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Bengal cat sitting in the sunlight
Breed Profiles

Bengal Cats: Living Room Leopards

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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!

Bengal cat sitting in the sunlight
Image by Christiane Heßler from Pixabay

Bengal cats are a popular but somewhat controversial designer breed. They are meant to look like little leopards without the dangers of having a wild cat in the house. Their coats are stunningly beautiful, and Bengal enthusiasts say they make delightful and unique pets. However, some people argue that Bengals are wilder than a pet should be because they are a hybrid breed. Today we’ll dive deep on this intriguing cat breed.

Neither Tigers, nor Leopards, nor Just Cats

The Bengal breed is credited to California breeder Jean Sudgen Mills, who crossed a female Asian Leopard Cat–a small, leopard-spotted wild cat–with a male black domestic shorthair in 1963 [2, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 15]. She was not the first to create this type of hybrid cat, however. The earliest mention was in 1889 by Harrison Weir in his book Our Cats and All at Them [13]. References to Asian Leopard Cat x Domestic Cat hybrids cropped up periodically over the next half-century [9, 13].

Contemporaneously with Jean Mills, Dr. Willard Centerwall bred these hybrid cats to study their genetics and immune systems [11, 13]. Mills used some of Centerwall’s cats to start a breeding program [11, 13]. Early Bengal breeders also incorporated Egyptian Maus and later added Siamese for more color variation [1, 5, 8, 11]. Mills and other early breeders experienced some challenges, including the unpleasant surprise that the hybrid toms were sterile [1, 15]. But the second generation was all fertile, and eventually there were enough Bengals that these days, most Bengals are bred from other Bengals [13, 15]. In fact, using Asian Leopard Cats in current breeding programs is typically discouraged [3].

Jean Mills petitioned persistently to have the Bengal recognized as a breed, and in 1983 The International Cat Society first accepted the Bengal as an experimental breed [11, 13, 15]. Today, six cat fancy registries accept Bengals, and they are a well-established global breed [11].

Many people think that the name Bengal comes from the Bengal tiger [1, 13]. There is even a myth that Bengal cats are descended from Bengal tigers, which would be impossible [6]. They are no more related to tigers than any other housecat [6]. The name comes from the scientific name for the Asian Leopard Cat, Prionailurus bengalensis [1, 5, 13, 15].

Bengal Cat Characteristics

Bengal cats are assigned a filial generation number (F1, F2, F3, F4….) depending upon how closely related they are to an Asian Leopard Cat [1, 9]. A F1 Bengal is the kitten of an Asian Leopard Cat and a domestic cat [1, 9]. A F2 Bengal has an Asian Leopard Cat as a grandparent, a F3 Bengal has an Asian Leopard Cat great-grandparent, etc. [1, 9]. Bengal cats are considered domesticated from F4 on; only these can be registered and shown [2, 5, 6, 11, 13-15].

Appearance

Bengal cat colors

Bengals are a medium-large breed, with the toms getting up to 15 pounds (6.8 kg) [4, 9, 11, 14]. They have long, lean, muscular bodies [2, 4, 9, 11, 15]. Their long and powerful legs make them incredible jumpers and climbers [4, 5, 9]. They can jump up to six feet–straight up or across [5, 6]!

Of course, their stunning spotted coats are what Bengals are most known for. Bengals come in six basic colors, but the cat fancy only recognizes brown, snow, silver, and sometimes charcoal [1, 8, 11, 15]. Blue and black/melanistic are non-standard colors [1, 8].

Brown is the most common color, with markings that may be black, brown, or reddish-brown [4, 8]. Snow Bengals inherited the temperature-sensitive albinism trait from the Siamese and come in lynx, mink, and sepia varieties [2, 5, 8]. Silver Bengals are white or gray with black markings [8]. The smoky black charcoal trait in inherited independently of coat color, so Bengals of any color may have it in addition to their base color [8].

Blue comes from the dilute trait, which is also inherited independently of coat color [8]. These cats are a steely gray with darker gray-blue markings [8]. Some breeders are attempting to gain championship recognition for blue Bengals [8]. The black/melanistic Bengal looks like a black panther, with black markings nearly invisible on a black background [8].

Bengals can either be spotted or marbled [1, 2, 5, 8, 9]. Their spots can be simple dots or a variety of rosette patterns like those seen on leopards, ocelots, and other wild felids [1, 5, 8, 9, 15]. The marbled coat pattern consists of dark swirls all over the cat’s coat [1, 8]. Some Bengals have both patterns [8]. Bengals can have green, gold, or–in the case of snow Bengals–blue eyes [8, 11].

Personality

Bengals are extremely intelligent and extremely active cats [1-6, 9, 11, 14]. They need ways to keep their minds and bodies active because boredom leads to mischief [1, 5, 6, 9, 11]. These are not cats that do well in home where they will be left alone for long periods of time [3, 15]. They need lots of playtime and attention [3, 5, 9, 11, 15]. However, they are very trainable and often do well with learning to walk on a leash, so they are well-suited to active people who want a cat that’s as adventurous as they are [1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 15].

Additionally, Bengals are very affectionate [1-3, 9, 14, 15]. They tend to have a favorite person who they become attached to and will love forever [9]. If well-socialized as kittens, Bengals are typically good with dogs, children, and people in general [4, 5, 9, 14, 15]. They don’t always like other cats, however [1]. They can be quite territorial, so if you want a multi-cat household, it may be best to get a pair of Bengals who already know each other or introduce the Bengal to a house where other cats are already established [1]. Bengals do not tolerate change well and are prone to stress and problem behaviors if you don’t ease them into big changes [1, 3, 9].

A fun and unusual thing about Bengals is that most of them love water [1-6, 9, 11]! This comes from the Asian Leopard Cat which lives near rivers [4]. Bengals are known for playing with their water dishes, following their people into the bath or shower, and going swimming if they get half a chance [1, 4, 5, 6]. Providing water games can be a good way to keep your Bengal entertained–just be prepared to clean up the splashes after [1, 4, 9, 11].

Welcome to the Jungle

It is important that anyone adopting or purchasing a Bengal or other hybrid cat realize that they have different needs than the typical housecat [3, 6, 7, 14]. Because they are so smart and so energetic, Bengals need a lot of toys, things to climb, and interactive playtime, or they will become destructive [3, 5, 6, 9, 11]. Many Bengals enjoy running on wheels [3]. Also some Bengals don’t digest dry or grain-based cat food very well which is unpleasant for everyone [3, 15]. Bengal Rescue recommends feeding Bengals a grain-free wet food or raw food diet.

Bengals should be indoor-only cats, both because they are likely to be stolen and because they are particularly hazardous to local wildlife [1, 9, 14]. Bengals love the outdoors, though, so taking them for walks and/or providing a catio for outside time is a good idea [9, 14]. It really helps get some of their energy out.

Snow Bengal cat
Snow Bengal – Image by 성혁 이 from Pixabay

Speaking of the Bengal’s high prey drive and excellent hunting skills, you have to be very careful about keeping small animals (birds, lizards, hamsters, etc.) in a home with a Bengal [1]. The cat doesn’t know those are pets, too; they just see prey. With their love for water, Bengals are especially interested in aquarium fish [1, 11]. So don’t let your Bengal near your smaller pets. Cat-proof extensively, more than you think you have to. These crafty kitties can get into places you wouldn’t expect.

F1-F3 Bengals, also known as Foundation Bengals, are more like wild animals than housecats [14]. The International Bengal Cat Society explains that “owning one of these cats is akin to owning a large parrot or an alligator as a pet” [14]. Only consider taking in one of these cats if you are prepared to make major adjustments [14].

Special Health Concerns

There is a myth that Bengals are immune to Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) [6, 11]. Asian Leopard Cats are immune, but Bengals did not inherit this trait and need immunizations for FeLV like all domestic cats [6, 11]. Bengal cats are also prone to a few illnesses. Bengals have an elevated risk of developing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common type of heart disease in cats [1, 2, 9, 15]. They can have some eye problems as well: progressive retinal atrophy, which causes premature blindness, and cataracts [1, 2, 9, 11, 15]. And there is a higher rate of Erythrocyte Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency among Bengals [2, 15]. This metabolic disorder disrupts their red blood cells [2].

