Breeds of Cats

• The Abyssinian

• Australian Mist

• Chinchilla

• Domestic Shorthair

• Persian

• Ragdoll

• Siamese

Australian Mist

Domestic Shorthair

Amongst all the many varieties of cats available as household pets, there's no doubt which one reigns supreme in the popularity department - the Domestic - also known as the moggie!
This basic, no frills feline with its unsophisticated charm has been part of our lives for as far back as we can remember.
Moggies do not conform to any standards - coming in a range of shapes and sizes, plus a riot of attractive coat colours and patterns. Interestingly, the tortoiseshell is almost invariably female, while the rare male is inevitably sterile. Red tabbies are often males, hence the title "ginger tom".
"Moggies" are invariably extremely robust, hardy cats with a no-fuss, self-assured nature. Most have a short easy-care coat but some have a fluffier coat, which requires grooming. The moggie's lack of aristocratic ancestry will never stop it being "top cat" in the hearts of millions of Australians.

The Abyssinian

In looks, the 'Aby' (as it is affectionately known in the cat world) is similar to drawings of Ancient Egyptian cats and there are some who believe it originated in the Nile Valley, however there continues to be speculation and controversy concerning its history. There is no doubt, however, that it is one of the oldest shorthaired breeds. The name is not because the breed originated in Ethiopia, formerly Abyssinia, but because the first Abyssinian exhibited at a cat show in England was imported from that country. Abyssinians appear both lithe and sleek, with the latter feature emphasized by their glossy coats. They have an unusual ticked fur, in which each hair has two or more dark bands. The standard Aby shade, called Ruddy or Tawny, is a warm brown ticked with black. Another very popular colouring is sorrel, which is a copper red with red-brown ticking. Rarer colours include blue, beige-fawn and silver.
Medium-sized and well muscled, Abys have large, somewhat pointed ears and big brilliant almond-shaped eyes in amber, green, or yellow, rimmed in black or brown.
Abys make ideal companions. They are busy cats, alert and active, with voices that are quiet and 'bell-like'. Independent, easy to settle and exceptionally intelligent, they are definitely a cat that likes to be with people. Once you have obtained an Aby as a companion you will never be alone. Abys are excellent at training people to do just what they want them to do!

Chinchilla

The Chinchilla is a separate colour classification of the Persian or Longhair. It has a silvery looking coat, with the characteristic sparkle coming from the black or silver tips on the luxurious white hair. Kittens are born almost black with heavy tabby markings, which disappear, as they get older, making way for the pure white coat colour.
Chinchilla's eyes are large, round and emerald green or blue-green in colour.
Chinchillas are not as stout in body type as other longhaired cats. Their delicate colouring and fairy-like appearance belies the fact that they are a very hardy cat.
One of the most famous early Chinchillas was called Silver Lambkin, and it seems he was the originator of this distinctive colouring. He became quite famous, winning most of the major awards at the Crystal Palace Show in London in 1888.
As with all longhairs, this is a cat that needs grooming daily, and no potential owner should proceed unless this commitment can be made. Chinchillas moult heavily twice a year and shed some hair all year round.
Chinchillas have quite melodious voices and aptitude for adjusting to any new environment.

Persian

The beautiful Persian has a long and distinguished history and has appeared in cat shows for over 100 years. It is currently the most popular breed registered in Australia.
Famous for their placid, gentle temperament, Persians are quiet and affectionate and have an ability to adapt to any environment. However, they do not appreciate being teased or having their hair pulled and are probably more suitable to adult households or those with gentle children.
The Persian is particularly well suited as a house or apartment cat and being an indoor cat also helps to keep its coat in optimum condition.
Potential owners must be prepared to groom the glorious coat daily. This is a high maintenance breed which depends totally on its owner for its comfort and wellbeing. If grooming is neglected for any length of time the coat matts and will require expert attention. Persians moult heavily twice a year, and shed some hair all year round.

Ragdoll

Ragdolls, as their implies, are very laid-back cats. If you want a large cat which is very placid and loves to be with people the Ragdoll may be ideal.
Ragdolls are large cats with broad chests and very large hindquarters. When picked up these cats have a tendency to completely relax - like a floppy ragdoll, which gives them their unusual name. Ragdolls have a very sweet face with large, oval, blue eyes and large, rounded ears.
The medium-long coat is non matting with a soft texture like rabbit fur. The tail is bushy and there is generally a 'ruff' around the neck and longer hair ('britches') on the hindquarters. A regular combing will keep the Ragdoll comfortable.
Ragdolls are among the prettiest of the cat breeds with distinctive markings known as 'colourpoint', 'mitted' or 'bicolour' and comes in the following coat colours - seal, chocolate, blue and lilac.
Ragdolls are intelligent and like to please their owners. This is a very people oriented breed and they often follow owners like a puppy. They are very placid but love to play with toys and be involved in the day to day life of the household. Ragdolls are very gentle and lack the instinct to defend themselves and it is essential that they be kept as indoor pets.

Siamese

The Siamese is for all those who want a full-on relationship with a character cat. No shrinking violet, the Siamese both demands and provides extremely stimulating companionship.
Legend has it that the Siamese were originally temple cats and received the souls of mortals upon their deaths.
From an exotic past, the Siamese has become one of the most recognised breeds of cat in the world.
A feature of the breed is its markings, or points of colour, on the face, ears, lower legs and tail. The body colour of the Siamese can be frosty white or cream, and the "points" range from the original seal point to tabby, tortie, red, cream, blue, chocolate and lilac point.
Whatever the colour scheme of the cat, the Siamese will always have vivid blue eyes.
Siamese kittens develop early and quickly and show an individual personality. They are very active and dislike being left alone. They are "talkers" and converse in loud and sometimes harsh voices. One of the reasons they make such good companions is this ability to have a conversation.
Extremely intelligent and elegant, they insist on taking an active part in their owner's lives. With such an interesting and individual personality cat you can be sure life will never be dull - they are excellent company for those wanting a loving, lively and entertaining companion.

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