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Breed Information

 Info On The Most Common Breeds In The UK

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abyssinian

Abyssinian

History: Named after Abyssinia, the old name for Ethiopia, this breed actually originated near the Indian Ocean.

Appearance:

  • Medium to large size.
  • Graceful, thin legs.
  • Lithe, muscular body.
  • Large ears.
  • Short, fine but dense hair.
  • Bred in numerous colours.

Personality: Normally a very quiet breed but extremely intelligent, requiring a lot of stimulation. Abyssinian cats can range from strongly independent to incredibly affectionate.

Care:

  • Requires yearly vaccinations.
  • Little grooming needed.
  • Can develop tartar on their teeth which may lead to gingivitis.

Health:

  • A very healthy breed.
  • Lives 12 -16 years.
  • Can suffer from Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, which can led to anaemia. Ask your breeder if this has been tested for in their stock cats.

Asian

History: A relatively new breed developed in the UK in the 1980’s.

Appearance:

  • Medium Sized.
  • Similar to Burmese.
  • Athletic and muscular.
  • Heavy for their size.
  • Can come in a range of colours.
  • Large, bright eyes.

Personality: Asian cats are friendly, affectionate and playful. They are a good choice for families or elderly people. Can usually live side by side with other cats and pets provided they are introduced properly.

Care:

  • Require lots of attention.
  • Weekly grooming.

Health:

  • Usually live 16 -18 years.
  • Can suffer from Hypokalaemia. This is inherited so DNA testing can help eliminate it.
burmilla
austrailianmist

Australian Mist

History: Developed in Australia in the 1970’s from a combination of Burmese, Abyssinian and Domestic shorthaired cats.

Appearance:

  • Medium size.
  • Short-haired.
  • Spotted or Marbled pattern
  • Available in 6 colours; Brown, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Cinnamon and Fawn.

Personality: An excellent lap cat, they interact well with children and other animals.

Care:

  • Enjoys food and is prone to over-eating.
  • Likes indoors.
  • Needs companionship.

Health:

  • Lives 15 -18 years.
  • Make sure its tested for PKDef and PRA.
  • Breeders should DNA test for Burmese Head Defect.

Balinese

History: Originated in America in the 1940’s from longhaired Siamese kittens.

Appearance:

  • Long, sleek bodied.
  • Blue eyed.
  • Can come in a range of colours.

Personality: Balinese are extremely playful, have high levels of energy, vocal and require a lot of attention. Are very intelligent and get on well with children and other pets.

Care:

  • Hair is easily combed.
  • Regularly trim nails.

Health:

  • Lives 18 – 22 years.
  • Can suffer from similar disorders to Siamese such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
balinese
bengal

Bengal

History: The Bengal cat has a diverse breeding lineage and was developed to look like a leopard.

Appearance:

  • Medium to large size.
  • Small ears.
  • Spotted and marble tabby patterns.
  • Lustrous hair.

Personality: Well suited as pets, they are clever and playful. Can be territorial if introduced to other pets as an adult.

Care:

  • Need regular exercise.
  • Don’t require much grooming.
  • Prefer company.

Health:

  • Live for 12 – 16 years.
  • Can be prone to Flat Chested Kitten Syndrome (FCKS), Patellar Luxation, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Birman

History: Nicknamed the ‘Sacred Cat of Burma’.

Appearance:

  • Semi longhaired.
  • Medium – large size.
  • Stocky.
  • Blue eyed.
  • White feet and body.

Personality: A very mild tempered cat. They are sociable and love attention. Suitable for families and elderly.

Care:

  • Comb weekly.
  • They shed their Winter coat.

Health:

  • Lives 12 to 16 years.
  • Can develop Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
birman
britishshorthair

British Shorthair

History: The most popular cat in the UK. Their origins can be traced back to Egyptian imported cats but the breed itself hasn't changed much over the years.

Appearance:

  • Large round eyes.
  • Short legs, round paws.
  • Thick fur.
  • Can come as Self, Colourpointed, Tipped, Tortoiseshell & Tabby.

Personality: Calm and relaxed. Form good bonds with humans. Mainly an indoor cat.

Care:

  • Needs stimulation to avoid weight gain.

Health:

  • Lives 14 - 20 years.
  • Slow metabolism.
  • Can develop Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Burmese

History: As you might image, originates from the country of Burma from a single cat. According to Burmese folklore, they were considered sacred.