Responsible breeders will test their cats for genetic diseases [1, 15]. If you get a Bengal from a breeder, make sure to ask about their genetic testing policy, and have your veterinarian thoroughly examine your new cat for any signs of disease as well.

Bengals are more likely to be sensitive or allergic to anesthetics, so discuss this with your veterinarian if you have a Bengal who needs to be aestheticized for any procedure, including spay/neuter surgery [1, 9]. Allergic reactions to anesthetics can be fatal.

Why are Bengal cats illegal in some places?

Bengals and other hybrid cats are banned in some locations, including New York City and Hawaii [9, 10]. Restrictions in some places only apply to earlier generations of Bengals, i.e. F1-F3 [9]. There are several reasons for these regulations.

Bengals are considered particularly dangerous to native wildlife because of their high prey drive and superior hunting skills [10]. This is part of the reason they are not allowed in Hawaii [10], where the native birds have been severely depleted by invasive species, including domestic cats. The other concern in Hawaii is that cats can carry the parasite toxoplasmosis, which is dangerous for Hawaiian monk seals [10]. That is true of all cats, though, not just Bengals.

Connecticut banned Bengal cats in 1996 citing concerns that the domestic cat rabies vaccine may not be effective for the hybrid breed [12]. Some places ban hybrid cats simply because regulators consider them wild animals [12]. There are also concerns that continuing to breed hybrid pet cats could put strain on populations of threatened wildcats, as some breeders continue to go back to the Asian Leopard Cat to make new lines of Bengals or to the Serval to make new lines of Savannahs [7].

If you are considering adding a Bengal cat to your family, check your local exotic pet regulations to make sure that they are permitted as pets in your area. And remember to always look at adopting first. Organizations like Bengal Rescue (Western US), Bengal Rescue Australia, Great Lakes Bengal Rescue (US), East Coast Bengal Rescue (US), and the Bengal Cat Association (UK) can help you find the living room leopard that’s meant for you.

Fun Facts

  • The New Zealand Cat Fancy Registry also recognizes long-haired Bengals, also known as Cashmeres. [2]
  • Bengals are low-shed and low-dander, so while not strictly hypoallergenic, some people with cat allergies find them easier to be around. [3]
  • Some Bengals have a special trait called “glitter” which makes them sparkle or shimmer in the light. Glitter is caused by scattered colorless hairs throughout the coat that reflect light, giving the cat’s fur a glittery appearance. [2, 4, 5, 15]
  • Bengals cost between $1,500 and $10,000 USD from a breeder, depending upon sex, generation, and color/pattern. F1 females and snow Bengals are the most expensive. Back in 1990, when Bengals were relatively new, a woman once paid $50,000 USD for one! [1, 5, 14]

Sources

  1. Avery, T. (2023, March 29). The joys and hazards of living with a pet Bengal cat. Pet Helpful. https://pethelpful.com/cats/The-Joys-and-Hazards-of-Living-with-a-Bengal-Cat
  2. Basepaws. (n.d.). Bengal cat. https://basepaws.com/a/cat-breeds/bengal-cat
  3. Bengal Rescue. (2023). Adopting your first Bengal? https://bengalrescue.org/resources/adopting-your-first/
  4. Bengals Ramazan. (n.d.). Features of the Bengal cat. https://www.gatobengali.com/bengal-cat-features.php
  5. Brody, K. (2017, April 2). 15 things you didn’t know about the Bengal cat. Yummy Pets. https://www.yummypets.com/mag/2017/04/02/97710/15-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-bengal-cat
  6. Great Lakes Bengal Rescue. (2015, November 7). What is a Bengal? https://www.greatlakesbengalrescue.com/whatis.html
  7. Horton, H. (2022, February 17). UK could ban part-wild hybrid cats after social media fuels boom in popularity. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/17/uk-could-ban-part-wild-hybrid-cats-after-social-media-fuels-boom-in-popularity
  8. Jaccard, L. (2018, January 6). Bengal cat coat: Colors and patterns. Bengal Cats. https://bengalcats.co/bengal-cat-colors-patterns/
  9. Jimerson, D. (2021, April 20). Bengal. Daily Paws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/bengal
  10. KHON 2. (2018, November 16). Exotic Bengal cats confiscated in Honolulu. https://www.khon2.com/local-news/exotic-bengal-cats-confiscated-in-honolulu/
  11. Kruzer, A. (2022, June 18). Bengal cats. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/bengal-cats-1238154
  12. McCarthy, K. E. (2000, July 11). Bengal cat laws. Connecticut General Assembly. https://www.cga.ct.gov/2000/rpt/2000-R-0680.htm
  13. The Bengal Cats. (2019). What is the origin of the Bengal cat? https://www.thebengalcats.com/pages/what-is-the-origin-of-the-bengal-breed
  14. The International Bengal Cat Society. (n.d.). Bengals as pets. https://www.tibcs.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=902066&module_id=469648
  15. The International Cat Association. (2019, October 28). The Bengal breed. https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=1521:the-bengal-breed&catid=48

Published August 28th, 2023

Breed Profiles

Toyger: Tiny Toy Tigers

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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!

Toyger is a portmanteau of “toy” and “tiger” [6, 7, 10]. If there were such a thing as a toy tiger like there are toy poodles, this is probably what they would look like. Toygers are a new and very rare designer cat breed meant to have the exotic appearance of a tiger with the disposition of a domestic cat [2, 7-9].

History of the Toyger

Photo by Matteus Silva on Pexels

To be clear, Toygers are not at all related to actual tigers [1, 4, 7-10]. That would be impossible. They are related to Asian Leopard Cats, however, because they are a combination of Bengals, which are hybrid cats, and mackerel tabby Domestic Shorthairs [1, 2, 5-11].

The breed was created in the 1980s in California by Judy Sugden, whose mother, Jean Mill, created Bengals [2, 4, 6-8]. A local exotic animal sanctuary with wild cats among its rescues got her thinking how incredible it would be to have a housecat that looked like one of those [5]. Then, Sugden noticed that one of her Bengals, Milwood Sharp Shooter, had spotted tabby markings on the sides of his head [1, 2, 6-9]. Domestic tabby cats don’t usually have stripes there, but tigers do, and this got Sugden thinking–what if she could breed a housecat that looked like a tiger [1, 2, 7-9]?

Sugden began a breeding program with a hefty Bengal named Milwood Rumpled Spotskin and a tabby Domestic Shorthair named Scrapmetal [2, 6, 7, 9]. She also traveled to India and brought home a stray tabby cat from Kashmir with just the right spotted markings between his ears [2, 4, 6-9]. She named him Jammu Blu and added him to the nascent breeding program [2, 4, 6, 7, 9].

With very careful selective breeding, Sugden and a small number of other breeders have developed a breed with tiger-like traits. Sugden calls the slow process “squinch-by-squinch development” [4]. Over thirty years in, they still aren’t finished perfecting the Toyger [2, 5, 10]. Nonetheless, The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized Toygers as a breed in 1993 and accepted them for championship status in 2007 [1, 2, 6-10]. TICA remains the only registry that fully recognizes Toygers as championship-eligible [4], but the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), a U.K. registry, gave Toygers preliminary status in 2016 [2].

Breed Characteristics

Appearance

Toygers are medium-to-large cats with long, low, muscular bodies [1, 2, 6-9]. Combined with their long toes, their body shape gives them a rolling gait like a tiger [1, 5, 6, 8]. They carry their long tails low like a big cat, too [2]. Toygers have a broad head with small, rounded ears and small-to-medium eyes [2, 4, 7]. Their signature trait, of course, is their tiger-like pelt.

Toyger fur is dense and plush. All Toygers are tabbies, with bold, vertical stripes that have broken and braided patterns just like tiger stripes [1, 4-8]. TICA and GCCF only recognize the “brown mackerel tabby” Toyger, which is the black-on-orange type that looks like your typical tiger [2, 9]. They also have some white on their undersides and gold “glitter” [1, 4, 6-9]. Glitter is a genetic trait that gives a cat’s coat a, well, glittery appearance. A few breeders do have Toygers in other colors, including silver/white Toygers meant to resemble white tigers [10].

