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Persian: In the Lap of Luxury

December 13, 2020May 12, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

There’s nothing more symbolic of luxury than a beautiful white Persian lounging on a velvet cushion, it’s long, silky fur looking so incredibly soft and perfect that you’re not sure you’re allowed to touch it. Persians are one of the oldest breeds in the cat fancy, and they remain the most popular breed in North America today (1-3). You don’t have to be an aristocrat or a super-villain to own one. If you did, they wouldn’t be nearly so popular. But these cats do have a certain aura of elegance and refinement that they bring wherever they go. People have known they were special from the very beginning.

White Persian cat on black leather sofa — Image by Deedee86 from Pixabay

A Long and Furry History

The Persian breed is very old, but just how old is hard to say. They are believed to have originated in the cradle of civilization itself: Mesopotamia, later known as Persia and now known as Iran (4). The first domestic cats were shorthairs, and long fur arose through natural mutations. Early Persians may have arisen in the cold mountains of Persia and persisted because the climate favored their long, thick coats (3). However, Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting similar cats as early as 1684 BCE complicate the issue of where, let alone when, these cats first arose (1).

It is generally agreed that Persians took the first step toward the cat fancy in 1626 when the Italian traveler Pietro della Valle brought home the first ones from Persia (3, 4). These ancestral Persians were gray and had the very long, glossy fur the breed is known for today (3, 4). Soon, these new long-haired cats became highly prized, as well as the white longhairs from Turkey known as Angoras (3, 5). Confusingly, these Angoras were a different breed than the one of the same name we know today (5). The Persians and Angoras weren’t considered separate breeds at first and were commonly interbred (3, 5).

Persians started to become a distinct breed in the late 1800s when cat shows became popular (4, 6). Queen Victoria had two blue Persians, helping make them the most prized version of the breed at the time (3, 5). Persians were imported to the United States around the same time, where they outpaced the native Maine Coon as the most popular long-haired cat in the country (4, 6). Over time, breeders made the breed’s distinctive traits more extreme (2, 6).

Breed Characteristics

The Persian is a brachycephalic breed. Brachycephaly comes from the Greek for “short head,” and it means just what it sounds like. The skull is shorter and wider than normal for the species. This gives Persians flat faces with short muzzles and large eyes. The degree of brachycephaly varies. Show Persians, sometimes called Peke-face, have more extreme features and may have more breed-associated health problems (2, 4, 7, 8). Traditional, or Doll-face, Persians have a lesser degree of brachycephaly (2, 4, 7, 8). While they don’t meet show standards, they still make wonderful pets. Both types have small ears, but sometimes less so with traditional Persians (5).

Persians have what is known as a “cobby” body type: stocky, stout, and broad-chested. They’re legs are short and thick. The tail, too, is on the short side. They are on the whole very solid cats. Then there’s the fur.

Persians are known for their very long, thick fur. It has a silky texture and glossy sheen. Their incredibly fluffy coat forms a ruff around their necks and a plume on their tails. Persians often molt their top coats in the summer (5). In the cat fancy, this is called being “out of coat” (5). Even then, though, their coats are pretty amazing.

Personality

Blue-cream calico Persian cat and kitten on concrete wall — Persian kittens have wooly coats and lack the major fluff of adults (5) – Photo by Nihal Karkala on Unsplash

It isn’t just the look of Persians that make them so beloved. They also have a charming personality. These cats are sometimes called “furniture with fur” (3). That’s selling them a bit short, but they are seriously mellow creatures. Persians aren’t very energetic or active. They’re moderately playful, usually in short bursts between lounging in their favorite spots. They enjoy attention but don’t demand it. Their soft, melodious voices gently express their thoughts. Persians do tend to prefer favorite people that have earned their trust and affection. They can be aloof towards others.

Persians are pretty adaptable, but they prefer quiet environments with predictable routines. They get along well with gentle children and pets but aren’t big fans of loud, boisterous housemates. However, Persians will tolerate a lot. Daughter wants Fluffy to play tea party? Fluffy probably won’t mind. Fluffy probably won’t be learning any tricks, though. Persians aren’t the most intelligent breed, and are therefore not very trainable.

Caring for Your Persian

Persians may have a low-maintenance personality, but they are still a high-maintenance breed. All that fluff requires a lot of special care, and their long history of selective breeding has resulted in risks of certain health problems.

Grooming

Grooming a Persian is a big job. Their long, soft coats tangle and mat easily and can also cause lots of hairballs. Not to mention the shedding. So Persians require daily combing, preferably with a metal comb (1, 2). That coat also tends to cling to dirt (6) and is so thick that it’s hard for the cat to groom it effectively (9). Persians need a bath at least once a month to keep them clean. It’s important to start bathing as early as possible, so make sure that you start a routine with a Persian as soon as you get them.

Because their coats are such dirt magnets, it is important for Persians to be indoor-only cats. Additionally, Persians are prone to overheat, and purebred cats are at high risk of being stolen. Everybody knows what a Persian is, so there is a serious likelihood of an unscrupulous person realizing what an expensive cat that is and walking off with them. By the by, microchip your animals.

Brachycephaly also has its own grooming needs. It alters the shape of the tear ducts, so a lot of Persians have excessive tearing. This not only causes ugly tear stains but can actually irritate their faces, so make sure to wipe clean the corners and undersides of the eyes every day.

Brachycephalic cats tend to have weird teeth as well, so it’s often necessary to brush a Persian’s teeth regularly. I know, no one wants to brush a cat’s teeth, but no one wants their pet to suffer painful dental problems, either. Ask your veterinarian how often to brush your Persian’s teeth and what cat dental products they recommend. It can differ depending upon your individual cat’s needs.

Health Concerns

Persians are unfortunately prone to quite a few breed-associated health problems. A 2019 study of 3,253 Persians in the United Kingdom found that 65% had at least one disorder (8). Some of these health problems are much more worrisome than others. The same study recorded that the most common disorders were hair/coat disorders, periodontal disease, overgrown nails, and eye discharge (8). All fairly mundane and manageable afflictions. However, there are less common but much more serious diseases that can afflict Persians which owners and prospective owners need to be aware of as well.

Let’s start with the more common conditions. In the last section, I alluded to the problems Persians can have with their coats and teeth without meticulous care. They also tend to have eye problems due to the shape of their skulls. They have large, shallow eye sockets and tears ducts that don’t drain correctly into the nose (9). In addition to the excessive tearing, Persians are prone to conjunctivitis; cherry eye, a protrusion of the third eyelid; and entropion, the eyelid folding inward (4, 6, 8).

Brachycephaly means that there is the same amount of tissue in the skull, but not the same space for it to grow in (10). Because of this, respiratory and eating problems are not that uncommon in Persians. The nostrils can be too short, the soft palate too long, and, obviously, the nasal passage compressed (8-10). This can lead to difficulty breathing, snoring, sleep apnea, and chronic respiratory infections. The cramped airway contributes to the Persian’s heat sensitivity, too. The jaw can be an abnormal shape and/or the teeth can be crowded, leading to the dental problems and occasionally even problems eating.

On the other hand, sometimes Persians have the opposite of difficulty eating. Obesity can be a problem for this breed due to their low activity level. Because they are stoutly built and very floofy to begin with, it can be hard to tell that they’re gaining weight until things have really gotten out of hand. That’s just one reason annual vet visits are important.

There are some genetic diseases this breed is prone to. The most important may be Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), a dominant genetic condition that is inevitably fatal. It causes kittens to be born with microscopic cysts in their kidneys and occasionally livers (10). The cysts grow over time and eventually destroy the affected organs (10). The progress of the disease can be slowed somewhat, but there is no cure. Cats usually start to get sick around 7-10 years old (2, 6, 10). When PKD was first discovered in Persians in the 1990s, it was estimated to be in over a third of the population (9). Thanks to the careful planning of breeders and a genetic test, in 2016 the prevalence was estimated at about 2% (8).

Persians are also at risk for a genetic form of Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which can lead to vision loss and eventual blindness. They also occasionally inherit a rare lysosomal storage disease. Lysosomal storage disease is caused by a mutation which prevents a cat’s body from making enzymes it needs to break down waste products (10). The toxic waste products accumulate and eventually cause the cat’s death early in life (10). These kittens are normal at birth but develop symptoms within a few months (10). The symptoms are mostly neurological: poor balance, poor vision, exercise intolerance, abnormal behaviors, fainting, seizures, and poor growth (10).

Thankfully, most Persians don’t experience these severe disorders. If you are thinking about getting a Persian, you’ll want to make sure you talk to your vet about all the breed-associated disorders at their first appointment. And of course, it’s always best to adopt, not shop. Even these luxurious cats can find themselves homeless. Contact your local shelter, or look for a breed-specific rescue like Persian and Himalayan Cat Rescue of Northern California or St. Francis Persian Cat Rescue.

Fun Facts

Almost all colors of Persian are required to have copper/orange eyes to be shown (1, 5).
Persians were shown at the first formal cat show–the Crystal Palace Cat Show of 1871.
Marilyn Monroe had a white Persian named Mitsou, and Raymond Chandler had a black Persian named Taki (7).
The world’s largest cat painting sold for $826,000 in 2015. It is titled “My Wife’s Lovers” and features 42 Persian and Angora cats.

Persians come in a wide variety of colors. Of course, kittens are adorable no matter the hue.

Works Cited

Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Persian. https://cfa.org/persian/
VetStreet. (n.d.). Persian. http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/persian#overview
Petfinder. (n.d.). Persian. https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/persian/
Cat Time. (n.d.). Persian. TotallyPets. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/persian-cats#/slide/1
Edwards, A. (1999). The ultimate encyclopedia of cats, cat breeds, & cat care: A comprehensive, practical care and training manual and a definitive encyclopedia of world breeds. Anness Publishing Ltd.
Mueller, L. (2019, October 7). Persian cat: Cat breed profile. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/persian-cat-4584356
Basepaws. (2020, October 27). Persian cat: The glamour puss of the world. https://basepaws.com/blogs/news/persian-cat-breed-introduction
O’Neill, D.G., Romans, C., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B., et al. (2019). Persian cats under first opinion veterinary care in the UK: Demography, mortality and disorders. Scientific Reports, 9, 12952. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-49317-4
International Cat Care. (2018, October 4). Persian. https://icatcare.org/advice/persian/
Cat Care Center of Baton Rouge. (n.d.). Persian. https://www.catcarecenter.com/services/cats/breeds/persian

Published December 13, 2020

Breed Profiles

Havana Brown: Chocolate Delights

November 8, 2020May 12, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Brown cat with green eyes — Havana Browns are a rare and exquisite breed – Photo by Dave Scelfo on Wikimedia Commons

The Havana Brown is a cat that cast quite a spell over a corner of the cat fancy, but it nearly went extinct in the late 20th century. Without careful maintenance, it still might, and these chocolate-coated beauties would be lost to future cat lovers.