Appearance:

  • Athletic.
  • Lean.
  • Glossy Coat.
  • Yellow Eyes.

Personality: Friendly and sociable breed who enjoy human companionship. Also quite playful.

Care:

  • Minimal grooming.

Health:

  • Lives 16 - 18 years
  • Be aware of inherited Hypokalaemia (ask your breeder) as it can cause skeleton weakness.
burmese
chartreaux

Chatreux

History: Their origins are dated back to the regions of Iran and Turkey before being brought to France where they were used for ratting.

Appearance:

  • Shades of grey/blue.
  • Short muscular necks.
  • Full, rounded cheeks.
  • Woolly, medium short coat.

Personality: Very affectionate animals that are good with other pets and children. They tend to bond with only one human and display calm, friendly & non-aggressive behaviours.

Care:

  • Should be groomed regularly.
  • Considered an indoor cat.
  • Claws should be trimmed regularly.

Health:

  • Little to no genetic problems.
  • Regarded as one of the healthiest cat breeds.

Cornish Rex

History: This breed is a result of natural mutation between two cats that weren't pedigree breeds.

Appearance:

  • Medium sized cat.
  • Ears sit fairly high on the head.
  • Agile and elegant.
  • Wavy coat.

Personality: An intelligent breed who are extremely playful and often quite acrobatic. Also very affectionate towards humans and enjoys attention.

Care:

  • Do not expose to too much rain.
  • Brush or comb wavy coat regularly.

Health:

  • Lives for 16+ years.
  • Can have Type A, B & AB blood types.
cornishrex
devonrex

Devon Rex

History: As the name suggests, this breed hails from Devon and originated from a feral cat that had a wavy coat.

Appearance:

  • Come in any colour/combination.
  • Can have white markings.
  • Various patterns.
  • Wavy or loose curled coat.

Personality: These are a people orientated breed who enjoy human company but are also very playful and active. They are good with other animals and children.

Care:

  • Coats can change over lifespan.
  • Need a gentle groom.
  • Shed relatively less than other breeds.

Health:

  • Lives for 12-16 years

Egyptian Mau

History: As the name indicates, this breed hails from ancient Egypt.

Appearance:

  • Randomly spotted patterns.
  • Large rounded eyes.
  • Known to be fast & agile.
  • Come in silver, bronze and smoke.

Personality: This breed really enjoys the company of humans and can be very playful. An intelligent breed who aren’t necessarily adverse to water.

Care:

  • Minimal grooming required.

Health:

  • Prone to umbilical hernias as kittens (easily rectified).
  • Can have sensitive skin.
  • Be aware of pyruvate kinase deficiency.
egyptianmau
exotic

Exotic Shorthair

History: Originating from a cross between an American Shorthair and Silver Persian, this breed was born in the USA.

Appearance:

  • Looks almost exactly like a Persian.
  • Short haired coat
  • Large eyes
  • Myriad of colours & patterns

Personality: Overall this breed are affectionate towards their humans. Considered to be quite easily entertained and like to play.

Care:

  • Regular grooming required.
  • Moult in season changes
  • Regularly clean their eyes

Health:

  • Lives for 12 - 15 years.
  • Ask your breeder about Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Korat

History: Originating from Thailand and considered one of the earliest breeds recorded there.

Appearance:

  • Usually a grey/blue colour.
  • Wide, large eyes

Personality: Extremely affectionate cats who create strong bonds with their owners. Love to climb and are quite active.

Care:

  • Require little grooming but enjoy a good groom.

Health:

  • Live to 16 - 20 years.
korat
mainecoon

Maine Coon

History: As the name suggests, this breed comes from Maine in the USA and their racoon-like tails contribute to their name too.

Appearance:

  • Come in a range of different colours & patterns.
  • Medium-long, dense coats.
  • Tails as long as their bodies.
  • Particularly large build cats.

Personality: Known to be very vocal, this breed is very affectionate & friendly, often doing well with children and other animals.

Care:

  • Frequent grooming required.
  • Needs lots of space.

Health:

  • Lives to 9-15 years.
  • Be aware of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia.

Manx

History: Originally from the Isle of Man, their lineage isn't clear but it seems that the lack of a tail is due to a natural mutation.

Appearance:

  • Little or no tail.
  • Range of different colours & patterns.

Personality: A very playful breed, they do become attached to their owners but can be wary of any strangers. Highly intelligent breed.

Care:

  • Low maintenance.
  • Require regular grooming.

