There are
forty-four different breeds of cats. The members of each breed can be
recognized by distinct physical traits as well as by personality. The
purebred cats that are seen most commonly are Persian, Maine Coon,
Abyssinian, Birman and Siamese. Under each heading, you will find a
few characteristics that will help define each breed.
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Persian: |
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Most plentiful
and popular pedigreed cat |
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Coats are found
in over fifty colors and patterns |
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Relaxed and
quiet personalities |
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Long, flowing
coats require an indoor environment and daily brushing |
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Small ears,
large eyes and a short tail proportional to body length
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Maine Coon: |
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Believed to be
the first domestic cat to arrive in North America |
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Muscular,
broad-chested, long haired breed |
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Loving and
intelligent working cats |
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Coats are found
in a wide variety of colors
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Abyssinian: |
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Believed by
some to have descended from the ancient Egyptian cats |
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Long tails,
almond shaped eyes |
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Unique hair
coloring with dark bands and tipped in black or brown |
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Most common
color is a rich brown-red color |
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Inquisitive and
agile cats who like to participate in activities
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Siamese: |
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Most popular of
all short-haired cats |
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Very
intelligent, active and vocal |
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Temperature
sensitive enzymes created colored points on extremities |
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Seal, blue,
chocolate and lilac are common colors for points |
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Medium-sized
cat, large ears, deep blue eyes and dainty feet
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Birman: |
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The legendary
sacred cat of Burma |
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Gentle and
quiet with a strong build |
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Long, silky,
golden-tipped fur that is color-pointed |
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All have pure
white paws
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Finding a
Purebred Cat |
Once you have
decided to purchase a purebred cat, you can begin to search for the
perfect kitten. By attending cat shows, visiting with reputable
breeders and reading breed associated magazines and web-sites you can
collect the information you need to find the perfect companion.
Do not rush into this decision. Carefully research the breeds
and the breeder before bringing home a kitten. This kitten may be your
companion for over fifteen years! Choose wisely!
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Finding a
Healthy Kitten |
The following steps
will help to minimize the number of medical and behavioral problems
you might face.
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- Select a kitten who is 12-16
weeks of age
- Assure that it has received
appropriate immunizations
- Confirm that it is feline
leukemia negative
- Make sure the kitten is free
from all internal and external parasites
- Choose a kitten that is well
socialized with people and cats
- Select a kitten that appears
bright, active and alert
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And of course, look
for the one that warms your heart! This kitten will make a truly
great addition to your family and household!
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Purchasing the
Cat |
These elegant cats
have been carefully nurtured and you should expect to spend
appropriately for this level of care. Some wonderful pet-quality
pedigreed kittens can be purchased for $300 to $400. A show-quality
pedigree can run as high or higher than $1,000. However, price should
never be the final deciding factor in the purchase of a kitten.
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