History

Intercontinental Origins

Solid, or “self,” brown cats, while somewhat uncommon, have existed for a very, very long time. Images and descriptions of self-brown cats were included in the Tamra Maew, the Cat-Book Poems, which were written in Thailand as early as 1350 B.C. (1, 2). As a breed, however, they are a more recent development.

When the forebears of modern Siamese cats were first imported to England from Siam/Thailand, self-brown cats were included among them (2, 3). The Tamra Maew describes the Thai brown cats, named Suphalak or Thong Daeng, as copper-colored with eyes the color of pomegranates (1). The skin of Thai pomegranates is golden yellow, not red as in many other locales (1). There are records of self-brown cats being shown in English cats shows in the late 1800s (4, 5). We can imagine a cat rather like a Suphalak or a solid brown Siamese.

After a while, the self-brown cats fell out of favor. The Siamese Cat Club of Britain issued a statement in 1920, saying “the club much regrets it is unable to encourage the breeding of any but blue-eyed Siamese” (3, 4, 6). It’s thought that this caused the decline in self-brown cats. Fewer of them had blue eyes than the pointed Siamese, and those without blue eyes were excluded from shows and no longer bred (2-4, 6).

To the Brink and Back

In the 1950s, a group of British cat breeders set about to create self-brown cats and determine how the trait is inherited. There is some debate whether the first successful breeding was intentional or accidental (7), but the breeders kept meticulous records of all the matings and kittens in their programs, so we know what happened either way (6). Mrs. Munroe-Smith, owner of Elmtower Cattery, had a black Domestic Shorthair she-cat named Elmtower Susannah and a seal-point Siamese tom named Elmtower Tombee (6). Both carried the trait for chocolate fur, and when they mated–whether by human intention or not–they produced a self-brown tom kitten (2, 3, 6).

Elmtower Bronze Idol, born 1952, was the first Havana Brown to be registered, but more kittens soon followed (4-7). Although black Domestic Shorthairs and seal-point Siamese were the most common and successful contributors to the breed, chocolate-point Siamese and Russian Blues are part of their background as well (2-6). The very new breed was imported to the United States within a few years (2, 5, 6, 8). In England, Havana Browns continued to be bred back to Siamese, causing them to become less and less distinctly their own breed and eventually morph into a variety of Oriental Shorthair (3-6). In North America, the foundation type has been retained, and the Havana Brown remains a distinct breed (3-6).

Unfortunately, part of what has made that possible is a small gene pool. The Cat Fancier’s Association cut the Havana Brown off from outcrossing to other breeds in 1974, too soon according to many breeders (2, 4). Their fears were borne out as Havana Brown numbers and genetic diversity dwindled, and breeders struggled to keep the breed alive without damaging the health of the kittens they were breeding (2, 4).

Under pressure from breeders, in 1998 the Cat Fanciers’ Association opened up an out-crossing program that allows Havana Browns to be crossed to black or blue Domestic Shorthairs, most colors of Oriental Shorthair, and seal- or chocolate-point Siamese (2, 3, 9, 8). Kittens of a Havana Brown and an allowable out-cross are bred back to a Havana Brown, and the kittens thus produced can be registered as Havana Browns if they meet the standard (2, 3, 9). These efforts have so far helped bring the Havana Brown a few paces back from the brink of extinction, but they remain extremely rare, and there is still a significant risk of losing this breed for good (2).

Breed Characteristics

As I have made abundantly clear, Havana Browns are famous for their rich, brown coat. Their fur is short to medium in length, with a texture said to resemble mink (8, 9). Although all brown cats are referred to as “chocolate” in the cat fancy, Havana Browns tend toward more of a red-brown/mahogany hue (1, 2, 5, 8, 9). Brown coat color is a recessive genetic trait, which is why early breeders could only achieve brown cats when both parents carried an allele for brown coloration.

The Havana Brown’s eyes are vivid green. Although the Russian Blue is thought to have played a fairly minor role in creating the Havana Brown, it is interesting to note that while the Suphalak had amber eyes and the Siamese has blue eyes, the end result of the program has green.

Havana Browns are medium-sized cats with medium builds. They have a distinctive head shape, longer than it is wide. The muzzle appears a bit square. The shape is, amusingly, described as a “corn cob” stuck on the front of the cat’s otherwise rather triangular head (5, 7-9). I can see it, although I feel like that is not the most dignified thing one could say about a cat’s face.

A Havana Brown’s nose leather is rosy-brown, and their paw pads a.k.a toe beans are rose-toned (2, 3, 8, 9). The whiskers are also brown. In fact, the Havana Brown is the only breed wherein whisker color is part of the breed standard (3).

When it comes to personality, Havana Browns are a very kitten-ish bunch. They are playful, friendly, and people-oriented. While not a wildly active breed, they love their toys and playtime. They also love attention and spending time with their people. This is not a breed that does well spending a lot of time alone. They do, however, get along well with children and other pets. Sometimes they can be shy of strangers, though, so don’t rush the introductions.

While most cats scatter at the sound of a sudden crash, Havanas run toward the sound to see what caused it.
Richard C. Bilello, Havana Brown breeder

Havana Browns, like many breeds in the Siamese family, can be talkative, but they have much quieter voices than Siamese cats do (3, 8, 9). They also have an adorable habit of engaging the world with their paws. They investigate objects with their paws and even poke people or tap them on the shoulder to demand attention (2, 5, 8-10)! These intelligent and inquisitive cats are quite charming. Their need for attention and enthusiasm for, well, most things might be too much for some, but these cats are highly adaptable and do well with families.

Health and Home

One advantage of owning a Havana Brown is their low-maintenance coat, which needs very little grooming unless you intend to show them. They require no bathing and just need an occasional brush to remove dead hair, especially during shedding seasons. Fortunately, these cats are not heavy shedders (8, 9, 10).

Close-up of Havana cigars — Havana Brown cats may have been named after their resemblance to the brown of Cuban cigars – Image by jacqueline macou from Pixabay

Breeds that are rare and/or new have the least health information available, and the Havana Brown is a lot of the former and a little of the latter. As best as is known, it is a breed that experiences few health problems. They do seem to have a higher incidence of upper respiratory infections (3) and crystals in the urinary tract (10). Both of these conditions can be life-threatening if allowed to progress too far but are absolutely treatable. Always take your cat to the vet if they are showing any unusual symptoms. Cats hide their distress, so even a little change is worth asking the veterinarian about, just in case.

Havana Browns can be prone to overeating (4, 7). According to breeder Richard Bilello, “Havanas will eat all of their own food in seconds and then proceed to eat any other cat’s food if they can” (4). So you will probably need to control their portions and feed any other cats in the household separately.

If you would like a Havana Brown of your own, keep in mind that these are very, very rare cats. I will always say “adopt, don’t shop.” Of course, there are going to be few of these cats in shelters because there are few period. But even nearly-extinct purebred cats are sometimes surrendered, so always check if there is one up for adoption before buying from a breeder. The website https://havanabrown.rescueme.org/ showcases Havana Browns in need of forever homes in the United States. You can also visit their Facebook page for more listings.

Fun Facts

The Havana Brown got its name either from the Havana rabbit or the tobacco in Cuban cigars (5, 6). Both are similar in color to the cat’s fur.
This breed has gone by many names. Aside from those already mentioned: Swiss Mountain Cat, Chestnut Brown, Chestnut Foreign Shorthair, Havana (3-5, 7, 10).
In some places it is called simply the Havana because a lilac (pink-ish grey) version of the cat is accepted as well as chocolate (5, 10).
While North American breeders are trying to preserve the Havana Brown, the International Maew Boran Association is hard at work in Thailand trying to bring back the Suphalak (1).

Works Cited

The International Maew Boran Association. (n.d.). Suphalak/Thong Daeng. http://www.timba.org/suphalak.html
Petfinder. (n.d.). Havana. https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/havana-brown/
Cat Time. (n.d.). Havana Brown. TotallyHer Media, LLC. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/havana-brown-cats#/slide/1
Bilello, R.C. (1998). The Havana Brown: A brown delight and an endangered species. The Cat Fanciers’ Association. https://cfa.org/havana-brown/havana-brown-article-1998/
The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Havana Brown. TICA.org. https://www.tica.org/nl/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=842:havana-breed&catid=79
Placchi, N. (1991, May). The cat in a not so plain brown wrapper. Cat Fancier’s Almanac, 8(5). As reproduced on the CFA Havana Brown Breed Council Website, http://www.havanabrowncfabc.com/History1.htm
Hill’s Pet. (n.d.). Havana Brown cat: Information and personality traits. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/havana-brown
Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Havana Brown. https://cfa.org/havana-brown/
Cat Fanciers’ Association Havana Brown Breed Council. http://www.havanabrowncfabc.com/index.htm
Houle, T. (n.d.). The Havana Brown. Pet Health Network. https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-breeds/havana-brown

Breed Profiles

Lykoi: The Werewolf Cats

October 18, 2020June 14, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

I knew months in advance that I wanted to cover the Lykoi as the breed of the month for Encyclopaedia Felidae’s first October. There was no way I could pass up the opportunity to talk about the “werewolf cat” during spooky season. The Lykoi is so nicknamed for its appearance, which is entirely unique among pedigreed cats and reminds some people of the werewolves in classic film. They are also one of the newest and rarest breeds in the world.

History

Lykoi cats have cropped up in random-bred cat populations for a long time [1, 2]. It’s unknown just when the first Lykoi-type cat was born, but they were first recognized in September, 2010 by Patti Thomas, who found two partially-hairless kittens with their black Domestic Shorthair mother at a shelter and adopted them [3]. She began a breeding program with Tennessee veterinarian Jonny Gobble and his wife Brittney [3, 4, 5]. They obtained another, unrelated litter of kittens with the same appearance, and in 2011 they bred a cat from each to get the first intentionally-bred Lykoi [3, 4, 5].

Through the breeding program, the founders quickly realized that the Lykoi appearance came from a natural, recessive mutation [1, 4, 6]. Thomas, the Gobbles, and incoming breeders incorporated Domestic Shorthairs, primarily black ones, as well as any naturally occurring Lyoki that could be found into the breeding program to broaden the gene pool [3, 4, 6]. Despite some incredible drama in the Lykoi breeding community, the breed has seen rapid success, although it remains quite rare due to its newness. As of August 2020, there were still fewer than 100 show-standard Lykoi on the planet [2].

Breed Traits

The Lykoi’s striking coat is it’s stand-out feature. They are considered partially-hairless, although they can range from nearly bald to nearly full-coated [4, 6, 7]. Their sparse, thin pelt has little to no undercoat [1, 2, 6]. Instead, they are covered in a variable layer of guard hairs which make their fur look coarse in texture [2, 6, 7]. In fact, Lykoi actually have a soft, silky coat, despite appearances [2, 6, 7].