Personality

Photo by danilobiancalana

The Toyger is an active, outgoing, and intelligent cat [1, 2, 5-9]. They need a lot of playtime and cognitive stimulation to make sure they don’t get bored [1, 5-7]. Happily, they are quite sociable and trainable, so there are plenty of ways you can entertain each other [1, 6, 8, 9]. Toygers are even recommended for running agility courses [1]! Toygers often enjoy learning tricks like fetch and going on walks on a leash [1, 6-8]. They can usually make friends with anybody, including children and other pets, so a Toyger can make a good family pet [1, 2, 5-7].

Keeping Company with Tigers

A Toyger’s short coat can pretty much take care of itself, but these kitties do shed quite a bit, so occasional brushing might be good just to keep the free-floating fluff to a minimum [2, 5, 7-9]. These cats need something to do when you’re out of the house, so make sure they have plenty of toys and maybe another pet to play with [8]. These smart kitties particularly enjoy the challenge of puzzle toys [6]. And Toygers are affectionate cats that love to spend time with their families, so make sure that you have that time to spend with them every day [1, 8]!

Special Health Concerns?

Because Toygers are such a new breed, and there are still very few of them, no one knows for sure what sort of breed-specific health problems they might turn out to have [1, 2, 7, 8]. So far, they seem to be generally healthy cats. Some breeders have reported adverse reactions to the feline leukemia vaccine in their cats, but this hasn’t been substantiated [2]. Toygers may have an increased risk for heart murmurs [7-9]. A 2016 study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine discovered a serious developmental brain disorder in a family of Toygers [3].

Affected Toygers had underdeveloped or absent brain structures as well as enlarged ventricles (the fluid-filled cavities in the brain) and cysts in their brains [3]. They behaved surprisingly normally for all that, only seeming to be “clumsy” [3]. The disorder is a recessive genetic disorder, which means kittens must inherit it from both parents, and it is was tied to the trait of short, round ears that breeders select for in Toygers [3]. The researchers didn’t figure out why the brain problems and the ear shape were connected [3], and other Toygers with similar ears have not been shown to have the same problem. It remains to be seen if this condition was unique to this family of Toygers or if it is a more widespread problem that has not become obvious yet.

Adopting a Toyger

There are very few Toygers in the world because this is such a new breed, and there still are not many breeders. Add to that the fact that the breed is still under development, and you have a recipe for some very expensive cats. $5,000 for one Toyger kitten is pretty typical [4, 10]. The even rarer silver/white Toyger kittens are more expensive than that, up to $10,000 [10].

Because Toygers are descended from Bengals (albeit somewhat distantly) which are hybrids of domestic cats and Asian Leopard Cats, some locations consider Toygers wild animals [4]. Toygers may be banned outright or require a permit in your location, so be sure to check the local laws at all levels before you bring one home [4].

Remember, it’s always better to adopt than shop. Check out breed-specific rescues like Great Lakes Bengal Rescue to see if they have any Toygers that need a home! Also, responsible breeders will adopt out adult cats that don’t quite fit the breed standard or have been retired from breeding.

Fun Facts

  1. Toygers love water! They might sneak into the shower with you. [6]
  2. Every Toyger’s stripes are totally unique. [6, 7]
  3. Some Toyger breeders donate a portion of profits from kitten sales to tiger conservation. [5]
Toyger kittens on Animal Planet’s Too Cute!

Works Cited

  1. El’Sprite Toygers. (n.d.). Toyger information. OzToyger. https://oztoyger.com.au/toyger-info
  2. Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. (n.d.). Toyger. https://www.gccfcats.org/getting-a-cat/choosing/cat-breeds/toyger/
  3. Keating, M. K., Sturges, B. K., Siso, S., Wisner, E. R., et al. (2016). Characterization of an inherited neurological syndrome in Toyger cats with forebrain commissural malformations, ventriculomegaly and interhemispheric cysts. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 30, 617-626. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jvim.13836
  4. Marvar, A. (2020, May 27). You thought your cat was fancy? She wanted a cat that looked like the tiger. Meet the Toyger. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/27/style/toyger-fever.html
  5. Scherr, A. (Producer). (2011, April 9). Tonkinese, Nebelung, Serengeti, Korat, Cats Gone Wild, RagaMuffin, Toyger (Season 3, Episode 3) [TV series episode]. In Cats 101, Powderhouse Productions.
  6. Sorocco, E. (2020, July 2). Toyger. Catster. https://www.catster.com/cat-breeds/toyger
  7. Syufy, F. (2022, June 30). Toyger cat: Cat breed profile, characteristics & care. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/toyger-cat-profile-554213
  8. Taylor, C. and Guthrie, C. (2021, March 24). Toyger. Daily Paws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/toyger
  9. The International Cat Association. (2020, April 13). Toyger breed. https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=1868
  10. Urban Exotic Cats. (n.d.). The Toyger cat. https://urbanexoticcats.com/the-toyger-cat/

Published May 14th, 2023

Breed Profiles

Selkirk Rex: The Cat in Sheep’s Clothing

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

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

Lilac Selkirk Rex in profile
Image by Adrian from Pixabay

Random mutations are the genesis of some of the most interesting cat breeds, including the Selkirk Rex. There are several rex breeds, distinguished by their curly coats. The Selkirk Rex is sometimes called “the cat in sheep’s clothing” due to its particularly wooly appearance [6, 7]. This is a relatively new breed, and still uncommon [1-4], but they charm everyone they meet with their lovely curls and warm personalities.

Humble Origins

In 1987, a shelter cat in Montana, USA gave birth to a litter of kittens [1, 3, 4, 6, 7]. This would be an unremarkable event except that one of them had curly fur [1-4, 7]. The little blue-cream-and-white she-kitten came to the attention of a local Persian breeder named Jeri Newman, who got excited about the possibility of a new rexoid mutation [1-3, 6, 7]. Newman adopted the kitten and named her Miss DePesto because she was always pestering people for attention [7]! When Miss DePesto grew up, Newman bred her with one of the Persians, a black tom named PhotoFinish of Deekay [1-3, 7]. Three of their six kittens had curly hair [1-3, 7].

This showed that Miss DePesto’s mutation was a dominant trait–a cat would only need one copy of the mutation to have curly fur. The Devon Rex and Cornish Rex mutations are both recessive, requiring two copies, so Newman definitely had something new on her hands [3, 7]. She developed the Selkirk Rex breed from Miss Depesto’s bloodline, incorporating not only Persians but also British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, and Exotic Shorthairs [1, 6]. The breed began to be recognized by cat fancy organizations in the early 1990s [4, 7].

Breed Characteristics

Appearance

The hair, of course, is the star attraction. Selkirk Rexes can occasionally be born with straight fur if they inherit a wild-type (non-mutant) allele from both parents, but this doesn’t happen often because the mutation has already become almost fixed in the population [5]. A trait becomes “fixed” in a population when all individuals have the same genetic makeup for it. So most Selkirk Rexes have curly coats, including curly whiskers, both of which are apparent at birth [1-7]. The coat texture can change somewhat during the first months of life and doesn’t reach it’s full potential until kittens are 8-10 months old, however [1]. Their adult coat is plush and has loose curls [1-4, 6, 7]. Unlike other rex breeds, Selkirk Rexes have a full coat with all three layers [4]. They may have short or long fur [1-4, 6, 7].

Close-up of Selkirk Rex coat – Image by Adrian from Pixabay

The mutation that causes Selkirk Rexes to have curls is in the KRT71 gene which is important for producing the protein keratin in the hair follicles [5]. Different mutations in this same gene cause the recessive rexoid mutation in Devon Rexes and the nearly-hairless condition of Sphynx cats [5].

Due to their ancestry among Persians and breeds with similar builds, Selkirk Rexes are stocky cats [1-4, 6, 7] with moderately shortened muzzles [1]. They come in all colors and patterns [1-4, 6, 7].

Personality

The Selkirk Rex is a friendly and affectionate cat that loves spending time with people [1, 2, 6, 7]. They are laid-back and relaxed, but they aren’t as like to be lap cats as Persians–these kitties like to play, too [2, 6, 7]! They are generally patient and tolerant, and they get along well with children, other pets, and strangers, as long as they are well-socialized [2, 6, 7]. These cats just want to be the life of the party! But a mellow party, please. Selkirk Rexes make good pets for families [2, 6]. They can get bored if left alone for very long or not played with regularly, so keep that in mind [6].

