Machine Name
cat
Munchkin
Munchkin

Munchkin

The Munchkin cat breed is a medium sized cat with extremely short legs and a long spine. Munchkin cat's movements are described as being like that of a ferret, so it has not the feline grace of longer legged cats. Munchkin cats have a thick body with a well-rounded chest. The breed may have long or short hair. Both varieties have plush, all-weather coats with a silky appearance. The longhair Munchkin has a plumed tail. Munchkin cats can be in any colour or coat pattern and their walnut shaped eyes and can also be any colour.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Indoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

Munchkin cats are sweet and outgoing. Their curiosity and playfulness continue well into adulthood. The Munchkin cat breed is sociable and enjoys company. They can be taught to play fetch and to obey voice commands. While Munchkin cats can leap on to counter tops, many prefer to intelligently find an easier way up. They can also run fast, despite their short legs.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USASeen as the feline equivalent of the Dachshund, this breed has caused controversy in the cat world. The Munchkin cat mutation was discovered in America in 1983 where it was named after the 'little people' in The Wizard of Oz. Shortlegged cats, like the Munchkin cat, were reported in England in the 1930s and in Russia in the 1950s but these breeds were not perpetuated. This breed is not recognised in the UK by the main UK cat fancy association.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The short leggedness of this breed is a deformity that is linked to bone and spinal problems, so it has not been welcomed by all cat associations. Dog breeds with similar conformation are known to have problems with arthritis and it is feared that some will occur in the Munchkin cat breed. As with all cats, Munchkins need vaccinations, parasite control and annual veterinary health checks.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Manx
Manx

Manx

The short, round Manx is known as the sprint car of the cat world due to her quick acceleration and turns. This feline has powerful back legs that enable her to jump high. One usually finds a Manx in the tallest perch of a room. This breed likes to retrieve and bury toys, much like a dog, and is fascinated by water. Sweet and affectionate, the Manx is a good family pet. The breed has two coat varieties, longhair and shorthair.

DID YOU KNOW? A very old breed, the Manx is believed to have originated 200 to 300 years ago on the Isle of Man off the coast of England.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium to large, with males weighing from 4 to 6 kilograms and females weighing from 3 to 5 kilograms
Coat
 Longhair — medium, dense, soft, silky; shorthair — short, dense, glossy
Temperament
Adaptable, affectionate, playful
Grooming
 Weekly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
 Moderate
Personality

The Manx cat breed is good natured and affectionate. They love a cuddle and are very adaptable to family life.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Britain (Isle of Man)The tail-less Manx cat has been known for hundreds of years in the Isle of Man and there are various myths surrounding its exact origins. One even claims that Noah closed the door of the Ark too quickly and chopped off the tail. Another says that tail-less cats swam ashore to the Isle of Man from the wrecked galleons of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The lack of tail is undoubtedly the result of a genetic mutation possibly caused by inbreeding among the small population of British Shorthair cats on the island. The true or 'rumpy' Manx cat has only a small hollow where the tail would have been, although cats with residual tails are born. These are called 'stumpies', 'stubbies', or 'longies' depending on the length of the tail. The mutant gene that causes the taillessness may also be responsible for other skeletal deformities but despite this the Manx cat can be shown at all major UK cat shows.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The lack of a tail is a severe genetic defect and the Manx cat's 'deformed' spine may cause problems. If misshaped vertebrae affect the spine the cat may be prone to arthritis from an early age. In some cats the anal passage may be narrowed and this can cause bowel blockages. The mutant gene that causes the taillessness may also be responsible for other skeletal deformities and when two completely tail-less 'rumpies' are mated together the offspring are often born dead or die shortly after birth. The spines of Manx cats almost always show other deformities, sometimes the vertebrae are shorter than normal and in the lower part of the spine they tend to fuse together and they may be fewer in number.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed tends to be excellent with kids, each cat has a different personality based on training and life experience. Please consult the adoption organisation, if you are adopting, for details on a specific cats character.

 

Maine Coon
Maine Coon

Maine Coon

Recognised for having a bushy tail, shaggy coat and tufted ears, the Maine Coon is a hardy breed capable of enduring harsh climates. Referred to as a “gentle giant,” the Maine Coon is a popular companion that is good with children and dogs. This slow-maturing feline does not reach full growth for four or five years, yet is kittenlike well into old age. The Maine Coon loves nature and is particularly fascinated by water.

