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