Health:

  • Be sure to discuss Manx Syndrome with breeder.
manx
nebelung

Nebelung

History: Originating from America from two domesticated cats with the Nebelung’s unique features.

Appearance:

  • Similar to Russian Blue.
  • Medium-long coat.
  • Blue/Silver coat.
  • Large eyes.

Personality: This breed is quite an affectionate breed that enjoys human company but can display shyness.

Care:

  • Regular grooming.
  • Needs physical stimuli.

Health:

  • Lives to 15 to 18 years.
  • A healthy breed.
  • Be aware of this breed's appetite.

Norwegian Forest Cat

History: Developed over centuries in cold climates.

Appearance:

  • Large and muscular.
  • Thick coat.
  • Long, fluffy tail.
  • Large eyes and ears.
  • Available in numerous colours.

Personality: Independent yet friendly, this breed is very comfortable with the outdoors.

Care:

  • Low maintenance.
  • Require regular grooming.

Health:

  • Lives 14-16 years.
  • No specific health problems.
norwegianforest
ocicat

Ocicat

History: This breed was developed by accident. It gets its name from its resemblance to an Ocelot.

Appearance:

  • Spotted.
  • Medium sized.
  • Heavy.
  • Available in 12 colours.
  • Large eyes and ears.

Personality: Clever and social, these cats interact well with pets and children. They can be trained to perform certain tasks.

Care:

  • Low maintenance.

Health:

  • Lives 15 – 18 years.
  • No specific health problems.

Oriental

History: Developed in the UK during the 1950’s.

Appearance:

  • Available in Shorthair and Longhair.
  • Three types; Selfs, Non-Selfs and Tabbies.
  • Long, thin bodies.
  • Athletic.

Personality: These cats are energetic and vocal. They are not as independent as other breeds and like the company of other pets and people.

Care:

  • Low maintenance.
  • The longhairs like to be groomed regularly.

Health:

  • Lives for 12 – 15 years.
  • Check for Retinal Atrophy and Hepatic Amyloidosis.
oriental
persian

Persian

History: One of the oldest cat breeds, it’s origins are unclear.

Appearance:

  • Round head.
  • Flat face.
  • Heavy.
  • Large, round eyes.
  • Longhaired.
  • Numerous colours and patterns.

Personality: Persians like calm environments and do not require as much attention as other breeds but do like to be petted.

Care:

  • Requires regular grooming.
  • Coat can get dirty easily.
  • Should be bathed often.
  • Wipe eyes to avoid irritation.

Health:

  • Lives 15 – 18 years.
  • Prone to breathing, skin and eye problems.

RagaMuffin

History: Related to Ragdoll. Developed with Persians and domestic longhairs as a way a way to widen the gene pool.

Appearance:

  • Large muscular cat.
  • Broad shoulder, short neck.
  • Longhaired.
  • Dense coat.
  • Multiple colours and patterns available.

Personality: The RagaMuffin is very calm and affectionate and likes to stay close-by.

Care:

  • Should be brushed once a week.

Health:

  • Lives 12-16 years.
  • No significant health problems.
ragamuffin
ragdoll

Ragdoll

History: Developed in California in the 1960’s.

Appearance:

  • Blue-eyed.
  • A large breed.
  • Medium-Length coat.
  • Come in three different patterns.
  • Long, sturdy body.

Personality: Very gentle personality. Responds well to care and affection.

Care:

  • Requires weekly grooming.
  • Requires regular exercise.

Health:

  • Lives 9 - 18 years.
  • Can develop Cardiomyopathy.

Russian Blue

History Originating from Russia, these cats spread during the 1800’s on board ships.

Appearance:

  • Short dense coat.
  • Medium sized.
  • Muscular.
  • Large, wide ears.

Personality: Reserved around strangers, they are extremely affectionate with people they like.

Care:

  • Don’t require much grooming.
  • Suited to cold but prefers indoors.

Health:

  • Lives to their late teens.
  • No genetic disorders.
russian blue
selkirkrex

Selkirk Rex

History: Originated from a rescued cat in the 1980’s.

Appearance:

  • Dense, curly hair.
  • Medium-large sized.
  • Large round eyes.
  • Muscular.

Personality: Calm temperament and very accepting of attention.

Care:

  • Shed’s frequently.
  • Wash occasionally to avoid greasy coat.
  • Clean wax from ears weekly.