DID YOU KNOW? In 1985, this all-American breed became the official state cat of Maine.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Larger stockier cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good in multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Large, with males weighing from 5.5 to 7 kilograms and females weighing from 4 to 5.5 kilograms
Coat
Shorter on the shoulders and longer on the stomach, smooth, shaggy
Temperament
Loving, intelligent, adaptable
Grooming
 Weekly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
 Highly vocal, with sounds ranging from meows and trills to chirps and cheeps
Personality

Maine Coon cats have a sweet nature and are very playful and friendly. They enjoy human company and make good pets. Possibly because of their humble origins they are often found curled up in the strangest of places. They enjoy outdoor life and so need a chance to climb and simulate hunting. Maine Coon cats are noted for the delightful quiet chirping sound they make.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USAThe ancestors of the Maine Coon cat were longhaired coats brought in to the State of Maine, in America, by seafarers in the 1850s. These cats mated with the local shorthair cats. The offspring were big, strongly built cats with semi-long coats and brush-like tails that resembled the tail of the raccoon, hence the name Maine Coon. The cats developed thick dense coats to withstand the extreme Maine winters. Special shows were held for Maine Coon cats as early as the 1860s and the breed became very popular as pets. The Maine Coon cat was imported into the UK in the 1980s.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Maine Coon cat breed seem to have a high prevalence of a heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It also has a high prevalence of hip dysplasia. Ask the breeder about both these conditions before you buy.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed tends to be excellent with kids, each cat has a different personality based on training and life experience. Please consult the adoption organisation, if you are adopting, for details on a specific cats character.

 

La Perms
La Perms

La Perms

Distinguished by her curly, rippled coat and people-oriented personality, the LaPerm is calm and friendly, yet at other times energetic and inquisitive. This feline thrives on attention and likes to be close to her human companions. Though curious, this breed is content to be a lap cat and close to whatever is going on. The LaPerm blossoms with a loving family.

DID YOU KNOW? The LaPerm coat ranges from wavy to ringlets to long corkscrew curls. Those with longhair have curly plumed tails and a full, curly ruff, and those with shorthair have more texture, no ruff and a bottle-brush type tail. The tightest curls are found on the belly, throat and base of the ears.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Outdoor cat
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 3.5 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Short or long, soft, wavy
Temperament
 Gentle, active
Grooming
 Weekly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Ordinarily quiet, except when hungry or seeking attention
Personality

La Perms are gentle cats. They love people and seek out human company. They are very affectionate and enjoy being cuddled and readily learn to fetch as well as many other skills. They are inquisitive by nature always wanting to know what is going on around them. They are generally quiet voiced but may be vocal when wanting attention.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: USAThe La Perm cat's curly or wavy coat is its most remarkable feature. This originator of the breed was found in a litter of ordinary cats on a farm in Oregon in 1986. A single kitten in the litter of six was born bald. Within eight weeks the kitten began to grow very soft, curly hair. At three to four months of age the kitten had a full coat of curly hair found in all La Perms. Unlike other curly coats breeds, such as the Devon Rex cat breed or Cornish Rex cat breed, the La Perm's coat may be short or long. The breed is not common outside America.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

Inherited ailments have yet to be identified in the breed.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Korat
Korat

Korat

A rare Thai breed, the Korat is an affectionate constant companion that is gentle and good with children. Though this cat has an action-packed personality, the Korat moves slowly and cautiously and does not like sudden, loud noises. The breed is said to have extraordinary powers of hearing, scent and sight. The Korat’s silver-tipped blue coat, described in Thailand as rain-cloud gray, has a shimmering effect.

DID YOU KNOW? Discovered in the Korat province of Thailand, the Korat has been cherished in her native Thailand for centuries as a symbol of good fortune. The expressive, oversized eyes of the Korat have an intense gaze that is said to take one’s breath away. The eyes are blue at birth but change to amber with green around the pupil during adolescence and then luminous green in two to four years.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Living Considerations
 Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 3.5 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Short, glossy, fine
Temperament
 Affectionate, active
Grooming
 Rarely/Never
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
 Average
Personality

Korat cats have a quiet, sweet nature but are very intelligent and playful. They make ideal household pets and can be devoted to their human companions.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Thailand

 

Other Names: : Si-Sawat

 

The Korat cat breed is named after a province in Thailand. In Thailand, where the breed is often known as 'Si-Sawat' (meaning good fortune) - a pair of Korat cats were a traditional gift for a bride. A Korat cat may have been entered in a British cat show in the 19th century as a Blue Siamese cat. They first appeared in America in the 1950s and arrived in Great Britain from there in 1972. They are one of the few breeds that are only available in one colour, in this case silvery blue.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Korat cat is quite a long-lived cat with ages of 18 and 19 not uncommon. Korat cats are known to suffer from gangliosidosis, an inherited enzyme deficiency that affects the nervous system causing paralysis. There is a test for this and owners should check that the breeder's cats have been tested and are free from the problem before buying a kitten.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Khao Manee
Khao Manee

