walking - from a standing position, this pet can easily “jump” 3.5 meters vertically. Savannahs are not at all afraid of water; on the contrary, they are not averse to swimming a fairly decent distance.
Not all savannahs are the same: their size and habits depend on the degree of kinship with their wild ancestor - the serval. The cats that are the least distant from the serval are those designated as an F1 hybrid. These are the heirs of the first generation of mating animals - wild and domestic. They are the largest, rarest and, accordingly, expensive. The higher the number after F, the less Serval blood the Savannah has. F7 hybrid animals, for example, are similar in build and size to a regular domestic cat. Savannah kittens can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $20,000.
In 2006, representatives announced the appearance of a new breed of cat - the Asher. These animals were the result of crossing a Bengal cat, an Asian leopard cat and a serval cat. Initially, the cost of a kitten in the nursery was 20 thousand dollars, but despite this, Ashera quickly gained popularity. It soon became clear, however, that the DNA of these felines is identical to that of the Savannah, so this breed is not recognized today as a separate breed. However, these exotic-looking cats remain in high demand, and their prices have dropped significantly.
Savannah (Asherah)
Peculiarities
All cats are part of the cat family, which is divided into subfamilies large and small. Big cats include such famous predators as:
- lions;
- tigers;
- leopards;
- jaguars;
- Snow leopards.
The domestic purr is a subspecies of the forest cat from the suborder of small cats. Domestic cats are not large in size. On average, the weight of an adult cat ranges from 3 to 6 kg, and the body length with tail is about 90 cm. Cats have the most developed sense organs compared to most animals. Developed hearing, vision, sense of smell, tenacious claws and an ideal jaw structure for a predator made the small cute animal an excellent hunter.
Despite the fact that the cat prefers to hunt alone, it can communicate with other individuals using sounds, body movements and pheromones. The range of sounds a cat makes is very wide, and the animal uses them to express emotions, often accompanying the “conversation” with movements of the tail, paws or head.
Over the long centuries of living next to humans, the cat never became completely dependent on him, retaining the ability to survive on its own. But at the same time, she is an ideal companion, soft and affectionate. It is believed that a cat is able to identify a sore spot in its owner and treat it by lying on it or positioning itself next to the source of pain. Stroking the silky fur of an animal relieves nervous irritation and has a calming effect on the psyche.
The small size of the animal allows it to be kept even in small apartments, but in recent years the fashion for large-sized cats has been gaining momentum.
Increasingly, cat lovers are turning their attention to breeds whose size can be compared to a medium-sized dog
Maine Coon
Second place in the list of the largest cats is occupied by Maine Coons. Giant cats of the Maine Coon breed became known in the middle of the 19th century, when they began to be shown at fairs held in the northeastern American state of Maine. Legends that Maine Coons appeared as a result of crossing domestic cats and wild animals, including raccoons and lynxes, are still popular. The Maine Coon supposedly inherited its distinctively colored tail from the raccoon, and its charming ear tufts from the lynx. These spectacular versions are beautiful, but from a genetic point of view they do not stand up to scrutiny. Dog handlers are confident that the breed formed independently, as a result of natural evolution, but is intraspecific.
Maine Coons reach maturity in their fourth year of life. At this age, their weight can be 12-15 kg. They have a large and long body, a powerful chest, well-developed muscles, thick, strong paws. In addition to their power, Maine Coons can also be proud of their luxurious thick coat. Another distinctive feature of the appearance of this animal is its incredibly fluffy tail, which the cat uses to wrap itself in the cold season.
Maine Coons have a wonderful character - soft and accommodating. They are intelligent, smart, friendly, but do not tolerate familiarity. These cats love to live in pairs. Male Maine Coons are excellent fathers, enthusiastically taking part in raising their offspring along with females.
The longest cat belongs to the Maine Coon breed. A male named Stu, a native of Nevada, is known for measuring 1.23 m from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail.
Maine Coon
Pixie bob
This cat breed is considered a national treasure of the United States and its export is prohibited by law.
The breed was bred artificially. The breeders' task was to obtain a forest lynx that was not at all large in size. All that remains of the lynx are the tassels on the ears and unique colors, as well as a short tail. Adults weigh from 5 to 8 kilograms.