The Lykoi lacks fur on their facial “mask” and behind their ears [1, 2, 4, 7]. This, in addition to the rough appearance of their coat, gives them that werewolf look. That coat also has a pattern otherwise unknown among cats: roan, a mixture of colored and amelanistic hairs [4, 6, 7]. Amelanistic hairs are unpigmented and appear white. A roan coat can look silvery or frosty, but it depends upon how much roaning there is. A lot of roaning can cause an animal’s coat to look almost white. The traditional Lykoi color is black roan, and that is still the only color which can be shown in The International Cat Association (TICA) shows [4]. However, the Cat Fanciers’ Association now allows all solid and point colors [3, 6], and Lykoi of many different colors and patterns are being bred as pets.

There is another curious thing about a Lykoi’s fur. It molts. At least once. Lykoi kittens are born looking like any other kitten, and then after a week or two they lose their coat [7]. It regrows all werewolf-y [7]. This may happen as an adult cat, as well, as often as every shedding season [2, 3, 7]. When the coat grows back, it sometimes looks a little different than it did before [7].

The other breed standards for the Lykoi are fairly basic. After all, Lykoi came from Domestic Shorthairs, mostly random-bred ferals. Lykoi are medium-sized cats with short to medium hair [2, 6, 7]. They have rounded wedge-shaped heads and tapering tails [6, 7]. Their eyes are usually amber or green [2, 4].

Weird Science

When Lykoi cats were discovered, they were tested for known cat fur mutations. However, they do not have any of the genetic variants associated with the hairless Sphynx and the curly-haired Devon Rex, Selkirk Rex, German Rex, and Cornish Rex [8, 9]. A genome sequencing study published in May 2020 found six different loss-of-function mutations of the gene Hairless (a.k.a. lysine demethylase and nuclear receptor corepressor) in Lykoi [8]. Perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising, given that the breed came from random-bred cats with natural mutations in quite a few different populations. The study was able to confirm sixteen different Lykoi lineages [8]. It is interesting, though, that so many mutations arose in this particular gene, with the same result no less.

Hairless is important for skin function and hair maintenance [8], and this is borne out by what we know about the skin and hair of Lykoi. They have fewer and shallower hair follicles than Domestic Shorthairs [9]. Their hair shafts are thinner, but they have more oil gland tissue [9]. Lykoi frequently have hair follicles that are too small, too large, or misshapen [9]. The breed demonstrates lymphocytic mural folliculitis, an inflammatory skin condition with unclear impacts on the health of the cats, if any [9]. What is clear is that Lykoi have markedly different skin and hair than other cats. The scientists who studied their skin and hair up close hope that their unique traits may teach us more about dermatological disorders [9].

The Care and Keeping of Werewolves

Some Lykoi enthusiasts characterize their personalities as dog-like or wolfish. I’ll spare you the rant on how I feel about people saying that friendly cats are acting like dogs. Instead, I will simply say that that’s a bit silly. Lykoi are smart, energetic, and people-oriented [4, 5]. They can sometimes be shy with strangers, but they can usually learn to get along well with just about anyone, including children and other pets [4, 5]. Lykoi have guard-cat tendencies, wanting to keep watch over their toys and their people [4, 7].

Lykoi need plenty to occupy their active minds and bodies, but outdoor time is not a good option for this. Their sparse coats make them sensitive to cold and sunburn [1, 2, 6]. They need to be indoor-only cats, and if you have a catio, make sure it’s warm enough outside. You may even need to consider pet sunscreen.

White cat on blanket — Shikoba, white “Arctic” shorthair http://lykoikitten.com/our-lykoi/

Even without sunscreen, Lykoi can have a build-up of oils on their skin, just like hairless breeds do [1, 2, 6]. They need regular bathing to keep their skin clean, about once a month. They can also have buildup on their claws and in their ears, so those may need a quick cleaning once a week or so. Brushing is part of any good grooming routine, but because a Lykoi’s fur is so thin, you have to make sure to brush gently. Too harsh or too much brushing can irritate their skin [5].

As far as health goes, Lykoi are believed to be a healthy breed. There are no known health conditions associated with the breed except the lymphocytic mural folliculitis, which may or may not be a real problem. It remains uncertain. However, the breed is so new, and there are so few cats, that it is possible there are lurking health problems which haven’t become apparent [1, 2]. The best practice is to just watch a Lykoi for any signs of illness or injury, as you would a non-pedigreed cat.

A word of caution to anyone interested in getting a Lykoi: because the breed is so rare, and therefore so valuable, there are a lot of scams out there. This is the case with all pedigreed cats, but the rarer the breed, the worse it gets. Of course, this is just another reason to adopt, not shop! Even rare breeds end up in shelters, and Lykoi cats still turn up as natural mutations, too. Unfortunately, they are sometimes put down because staff think they are sick, especially if they molt [10]. Avoid a scam and adopt a vulnerable cat. There aren’t a lot of Lykoi-specific rescues yet. You can always check your local shelter if there isn’t one in your area, or you can try Werewolf Warriors Lykoi Cat Rescue, a Facebook group dedicated to placing Lykoi in need of forever homes.

Fun Facts

The name Lykoi comes from the Greek word for wolf, lycos [2, 8].
Lykoi have pink skin that will tan if exposed to sunlight or heat [4].
The Lykoi is one of the most genetically diverse breeds of cat, according to a joint Wisdom Health and TICA study [11].

Works Cited

Chant, I. (2014, September 15). Watching the birth of a new breed: The werewolf cat. Nautilus. http://nautil.us/blog/watching-the-birth-of-a-new-breed-the-werewolf-cat
Taylor, C. (2020, August 24). Lykoi. Daily Paws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/lykoi
Hartwell, S. (2018). The uncensored origins of the lykoi. MessyBeast. http://messybeast.com/lykoi-story.htm
The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Lykoi breed. https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=852:lykoi-breed&catid=79
Cat Time. (n.d.). Lykoi. TotallyPets. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/lykoi#/slide/1
Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the lykoi. https://cfa.org/lykoi/
Gobble, J. (2019, November 4). All about the lykoi cat breed. All About Cats. https://allaboutcats.com/lykoi-cat
Buckley, R.M., et al. (2020). Werewolf, there wolf: Variants in Hairless associated with hypotrichia and roaning in the lykoi cat breed. Genes, 11(6), 682. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes11060682
LeRoy, M.L., et al. (2016). Clinical and histological discription of lykoi cat hair coat and skin. The Japanese Journal of Veterinary Dermatology, 22(3), 179-191. 10.2736/jjvd.22.179
Lykoi Cat Rescue. (2020, April 5). Hello all! We just wanted to give you all a quick update about our Lykoi Cat Rescue Page [Status Update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/lykoicatrescue/posts/838934323252539
Lytle, K.M., Anderson, H., Hutcherson, A., and Kajon, A.E. (2019). The International Cat Association-Wisdom Health State of the Cat study: lessons learned in genetic diversity by bringing panel testing to the cat fancy. The International Cat Association. PDF

Published October 18th, 2020

Updated June 14th, 2023

Breed Profiles

Cornish Rex: Curly Cats Fit for a King

August 30, 2020May 12, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

White and gray cat on blanket — Image by duodenum82 from Pixabay

Cornwall, England is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, but it was also the birthplace of a truly unique breed of cat. The Cornish Rex was the first of the rexes, a group of cat breeds with an unusual curly or wavy coat. This foundational breed was named for its place of origin and its resemblance to Astrex or Rex rabbits, which have a similar coat. “Rex” is Latin for king. Fitting, then, that a legendary king and a kingly cat call the same place home.

History

On July 21st, 1950, a calico barn cat named Selena gave birth to a litter of five kittens. Selena’s owner, Nina Ennismore, noticed something unusual about one of the kittens. The bat-eared, cream tom had a soft, curly coat unlike anything Ennismore had ever seen before in a cat, but as a former rabbit fancier, she had seen something similar and recognized the potential. She named the unusual kitten Kallibunker and got in touch with British geneticist A. C. Jude to ask for advice. Jude suggested mating Kallibunker to Selena (known as a backcross in genetic parlance). The first litter produced one kitten with a normal coat and two with curly coats like Kallibunker.

Breeding the newly-minted Cornish Rexes with Siamese, Burmese, and British Shorthairs to widen the gene pool always resulted in cats with normal coats. It was realized that the curly-coat trait is recessive. Kittens must inherit it from both parents. A 2013 study determined that the Cornish Rex mutation is a small deletion in the lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 (LPAR6) gene, which is important for normal hair shaft development in mammals, including humans (1). Mutations in this gene in humans cause woolly hair syndromes or hypotrichosis (short or sparse hair) (1).

Brown rabbit sitting — Rex rabbit – Image by Vicky Prince from Pixabay

A pair of Cornish Rexes from Kallibunker’s family line were exported to the United States in 1957, where Russian Blues, Havana Browns, and American Shorthairs contributed to the breed as well. The journey to the States was fortunate for the breed’s longevity, as it nearly went extinct in the United Kingdom around the same time (2, 3). The Cornish Rex has made a comeback, however, and was the sixth most popular breed in the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 2019.

Breed Characteristics

Of course, the hallmark of the Cornish Rex is that unique coat. Most cats have three types/layers of hair. On the outside are tough, protective “guard hairs,” about 2 inches or 5 centimetres long on shorthairs and 4+ inches or 10+ centimetres on longhairs (4). In the middle is the “awn hair,” and then the “down hair” or undercoat made of very fine, soft hairs about 0.4 inches or 1 centimetre long (4). Cornish Rexes only have an undercoat, and what fur they do have is wavy or curly. Even their whiskers are curly! The texture of a their coat is sometimes compared to crushed velvet, silk, or, ironically, rabbit fur. Because of the diverse background of the breed, the coat can come in any color or pattern.

The shape of a Cornish Rex is an unique as their coat. They have a slender, arched body with long, delicate legs and small paws. Their waists are small but their thighs are muscular. In fact, despite their dainty appearance, they are generally quite muscular, athletic cats. They only look fragile. They are actually a medium-sized cat, weighing about eight pounds. The tail is long, thin, and tapering. The head is perhaps the most outstanding feature. It is egg-shaped with large, oval eyes, high cheekbones, and a Roman nose. The ears are gigantic and high on the head.

If you find those over-sized ears a little comical, it’s okay to laugh, because Cornish Rexes are known for their sense of humor and love of attention. They are very active, playful, and social cats who always want to be involved in what their people are doing. Cornish Rexes like to snuggle, but not for too long, as these cats are energetic and not usually interested in spending a lot of time laying in your lap. They typically get along with children and other pets. In fact, due to their friendliness and willingness to be handled, Cornish Rexes make good therapy cats (5, 6, 7). They do not do well being left alone for long periods of time, however. They are highly social. Since most of us aren’t home all day, it’s a good idea to have an animal friend if you want a Cornish Rex.