Khao Manee

Khao Manee cats are lithe and muscular with a pure white, short, smooth, close-lying coat. The ears are medium to large and the nose has a gentle curve. The eye colour is the cats' most distinctive attribute and can be anything from blue to amber, yellow or green, or a mixture of blue and any of the other colours. In Thailand the odd- eyed Khao Manee cat is considered to be the best, and is often given as a good luck cat. Sometimes white kittens are born with a small darker mark on the top of the head, which has disappeared by around 1 year of age. This is normal.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Outdoor cat
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Personality

Khao Manee cats are reputed to be active, outgoing, communicative, intelligent and playful. They are people loving, with a lovely purr and attractive voices.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Thailand

 

Other Names: : White Gem, Khao Plort, Diamond Eye

 

The Khao Manee (pronounced Cow Maneee) is a rare breed of cat originating in Thailand, and has an ancient ancestry which can be traced back hundreds of years. Known as the “White Gem,” the Khao Manee was through to bring good luck and was a popular breed with Thai royalty.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

There is an established link between the white coat color, blue eyes and deafness. Not all blue-eyed whites will be deaf but it is a possibility. Cat fancy organizations and the Khao Manee Cat Club are recommending that cats registered for breeding must be tested.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Japanese Bobtail Short Hair
Japanese Bobtail Short Hair

Japanese Bobtail Short Hair

The Japanese Bobtail cat has elegant lines and well-developed musculature. The head is finely chiselled with large upright ears and large round eyes set at a pronounced slant. The tail, when carried normally, only extends about 5 to 8 cm. When the cat is relaxed the tail is carried upright. The hair on the tail is generally thicker and longer than elsewhere and grows in all directions to create the effect of a pom-pom or bunny tail. Bobtail cats can be long- or shorthaired. The coat is soft and silky and comes in many colours. The preferred colour in Japan is the tri-colour, or tortie and white (known as Mi-ke), a mixture of black, red and white, which symbolises luck -this colouring is usually found only in females.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
Personality

The Japanese Bobtail cat breed is friendly and intelligent. The breed is said to have a sweet nature and get on with most other animals and love human company. Some can learn tricks and do need to be kept amused and stimulated. It is a fairly talkative breed.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Japan

 

The unique feature of the Japanese Bobtail cat is its tail. When the cat is relaxed and natural the tail looks like that of a rabbit, but it can be unfurled to a length of about 10 to 12 cm. In Japan, the breed can be traced back to the 8th century but it was not seen outside Japan until the 1960s when the shorthaired Japanese Bobtails were imported into America. The Japanese Bobtail cat has established a following in America and it is now a recognised breed and is widely shown in the USA. There are not many in the UK.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

In America, the Japanese Bobtail cat is known as a robust and healthy breed that lives well into its teens. This cannot be confirmed or denied in the UK population because of low numbers of the breed in this country. It is said not to have the same problems as other tailless breeds such as the Manx because it is a different gene mutation. However, not enough information is available on this yet.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Japanese Bobtail Long Hair
Japanese Bobtail Long Hair

Japanese Bobtail Long Hair

One of the oldest cat breeds, the Japanese Bobtail is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The two coat varieties, longhair and shorthair, are exactly the same except for coat length. This delightfully mischievous feline enjoys a good game of fetch and likes to carry things in her mouth. A healthy breed that lives an average of 15 to 18 years, the Japanese Bobtail is social and particularly good with children.

DID YOU KNOW? In August 1968, Elizabeth Freret, a well-known Abyssinian breeder, imported three Japanese Bobtails to the U.S. These cats became the foundation stock in this country, though the Japanese Bobtail, the national cat breed of Japan, had existed for centuries in the Orient.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Playful and curious cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every day
  • Needs some out-door space
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
 Good for multi-pet households, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium, with males weighing 3.5 to 5 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 4 kilograms
Coat
Long (longhaired) and short (shorthaired)Temperament
Grooming
Monthly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Talkative, with a pleasant voice like singing
Personality

The Japanese Bobtail cat is friendly and intelligent. The breed is said to have a sweet nature and get on with most other animals and love human company. Some can learn tricks and do need to be kept amused and stimulated. It is a fairly talkative breed.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Japan

 

The unique feature of the Japanese Bobtail cat is its tail. When the cat is relaxed and natural the tail looks like that of a rabbit, but it can be unfurled to a length of about 10 to 12 cm. In Japan, the breed can be traced back to the 8th century but it was not seen outside Japan until the 1960s when the shorthaired Japanese Bobtail cats were imported into America. The Japanese Bobtail cat has established a following in America and it is now a recognised breed and is widely shown in the USA. There are not many in the UK.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair

Known as the lazy man’s Persian, the Exotic Shorthair has the body type and easygoing nature of the Persian but without the coat length and need for daily grooming. With her thick, dense, plush short hair and round face, the Exotic Shorthair has a soft teddy bear look. This sweet feline is affectionate and loyal. The breed is athletic, fun-loving, yet also quiet and sensitive.