Despite the presence of lynx genes, these cats are distinguished by their calmness and love for their owner.
Chausie
Large, stately and elegant Chausies are young cat breeds. They were developed in the USA in the 60s of the last century, and were registered only at the beginning of this century. The Chausie was created by crossing the Abyssinian domestic cat and the wild jungle cat, also known as the marsh lynx.
Chausies are athletically built, they have a long body, and the height at the withers can reach 40 cm, which puts them in third place in our ranking of the largest cats. The weight of an adult male reaches 14.5 kg. These amazing cats have a completely wild appearance. Their coloring, predatory look, and hunting habits make you wonder if you should be afraid of them. But upon closer acquaintance, it turns out that the chausie is the sweetest creature: affectionate, gentle, peaceful, loving to purr, and quite loudly.
From their predatory ancestors, these cats inherited a passion for hunting, a love of water and a desire to conquer heights. They love to stock up, often sneaking unattended food from the kitchen. They should be fed raw meat and fish, quail eggs; cereals are contraindicated for them.
Chausie is a very rare breed of cat because it is quite difficult to breed them. Chausies are most popular in their homeland - in the USA; there are several nurseries in Europe. In the post-Soviet space, chausie are considered a rarity. The cost of a kitten of this breed can reach $10,000.
The biggest cat in the world
Exceptional characteristics imply some distinguishing individual traits - Trouble the cat has one such trait. This male is the largest cat
Savannah was included in the Guinness Book of Records for her height. Neither more nor less, and 48 cm at the withers makes the cat exceptional. A modest weight of 9 kg contributes to increased activity, so the animal is constantly on the move. The owners of the animal are the Maraspins from Sacramento (California) and they have already received a certificate of the title of record cat.
The previous height record for a cat, 44 cm, was also set by a savannah named Scarlett's Magic.
Siberian and Neva masquerade cats
The Siberian cat is the pride of Russian breeders and the first domestic breed recognized by all international felinological organizations. The name of the breed, which began to be bred in the late 80s of the last century, is symbolic, since animals common throughout Russia, and not just Siberia, took part in the selection. The largest, strongest animals with heavy bones and thick, long hair were selected for breeding. The result turned out to be excellent: the Siberian cat looks like a real taiga inhabitant: hardy, powerful, big, harsh. The average weight of adult males is 10 kg, but 12-kg Siberians are not at all uncommon.
Siberian cats have a strong nervous system and high intelligence. They are calm, reasonable, patient with children, and attached to their owner like dogs. These cats are fearless and excellent hunters.
The Siberian cat rightfully takes fourth place in our ranking of big cats, and to it we will also add the Neva Masquerade cat, which is considered its subspecies. Breeders from the Kotofey club bred this magnificent breed under the guidance of felinologist Olga Mironova and presented it at her cat show in 1988. The Neva Masquerade cat owes its name to the Neva River, on which St. Petersburg stands, and the color of its face, similar to a carnival mask.
Today, breeding of Siberian cats is carried out in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Italy, Finland and other countries. The number of nurseries located around the world is more than three hundred.
Siberian cat
Neva masquerade cat
First place No. 1 Lucy the cat
Today, the oldest cat in the world, Lucy, has reached the age of 43 years, with the average cat's life span being 15 years. Translated into human years, that’s more than 175 years! The centenarian lives in the UK with her owner Bill Thomas and has no intention of dying. The cat, which can be seen in the photo, looks much younger than its age. She leads an active lifestyle and even chases mice, the only negative is that Lucy can no longer hear anything at all.
As it turned out recently, the oldest cat on the planet earth was born in 1972. Bill was told about this by his aunt, who one day came to visit him and was stunned when she saw the cat that she remembered from the previous owner more than forty years ago! Then Lucy quickly ran around the fish stores. Lucy has been living with Bill since 1999, when he took her in due to the death of her previous owner.
As soon as the owner heard Lucy’s interesting life story, he showed it to the veterinarians, who were completely dumbfounded by what they saw, but confirmed the cat’s record-breaking features. While experts are trying their best to identify the reasons for the lucky woman’s longevity, in the meantime she lives and enjoys life.