Health:

  • Live 15-16 years.
  • Prone to Polycystic Kidney Disease and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Siamese

History: Originated from Thailand and were highly prized.

Appearance:

  • Medium sized.
  • Long bodied.
  • Short, fine coat.
  • Blue eyed
  • Coloured points on face, legs and tail.
  • Large ears.
  • Angular features.

Personality: A very vocal cat, this cat demands a lot of attention and doesn’t like to be left alone.

Care:

  • Requires some grooming.
  • Needs a lot of attention.

Health:

  • Lives to 15 - 20 years.
  • Depending on the line, this breed can be susceptible to a number of different conditions. Check with your breeder.
siamese
siberian

Siberian

History: This breed has ben on record for over a thousand years.

Appearance:

  • Semi-Longhaired.
  • A wide variety of patterns and colours.
  • Coat changes with seasons.

Personality: Adventurous and playful, these cats get on well with others and can be trained to walk on a lead.

Care:

  • Need regular grooming.
  • They shed in Spring and Autumn.

Health:

  • Live 12 – 15 years.
  • Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy can occur in this breed.

Singapura

History: Originates, as the name suggests, from Singapore.

Appearance:

  • A small breed.
  • Large eyes and ears.
  • Ivory coloured coat with brown ticks.
  • Glossy coat.

Personality: These cats prefer indoors and are perfect lap cats. They are curious and playful and love high up spots.

Care:

  • Low maintenance.

Health:

  • Lives 9 -15 years.
  • Potential ailments include Progressive Retinal Atrophy and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency.
singapura
snowshoe

Snowshoe

History: Descended from a Siamese litter that produced kittens with four white feet each.

Appearance:

  • Medium sized.
  • Athletic.
  • Blue eyed.
  • ‘V’ facial markings.

Personality: Very calm disposition. These cats are outgoing and form strong attachments.

Care:

  • Easy to groom.

Health:

  • Lives 9 – 15 years.
  • Can suffer from Polycystic disease.

Somali

History: The Somali is the longhaired cousin of the Abyssinian.

Appearance:

  • 28 colours available.
  • Semi-Longhair.
  • Soft, dense hair.
  • Large ears.

Personality: Energetic and playful, the Somali will want your full attention.

Care:

  • Routine grooming is recommended.

Health:

  • Lives 12 – 14 years.
  • Can suffer from Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
somali
sphynx

Sphynx

History: Developed in Canada when a hairless kitten was born to a domestic shorthair.

Appearance:

  • Hairless.
  • Medium sized.
  • Large ears.

Personality: Extremely affectionate and quite vocal.

Care:

  • Can get sunburnt.
  • Normally an indoor cat.

Health:

  • Lives 9 – 15 years.
  • Can suffer from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Thai

History: Related to the Korat but with a different coat.

Appearance:

  • Medium build.
  • Heart shaped face.
  • Large eyes.

Personality: They can be quite vocal. Can become very attached to their owners and are very loving.

Care:

  • Low maintenance.
  • Groom once weekly.

Health:

  • Lives 15+ years.
  • Can experience Gangliosidosis.
thaicat
toyger

Toyger

History: A very new breed developed in the last 20 years.

Appearance:

  • Bred to look like a tiger.
  • Medium sized.
  • Short haired.
  • Long, sleek body.
  • Interweaving striped pattern.

Personality: Toygers have excellent temperament and make great family pets.

Care:

  • Because of their sociable nature, they shouldn’t be left alone for long.

Health:

  • Lives 10 – 15 years.
  • No specific health problems.

Tonkinese

History: A newer breed, Tonkinese are a mix between Siamese and Burmese.

Appearance:

  • Medium sized.
  • Short hair.
  • Numerous colours.

Personality: Very sociable, curious and energetic. Not very loud but easily bored so need lots of stimulation.

Care:

  • Little grooming needed.

Health:

  • Lives up to 15 years.
  • No significant health problems.
tonkinese
turkishvan

Turkish Van & Vankedisi

History: An extremely old breed originating, as the name suggests, from Turkey.

Appearance:

  • Large and Muscular.
  • Strong.
  • White body with coloured head and tail.
  • Long, soft hair.

Personality: Turkish Vans are loyal and intelligent. They love heights and games, utilising their excellent agility. A quiet cat, they get on with other pets.

Care:

  • They should be combed regularly to avoid fur balls.

Health:

  • Lives 12 – 14 years.
  • Naturally bred, therefore quite healthy.