Selkirk Rex at Home

A Selkirk Rex doesn’t have too many special requirements, but that beautiful coat does need some attention. Loose hair can become caught in their curls and lead to mats [2]. However, too much grooming can make their coat frizzy [2, 6]. If you have curly or wavy hair of your own, you’ll be familiar with that problem. Combing their fur weekly with a wide-toothed comb is the best way to work out tangles and loose fur without making kitty’s hair stand on end [2, 6]. Some Selkirk Rexes need baths occasionally as [2, 6]. If this is the case for your cat, make sure you use a light shampoo that won’t weight down and flatten their curls [2, 3]. Ask a veterinarian, groomer, or breeder for recommendations. After a bath, towel dry your Selkirk Rex, then let their coat air dry [2].

Health Concerns

Selkirk Rexes are fairly healthy, like most breeds that originated with random-bred cats. However, there is a lot of Persian and other purebred cats in their ancestry, and they have inherited a propensity toward a few health problems from that side of the family [2, 6]. Selkirk Rexes are a bit prone to polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic kidney disorder that kittens are born with which leads to kidney failure later in life [2, 6]. Fortunately, there is a screening test for PKD, and responsible breeders will make sure they do not breed cats who carry it [2].

The Selkirk Rex is also more likely to develop Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common form of heart disease in cats [2, 6]. Hip dysplasia, which is common in Persians, can be a risk as well [2, 6].

Because Selkirk Rex is a new and still rare breed, they don’t often arrive in animal shelters, but it’s always better to adopt than shop. You might be surprised–lost and abandoned purebred cats go to shelters and rescues everyday. You can also look at places like Selkirk Rex Rescue & Retired Breeding Cats, where fanciers are trying to find good homes for their favorite breed.

Fun Facts

Gray Selkirk Rex in front of rainbow pillows
Image by Adrian from Pixabay
  • The Selkirk Rex is the only breed named after a real person. Jeri Newman chose the name “Selkirk” in honor of her stepfather. [6]
  • Sterilized mature Selkirk Rexes have the highest quality coats. [3, 7]
  • The birthplace of the Selkirk Rex, in the form of Miss DePesto, was the Bozeman Humane Society [1]. The area is now served by Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter.

Works Cited

  1. Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley: London.
  2. Brown, J. (2022, July 14). Selkirk Rex: Cat breed profile, characteristics & care. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/selkirk-rex-cat-breed-profile-4774250
  3. Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Selkirk Rex. https://cfa.org/selkirk-rex/
  4. Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
  5. Gandolfi, B., Alhaddad, H., Joslin, S. E. K., Khan, R., et al. (2013). A splice variant in KRT71 is associated with curly coat phenotype of Selkirk Rex cats. Scientific Reports, 3, 2000. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep02000
  6. Jimerson, G. and Guthrie, C. (2022, January 26). Selkirk Rex. The Daily Paws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/selkirk-rex
  7. The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Selkirk Rex breed. https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=875:selkirk-rex-breed&catid=79

Published January 8th, 2022

Updated June 14th, 2023

Breed Profiles

Ragdoll: The Most Laidback Cat You’ll Ever Meet

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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!

Bicolor Ragdoll cat on blue velvet
Lilac Bicolor Ragdoll – Image by 孟想家 from Pixabay

One of the biggest, fluffiest cats is also the cuddliest and most relaxed. The Ragdoll is an easy-going snuggle bug known for going limp like a ragdoll when held. They are a consistently popular breed, despite being quite expensive and new to the cat fancy [4, 12]. Let’s meet these friendly giants.

The Cat from Space?

The Ragdoll’s origins are fairly mundane, although there are some creative conspiracy theories about them. A woman named Ann Baker developed the breed in Riverside, California in the early 1960s [4-9, 11, 12]. Baker began with a long-haired, white stray she-cat she found in her neighborhood and named Josephine [5-9, 11, 12]. Baker added other domestic longhairs that she owned or found to the breeding program, selecting for gentle temperaments, large size, and long colorpoint coats [4-8]. She recruited other breeders to help expand her new breed [1, 4, 11]. Persians, Birmans, and Burmese may have been added to the program [7, 8].

Ann Baker named her creation the Ragdoll for their tendency to relax limply when picked up [6, 7, 12]. However, she had increasingly eccentric ideas about why the cats behave this way. She claimed that Josephine only had “normal” kittens until she was hit by a car and had to be taken to a veterinary center where Baker said Josephine’s genes were altered [4, 11]. All the litters she bore afterwards, allegedly, had the Ragdoll temperament. The stories only got stranger, incorporating space alien involvement, CIA experiments, and human-to-cat gene splicing [2, 6].

We can’t say why Ann Baker said those things, or if she truly believed them. It is public knowledge that the other Ragdoll breeders she had recruited started to distance themselves from her and developed the breed to show quality without her [4, 6, 11].

Breed Characteristics

Appearance and Patterning

Ragdolls are big kitties, weighing 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kg) with females typically smaller than males [4-9, 11]. Ragdolls have long, heavy-boned bodies [1, 6, 11]. Their paws are tufted, and their tails are plumed [6]. Ragdolls all have blue eyes [1, 4-9, 11]. Their fur is semi-long, soft, and silky [4-7, 9, 11]. The fur is longest on their necks, creating a ruff [1, 6, 9].

Ragdoll cats come in four coat patterns: colorpoint, mitted, bicolor, and van [1, 4-8, 11, 12]. They can be any color and can also be lynx (tabby), tortoiseshell, or both [4-6, 8, 11, 12]. Colorpoint cats are darkest on their face, feet, tail, and ears. Mitted Ragdolls have a colorpoint pattern except their paws are white, giving the appearance that they’re wearing white mittens [1, 4-8, 11, 12]. Bicolors are white on all four paws, underbelly, chest, and an inverted V on their face [1, 4-6, 7, 11, 12]. Vans are mostly white with full color only on the ears, tail, top of the face mask, and sometimes scattered on the body [5, 12]. Not all cat associations recognize the Van pattern.

Personality

Ragdolls are very people-oriented and affectionate [4-6, 8, 11, 12]. They love to cuddle and spend time with their humans [4, 6, 8, 9, 11]. They are famously gentle and docile [2, 5-7, 11]. Though they’re reputation for flopping about like a plush toy may make them seem lazy, they actually aren’t. While it’s true that Ragdolls are not an active breed per se, they are quite playful [6, 11]. Some even enjoy learning tricks and games like fetch [4-6, 11, 12].

Ragdolls tend to be “floor cats,” in the words of the Cat Fanciers’ Association [4, 5]. They usually prefer being on or near the ground and aren’t much for climbing, high jumps, and feats of aerial acrobatics [4, 5, 6, 12]. That doesn’t mean they don’t need any space to themselves, though! It just means a Ragdoll will usually prefer something shorter like a scratching post or hideaway box.

Ragdoll Myths

Seal point Ragdoll cat on tile floor
Seal Mitted Ragdoll – Image by atrix9 from Pixabay

1. Ragdolls are hypoallergenic.

Because their pelt lacks an undercoat, Ragdolls don’t shed as much as most cats [4-6, 9]. Because of this, there is a myth that they are hypoallergenic. However, it is cats’ saliva and dander that cause allergic reactions in people with cat allergies [9]. Less shedding may mean those allergens aren’t spread around the house quite so much, so some allergy sufferers might find Ragdolls easier to be around [9]. But there’s no guarantee. Therefore Ragdolls are not considered a hypoallergenic breed [4, 9].

2. All Ragdolls go limp every time you pick them up.

The breed’s name ensures that it’s reputation precedes it. Many people are under the impression that there is a special Ragdoll mutation affecting the nervous system that causes the Ragdoll flop [2]. However, the truth is that Ragdolls were simply bred to be so relaxed and friendly that they just melt when given affection [2]. Not all of these cats will ragdoll like that, though [2]. Every cat is an individual, and every interaction is unique.

3. Ragdolls do not feel pain.

This is an odd but persistent myth that reportedly goes all the way back to Josephine. The theory goes that because she gave birth to the first Ragdoll kittens after being hit by a car, the kittens and their descendants do not feel pain [1]. Medically, that is ridiculous. I suspect the docile and tolerant temperament of the cats made people think they were insensitive to pain, and people made up a reason why that would be the case. This is completely false, however. Ragdolls may be willing to put up with a lot, but they feel pain and discomfort just as much as any other cat [1, 12].