As with any breed, a Cornish Rex is not for everyone. Some people may find their desire to be up close and personal all the time irritating rather than charming. They might be too high-energy for some households. Cornish Rexes can be talkers, probably due to their Siamese ancestry. They are not as loud or as chatty as a Siamese, but they are known to like to hold a conversation once in a while, so if a quiet cat is your preference, then a Cornish Rex might not be a good choice. However, they are great cats for chaotic households (lots of kids, other animals, clients in and out, etc.). They also travel well, so if you want a cat that can go with you on your globetrotting lifestyle, this breed can be a great option.

Health and Care

Despite the early inbreeding, the Cornish Rex has benefited from outcrosses with many breeds. They are a fairly healthy breed with few genetic health risks. There is a somewhat elevated risk in their gene pool of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common form of heart disease in cats. They are sometimes prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap moves out of place. This may be reparable. Cornish Rex sometimes have hypotrichosis, possibly resulting in bald spots. Bald spots may also be the result of over-grooming because of stress or anxiety, so check with a veterinarian.

Sometimes Cornish Rexes develop skin problems since they lack most of their protective fur. They are particularly prone to sunburn, especially if they have light or white fur. But they are also more likely to feel cold, so if you choose a Cornish Rex, be careful not to let it spend too much time basking in the sun. It may be necessary to apply cat-safe sunscreen, especially if you want to walk your cat or let them into your yard or onto a catio.

Cornish Rex can be sensitive to certain anesthetics and may experiences dangerous side effects (4). If you have one that needs a procedure, be sure to discuss this with your veterinarian.

When it comes to grooming, less may be more. Brushing a Cornish Rex may damage their delicate fur. However, they may have a buildup of oils because they have less fur to absorb them. Depending upon the cat, they may only need a little cleaning around the face and paws, or they may need regular baths. Watch inside the ears and on the claws for oily buildup as well.

Calico cat with curly fur — Photo by Nickolas Titkov from Wikimedia Commons

There is a myth that Cornish Rex are hypoallergenic because they have less hair than most cats. This is not true. Cat allergies are caused by proteins in cat danger and saliva, not by the hair itself. The hair can cause the offending dander to travel farther, and Cornish Rex do shed less, so some people with cat allergies might have less of a reaction to Cornish Rexes than other cats, but there is no guarantee. Rather than get a cat and find out it doesn’t help the allergies, and now you need to re-home it, it is best for someone with cat allergies to hand a cat of a breed they think might be less allergenic first and test their hypothesis.

If you think a Cornish Rex is the cat for you, adopt, don’t shop. Even purebred cats are surrendered every day. Check with your local shelter or see if there is a breed-specific rescue group in your area.

Fun Facts

The term “Rex” was first applied to curly fur at a rabbit show where King Albert I of Belgium (1875-1934) entered his curly-haired rabbits. The officials knew they didn’t meet the standards, but they dared not reject the king’s rabbits, so they accepted them but wrote “Rex” for “King” on the score sheets (4, 8).
Life magazine ran an article about Kallibunker in 1956. Quite the step up for a son-of-a-barn cat (3).
The same mutation that causes the Cornish Rex’s special coat is also found in the rare, lesser-known German Rex, but not in other Rex cat breeds (1).
Cornish Rexes have very dexterous paws. They pick up toys and throw them up in the air for their own entertainment. They’re happy to play catch with others, too.

Works Cited

Gandolfi, B., et al. (2013). To the root of the curl: A signature of a recent selective sweep identifies a mutation that defines the Cornish Rex cat breed. PLoS One 8(6), e67105. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0067105
Puisis, E. (2019, July 25). Cornish Rex: Cat breed profile. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/learn-all-about-the-cornish-rex-cat-4694497
Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). The Cornish Rex. https://cfa.org/cornish-rex/cornish-rex-article/
Europetnet. (n.d.). Cornish Rex. https://www.europetnet.com/pet-resources/cat-breeds/item/1920-cornish-rex.html
VetStreet. (n.d.). Cornish Rex. http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/cornish-rex#overview
CatTime. (n.d.). Cornish Rex. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/cornish-rex-cats#/slide/1
Kelley, J. A. (2015, February 3). Get to know the Cornish Rex: A pack of personality in a ballet dancer’s body. Catster. https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-breeds-cornish-rex-personality-ballet-dancer-body-pictures-photos
Houle, T. (2014, December 16). The Cornish Rex. Pet Health Network. http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-breeds/cornish-rex
Petfinder. (n.d.). Cornish Rex. https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/cornish-rex/
Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Cornish Rex. https://cfa.org/cornish-rex/

Published August 30th, 2020

Updated October 15th, 2020

Breed Profiles

Scottish Fold: Charming but Controversial

August 2, 2020May 12, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Brown tabby cat with folded ears — Image by Elena Borisova from Pixabay

If you ask someone to draw a cat, they would probably give it a head with two triangular ears on top. If they draw as well as I do, a circle and two triangles might be all you get. But not all cats have perky ears. The Scottish Fold breed only exists because one barn cat’s flattened ears made her stand out.

William Ross was a shepherd, but he was also a cat fancier. He and his wife bred British Shorthairs. In 1961, he was visiting the McRae farm in the Tayside region of Scotland when he noticed something peculiar about one of the barn cats. Her name was Susie, and she was a white she-cat with strange ears that folded forward and down on her head. Ross thought this unusual trait might be the makings of a new breed, so he asked the McRae’s if he could buy Susie. They reached a compromise: instead, he could have the pick of Susie’s first litter. When the time came, Ross took home a white female kitten he named Snooks and subsequently used his own British Shorthairs to found a new breed.

The Rosses originally called the breed lop-ears, thinking of lop-eared rabbits, but they later decided on the current name in honor of the cats’ country of origin. The breed reached the United States in the early 1970s, and by now it is popular around the world. It remains a rare breed. All true Scottish Folds are still descended from Susie via Snooks, so there hasn’t been long to build up a large population from that single breeding line, and they can be difficult to breed for genetic reasons.

Breed Characteristics

Of course, the thing that Scottish Folds are known for is their folded ears, but actually not all of them have this trait. The ear folding is caused by a spontaneous mutation affecting the development of cartilage (1). The mutation is incompletely dominant, so kittens only need one copy of the mutation to have folded ears, but the presentation of the trait may be intermediate. As such, there are three degrees of ear folding: single, double, and triple. The single fold bends forward about halfway up the ear and doesn’t hug the head, while the double and triple folds are progressively tighter (2). The triple fold is most desirable for show cats (2).

Gray cat with vase of roses — Scottish Folds have a habit of lounging in unusual positions – Image by Paul Faerstein from Pixabay

When a Scottish Fold doesn’t inherit the ear folding mutation, they will have straight ears. Sometimes straight-eared Scottish Folds are acceptable for showing under a different name, but many organizations don’t accept them (2). They are an important part of breeding programs (3), however, and are often sold as pets for a cheaper price than their folded-ear compatriots (2). Breeders won’t know which kittens have which ears until about three to four weeks of age, though, because all Scottish Folds are born with straight ears that later droop down–or not.

Regardless of ear type, all Scottish Folds are medium-sized cats with a stocky body and round head. They have large, wide eyes which probably contribute to the notion that the folded-ear cats look like owls. Scottish Folds have somewhat short muzzles and legs. They may have short or long fur and be any color or pattern except point.

Scottish Folds are playful, moderately active cats that are known for being quiet and sweet. They are people-oriented but typically get along well with other pets, too, as well as children. Although they like attention, they aren’t so much a clingy breed. They are laidback and adaptable, the kind of cat that can roll with the changes.

Scottish Folds Acting Silly

Health Concerns

Scottish Folds were first recognized as a breed by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the United Kingdom in 1966, but only five years later the GCCF banned further registry of the breed (2). They still don’t recognize the breed (4). In 2017, the British Veterinary Association called for the breed to be banned outright (4). The cause of all this is concerns over the health and welfare of the cats.

All pedigree cats have higher incidences of some diseases. The question is whether the characteristic of folded ears which Scottish Folds are bred for inherently leads to suffering. At first, the GCCF stopped registering Scottish Folds over concerns that the folded ears caused a risk of ear mites, ear infections, and deafness, but this is now believed to be untrue (2). However, there are demonstrated health problems associated with the mutation in cartilage development that causes the ear drooping, and this has led to the continuing controversy about the breed.

The disease associated with the folded ear mutation is called osteochondrodysplasia. It is a disorder of abnormal bone and cartilage development which leads to arthritis and can be debilitating (1). It primarily affects the tail and leg joints from the knees down (1). The British Veterinary Association says that all Scottish Folds with folded ears will suffer from osteochondrodysplasia to some degree during their lifetime (4), and there are studies that back this up.

A study that examined the inheritance of the disease in Scottish Folds did find that all cats with folded ears had the disease (5). On the other hand, cats in the study with mild osteochondrodysplasia did not present symptoms (5). Of course, with cats, it’s sometimes hard to tell. Another study which examined Scottish Folds in clinics and a cattery also came to the conclusion that this is a breed-wide problem and recommended not breeding folded-ear Scottish Folds (6).

Some think the problem has been blown out of proportion. The BBC quoted a woman who has been breeding Scottish Folds for over a decade: “If I had discovered there had been a significant problem I would certainly have stopped breeding them” (4). And you would certainly hope this would be the case. Scottish Folds are usually crossed to British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, or Scottish Folds with straight ears in breeding programs to limit any health problems (7). Cats with two copies of the folded-ear mutation are more likely to have severe skeletal problems (8).

To Have and to Fold

Scottish Folds are without doubt charming and easy-going cats. Whether their genetic health problems are any worse than those faced by other pedigree cats is still controversial. If you are interested in a Scottish Fold, the only special grooming needs they have are frequent checks inside the ears and a cleaning if you find it dirty–for the folded-ear cats, that is. Much of the appeal of the Scottish Fold has been the cuteness factor of the folded-ear cats, but don’t dismiss the straight-eared ones out of hand. They have the same sweet, chill personality and are eager to have forever homes, too. Check out Scottish Fold Rescue to look for Scottish Folds that need adoption in the United States.

Fun Facts

Taylor Swift is the proud parent of two Scottish Folds named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. They’re quite the Instagram stars. (9)
Susie was not the first cat to have folded ears. The earliest record of one was in 1796, when an English sailor brought one home from China. (7)
Long-haired Scottish Folds are sometimes considered a separate breed called the Highland Fold (2).