Ragdoll and ragamuffin
The top five largest cats in the world are ragdolls, along with their charming subspecies - ragamuffins. Ragamuffin, which means “ragamuffin” in English, is the creation of the creative American breeder Anne Baker, also known as the founder of the Ragdoll breed. Actually, Ragamuffins are ragdolls crossed with mongrel cats. Their appearance is very reminiscent of ragdolls, but these delightful creatures have a richer palette of colors. Ragamuffins can be long-haired or short-haired.
Representatives of this breed have an elongated, strong, muscular body; by the age of four years, the age of full maturity, they can gain weight up to 10 kg. Ragamuffins are similar in character to ragdolls: they are just as gentle, affectionate, in need of the love and attention of their owner, and, despite their impressive size, completely defenseless against the aggression of other animals.
The breed was introduced in 1994, but numerous ill-wishers of Ann Baker for a long time prevented the official recognition of Ragamuffins. Only in 2003 these cats received a status separate from ragdolls and were recognized by international canine organizations.
Ragdoll
Caring for big cats
Caring for any pet is the direct responsibility of a loving owner. If the cat in the house is a large breed, then the most important factor in care will be the size of the animal.
Impressive body weight can be achieved and maintained only with a properly selected, complete diet. To the weight prescribed in the big cat breed
has not become superfluous, the pet must be fed according to the schedule established by the owner. It is unacceptable to overfeed such cats!
The second important factor will be the allocation of personal space for the animal. This is not a sofa cat that will modestly occupy a corner of the blanket. This size of the animal will have to be taken into account when determining a place for it to sleep. Without walks it is impossible to maintain the muscle tone and health of a rather large pet.
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Norwegian Forest Cat
Luxurious Norwegian forest cats are the pride of all of Scandinavia, where they are considered aboriginal animals. Presumably their ancient ancestors are long-haired representatives of the cat tribe brought to these harsh northern regions. As a result of natural selection and adaptation to the Scandinavian climate, they became the founders of a special population of cats - large, strong, distinguished by endurance and very thick hair. At the beginning of the last century, the Norwegian authorities provided official protection to native wild cats, obliging foresters and rangers in nature reserves to fight back against poachers who caught these beauties en masse and took them out of the country. In the 1930s, breeders began systematically breeding Norwegian forest cats to avoid extinction of the animals, while preserving their pristine beauty. The Norwegian Forest Cat breed was officially recognized only in 1977.
The Norwegian Forest Cat looks powerful yet elegant. It has a strong, elongated body, the hind limbs are noticeably longer than the front, which is more typical for a lynx than for a domestic cat. This proportion allows this animal to descend from a height head down in a spiral, like a squirrel, which is not typical for most pets. The weight of an adult male can reach 10 kg, but visually, thanks to his luxurious fur, he “pulls” a whole pound.
The Norwegian's character is as magnificent as his appearance. He is an excellent and loyal companion, very inquisitive, sociable, but not annoying. The cat is extremely friendly and is always ready to make friends with other pets.
In the second half of the last century, King Olav V of Norway gave the Norwegian Forest Cat the status of a national breed. In Western and Northern Europe, this charming animal has plenty of fans; in the USA they are not very popular, and in Russia there are only a few nurseries where you can buy a guaranteed purebred Norwegian Forest cat kitten. They operate in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Strict standards
Each purebred cat must meet the standard of its breed. In addition to the requirements for anatomy and character, it must indicate the desired height and weight of the animal. It is customary to classify cats by origin and coat type. Ordinary pets gain enormous weight mainly due to poor nutrition, but there are also really large breeds.
Until recently, Maine Coons were called the largest. They also became famous for their dog-like character and external resemblance to a forest lynx. In other breeds you can also find very heavy representatives (especially among obese Britons). But the path to all of them was crossed by a very young modern variety of exotic - the Savannah - the largest domestic cat, allowing almost unlimited growth according to the standard.
Savannah
Savannahs, not suitable for small apartments and houses, are the result of crossing (as it is called in science - hybridization) servals and bengals. Their size is truly enviable: weight up to 15 kg, and height up to 60 cm at the withers, which is quite comparable to a large dog!