Living with Ragdolls

Ragdolls are considered a low-maintenance breed. Their fur isn’t prone to matting, thus requires only regular combing [4-7, 9, 11, 12]. The lack of undercoat can cause some Ragdolls to build up grease in their fur, so they need occasional baths [4, 6]. There are professionals who do that if you’re feeling intimidated.

This is a breed that gets along with everybody. They love people, are patient with children, and get along with other animals, including dogs [4, 6, 9, 11, 12]. In short, Ragdolls are great family pets. Because they are calm, cuddly, and not super active, they can be good pets for seniors who need some company [4]. They are soft-spoken cats and not very talkative [6, 8]. This can make them a good option for apartment living where a loud cat might bother the neighbors [8].

Ragdolls do need a lot of attention and are prone to loneliness [4]. If you want an independent cat that won’t mind being left home alone a lot, this is not the breed for you. A Ragdoll is likely to meet you at the door, follow you around, and try to participate in everything you are doing [4, 5, 6, 8, 12]. They just want to be your best friend.

Health Concerns

Ragdolls are pretty healthy cats, probably due to their origins among random-bred cats, but there are a few problems they have a genetic predisposition to. Like other large breeds, they are prone to obesity, so their food intake needs to be monitored carefully [9]. They also have an elevated risk of developing Feline Infectious Peritonitis [6].

Ragdoll cats have a predisposition to urinary tract problems, especially bladder stones [4, 6, 9]. Making sure your Ragdoll stays well-hydrated is important for prevention [9]. Finally, Ragdolls have a unique risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common form of heart disease in cats [3, 4, 6, 9, 10]. There is a mutation of the myosin binding protein C3 gene prevalent only in the Ragdoll breed that makes them more likely to develop HCM [3, 10]. Cats with two copies of the mutation are at much greater risk [3]. Fortunately, there is now a genetic test for this mutation, called MYBPC3 R820W, that enables breeders to choose not to breed cats that carry it [3, 6, 9, 10].

If you are considering bringing a Ragdoll into your home, remember that even purebred cats end up in shelters and rescues. Look first at breed-specific rescues such as Ragdoll Rescue USA or Merlin’s Hope Ragdoll Rescue in Texas, as well as your local shelter.

Fun Facts

  • One name considered for the breed early on was Cherubim. [7]
  • Ragdoll cats are slow to mature. They take 4 years to finish growing! [1, 5, 6, 11, 12]
  • A Ragdoll named Frank and Louie was the longest-living Janus cat, or two-faced cat. Despite his rare congenital deformity, Frank and Louie lived to be 15 years old. [8]
Frank and Louie

Works Cited

  1. Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley: London.
  2. Becker, M. & Spadafori, G. (2006). Do cats always land on their feet? 101 of the most perplexing questions answered about feline unfathomables, medical mysteries, & befuddling behaviors. Health Communications, Inc.: Deerfield Beach, FL.
  3. Borgeat, K., Casamian-Sorrosal, D., Helps, C., Fuentes, V. L., et al. (2014). Association of the myosin binding protein C3 mutation (MYBPC3 R820W) with cardiac death in a survey of 236 Ragdoll cats. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 16(2), 73-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2014.03.005
  4. Braaksma, H. & Guthrie, C. (2022, July 13). Ragdoll. DailyPaws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/ragdoll
  5. Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Ragdoll. https://cfa.org/ragdoll/
  6. Cattime. (n.d.). Ragdoll cats. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/ragdoll-cats#/slide/1
  7. Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
  8. Fawcett, K. (2022, May 5). 7 facts about Ragdoll cats. Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/78233/8-friendly-facts-about-ragdoll-cats
  9. Fratt, K. (2022, June 27). Ragdoll cat: Breed profile, characteristics, and care. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/ragdoll-cat-breed-profile-4583144
  10. Meurs, K. M., Norgard, M. M., Ederer, M. M., Hendrix, K. P., et al. (2007). A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genetics, 90(2), 61-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2007.04.007
  11. The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Ragdoll breed. https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=868:ragdoll-breed&catid=79
  12. Thornton, K. C. (2018, January 16). The Ragdoll cat: All about this fascinating cat breed. Catster. https://www.catster.com/cats-101/about-the-ragdoll-cat

Published September 11th, 2022

Updated June 14th, 2023

Breed Profiles

Bombay: Parlor Panthers

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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!

Bombay cat on black background
Photo by rejoman on freeimages

There is something a little bit wild and untamed about cats. For some time, cat fanciers have been inspired by that wildness to breed cats that look like their undomesticated kin. The Bombay is one such breed, intended to look like a tiny black panther. Despite the family resemblance, these friendly felines are much more at home in a cozy bed than an exotic jungle.

A Long Way from India

The cat fancier who conceived of breeding mini-panthers was a woman named Nikki Horner who lived in Louisville, Kentucky, USA [1-5, 7, 8]. She began breeding sable Burmese and black American Shorthair cats together in the 1950s [1-3, 5, 7]. Horner named her new breed the Bombay after the city in India, now known as Mumbai, as a nod to the country’s black leopards [4-7].

Another line of Bombay cats was started in the United Kingdom that crossed Burmese and British Shorthairs [1, 6]. Although they are still considered Bombays, they look a bit different from the ones that come from the American breeding program [1, 6].

The Patent Leather Kid with the New Penny Eyes

Bombay kitten by stone wall
Photo by costi on freeimages

The only color Bombays come in is black, and they are black all over–whiskers, paw pads, and nose leather, too [2, 6, 7]. Their coat is short, dense, and has a shine like patent leather [1-8]. Their eyes vary from gold to deep copper [1-8]. The Bombay is a muscular, medium-sized cat with a round head and short muzzle [1-8]. Their ears are rounded at the tips [1, 6, 7].

The Bombay personality is that of a total attention sponge [2-8]. They are real extroverts who get along well with all sorts, including children and other pets [2-5, 7, 8]. Because Bombays are so social, they can get stressed and lonely when left alone for long hours [4, 7, 8]. Fortunately, they are happy to play with another cat or a different animal friend.

The Bombay is a smart, playful kitty who likes to learn tricks, play games, and solve puzzles [3, 4]. They often enjoy playing fetch and going for walks on a leash [2-4, 7]. This is not a highly active breed that will keep you up all night, but they certainly appreciate some quality playtime [2-4]. They are in fact quite the lap cat and love a good cuddle [2, 4, 5, 8].

Pampering Parlor Panthers

Bombays are a pretty easy breed to care for. Their short, low-shed coats require very minimal grooming, just the occasional brushing to get rid of loose hair [3, 4, 7]. They are more prone to obesity than most cats, so it’s important to keep their food intake measured and monitor their weight carefully [3, 4, 7]. They also have a genetic propensity toward gingivitis and dental disease, so brushing their teeth and providing dental treats are good ideas [7].

The Bombay is slightly flat-faced, which makes them prone to excessive tear production and sinus and breathing problems [3, 4, 7]. They also have somewhat higher rates of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common form of heart disease in cats [3, 4]. On the whole, however, Bombays have a rather low incidence of health problems and are considered quite hardy for purebred cats.

The Bombay is a rare breed that can be hard to find. They may still end up in shelters or need to be rehomed, though, so check with your local shelter or with Bombay and Burmese breeders to see if a cat is in need of adoption before trying to buy one.

Fun Facts

  • Bombays tend to reach puberty early yet don’t finish growing until they are almost two years old [3].
  • Bombay kittens can be born with tabby stripes that disappear as they grow up [1].

Works Cited

  1. Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley: London.
  2. Bombay. (n.d.). VCA Animal Hospitals https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/bombay
  3. Bombay. (n.d.). VetStreet. http://www.vetstreet.com/cats/bombay#overview
  4. Brown, J. (2021, October 12). Bombay: Cat breed profile. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/bombay-cat-full-profile-history-and-care-5202250
  5. Cat Fanciers Association. (n.d.). About the Bombay. https://cfa.org/bombay/
  6. Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
  7. Taylor, C. & Guthrie, C. (2021, October 12). Bombay. DailyPaws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/bombay
  8. The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Bombay breed. https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=827:bombay-breed&catid=79

Published April 17, 2022

Updated June 27, 2022

Culture

Werecats, Part V: The Wampus Cat

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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!