Works Cited

International Cat Care. (2018, September 5). Scottish Fold disease – osteochondrodysplasia. https://icatcare.org/advice/scottish-fold-disease-osteochondrodysplasia/
Petfinder. (n.d.). Scottish Fold. https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/scottish-fold/
Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Scottish Fold. https://cfa.org/scottish-fold/
Brocklehurst, S. (2017, April 27). Should Scottish fold cats be banned? BBC Scotland. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-39717634
Takanosu, M., et al. (2008). Incomplete dominant osteochondrodysplasia in heterozygous Scottish Fold cats. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 49(4), 197-199. https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/49b03dae-ac50-3c53-96f5-f1281561939d/#
Malik, R., et al. (1999). Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold cats. Australian Veterinary Journal, 77(2), 85-92. DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1999.tb11672.x
Hill’s Pet. (n.d.). Scottish Fold cat information and personality traits. https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/scottish-fold
UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. (n.d.). Scottish Fold. https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/scottish-fold
Cook, J.R. (2019, July 10). They’re beauty, they’re grace…a guide to Taylor Swift’s absolutely adorable cats. Life and Style. https://www.lifeandstylemag.com/posts/guide-to-taylor-swifts-cats-meredith-olivia-and-benjamin/
Cat Time. (n.d.). Scottish Fold. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/scottish-fold-cats#/slide/1

Published August 2nd, 2020

Updated October 29th, 2020

Breed Profiles

Abyssinian: Pharaoh’s Treasure

June 28, 2020May 12, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Two brown Abyssinian cats on kitchen chair — Royalty in the kitchen – Image by Dmitry Tsapenko from Pixabay

Ancient Egyptian art is full of regal cats with lithe, muscular bodies, arched necks, large, wildcat ears, and almond-shaped eyes. It is no surprise that the Abyssinian breed is widely believed to be the descendants of the cats of the ancient Egyptians, held in such high regard thousands of years ago. The resemblance is uncanny. Although it is a myth that Abyssinians are the cats of the Pharaohs, this breed has no problem commanding your attention in its own right.

Abyssinian Imports

The first record of an Abyssinian cat comes from the January 27th, 1872 issue of Harper’s Weekly in a report on the 1871 Crystal Palace Cat Show [1]. A she-cat named either Zulu or Zula took third place. She was described as an Abyssinian, “captured in the late Abyssinian war” [1]. An illustration is provided, which shows a cat with tabby facial markings but the ticked coat typical of Abyssinians [1]. Otherwise, however, Zulu does not look like the Abyssinian as we know it today, having rather small ears and a rounder face [1, 2].

Abyssinia is an old name for Ethiopia. The story goes that a British Captain brought Zulu home from Abyssinia in the 1860s and began to breed her when her unusual ticked coat was so well-received in Britain. Because of her cat show win, we know that Zulu existed, but whether she is the mother of the breed is contested. She may have been to begin with. There is a theory that Zulu was used to begin the breed, but her line died out, and other cats with ticked coats, perhaps the British “Bunny cats” with similar markings, were bred to re-establish the breed [2]. Genetic evidence links Abyssinians to Southeast Asian and Western European cat populations [3]. This had led to the idea that British and Dutch traders may have brought the breed’s progenitors from Indian or Indonesian ports [4].

Breed Characteristics

Appearance

Mother Abyssinian cat with kitten on sofa — Image by Dmitry Tsapenko from Pixabay

The Abyssinian today is notable for the ticked coat that has distinguished it all along. Ticked or agouti fur is related to the tabby pattern (see my article on coat pattern genetics). There are no tabby stripes, only the tabby M on the forehead, but each individual hair is striped with alternating bands of color. Abyssinians have a darker band of fur along their spine and a lighter underside. They are best known in their ruddy (reddish-brown) coloration, but can also be red, blue, or fawn. Their fur is short, dense, and silky. Long-haired Abyssinians do crop up, but they are considered a separate breed, the Somali.

Their patterning reminds some people of a wildcat, an idea reinforced by the Abyssinian’s shape. The breed looks a lot like the ancestor of domestic cats, Felis lybica. They have a muscular body, wedge-shaped head, and large, alert ears that give them a very attentive appearance. The legs are slim and the tail long and tapering. Their almond-shaped eyes are often surrounded by dark lines and may be green or gold. Despite an aspect of wildness, Abyssinian cats are 100% domestic cat. They are not, however, likely to be a lap cat.

Personality

Abyssinians are playful, social, and very athletic. They are known for a love of climbing and a high degree of intelligence that can get them into mischief if they’re bored. They are very loyal to their people and perform all sorts of antics to get their attention. Because they are so energetic, they don’t usually like to be cuddly, but they do like to be around and involved in whatever is going on. They are usually good with other pets and with children. They can get bored and distressed if left alone for long periods of time, so in a house where everyone needs to leave for work and school they will probably need an animal companion and plenty of toys to keep them busy. Puzzle toys are fantastic for challenging their active brains as well as their active bodies.

These cats are fast learners. This makes them great at learning tricks, but it also makes them good at learning how to get into trouble. And they have a knack for training their people to do what they want. Abyssinians are delightful companions, but they do need lots of stimulation and a watchful eye to keep them out of mischief!

Abyssinian antics

Health

As with any breed, there are some health concerns with Abyssinians. Their athletic nature typically fends off obesity and keeps them fit, but there are some inherited disorders in the breed that even their great athleticism cannot counter. Progressive retinal atrophy, an eye disease which causes blindness, is associated with the breed [5]. Abyssinian cats have known risks of developing early periodontal disease; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; patellar luxation, a hereditary dislocation of the kneecap, which may be surgically corrected; renal amyloidosis, a hereditary disease that leads to kidney failure; and hyperesthesia syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes excessive grooming [4, 6].

Abyssinians are particularly known for having the mutation for pyruvate kinase deficiency in their gene pool. Pyruvate kinase is an enzyme required for the normal functioning of red blood cells [7]. Cats with the deficiency develop intermittent anemia, which may begin anywhere from the age of six months to twelve years [7]. Fortunately, a test is available for the mutation that causes pyruvate kinase deficiency, so the disease can be removed from gene pools [7]. However, there is no definitive treatment for the disease, so even if the breeder says that their bloodline is free of the disorder, it is safest to have your cat tested [7].

Abyssinian cats may not have sunned themselves beside the Nile thousands of years ago, but they are no less regal for having more recent and probably rather mundane origins. As the Egyptians well understood, there is nothing prosaic about a cat. Should you choose to bring an Abyssinian into your family, they will be sure to teach you that themself.

Fun Facts

The first cat genome to be sequenced came from an Abyssinian named Cinnamon [6, 8].
Two Abyssinians named Amber and Rumpler co-starred as Jake, the alien cat in the 1978 film The Cat from Outer Space [9].
In 2019, the Cat Fanciers’ Association ranked Abyssinians their #8 most popular cat. The breed was one of their six founders in 1906 [10].

Works Cited

Macquoid, P. (1872, January 27). An afternoon with the cats. Harper’s Weekly, 89-90.
Abyssinian. (n.d.). Petfinder. https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/abyssinian/
Lipinski, M.J., Froenicke, L., Baysac, K.C., et al. (2008). The ascent of cat breeds: Genetic evaluations of breeds and worldwide random-bred populations. Genomics, 91(1), 12-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2007.10.009
Cat Time. (n.d.). Abyssinian. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/abyssinian-cats
Narfstrōm, K. (1983). Hereditary progressive retinal atrophy in the Abyssinian cat. Journal of Heredity, 74(4), 273-276. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.jhered.a109782
Basepaws. (2019, March 5). Abyssinian – Meet the miniature cougar. https://www.basepaws.com/blog/abyssinian-cat-breed/
Vetstreet. (n.d.). Abyssinian. http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/abyssinian#health
Pontius, J.U., Mullikin, J.C., Smith, D.R., et al. (2007). Initial sequence and comparative analysis of the cat genome. Genome Research, 17, 1675-1689. https://genome.cshlp.org/content/17/11/1675.short
VCA Hospitals (n.d.). Abyssinian. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/abyssinian
Cat Fanciers’ Association. (2020, February 9) The Cat Fanciers’ Association announces most popular breeds for 2019. https://cfa.org/cfa-news-releases/top-breeds-2019/

Published June 28th, 2020

Updated July 20, 2022

Breed Profiles

Sphynx: Suede Superstars

May 23, 2020May 12, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Gray Sphynx cat looking out window — Photo by **Alina Vilchenko** from Pexels

Hairless cats have been around for a long time. The Aztec people of Mexico are believed to have kept a breed of hairless feline around the 1300s and 1400s (1). Aztec paintings, carvings, and statues show a cat without a fur coat similar to ones we know today (1). However, the Sphynx cat, a rare and well-loved modern breed, has its origins quite recently.

Breed Characteristics

The hairless trait in cats arises through spontaneous mutation from time to time, and so it did in 1966 in Toronto, Canada. A black-and-white Domestic Shorthair named Elizabeth gave birth to a hairless tom. The unusual kitten was named Prune, and a team of breeders began a program to make more special cats like Prune, but were unsuccessful. With only one hairless cat, it was was difficult to avoid inbreeding. However, fortune smiled on them. In 1975, Milt and Ethelyn Pearson noticed that their farm cat, Jezabelle, had given birth to a hairless kitten. They named him, rather charmingly, Epidermis. When Jezabelle had another the next year, they named that kitten Dermis. Both kittens were sold to a breeder in Oregon.

Then, in 1978, a breeder in Toronto found three hairless kittens wandering her neighborhood. She took them in and named them Bambi, Punkie, and Paloma. These five hairless kittens became the progenitors of the Sphynx breed. The breeding programs repeatedly out-crossed the hairless cats with cats with normal coats, adding more genetic variation to the breed and creating a strong gene pool. The Domestic Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Siamese, and Devon Rex were all used during part of the breeding program.

In truth, “hairless” cats are not hairless. The Sphynx typically has a very short, thin coat of soft fur, although the amount of fur can vary. Some Sphynx may come close to being bald, but none have no fur at all. Most Sphynx feel like suede when stroked. The extra-short coat and skin beneath can come in any color and pattern. The hairless trait does cause these cats to lack whiskers or, occasionally, have only a few short whiskers.

There is a myth that the Sphynx and other “hairless” breeds are hypoallergenic. Some people with cat allergies may find that they have less of a reaction in the presence of a Sphynx since there is less hair in the environment, but Sphynx are not really hypoallergenic. Cat allergies are caused by a protein in cat dander and saliva, and Sphynx have skin and spit just like any other cat. They are decidedly a low-shed breed, however.

Their lack of fur, while their most striking feature, is not the only thing that gives the breed a somewhat alien appearance. Sphynx have large, bat-like ears and big, wide-set, lemon-shaped eyes. Prominent cheekbones highlight these standout eyes even more. Their skin is a little loose, causing them to have wrinkles, especially on the face and shoulders. They have a long, thin, whip-like tail. Sphynx are generally well-muscled, but naturally have a round belly. On the whole, it makes for a unique picture which people tend to find either adorable or repulsive. I’ve never seen a cat I didn’t want to cuddle, furry or not. But like all breeds, the Sphynx isn’t suited for everyone under the sun, and not because of its appearance.