This is truly the largest of the domestic breeds. It is so far recognized only by part of the international organizations of cat breeders, but has already gained fame as the giant and most expensive in the world. Only a very wealthy owner can purchase and maintain a savannah.
Maine Coon
One of the most popular representatives of the cat world, this handsome man is distinguished by his special look and external resemblance to a lynx. But if a wild lynx can reach 65 cm at the withers, then the Maine Coon will grow half as much (about 30 cm). The weight of an adult cat can reach 10 kg, the average weight in the breed is 6-7 kg, females are usually a little more graceful.
Something else interesting: Manx cat
Kittens from the age of 2 months are noticeably larger than babies of other breeds. And after six months, you can see with your own eyes that this is truly the largest breed of domestic cat available to the majority of buyers. A teenage Maine Coon is comparable in size to an adult yard cat.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norway, as this breed is affectionately called in professional circles, has excellent health and retains the traits of wild hunters of the northern forests. First of all, their coat deserves attention: uniquely voluminous and very warm.
Owners of Norwegians appreciate not only their large size, but also their ability to hunt and their wonderful character: friendly, unobtrusive, sociable.
Norwegian Forest cats share their place in the ranking of the largest breeds with Maine Coons and British Shorthairs. All three are the largest cat breeds and can reach incredible sizes and weights. It is no wonder that it was among them that record-breaking heroes were discovered.
British shorthair cat
The British Shorthair cat is one of the oldest and largest English breeds. The ancient ancestors of these animals are presumably cats, brought to Britain by Roman legionnaires before our era. Over the centuries, they have interbred not only with each other, but also with native wild cats. British Shorthair cats became known as a breed in 1871, when they were presented at the London Cat Show, after which they gained extreme popularity. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, the fashion for these cats passed, and by the 50s their population had decreased significantly. To preserve the breed, breeders began crossing the few representatives of the British Shorthair with Persian cats, as a result of which today these cats look a little different than a century and a half ago.
The Briton is a large, but quite compact in his constitution strong man, who, thanks to his superbly sculpted muscles and unusual plush fur, looks even more powerful than he actually is. On average, adult cats weigh up to 9 kg, but some pets weigh up to 12 kg. This is usually due to the fact that representatives of this breed are prone to obesity because they become inactive as they age. By their nature, British Shorthair cats are calm and independent, they treat others selectively, and do not allow strangers to approach them at all.
There is an opinion that the illustrations for the book “Alice in Wonderland”, created by the English artist John Tenniel, depict a British shorthair cat. Today the Briton is the recognizable “face” of the Whiskas brand.
British shorthair cat
The best cat breeds
1. Outbred kittens.
Cats without a breed can produce completely unpredictable offspring, with very different characters, both purebred and mongrel cats. They can have a variety of colors, short or long legs, they can be fluffy or not very fluffy, they are different. However, outbred kittens have one thing in common: they are very friendly, do not show aggression and are not vindictive.
Cats of this breed are cheerful and love to play, in addition, they will not bother you with their “meows”, since they are not particularly “talkative”. These cats adapt well to new environments and easily “find a common language” with children and other animals. Their fur is quite large, more like fluff, so sometimes you have to clean carpets and furniture.
3. American Curl.
Cats of this breed are distinguished by their unusual ears. Their color may be different, but the ears always remain of an unusual shape. They have a silky, medium fluffy coat. These cats are very gentle and good-natured. They show aggression extremely rarely and do not hold grudges.
4. The British cat is the best cat breed for children.
Children love these fluffies that they can cuddle without worrying about their finger. These cats are calm and self-confident, and their patient and kind nature makes them quite lazy (they are inactive). They can make friends with a dog or other pet. Their coat does not require special care. Cats are susceptible to diseases, so it is worth monitoring their health, protecting them from diseases.
5. Abyssinian cat.
These cats are very active, like small children. They are very inquisitive and stick their noses everywhere. We do not recommend purchasing this kitten for small children, as it loves to be treated with respect and can scratch. The coat is short and does not require special care.