At long last, we have reached the end of our series on werecats. We are rounding out the line-up with werepumas, which really only take one form: the wampus cat. It might be a bit of a stretch the call wampus cats a type of werecat, but they do have many of the common characteristics. Plus, these creatures come from my own neck of the woods, so I didn’t want to leave them out. I now present to you the (sort-of) werecat of the American south.

What is a Wampus Cat?

Wampus: An imaginary creature who lives in the deep Cape Fear River swamps.

Paul Green’s Wordbook: An Alphabet of Reminiscence, 1990
Map of Appalachian Mountains
Appalachian Mountains – Appalachian Regional Commission via Wikimedia Commons

Descriptions of the wampus cat vary depending upon the location, and it has a pretty large home range. Wampus cat folklore is concentrated throughout the southern Appalachian Mountains, from Virginia to Mississippi (2, 7). The stories even crop up to the west in Missouri and Arkansas (8). Wampus cats are usually said to be part-human, part-cougar (1-3, 5, 7) but are sometimes a canine-feline hybrid instead (2, 8). Others describe them as huge, black panthers with demonic, glowing eyes (5). Typical traits include walking on two legs instead of four, luminescent yellow eyes, and a bone-chilling howl or scream (1, 2, 8).

How dangerous wampus cats are depends upon who you ask, as well. In some legends, the wampus cat can be destructive but doesn’t pose a danger to human lives. She may disturb or damage items left outside and kill or steal livestock, and she makes scary noises in the woods at night (6). Sometimes the wampus cat is said to drive people insane (8) or to portend death with its haunting cries (7).

There are those who swear wampus cats are much more dangerous than that, however, and will absolutely attack humans with intent to kill (1, 5). Yet according to a Cherokee version of the legend, the wampus cat is actually a protector of the land and its people (2, 8). The tale of the wampus cat may have originated with the Cherokee (7), although it’s hard to say for sure because the provenance of the lore has become quite muddied.

Murky Origins

Cherokee Curse

This seems to be the most common origin story for the wampus cat. It’s also the one that I remember reading in a book of spooky stories as a teenager. It begins with a beautiful Cherokee woman who wants to know what the men get up to on their hunts, which women are forbidden from participating in (1-3, 6, 7). In some versions of the tale, she is jealous, believing that her husband may be engaging in infidelity while he’s away from her (1). In others she wants to learn the magic rites that the men perform on these trips (6).

Whatever her reasons, she covered herself in a puma skin as a disguise and snuck after the men the next time they went hunting (1-3, 6, 7). They caught her spying on them, and the shaman put a curse on her as punishment (1-3, 6, 7). The woman and the cougar pelt became one, and she was turned into a half-human, half-cougar, doomed to wander the forests forever away from human companionship (1-3, 6, 7).

Although this story is about the Cherokee, it probably was not their story (6). In fact, the Cherokee have a different myth about the cat creature, which I will get to next. It’s thought that the first stories of the wampus cat–under a different name–were shared among Native Americans, especially the Cherokee, and later relayed to white settlers (2). Then, perhaps because of cultural differences or just the Telephone Game that happens with folklore, the European newcomers began to tell the story differently.

Cherokee Hero

The Cherokee legend also casts a woman in the starring role, but in a much different light. Once upon a time, a Cherokee village was under siege by a demon: Ew’ah, the Spirit of Madness (2, 8). Ew’ah ate dreams and could drive people insane with a single glance (8). The Cherokee’s strongest warrior, Standing Bear (or sometimes Great Fellow), was chosen to go out and kill the demon (8). When he finally returned weeks later, he was completely insane (2, 8).

Close-up of mountain lion
Photo by Jake Heckey from Pixabay

Standing Bear’s wife, Running Deer, was heartbroken–and determined to get revenge (8). The shamans gave Running Deer a wild cat mask and a magical black paste that would hide her scent and her body (8). They told her that she must surprise the demon, or she would fare no better than her husband (8).

So Running Deer tracked Ew’ah through the forest and managed to sneak up behind it as it was drinking from a spring (8). Running Deer sprang upon Ew’ah, taking it by surprise just as she’d planned (2, 8). The spirit of the mountain cat in the mask banished the demon, and Running Deer ran home without looking back (8). The shamans and warchiefs named Running Deer “Spirit-Talker” and “Home-Protector” in honor of her courageous act (8). They say that she is still protecting her home now in the form of the wampus cat (2, 8).

Witchy Werecat

On the flip side, there is a common wampus cat tale that has European colonists written all over it. Where there are women and cats, there must be witches, right? The story claims that an Appalachian village was being terrorized by a spate of mysterious livestock thefts (3). They believed a witch was the culprit, and they had a particular woman in mind (3). Some of the townspeople followed her from her home to a farm late one night (3).

They watched as she transformed into a house cat and sneaked into the farmhouse (3). She put a sleeping spell on the family, slunk back outside, and entered the barn (3). There, she began to transform back into a human (3). The townspeople interrupted her, however, preventing her from finishing the spell (1, 3). She was able to escape capture, but was stuck halfway between a human and a cat thereafter (1, 3).

The Government Did It

This one is my favorite because it’s just so wild. There is an urban legend version of the wampus cat specific to Alabama which has it that wampus cats were created by a secret government program (2). The story goes that this World War II-era program aimed to create a fast, courageous animal that could be used as messengers in warzones (2). In a remote place in Alabama, government scientists made a creature that was part mountain lion, part gray wolf (2). How that was allegedly accomplished in the 1940s when it wouldn’t even be possible today, is anyone’s guess. According to legend, some of these hypothetical animals escaped the facility and established themselves in the environment (2). As someone with a degree in genetics, I firmly assert that this make no sense. But what a story!

Wampus Cats in Media

Statue of wampus cat
Conway High School’s six-legged wampus cat mascot – Photo by Lord Belbury via Wikimedia Commons

Wampus cats are not an especially common supernatural creature in popular culture, but that doesn’t mean they never rear their furry heads. Cormac McCarthy incorporated them in his debut novel, The Orchard Keeper (7). McCarthy’s character Uncle Arthur is plagued by dreams of wampus cats which he fears will enter his bedchamber and “suck his meager breath” (7).

In The Island of Dr. Moreau, H. G. Wells paints a truly horrifying picture of the depravity of humankind in the service of science. Wells uses an unusual word for the wampus cat, “virago,” in a scene with Dr. Moreau’s surgically-built puma woman (7). The narrator notes dispassionately that the creature’s shrieks under the torture of Dr. Moreau’s knife sound “almost exactly like that of an angry virago” (7). The puma woman immediately escapes and succeeds at exacting her revenge on her tormentor, although she loses her life as well (7).

  • J. K. Rowling made Wampus Cat one of the houses in Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
  • There was a string ensemble in the late 1930s called The Wampus Cats.
  • Strangeways Brewing makes a Wampus Cat Triple IPA.
  • Great American Craft Spirits makes a Wampus Cat Single Malt Whiskey.
  • Cry of the Wampus Cat by Joel Eden is a crime thriller that uses the Cherokee curse wampus cat mythology and pits two detectives against a series of murders that may have been committed by a wampus cat.
  • Several schools use the wampus cat as their mascot, including Conway High School, which depicts is as a blue-and-white mountain lion with six legs. Your guess is as good as mine.

Is the Wampus Cat Just a Cat?

With all those possible origin stories for the wampus cat, there is another we have yet to examine. Is the wampus cat just a case of mistaken identity? Most of the descriptions sound a lot like a real puma, except sometimes on two legs instead of four, which cats can’t do for very long. Puma eyes can glow at night, a phenomenon known as eyeshine. It is caused by the reflective layer at the back of their eyes which helps felines see in low light. As for the unearthly wails of the wampus cat? If you’ve never heard a mountain lion scream, I’ve included a video below. The sound is often compared to a woman screaming in fear or pain.

There are two problems with this hypothesis, however. The first is that the legend of the wampus cat likely began with the local Native Americans. They shared the forests with cougars and would have known very well what they look and sound like. Widespread misidentification seems highly improbable. The second is that cougars have been extinct in the east (except Florida) for almost 100 years. At least, that’s the official line.