Grooming and Care

Two brown and white hairless cats on cushion — Sleepy Sphynxes – Image by LoraPalner from Pixabay

They might not have a thick, fluffy coat, but Sphynx actually need more grooming than a lot of breeds, not less. This might seem counterintuitive, but allow me to explain. Cats produce a lot of oils in their skin and saliva in order to moisturize their coat and keep it clean. Sphynx groom just as much as any other cat, but they don’t have enough fur to absorb those oils. Instead, they just sit on the skin and build up, potentially leading to skin problems. Most cats also have fur around their ears to prevent dirt and mites from getting inside. Sphynx lack this layer of protection, so they are prone to ear infections and wax buildup as their ears work to expel all that gunk.

Thus it is that Sphynx need to be bathed once a week and have their ears cleaned at least that often. I know the prospect of bathing a cat is unpleasant, but a Sphynx breeder would have to start bathing kittens early on, so Sphynx are usually used to it by the time they reach their forever homes. But maybe you get a cat that experienced less than ideal circumstances growing up and this didn’t happen, or they have strong instincts regarding water and all the breeder’s best efforts were for naught. It still has to be done, so reward your cat during and after and try your best to not bring your own stress to the situation. Easier said than done, of course, but if you can remain calm, your cat is more likely to be calm.

It needs to be noted that even if you bathe your Sphynx as often as you need to, they still have oils on their skin all the time, especially when they sweat. This means that they can sometimes leave reddish-brown stains on fabric if they sit or sleep there for a long time.

Make sure to wash the face with a warm washcloth, and get between the wrinkles and all the toes. Even the claws can get build-up. It’s a good idea to clean those wrinkles between baths, as well. There are wipes designed specifically for cleaning cats which you can use, or baby wipes will do. As for cleaning the ears, use a warm, damp cloth or a cotton ball. Your veterinarian can recommend a solution just for cleaning out the ears. Cleaning all the gunk of a Sphynx’s ears can be gross, but an ear infection would be a lot more unpleasant for all concerned. On that note, look out for any odor or redness in the ears, and contact your vet if you notice any.

Sphynx cats sometimes require additional skincare such as moisturizing. Ironic, since the goal of the bathing is to make them less oily, but skin is a fickle beast. They are particularly susceptible to sunburn and long-term UV damage. They need to be indoor cats for this reason, but even brief supervised outdoor time or sitting in a sunny window can lead to sunburn. Consult your veterinarian about skincare products for your cat. Many ingredients in human sunscreen can be toxic to cats.

Health and Home Life

If you have a busy lifestyle, that might be more maintenance than you can put into grooming a cat. If you think it might be manageable, however, a Sphynx can be well worth it. They are extremely friendly and affectionate cats who love to cuddle and be involved in whatever their people are doing. They are known for having a sense of humor and engaging in all kinds of antics to get attention. Their liveliness and agility increases the probably of hijinks. Expect a Sphynx to make you laugh on a regular basis. They are very chatty cats who love to tell you what they think.

Sphynx may need a minute to get used to children, as most cats do, but they typically make good family pets and get along well with other cats and dogs. They don’t do well if left along for long periods of time, however, so if you leave for work make sure they have a friend at home. If there won’t be a human there, they need to have an animal companion that they get along well with. It’s often a good idea to get two Sphynx, or a Sphynx and a lower-maintenance cat, at the same time so they can bond and keep each other busy. Sphynx like to be kept busy.

Sphynx hijinks from Nefertiti

Sphynx also like to be warm. They’re pretty good at finding ways to do that on their own, but you may need to help them out. For certain, you’ll need to make sure you feed them enough. Sphynx have an unusually high metabolism, working hard to maintain a body temperature four degrees higher than most cats. They need to eat quite a bit more. A veterinarian is the best authority on how much your cat should eat for their size.

If you don’t keep your house pretty warm, you may need a heated cat igloo or something similar to help your Sphynx have a place to warm up if they get too cold. You may even want to try getting your Sphynx some kitty sweaters. It usually isn’t a good idea to put cats in clothes, but hairless cats may need the warmth, especially if you live in a cold climate. Some cats get too stressed out when put in clothes. If your cat can’t get used to a sweater, then just give them plenty of heated places to retreat to.

Sphynx are generally healthy cats due to the way the breed was originally created, but there are a few health problems to look out for. They have a higher rate of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common heart disease in cats. It causes thickening of the heart muscle and has no cure but is manageable with veterinary care. Sphynx rarely have a condition called hereditary myopathy which leads to muscle weakness. Cats can have a normal lifespan with proper veterinary intervention, but severe cases can sometimes lead to death. Breeders are trying to eliminate this disease from the breed. And of course, due to their lack of coat Sphynx are prone to a variety of skin conditions.

Sphynx breeders typically have waitlists, and in 2016 at least one breeder in Canada was shaving regular kittens to pass them off as expensive Sphynx kittens (2). Clearly, the high degree of maintenance required in owning a Sphynx has not prevented them from becoming much sought-after. Given their unique appearance and wealth of personality, is it any wonder? I always recommend adopting rather than buying from a breeder, but if you do decide to purchase a kitten from a breeder, do your research to make sure it is a reputable one. When it comes to cats, bald is beautiful as long as they were born that way.

Fun Facts

Sphynx have webbed feet!
When the breed was first being developed, it was called the Canadian Hairless.
A Sphynx named Ted NudeGent was a serious actor. He played Mr. Bigglesworth, Dr. Evil’s cat in the Austin Powers movies. He then went on to be Rachel Green’s cat, Mr. Whiskerson, in Friends, and to act in I Know Who Killed Me alongside Lindsey Lohan.

Works Cited

Quasha, J. (2000). The Sphynx cat: The hairless cat. The Rosen Publishing Group.
Baynes, C. (2016, November 30). Fraudsters ‘shaving kittens and selling them as fake sphynx cats for more than £400.’ The Mirror. Link here.

Published May 23, 2020

Updated October 30, 2020

Breed Profiles

Manx: The Rabbit Cats

April 24, 2020May 12, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Gray tabby cat with no tail — Gray tabby Manx – Image by spicetree687 from Pixabay

Hundreds of years ago on a little island in the Irish Sea, humans first began to notice a curious kind of cat wandering about. It looked largely like a normal cat, except it had no tail! Within the small cat population of the Isle of Man, this odd trait soon became quite widespread, and eventually quite sought-after. The Manx breed can still be found on its home island but is now a beloved yet rare breed worldwide. In this article we’re going to explore this fascinating breed from theirs noses to the tips of their–well, wherever they may end.

Breed Characteristics

Re: That Tail

The lack of a tail is the most striking and famous feature of the breed, but not all Manx are tailless. There are four categories of Manx based on tail length. Those without tails are called rumpies. They have a shallow depression at the end of their spines where the tail would normally be. Some don’t have tails, but they do have three fused vertebrae at the base of the spine which lift up when the cat’s back is stroked. Such cats are called rumpy risers. Stumpies have very short tails, and longies have normal or close to normal length tails. Tails intermediate between the latter two are also possible. Regardless of tail length, they are still considered Manx cats, although only rumpies and rumpy risers are allowed in the show ring,

The wide variety of tail lengths seen in the breed, often in the same litter, is due to the genetics of the unusual trait. Four mutations have been identified that cause the tailless trait in Manx cats, but they all seem to behave in the same way (1). The mutations are dominant, but with partial penetrance. This means that any cat with a copy of the mutation would be expected to display the tailless trait, but sometimes they do and sometimes they have a less dramatically foreshortened tail. The science behind the Manx tail is still under investigation. Researchers are interested in it because of what these cats may be able to teach us about how the spine develops in mammals in general (i.e. humans), and how that sometimes goes wrong.

Tabby cat without tail — Silverwing, a champion Manx show cat in 1902 – Wikimedia Creative Commons

Manx have at most one copy of a tailless mutation. This is because having two mutant copies of the gene does cause things to go wrong during development. How, exactly, is unknown, as these kittens rarely survive long enough to be born. This is one of the reasons why Manx usually have small litters. Some kittens will inevitably inherit two mutant copies. Of course, this raises ethical questions about deliberately breeding these cats, knowing that some kittens will die. How many kittens, we can only guess using genetics and mathematics.

All other things being equal, in a mating of two parents, each carrying one mutant allele, about 25% of their offspring would inherit two mutant alleles and die. Responsible breeders can decrease those numbers by including longies in the breeding pool, as they are likely to not carry any mutant alleles. Do we trust breeders to make the right decisions? And do we accept that some kittens will still probably die even when a breeder is doing their best to avoid it? The kittens don’t suffer as far as we know. It’s a sticky dilemma. When we circle back around to some more biology later, there will be even more tough questions. But first, let’s go over something lighter.

General Appearance

Given that Manx can have normal tails, the lack of one is obviously not the only defining characteristic of the breed. Perhaps the most common adjective used to describe the appearance of Manx is “round.” They have round heads with large, round eyes and round cheeks that make them look a bit jowly. They’re hind legs are much longer than their forelegs, and this causes their backs to arch from shoulders to rump, thereby making their whole body look round. They have a stout body and broad chest with muscular, round haunches.

I repeatedly saw the ears described as looking like a cradle from the back, and frankly, I have no idea what that means. They just look like cat ears to me, but maybe that will strike a chord with someone else. Manx can come in any color or pattern under the sun, although the Cat Fanciers Association does not allow lavender or chocolate, or the color-point pattern, because they indicate hybridization. They may be short- or long-haired. Both have a double coat which can require weekly grooming, more during shedding seasons.

Manx playing fetch

Personality

Manx are known for being friendly and people-oriented. They are quiet cats, but will have conversations with their people in a soft trill like that used by mother cats to communicate with their kittens. Manx are typically very mellow, but they are fiercely loyal and are quite the guard-cats. They may go on the offensive if they perceive a threat. Strange dogs are the most likely to bear the brunt of real aggression. Familiar dogs, however, can be great friends.

Manx who are socialized to other pets and children when young do very well with them. Older Manx may take time to adjust if they aren’t used to such creatures, so give them time. Cats are creatures of habit, after all. Though not an extremely active breed, Manx are very playful and intelligent. They like to learn tricks and solve puzzles. Multiple Manx in the same household have a curious and amusing tendency to chase each other in circles.

Despite the often missing or short tail, Manx do not struggle with balance and are excellent hunters and jumpers. Their powerful back legs can get them into most high places, so be sure to lock up anything you don’t want them to have. Hiding it in a cupboard or on a tall shelf will not keep it away from a determined Manx. These cats are thought to have particularly robust inner ears to help them maintain their balance, something most cats would use their tails to aid in.

History (Maybe)

There were no native European wild cats on the Isle of Man when the domestic cats first arrived. On that much, there is a consensus. Beyond that, no one is certain when or how domestic cats came to the island, or why they came to have such a strange mutation. Even scientists are still in flux about the latter. Of course, the locals have much more interesting stories.