DID YOU KNOW? Originally the Exotic Shorthair was named Sterling due to the breed’s beautiful silver coat. They later were named Exotic Shorthair because the silver wasn’t a colour previously found in American Shorthairs, making it exotic.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Sociable and dependent cat
  • Average build cat breed
  • Requires grooming every week
  • Great family cat
Living Considerations
Not hypoallergenic, good for multi-pet households
Size
Medium to large, with males weighing 3 to 6.5 kilograms and females weighing 2.5 to 4.5 kilograms
Coat
Short, plush, thick
Temperament
 Sweet, affectionate, loyal
Grooming
 Yes
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Quiet
Personality

The Exotic Shorthair cat has the same gentle affectionate nature as it's longhaired cousins and is not as boisterous as many shorthair breeds. Exotic cats are quite happy to be left at home on their own and to lead a quiet life.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: America/Britain

 

The Exotic Shorthair cat breed is in every way a shorthaired Persian cat breed, so much so that it is included in the longhair section of cat shows. In America selective breeding of American Shorthair cats and Persian longhairs was undertaken to produce a cat that looked like the Persian cat in every way except for the coat. In Britain, British Shorthair cats were crossed with longhaired Persian cats in the same way. The coat, which is of medium length, is much easier to care for but still has the huge range of colours and patterns. The Exotic Shorthair cat was first seen in the 1960s and is becoming a very popular cat.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

There area number of health problems associated with the Exotic Shorthair cat breed and its close relative, the Persian cat. Because the head shape has been shortened and the face flattened, there can be jaw deformities which can lead to dental disease and potential problems with eating and drinking. Small nostrils and a soft palate which is too long, can also lead to breathing problems. The tear ducts may not follow their natural path and so the eyes run and wet the face constantly – this can lead to skin rashes and sores on the face. The flat nature of face also increases the chances of eye disease. Exotic cats can carry a gene that leads to kidney failure (called autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease) through the development of cysts in the kidney. This condition was found in more than a third of all Persian and Exotic shorthaired cats in the 1990s when screening tests became available. Using screening, breeders are now working to try to eradicate the problem – always ask the breeder to show the PKD certificates for the cats used to produce your kitten.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau is a statuesque breed with her muscular, vividly spotted coat and gooseberry green eyes. The Mau, the Egyptian word for cat, is highly intelligent. She adores toys and will stalk anything that moves. A loyal, constant companion, this feline prefers being the only pet in a household as she does not readily adapt to other cats or dogs.

DID YOU KNOW? Extremely athletic, the Egyptian Mau has been clocked running more than 48 km/hr, making her the fastest breed of domestic cat. A unique flap of skin extending from the flanks to the back knee gives this breed greater agility and length of stride than other breeds.

 

The need-to-know

 

  • Highly active and inquisitive cat
  • Friendly but independent cat
  • Somehow talkative cat
  • Lean and elegant cat breed
  • Requires grooming once a week
  • Needs some out-door space
  • May require familiarisation before living with children
Living Considerations
 Prefers being the only pet, not hypoallergenic
Size
Medium to large, with males weighing 4.5 to 7 kilograms and females weighing 3 to 5.5 kilograms
Coat
 Short to medium
Temperament
Loyal, playful, moderately active
Grooming
Monthly
Shedding
Yes
Vocalisation
Not overly talkative
Personality

The Egyptian Mau cat is a loving and playful cat breed. It is said to be are extremely clever and enjoys learning tricks and walking on a lead. Enjoying fuss and attention the breed makes them an ideal family cat. As they are active, Mau cats need some stimulus such as toys or companions to play with, especially if they are going to be left on their own for long.

 

History and Origins

Country of Origin: Egypt/Italy

 

Mau is the Egyptian word for cat and bears a striking resemblance to the statuesque spotted cats depicted in Ancient Egyptian art. The breed originates from a spotted cat found in Cairo that it said to have be taken to Rome in 1953 by a Russian princess. She bred a number of spotted cats in Italy and later moved to North America where breeders developed the modern Mau. The characteristic markings on its head are said to resemble the scarab beetle held sacred by Ancient Egyptians. Mau cats were only imported into the UK in 1998.

 

Nutrition and Feeding

Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.

Other Information

Health and common issues

 

The Egyptian Mau cat is not a common breed and at present there is no information on significant health problems.

 

Best cat breeds for children

 

While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.

 

Cat