There’s no one, simple answer to the first quandary, but there might be to the second. Although Fish and Wildlife Services maintain that the Eastern Cougar is extinct, people sure seem to see a lot of them for that to be the case (5). They also continue to see wampus cats and to blame them for attacking livestock (2). If people don’t expect to see pumas it might be easier to conflate the two.

In 2017, Tennessee confirmed 10 mountain lion sightings after none in the last hundred years (5). As far as I know, that’s the closest the Eastern Cougar has come to official de-extinction. Why aren’t wildlife officials interested in cougar sightings? A North Carolina fish and game official, who wished to remain anonymous, told journalist Mike Conley that wildlife officials might be afraid admitting the Eastern Cougar is back in town could lead to hunters flocking to bag the cats (5). Not many people seem interested in taking home wampus cat trophies, however. Perhaps the wampus cat is a protector of the forest after all.

Trail cam footage of female mountain lion featuring “screaming” vocalizations and eyeshine

Works Cited

  1. Bahr, J., Taylor, T., Coleman, L., Moran, M., and Sceurman, M. (2007). Weird Virginia: Your travel guide to Virginia’s local legends and best kept secrets. Sterling Publishing Company: New York.
  2. Conley, M. (2013, August 1). Mike Conley’s tales of the weird: legend of the wampus cat. The McDowell News. https://mcdowellnews.com/opinion/mike-conley-s-tales-of-the-weird-legend-of-the/article_3891ddce-f53e-5659-8f26-e4274c9ebe91.html
  3. Farley, J. T. K. (2017, March 31). Have you ever heard of Appalachia’s wampus cat legend? Appalachian Magazine. http://appalachianmagazine.com/2017/03/31/have-you-ever-heard-of-appalachias-wampus-cat-legend/
  4. Green, P. (1990). Wampus. In R. H. Wynn (ed.), Paul Green’s wordbook: An alphabet of reminiscence (pp. 1183). Appalachian State University: Boone, NC.
  5. McDowell, I. (2017, July 26). Wampus cats, panthers, and cougars, oh my! Yes! Weekly. https://www.yesweekly.com/news/wampus-cats-panthers-and-cougars-oh-my/article_49f88d47-98a5-57f9-9459-a28a0bfc139c.html
  6. North Carolina Ghosts. (n.d.). The wampus cat. https://northcarolinaghosts.com/mountains/wampus-cat/
  7. Place, E. (2017, June 27). Big cats of the Southeast (part 3): The wampus cat and other anthropomorphic depictions. The History Bandits. https://thehistorybandits.com/2017/06/27/big-cats-of-the-southeast-part-3-the-wampus-cat-and-other-anthropomorphic-depictions/
  8. Tabler, D. (2017, October 13). The story of the wampus cat. Appalachian History. https://www.appalachianhistory.net/2017/10/story-of-wampus-cat.html

Published April 11th, 2021

Updated May 12th, 2023

Breed Profiles

Snowshoe: Special Snowflakes of Cat Fancy

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Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

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

Snowshoe cat on sofa
Image by TootSweetCarole from Pixabay

There’s a winter storm coming across half the United States this week, so now seemed like the perfect time to talk about the Snowshoe. No, not the things for your feet, although you might want some of those. I’m referring to an uncommon breed of cat whose paws look like they just took a stroll through the snow.

A Happy Accident

White paws cropped up occasionally as a “flaw” in Siamese cats for a long time (5). There is evidence of this is a Victorian photograph of a litter of purebred Siamese kittens in which one kitten has four white paws (2-4). The modern breed is fairly new, however. The first attempt to breed a color-point cat with white socks took place in the 1950s (2, 4). The nascent breed was called Silver Laces, but the breeding program was short-lived (2, 4). They got a second chance in the ’60s.

Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, a Siamese breeder in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, discovered three kittens with white paws in one of her cattery’s litters (3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10). She thought the trait had potential. Hinds-Daugherty began by breeding the white-footed Siamese to a tuxedo Domestic Shorthair (3, 4, 6, 7, 10). This introduced white facial markings (3, 6, 10). She then bred those offspring back to Siamese cats to bring back the color-point pattern, which is recessive and must be inherited from both parents (7, 9). The resulting breed type was not quite like either parent breed. Hinds-Daugherty coined it the Snowshoe in honor of the white paws that started it all and applied (2, 3).

The Snowshoe faced an uphill battle, however. Some cat fanciers opposed the breed because they feared it might cause white markings to become a widespread problem in Siamese breeding stock (1). Snowshoes are also just difficult to breed. Their pattern relies on a combination of recessive traits and other genetic factors (2, 9). Breeders were discouraged by the inconsistency of the white markings (10). By 1977, only four Snowshoes were registered (2, 3). Just in time, breeders started to seriously take interest in Snowshoes. Nevertheless, the breed is still rare and difficulties remain in conforming these cats to type (2, 4, 9).

Breed Characteristics

Snowshoe cat full body
Championship Snowshoe – The International Cat Association

Straight to the Points

The hallmark of Snowshoes is their unique markings. They have a color-point pattern like their Siamese ancestors, meaning they have light-colored bodies with darker coloration on their legs, tails, ears, and faces (1-10). Although color-points can be any color and even come in patterns like tabby or tortoiseshell, Snowshoes are almost always seal (black/dark brown) or blue (gray) point (2-6, 9, 10). Lighter point colors make the Snowshoe’s white markings difficult to distinguish, and some may be difficult to breed (2, 4, 10).

Like all color-point cats, Snowshoes are born completely white and begin to develop their pattern with age. It may take up to two years for a Snowshoe’s pattern to come in (1)! Only once the color-points begin to appear and the body to darken will the other markings become apparent.

Snowshoes must have four white paws, but they can have other white markings as well (1-10). Snowshoes may or may not have white patches on their chins, chests, and stomachs (2, 4, 6-8). They can also have white on their faces. The breed standard prefers an inverted, symmetrical V in the center of the face (2-4, 9). Of course, the actual patterns of bicolor cats vary widely, which is just one of the difficulties in breeding Snowshoes.

The Snowshoe is not just a Siamese cat with white feet. Snowshoes have a blend of traits from both Siamese and Domestic Shorthairs. They are a medium-sized cat, moderately long like a Siamese but also muscular and athletic like a Domestic Shorthair (1-5, 7, 9, 10). The head is roughly shaped like an equilateral triangle (1-3, 9, 10). Inset in that face are the Siamese’s striking blue eyes (1-10). The eyes are considered “walnut shaped,” rounder than a Siamese’s almond eyes but narrower than a Domestic Shorthair’s (2-4, 9). They have short to medium fur with a smooth texture (4, 7, 9, 10).

Personality

Like everything else about them, the Snowshoe’s personality is a little bit Siamese, a little bit Domestic Shorthair. Like the Siamese, they are very “talkative” cats, although Snowshoes have a quieter voice with a melodic sound (4, 6-10). They’re intelligent, active cats who often enjoy learning tricks and games (3, 4, 8, 9). Snowshoes can be quite good at feline agility courses (4, 8)! Curiously, Snowshoes also enjoy playing and even sometimes swimming in water, a trait that doesn’t seem to come from either side of the family (3, 4, 6-9).

Snowshoe cat close-up
All Snowshoes have blue eyes – Image by TootSweetCarole from Pixabay

Snowshoes are highly social cats. They tend to bond most strongly to one person and want to spend a whole lot of time together (3, 4, 8-10). They’re usually pretty outgoing, however, and will be friendly to any trusted person–or pet. Snowshoes do well with children, dogs, and other cats, and in fact typically prefer to have some company when the humans are away (3, 4, 6, 8, 9).

Care and Keeping of Snowshoes

There are no known breed-associated health concerns with Snowshoes. Part of this is likely due to the newness of the breed. The Domestic Shorthair background may play a role as well. Domestic Shorthairs are just regular cats couched in fancy language, and they have the most genetic diversity in the cat world with occasional exceptions. Snowshoes can sometimes have kinked tails or crossed eyes like Siamese cats, but these idiosyncrasies don’t cause the cats any harm (4, 6, 9).

Because they are so social, Snowshoes can be prone to separation anxiety or simply boredom when left home alone (3, 6, 9). Fortunately, these cats’ ability to play well with other animals means that people who can’t be home all day, which is to say most of us, can have a Snowshoe as long as they have other pets to keep them company. Plenty of toys and places to climb is also recommended to keep these active cats out of trouble.

