Over 8 posts, I am going to go through cat breeds, and cover some basic titbits about the breeds; a little bit of history surrounding the breed, including the original use for the breed, and some other interesting facts.

This, the first, post will cover A-C of cat breeds. In the follow-up posts I will look into cat breeds from D-F, G-I, J-L, M-O, P-R, S-V, and W-Z… basically I am doing an A-Z of cat breeds, covering 1-3 breeds per letter.

If I do not cover the breed of your cat in this post, and you would like me to; please leave the breed in the thoughts comment box below, or post it via the contact page, or get in touch via any social media pages listed at the end of each post – this way I can include your breed in another post (either the follow-up, or a repeat with different breeds). Do the same if you want more information than I have provided on any particular cat breed, or if you would like to share a photo of your cat(s)!

A

Abyssinian

Country of Origin: Originally believed to be Ethiopia (f.k.a. Abyssinia – hence the name); now believed to be along the Coast Egypt

Lifespan: 14/15 years            Breed Size: Medium

Fur Length: Shorthair          Colour(s): Ruddy, sorrel, chocolate, lilac, blue, fawn and silver

Breed History: Officially first recorded in Britain in 1882. One of the first was Zula; she was the first of this breed to be brought over from Abyssinia – this was in the 1860’s, by Captain Barrett-Leonard. The breed standard was set in 1889, which makes the Abyssinian breed one of the earliest (recorded) pedigree breeds. This breed has always been a companion, and a show (pedigree) breed.

Outstanding Physical Trait: The Abyssinian cat has large, tufted ears – giving it a look of alertness. All colour varieties have ‘ticked’ coats – the most common colour (Ruddy) is a golden colour with black ‘ticks’.

Abyssinians

American Bobtail

Country of Origin: America (as the name suggests)

Lifespan: 12/13 years                                       Breed Size: Medium          

Fur Length: Shorthair and Longhair          Colour(s): All colours

Breed History: Originally, it is believed to be, the offspring of a short-tailed brown tabby cat and a seal-point Siamese. This breed was then developed, and the breed standard written and rewritten, until today’s breed standard and the breed pictured below was achieved.

Outstanding Physical Trait: The ‘bobbed’ tail – measuring approximately one-third to on half of the length of an average cat’s tail.

American Bobtails

B

Bengal

Country of Origin: America

Lifespan: 10-15 years                        Breed Size:  Medium

Fur Length: Shorthair                       Colour(s): Orange/brown, or white

Breed History: Said to be a cross between a domestic cat and the Asian Leopard Cat in the late 1880’s – early 1900’s. Today’s Bengal cats are said to be the produce of the offspring of these wild X domestic; however not retaining any wild cat DNA in current breeding lines.

Outstanding Physical Trait: Markings giving a “wild” appearance with large spots/ rosettes, and a pale underside.

Bengal Cat
Bengal Cat (side)                                                                                        (face)

C

Chartreux

Country of Origin: France

Lifespan: 19/20 years                                  Breed Size: Medium                 

Fur Length: Shorthair; double-coat      Colour(s): Blue or Silver

Breed History: The true origin is unknown, however the theories surrounding this breed are;
– the breed is thought to have been name after the Carthusian monks (of South Africa),
– or after the Spanish wool, Chartreux Pile (due to their dense, woolly coat),
– or that they originated from Iranian mountains, hence the need for the thick coat.
In the late 1920’s they started to be selectively bred in Europe, which led to the breed standard we know today; being officially recognised in American in 1970.

Outstanding Physical Trait: Due to the shape of the head, and the roundness of the face, this breed appears to be smiling – and is known for its’ “smile”.

Chartreux
Chartreux

All images are open source, Google images, or my own – or photos donated for use by the pet owners.


If you have any questions or comments; please post a comment below, or contact Ali’s Answers via one of my social media pages…
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