One common theory holds that a ship wrecked near the Isle of Man. The ship had cats, as most would have, and these swam to shore and colonized the island. The sailors were not so lucky. Another version of this story would have it that there were already cats on the island, and the tailless feline survivor(s) of the shipwreck were the genesis of the Manx breed. The origin of the ship in the story varies, as well. Often it’s a ship (or two) from the Spanish Armada that wrecked in 1588, but at least two other shipwrecks are considered possible sources. It has also been speculated that the Vikings brought cats, or at least that they brought the long-haired cats. We will probably never know for sure.

Northern island coastline — The Isle of Man – Photo by Smergen from FreeImages

We now know why Manx cats sometimes have no tails, but the first linguistic reference to the tailless cats on the Isle of Man was in the mid-eighteenth century (2). The residents couldn’t have known about genetic mutations. So they came up with their own ideas. One theory took into account the stumpy or absent tail and long legs of Manx cats, which sometimes have a hoppy gait, and decided that they were not cats but cabbits, the offspring of a cross between cats and rabbits. This theory really raises more questions than it answers, but Manx do look a little bit bunny-like. Needless to say, cabbits are biologically impossible.

Another story went that when Noah built the Ark to save two of every animal from God’s flood (see the Book of Genesis), the Manx cats were running late. Does this mean Noah took two of every breed of cat on board? The story doesn’t elaborate. But the rains were about the start and Noah had already started the door closing when the cats were running up the gangplank. They made it through–but their tails didn’t.

Maybe the most gruesome story yet goes that Viking or Irish warriors used to steal Manx kittens to cut off their tails. They would use the tails to adorn their helmets as good luck charms. The mother cats did not take kindly to this, but they were no match for the warriors. So they did the best they could. They bit off their kittens’ tails to save them from a worse fate.

Thankfully, no Manx actually had their tails cut off in the making of, well, Manx. However cats came to the island, after that a random mutation that caused the tailless trait arose. This trait is detrimental to reproductive success and sometimes the individual. Manx have compensated for the lack of balance, but that may have come at the Darwinian expense of tailless cats that could not. Even if not, cats use their tails for communication as well. There are also health problems associated with the trait, not to mention that having two copies of the mutation is lethal. So why did it become so widespread?

The traditional explanation was genetic drift, the phenomenon by which a trait changes in frequency in a population by random chance. In other words, it just kind of happened. In small, inbred populations, this is pretty common. Try out a simulation of genetic drift here if you’re interested in seeing how this works. However, a study in 1980 found that the tailless trait would become stable in a population, despite the lethality, as long as sperm carrying the dominant mutant allele had an advantage during fertilization (3). While the study was mathematical in nature, it gives a strong indication of why the Manx trait may have been so persistent on the Isle of Man (3). She-cats frequently mate with multiple toms while in heat, so that selective fertilization advantage could make a difference.

Health Concerns

This is its own section for a reason. Manx are wonderful companions and can make great pets, but no one wants to get a sick cat they weren’t prepared for. Manx don’t have very many breed-specific health problems, but the ones they do have can be severe. They usually appear early in life, by four months at the latest, so if you purchase from a breeder, be very cautious of anyone willing to part with kittens before the age of four months.

Silver coin — Coin from Isle of Man showing a Manx cat – Isle of Man Post Office (https://www.iompost.com/)

Manx are prone to corneal dystrophy, a progressive cloudy buildup in the cornea of the eye. It typically appears by four months. It can cause vision loss and blindness, depending upon the severity, but cats can learn to cope with blindness well.

The worst concern with these cats is Manx syndrome, a group of conditions that can co-occur in Manx cats. It’s most common when rumpies are bred to rumpies for multiple generations but sometimes crops up even with responsible breeding. Manx syndrome includes spinal disorders like spina bifida (incomplete closure of the vertebrae over the spinal cord, leaving exposed nerve tissue), fused vertebrae, short or missing vertebrae, and deformed pelvic and/or sacral bones (4). Neurological problems such as lower-body paralysis or difficulty walking can occur (4). Cats with milder symptoms walk with the bunny-hop that led some to think Manx were cabbits (4). Inability to control the bowels and bladder and digestive problems are symptoms of Manx syndrome as well (4). Kittens with this disease are often euthanized.

Once again, the ethical question of whether we should be breeding Manx raises its ugly head. At one time, anyone that wanted a Manx had to have them shipped from the Isle of Man, where the cats just bred themselves. But supply inevitably outstripped demand, and here we are. I know I wouldn’t buy a Manx from a breeder, but I wouldn’t buy any cat from a breeder, so that’s easy for me to say. It seems objectively wrong to breed cats in the knowledge that some proportion will die in utero or die later because they’re so sick.

On the other hand, these are cats that occur in the wild, unlike some novelty breeds that were artificially selected to be that way. Does the natural-ness of the breed make it okay for us to breed more? I’m not a philosopher. You reach your own conclusions. But I will, and always will, say this: adopt, don’t shop! If you would like to adopt a Manx cat, check at your local shelter or Tailless Cat Rescue (http://www.taillesscatrescue.com/).

Fun Facts

Koko, the gorilla who learned American Sign Language, had a Manx as her first kitten. Koko named her All Ball because of her roundness.
The Manx was one of the founding breeds of the Cat Fanciers Association in 1906.
You can visit a Manx cat sanctuary on the Isle of Man: Mann Cat Sancuary (manncat.com).
Long-haired Manx are sometimes recognized as a separate breed, the Cymric (meaning “Welsh”).
Manx have been pictured on coins and stamps in their native Britain.

Works Cited

Buckingham, K.J., et al. (2013). Multiple mutant T alleles cause haploinsufficiency of Brachyury and short tails in Manx cats. Mammalian Genome, 24(9-10), 400-408. DOI: 10.1007/s00335-013-9471-1
Baraniuk, C. (2016, February 2). Why the cats on one British island have lost their tails. BBC Earth. link here.
Adalsteinsson, S. (1980). Establishment of equilibrium for the dominant lethal gene for Manx taillessness in cats. Theoretical and Applied Genetics, 57, 49-53. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00277762
Meggitt, J. Spina bifida in Manx kittens. The Nest. https://pets.thenest.com/spina-bifida-manx-kittens-7590.html.

Published April 24, 2020

Updated January 15, 2021

Breed Profiles

Savannah: Exotic Beauty

March 21, 2020May 12, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

I am going to be upfront–this article is as much a PSA as it is a breed profile. I do not support the breeding of hybrid cats, including the Savannah, and I will explain the reasons in the latter portion of the article. That being said, I do think everyone should have access to good information, whether it supports my opinion or not, and I have done my best to gather everything I could on these cats. I readily admit that it was a difficult process, as hybrid cats are very controversial, and there is a lot of contradictory information out there. If you know anything I have written to be demonstrably incorrect, please let me know.

Two servals — Pair of servals – Image by skeeze from Pixabay

Savannahs are a very new breed of cat, first created on April 7th, 1986 when a female kitten named Savannah was born to a successful mating of a female Siamese and a male serval. Servals are a species of African wild cat, significantly larger than a domestic cat but small as wild cats go. They’re pelts are typically golden yellow to beige with dark black spots, and Savannahs inherited a similar patterning as well as the exotic morphology of their wild parentage.

Since the first breeder of Savannah cats became established in the 1980s, they gained popularity quickly. The International Cat Association began registering Savannahs in 2001 and gave the breed championship status in 2012. The Cat Fanciers Association does not recognize any hybrid cat breeds (except the Bengal, which was grandfathered in), so Savannahs cannot be shown at CFA events. That has not slowed the breed down, however. For many people, the appeal lies in having a domestic pet that looks like a wild animal. And they certainly do look wild and beautiful.

Savannahs are about half the size of servals but are large for domestic cats. A Savannah that has a serval parent, known as an F1 (filial generation one), can reach 30 pounds (13.6 kg), but they get smaller with successive generations (F2, F3, etc.). After F1 the parents are all Savannahs or sometimes other domestic cats. The males are usually larger, but in the later generations, about F4+, the average size evens out to 12-18 pounds (5.4-8.2 kg). They look larger, however, because Savannahs are so tall and long. An F2 is 14-17 inches (35.6-43.2 cm) tall, with the height decreasing somewhat until F4. Savannahs are the tallest breed of cat. A Savannah holds the last two Guinness word records for tallest cat, at 19 inches (48.3 cm) and just over 19 inches. Non-hybrid cats are usually around 9 inches (22.9 cm) tall.

A breed standard Savannah has a pattern of spots similar to a serval, with rows of dark spots along their body and smaller spots on the head and extremities. They are permitted to come in four colors, but alternative colors and patterns are sometimes sold by breeders. The most common coat color is brown spotted tabby, which is most similar to the coloration of a serval. The base color of the coat is golden brown with black spots. The second most popular is silver spotted tabby, with a gray/silver base and black spots. Black and black smoke Savannahs may appear solid black from a distance, but they actually have darker black spots on a somewhat lighter base coat. Black smoke Savannahs have a white undercoat, giving them a bit of a smokey appearance.

Cheetah portrait shot — “Tear-stain” markings are common in spotted wildcats – Photo by jean wimmerlin on Unsplash

Savannahs have large, almost bat-like ears, perched high on the head, like their serval parents. They also inherited light-colored ocelli marks on the back of these huge ears (see serval picture above). Ocelli marks, also called eye-spots, are found in many species, including some butterflies and fish as well as wild cats, and they are believed to be an adaptation to deceive predators. They may draw attention away from the real eyes or make the animal seem larger and more threatening. Tabby cats sometimes have these anyway, but they are characteristic of Savannahs. The large ears combine with a wedge-shaped head and long muzzle to really emphasize the jungle-cat look of Savannahs. Dark tear-stain markings around the eyes are reminiscent of wild cats as well.

The personality of Savannah cats is influenced by their filial generation. F1, F2, and F3 cats tend to exhibit more wild behaviors while F4 and later act more like typical domestic cats. In general, Savannah enthusiasts and breeders describe the breed’s personality as similar to that of a working dog. They are high-energy, very intelligent, and very affectionate. They are known for enjoying playing fetch and a propensity for learning tricks.

Savannahs tend to bond strongly with their people and want to be with them and involved in what they are doing at all times. Many Savannahs like water, so that can include bath time! Due to their activity level and intelligence, Savannahs can become bored easily and get into mischief if not provided with enough attention and stimulation. They love jumping and climbing, so they need enough space and appropriate surfaces for them to explore. These cats can jump up to eight feet (2.4 m) high, so keep that in mind when cat-proofing for them.

Savannah cat playing fetch

Whether or not Savannahs are generally healthy cats seems to be a matter of much debate. Some sources mentioned only a slightly higher risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease where thickening of the heart muscle can lead to heart failure. It was almost universally acknowledged that male Savannahs prior to F4 are usually sterile due to genetic incompatibility between domestic cats and servals, a phenomenon known as hybrid sterility. However, rescue organizations mentioned other health problems that they have come across, the most common being irritable bowel disease/chronic diarrhea. There are suggestions that raw diets or diets without corn may alleviate IBD in hybrid cats, but it’s unclear.