Snowshoes are really pretty low-maintenance as purebred cats go. Their short, single-layer coat requires only the most basic of grooming. No bathing required.

If you would like a Snowshoe of your own, Siamese cat rescues sometimes take them in, like Austin Siamese Rescue. SOS Cat Rescue and Rehoming, also in Texas, USA, rescues Siamese, Oriental Shorthairs, and Snowshoes. You can also check at your local shelter. Even purebred cats are surrendered and waiting for a forever home.

Fun Facts

  • Tardar Sauce, the world-famous Grumpy Cat, was a mixed-breed thought to have had Snowshoe in her gene pool, maybe. Her mother was a calico and her father was suspected to be a certain blue-and-white tabby but no one can say for sure. (3, 9)
  • A Snowshoe from California named Dusty earned the nickname Klepto Kitty due to his habit of stealing the neighbors’ belongings. Not just once or twice. Dusty was feature on The Late Show with David Letterman in February 2011, by which time he had stolen over 600 items! Dish towels, socks, gloves, and balls were frequent targets, but nothing–not even bikinis–was safe. (3, 8, 9)
  • A purebred Snowshoe kitten can cost between $750 and $1800. (3)
Dusty the Klepto Kitty

Works Cited

  1. Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley Limited: London.
  2. American Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). Snowshoe breed synopsis. http://www.acfacat.com/snowshoe_synopsis.htm
  3. Baines, L. (2020, December 11). Introducing a puss in boots: The Snowshoe cat breed. CertaPet. https://breed.certapet.com/snowshoe-cat/
  4. Cattime. (n.d.). Snowshoe. TotallyPets. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/snowshoe-cats#/slide/1
  5. Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
  6. Johnstone, G. (2019, September 23). Snowshoe cat: Breed profile. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/snowshoe-cat-breed-profile-4769066
  7. Petfinder. (n.d.). Showshoe. https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/snowshoe/
  8. Sorocco, E. (2019, January 10). 11 reasons to love the Snowshoe cat. Catster. Retrieved from https://www.catster.com/cats-101/facts-about-the-snowshoe-cat
  9. Taylor, C. (2020, September 4). Snowshoe cat. Daily Paws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/snowshoe
  10. The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Snowshoe breed. https://tica.org/snowshoe-breeders?view=article&id=880:snowshoe-breed&catid=79

Published February 14, 2021

Breed Profiles

Maine Coon: Big Fluffy Mystery in New England

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Meredith Hemphill

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What do you get when you cross a raccoon with a domestic cat? Absolutely nothing, because that’s impossible. However, this is perhaps the wildest of the origin stories told about the State Cat of Maine, the Maine Coon. Maine Coons are an American breed of cat that evolved naturally in the harsh environment of the Northeast. How their forebears came to be in the New England wilderness is anybody’s guess, and theories abound about this big, friendly cat.

The raccoon hybrid idea is ridiculous, but in a less enlightened age it may have made sense. Most Maine Coons are brown tabbies, often with dark circles or marks around their eyes. Add in the breed’s fluffy tail and it’s not so hard to see how someone might think they look like raccoons. This is how they got their names, after all. The early nineteenth century farmers and sailors who first recognized the superb mousing ability of these cats would have known there were raccoons and other cats in the area. So there’s some 1800s logic for you.

A slightly less absurd suggestion is that Maine Coons are hybrids of domestic cats and bobcats. I tried to find any evidence that this is possible, and it appears not to be [1]. Again, I can see where the concept came from, as Maine Coons can be MASSIVE cats, the larger males sometimes reaching over 25 lbs or 11.3 kg (with an average weight of 16 lbs for males and 12 lbs for females). With tufted ears and paws like bobcats as well, and bobcats at least being a kind of cat, it seems reasonable. But still not possible.

Other stories told about Maine Coons suggest that they arose from the more regionally common short-haired cats intermingling with long-haired breeds brought from overseas. This seems much more likely. In a more scandalous version of this tale, a sea captain loyal to the French crown brought a shipload of Marie Antoinette’s valuables over to the new world, including six of her favorite cats. The plan was to return for the queen and rescue her from the over-boiling French Revolution, but the captain was too late to save her, and the cats were loosed in New England. I have my doubts that the queen would have sent her valuables ahead and stayed where the danger was, but who’s to say?

The most likely scenarios, if the traits did not arise spontaneously, would still have us thanking sailors for this immensely popular breed of cat. Some theorize that an English captain named Samuel Coon kept cats on board his ship, as many seafarers did. He specifically favored Persians and Angoras, two long-haired breeds that were popular in England during the American colonial period. As he sailed up and down the New England coast, his cats would disembark from time to time, and long-haired kittens began to crop up in the litters of the short-haired cats on shore. People would say that the mother had met up with “one of Coon’s cats.”

Alternatively, it’s thought that Vikings who visited the New World in the eleventh century may have brought long-haired Norwegian Skogkatts, known today as Norwegian Forest Cats, a breed which has a lot of similarities to Maine Coons. In either case, the long-haired trait was beneficial to wild and semi-feral barn cats surviving outside through the bitterly cold winters, so it began to take hold in the population.

Three Maine Coon cats
Photo by skeeze via pixabay

It isn’t only the length of their fur that makes Maine Coons well-suited to their natural environment. Their pelt is thick and water resistant, further insulating them from the weather. The tufts of fur on their ears prevent heat from escaping. Their big, tufted paws serve as snowshoes, allowing them to walk over snow despite their size. Those big paws are also part of what makes them such good mousers!

Maine Coons can take a while to get comfortable with new people, but once they’re sure about you they are very friendly and love to spend time with their humans. They are known for following people around and enjoy attention, although they aren’t usually lap cats. They just want to be where you are. Main Coons are one of the few breeds of cats that like water, so they may want to be with you even in the shower. Close the door if that doesn’t appeal to you. Get out the camera if you think it’s hilarious.

That long, silky fur requires some grooming, but the Maine Coon isn’t as high-maintenance as some long-haired breeds. Occasional grooming to take care of tangles is sufficient for most cats. Since Maine Coons are so affectionate, they usually enjoy grooming.

Brown Maine Coon cat looking out the window
Alfred the Maine Coon – Photo by Benjamin Balázs

Maine Coons are said to make great family pets because they get along well with children and other animals. They keep a kitten-like playfulness into old age but are also very easy-going, so they don’t mind the antics of human children. Maine Coons are very intelligent and like to learn tricks, solve puzzles, and play fetch, things that children often enjoy doing with their pets but some dogs can’t even be bothered to do. Not the dog I had growing up, anyways. RIP, Dolly. You were so loyal and so very lazy.

As with any breed, there is an increased risk of certain health concerns. Maine Coons can be prone to hip dysplasia, particularly those of larger size. They also have a genetic propensity for a form of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and for spinal muscular atrophy, which usually develops early in kittenhood. There are genetic tests available for both of these conditions.

The Cat Fanciers’ Association named the Maine Coon the 5th most popular breed of 2018. They are such beautiful cats, and full of personality, it’s easy to see why people love them. They fit into a wide variety of homes as well. Not to mention that anyone who owns one will never have a rodent problem. In all the time since being removed from the New England wilderness, they haven’t lost that edge. Soft and fluffy yet built tough as nails, these unique cats are truly the stuff of legend.

Fun Facts

  • The Best Cat at the first major United States cat show (1895 in NYC) was a Maine Coon. She was a brown tabby named Cosey.
  • There was so little demand for the Maine Coon that it was declared extinct in the 1950s! They might have spoken too soon.
  • Unlike most domestic cats, Maine Coons do not finish growing until they are 3-5 years old.
  • The most common color of Maine Coon is brown tabby, but they come in 75 different color combinations and many different patterns.
  • Their eyes may be green, gold, green-gold, or copper. White or bi-color Maine Coons sometimes have blue or odd eyes.
  • The longest cat on record was a Maine Coon. Mymains Steward Gilligan, or Stewie, was 4 ft 0.42 in or 123 cm long!

Works Cited

  1. Hartwell, S. (1993). Domestic Hybrids with Bobcat and Lynx. Messy Beast. http://messybeast.com/small-hybrids/rufus-lynx-hybrids.htm

Published December 30th, 2019

Updated June 14th, 2023