6. The Burmese cat is an excellent “nanny” from the feline family.
These cats have unusual patience and do not show aggression at all. They are very active and inquisitive, but not overly so, so you don't have to worry. They only meow for business. Their coat is short and does not require special care.
7. The Bengal cat is funny and mischievous.
She is able to restore “order” in a matter of minutes, so you should not leave her unattended where there is a lot of interesting things for her. Bengals are good for friendship, but cannot become a toy (they can sharpen their claws).
8. Scottish fold (straight-eared) cat.
Scottish cats are very friendly. They are silent, do not bite or scratch, but do not like to be held for long periods of time and can be frightened by loud noises (noisy games). Read how to name a Scottish cat.
9. Persian cats are just adorable.
They are very reminiscent of a toy, as their faces depict cute images, and the fluff makes them soft and fluffy, like teddy bears. They communicate well with children: they do not offend and are not afraid to play with them. Their coat requires constant brushing and special care.
10. Ragdoll.
Cats of this breed are called “rag dolls” because they allow you to do whatever you want with them. They do not scratch or bite, but, like a tail, follow the owner's heels. This calm breed is one of the best cat options for children.
11. Orientals.
Exquisite cats with unusual facial features and body shape. They are floppy-eared, slender and long-legged, so graceful, with an elongated nose, they resemble small dogs. Their character is quite flexible, they are affectionate, sociable and lively. They, like dogs, can bring you anything: a ball, a mouse. Their peculiarity is sensitivity to cold, so it is worth monitoring the temperature in which they live.
There are other cat breeds that you might like. We advise you to consider all the arguments in favor of any of them and choose the best cat that will make you happy!
Pixiebob
The breed, known today as the pixie bob, was originally formed through the process of cross-breeding in natural conditions between a domestic cat and a bobcat, a wild lynx. Due to the fact that these animals have the same karyotype, their offspring turned out to be fertile. In the 80s of the last century, American felinologists, having caught three wild individuals in the forest, began breeding them, trying to preserve the original appearance of the animal. In 1998, the new breed received the right to participate in the championships of the world's largest felinological organization TICA.
Externally, the pixie bob resembles a small lynx with a short tail. He has a powerful body, strong paws, and a wild, slightly gloomy look. The weight of an adult pet is 7-9 kg. Despite its stern and menacing appearance, the pixie-bob is a fairly peaceful, calm creature. It is not aggressive, rarely releases its claws, and will not bite a person at full strength. These cats are similar to dogs in their behavior and devotion. Pixiebobs do not meow, but when they play with each other, they growl. Their purring is not like the songs of domestic cats - it is very loud and heavy. These animals do not welcome other pets, but they also do not enter into conflicts with their four-legged brethren - they simply maintain their distance.
Pixie bobs produce few offspring - there are usually 2-3 kittens in a litter. This rare breed is recognized as a national treasure of the United States. Official permission is required to take cats out of the country.
Pixiebob
Reproduction and lifespan
Breeding cats of this breed is far from easy. And there are several reasons for this. Firstly, the characteristics of lynx kitties play a role here: their conservatism, aversion to changing places, as well as semi-wild roots, despite their almost canine nature. This sometimes seriously prevents owners of purebred specimens from participating in exhibitions with them.
Here, beloved pets, seemingly docile and affectionate at home, can show wariness and aggression, which will not be easy to cope with. As for matings, difficulties arise in this issue again. Pixiebob genes are special. Therefore, they cannot be arbitrarily crossed with any desired breeds, but only with each other. And this makes it very difficult to choose a partner.
And most importantly, this breed of cat was bred in North America and is now mainly bred only in the USA and Canada; moreover, it is considered the national treasure of these countries, and therefore the export of such kittens to other continents is difficult. Because of this, a purebred pixie bob is still considered a rarity in Russia.
And the number of specimens we have does not yet allow us to create a worthy domestic population. All this makes the breed insufficiently known in our country, and therefore arouses little interest among breeders and prospective owners. Although nurseries for breeding elf-lynxes are still appearing, including in Moscow.
An interesting feature of kittens of this breed is their late maturation and formation. Therefore, for an amateur, given the rather large size of domestic lynxes, it is sometimes not difficult to mistake an immature individual for an adult. And the full life cycle of a pixie bob from birth to death is usually no more than 13 years.