Savannah cats are a very expensive breed, with the cheapest going for around $1,000 (USD) but some fetching as much as $35,000. Lower-numbered filial generations, females, and rarer colors and patterns garner higher prices. Much of the hefty price tag is attributed to the difficulty of breeding savannahs. As mentioned earlier, servals and domestic cats are partially incompatible, leading to male hybrid sterility, among other problems. Even convincing the two parties to mate can be difficult. There are differences in behavior, and servals are much bigger and more aggressive. The servals often kill the domestic cats, perhaps seeing the smaller feline as food rather than a possible mate (1).

Even if physical and behavioral limitations do not get in the way, Savannah breedings are often unsuccessful. Many result in miscarriages or premature births (1). Servals have a gestation period of seventy-five days, but domestic cats have a gestation period of sixty-five days. Male servals are usually mated with female domestic cats to produce F1 Savannahs, so the kittens may be born small and/or underdeveloped (1).

You might think that someone who has spent that much money on a cat would never give it up, but Savannahs and other hybrid cats are frequently given up to animals shelters or wild cat rescues, or simply set loose. Animal shelters have started refusing to take hybrid cats due to liability concerns or because they doubt they can find homes for them. If they do take them, they may put them down immediately. Wild cat rescues are often the best hope for hybrid cats that owners want to surrender, but both Wild Cat Sanctuary and Big Cat Rescue say on their websites that they cannot accommodate the deluge of requests to take hybrid cats. Neither sanctuary takes surrendered hybrid pets, although WCS says they will consider F1 cats.

Savannah cat sitting — Savannah cat glamour shot – Image by skeeze from Pixabay

Why are so many Savannahs and other hybrid cats being abandoned? Some people have excellent experiences with their Savannahs. Unfortunately breeding a wild animal with a domesticated one does not always achieve the advertised wild look and domestic behavior. Genetics does not work that way, and so it is that Savannahs frequently exhibit wild cat behaviors as well as exotic looks.

One of the most common problems is spraying. This is a common problem with cats, but it is on another level with a cat that has wild genes. Wild cats have to mark miles of territory, and so Savannahs, even when neutered, male or female, may feel compelled to do the same, spraying all over the place, sometimes even on the people they consider theirs.

Savannahs can also be very destructive with tooth and claw, sometimes aggressively and sometimes in play. They tend to be biters, and with a cat that big that can be a serious issue. They also tend to scratch or chew up their environment as a wild cat would tend to do. Giving them plenty of exercise, walking them on a leash, or providing them with an outdoor enclosure (with a roof) to let off steam can help with destructive tendencies.

Aggressive tendencies may be more difficult to deal with. Savannahs can be very affectionate, but they usually bond to one or a few people, and even then they are sometimes unpredictable. Some Savannahs are very aggressive. Although they are marketed as getting along well with children and other pets, sometimes they do and sometimes they really, really don’t. They’re strong prey drive can be particularly troublesome if there are small pets in the house. That high intelligence may be directed toward learning how to open the hamster’s cage.

Savannahs of earlier filial generations tend to display more of these undesirable wild behaviors. For this reason, some breeders only sell cats of later generations, but that leaves the earlier ones in the lurch. We shouldn’t blame the cats for acting in ways we don’t appreciate. It is in their DNA, after all. Cats domesticated themselves thousands of years ago. A couple generations of breeding the domestic form to a wild animal cannot make a new domestic creature. Wild Cat Sanctuary suggests that anyone who has bought or adopted a savannah or other hybrid cat and regrets it try building an outdoor enclosure with a heated den (https://www.wildcatsanctuary.org/education/species/hybrid-domestic/what-is-a-hybrid-domestic/). They keep their small wild cats and hybrids in the same set-up. This puts a Savannah in an environment where it can be as wild as it wants and cause no trouble.

If you would like a Savannah, whatever your reasons, I strongly recommend adopting one. As a rule, we should all adopt, not shop, but especially in this case. Buying these cats encourages breeding more, but adopting them gives homes to the many who have been abandoned without supporting the problematic Savannah breeding industry. Two organizations I came across during my research were Savannah Cat Rescue (http://svrescue.com/) and Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue (https://www.purebredcatrescue.org/). There are probably others, and you could always try contacting your local animal shelter and letting them know of your interest. Make sure to look up your local regulations on exotic pets first, because some places have bans or restrictions on savannahs.

Works Cited

Seder, R.A. (2017). AAFP position statement: Hybrid cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 19(3), 312-313.

Published March 21st, 2020

Updated March 12th, 2021

Breed Profiles

Siamese: Thai Temple Cats

January 30, 2020May 12, 2023 mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

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Siamese cats may be one of the most recognizable breeds today, but for centuries they were one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. They stalked the halls of Thai palaces and temples at a time when the country was still known as Siam, hence their name. Siamese cats are believed to have occurred naturally in Thailand and later been selectively bred for certain traits. Though Siamese cats only began to spread outside Thailand during the late 1800s, they have quickly become one of the most popular breeds of cats in the world.

Siamese kittens are born white – Photo by TaniaVdB on Pixaby

Siamese cats are easily recognized by their long, lithe, and angular bodies, as well as their color-point patterning which arose in the Thai cat population as a genetic mutation. It causes cats to have a light background color, ranging from white to tan, with darker coloration on the ears, face, paws, and tail. Kittens are born white and their points darken as they age. Many cat show organizations, including the Cat Fanciers Association, only recognize seal (dark brown-black), chocolate, blue, and lilac points, but almost any color of point is possible, including patterned points, i.e. tabby.

Siamese cats have long, slim bodies with wedge-shaped heads and large, triangular ears. Their hind legs are longer than their forelegs, and they have small, dainty, oval-shaped paws. Their almond-shaped eyes are a vibrant blue, one of their most alluring and unusual traits. They occasionally have crossed eyes or kinked tails. These are harmless deformities that were once very prominent in the breed but which breeders have tried to eliminate, with only partial success.

It is commonly believed that Siamese cats have been bred to have a more thin, angular, and generally extreme shape in more recent years, and that the original breed that arose in Thailand had a more moderate body plan and rounder face. There are still Siamese cats being bred to this form today. Sometimes they are recognized as a separate breed, called the Thai. Other times they are referred to as “traditional” or “applehead” Siamese cats.

Lilac-point siamese cat — Sleepy blue eyes – Photo by TaniaVdB on Pixaby

Siamese cats have a rich history in their native Thailand. They are thought to be a very old breed, but exactly how old is uncertain. The Tamra Maew manuscript, called The Cat Poems in English, was discovered in a royal Buddhist temple and depicts lucky and unlucky cats (1). One of the lucky cats has a white body and dark or black tail, ears, paws, and mask (1). Manuscripts such as these were handwritten on palm-leaves or bark, which would become fragile with age and need to be painstakingly copied periodically.

The Cat Poems originated in Ayutthaya, a city which was later destroyed, but some of the manuscripts from its temple survived and were taken to Bangkok, including The Cat Poems (1). The copy of the Tamra Maew which was discovered has been dated to between 1840 and 1850 by The International Maew Boran Association (TIMBA) but research suggests that it may date to the Khmer Empire (802 to 1432), making Siamese cats a very old breed indeed (1).

Thai legends account for the crooked tails and crossed eyes that used to be so common to the breed (2). One tells of a princess who was bathing in a river. She feared that her rings would be lost in the swift current, but her favorite cat was close at hand, as usual, so she placed her rings on its tail for safekeeping (2). The loyal cat made sure to keep the rings on its tail, but it had a little kink in its tail forever after (2). In another tale, pun intended, a royal guard cat is tasked with watching over a gold goblet (2). The cat wraps its tail tightly around the stem of the goblet so it can’t let its charge out of its sight (2). The determined guard proceeds to watch the goblet so long and with such fierce focus that it goes cross-eyed (2).

These stories also allude to the personality of Siamese cats which are a very people-oriented and loyal breed. Highly social and intelligent, this is one breed that does not like to be left alone and does best if they have a similarly playful friend to keep them occupied while their human is at work. Siamese cats get along well with other cats as well as dogs and children. They just want to be friends. And they want someone to talk to. Siamese are well known for being “talkers,” with a loud, unique meow that they use all the time to tell you about everything.

These cats are very affectionate. They like to follow their people around to see what they’re doing or just cuddle and tell you about their day. Because they are so intelligent, Siamese cats can get bored, and therefore get into trouble. Giving them puzzle toys or taking them on walks to give their brains as well as their bodies something to do is a good idea.

Siamese tom showing off the breed’s distinctive voice

Siamese cats have a short, fine-textured coat that requires very little grooming, only a weekly combing. As they are attention sponges, they usually enjoy being groomed. Dental care may need to be more intensive. The wedge shape of their heads makes Siamese cats prone to periodontal disease, so daily brushing is recommended. This is easiest when begun as a kitten. Weekly brushing or other dental care options are less effective but may still do the trick. Consult a vet to see what your cat needs. The shape of their heads also increases the risk of respiratory problems. The breed carries a risk of developing eye problems, such as retinal atrophy or glaucoma, heart problems, and bladder stones. These conditions are more likely later in life.

The enduring popularity of Siamese cats makes a lot of sense. They are a friendly and beautiful breed with a lot to say for themselves. They make excellent family pets because they get along so well with other pets and children. While a chatty cat isn’t for everyone, its clear that many people, including Thai royalty, love this special feline.

Fun Facts

The Siamese was one of the original breeds recognized by the CFA when it was founded in 1906.
Siamese cats first arrived in the United States in 1878 when one was gifted to President Rutherford B. Hayes’s wife, Lucy, by a diplomat. The cat was named, very creatively, “Siam.”
The Siamese may have been displayed at the first major cat show in 1871 at London’s Crystal Palace. A journalist with Harper’s Weekly described the breed as “an unnatural, nightmare kind of cat.”
A pair of Siamese cats alerted their owner to the presence of Russian espionage in the 1960s (3). Dutch ambassador Henri Heib was woken up by his yowling cats scratching at the wall in the middle of the night as he slept in the embassy in Moscow, possibly when the 30 hidden microphones turned on and made a noise only the cats could hear (3). The ambassador chose to leave the bugs in his apartment, and he and his wife used them to manipulate their eavesdroppers into doing favors for them such as getting packages unstuck from customs (3).
The Thai name for the native Siamese breed is “wichienmaat,” which means “gold diamond.”

Works Cited

The International Maew Boran Association. (2020). http://www.timba.org/
Geyer, G.A. (2004). When cats reigned like kings: On the trail of the sacred cats. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Reuter. (1964, May 26). Microphone revealed by cats: Ambassador made use of it. The Glasgow Herald, p. 9.

Published January 30, 2020

Updated June 4, 2021