Turkish van
The ancestors of the Turkish Van are aboriginal semi-long-haired cats, who from time immemorial lived in the area adjacent to Lake Van, located in Turkey. This breed was discovered in the modern world by British journalist Laura Lushington, a big cat lover. From her trips to this region of Turkey in the 50s of the last century, she several times brought charming kittens, with which the breeding of the Turkish Van cat breed in Europe began. Today, the Turkish Van is recognized by all leading felinological international organizations.
An adult Turkish Van cat can weigh up to 9 kg. His body is muscular, long, with a wide, powerful chest. These pets love water fun and swim well. They are very active, sociable, overly inquisitive and emotional. They have a well-developed hunting instinct. In childhood and adolescence, these cats can even show some aggressiveness, biting and scratching their owners. However, with age their character becomes softer.
In Turkey, aboriginal Van cats (they are called van kedisi here) are very revered, are one of the symbols of the country and are listed in the Red Book. They are credited with the gift of bringing happiness and good luck; these animals are even allowed to enter the mosque. It is possible to export Turkish Vans from the country only with official permission.
Turkish van
Chartreuse
The Chartreuse, or Carthusian, as well as medieval cat, is considered a French breed. However, historians in the field of felinology are confident that the ancestors of the Chartreux are cats brought to France from the East during the Crusades. In the 16th century, they were described as stocky animals with an ash-gray color with a blue tint. Initially, these big cats lived at the main monastery of the Carthusian order of Grand Chartreuse, but over time they bred in other regions of the country. After the First World War, French breeders began systematic breeding of the breed, and in 1928, Chartreuse was already taking part in exhibitions. Today, nurseries for breeding Chartreuse are located mainly in France and the USA.
In their appearance, Chartreuse cats resemble British shorthair cats, but they have a different constitution and lack the pronounced plushness of the coat characteristic of the British. When looking at their dense, well-built, compact body and short limbs, it may seem that these pets are lightweight, however, when you pick up a Chartreuse in your arms, you will immediately understand how deceptive this impression is. Adult Chartreux have significant muscle mass and can weigh up to 7 kg. They are very balanced and measured, one might even say phlegmatic. They seem to enjoy observing rather than acting. Chartreux meows very rarely, and their voice is so quiet that it is like a whisper.
It is difficult to find purebred Chartreuse in Russia. Often, even in nurseries under the name “chartreuse” they sell shorthaired blue cats of the British breed, European shorthaired blue cats or hybrids of these breeds. You can purchase a guaranteed purebred kitten in clubs that are members of the international felinological organization FIFe.
Chartreuse
Origin of spotted color in cats
Many modern scientists are confident that the Libyan spotted cat became the ancestor of the domestic cat. From her, all modern representatives of domestic purrs have inherited the genes responsible for their spotted coloration.
The presence of the dominant gene A (agouti factor) in the cat’s genome determines whether the pattern on its coat will be visible. Spotted cats inherit several genes responsible for their pattern and its location.
Domestic animals of spotted color first appeared in the 18th century in England. Spotted is a type of tabby color. This includes any colors with patterns.
There are 4 types of patterns: spotted, brindle, marbled and ticked. All tabby cats have noticeable M-shaped stripes on their foreheads.
A cat's eyes may be lined with black, brown, red, lavender, blue or pink, depending on the base color of the coat. In the wild, tabby coloring and spotting are needed for cats to camouflage against leaves and grass. The spotted color combines the characteristics of other tabby species. The spots resemble broken tiger stripes or the streaked patterns characteristic of marbled cats.
Signs of spotted color:
- the spots form a clear line along the length of the entire body from the withers to the tail;
- “buttons” are noticeable on the stomach;
- "necklace" on the neck.
Spotted color cannot be determined for sphinxes, as well as for other varieties (acromelanic, harlequin, van).
Spots with clear boundaries can have any shade: cream, red, blue, chocolate, black, lilac, fawn and cinnamon. The spots are evenly distributed throughout the animal's body. The background is much lighter than the spots.
Spotted cats have noticeable M-shaped stripes on their foreheads.
