In the world there are many breeds of cats and this makes it rather difficult to establish exactly which of them a particular specimen belongs to. Describing a meticulous approach to recognizing all possible domestic cat breeds would require writing an entire book. A quick overview can provide you with the basics of recognizing the various cat breeds, which can be useful in case you want to adopt a cat or figure out which breed the one you already own belongs to.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Consider the Basic Features
Step 1. Collect information on purebred cats
Purebred cats are selected by breeders and must meet the standards set by the feline associations with which they are registered. The breed standard defines the ideal appearance of a specimen of that specific breed and usually describes the size, build and shape of the animal's head; it also specifies the characteristics of the muzzle, including its shape, the position of the eyes and nose, the size and shape of the ears, the shape and color of the eyes; other aspects described by the standard include tail shape and length, texture, color, length and type of coat, and sometimes personality.
- In the world there are more than one hundred breeds of cats, without considering the new ones and the variations of color and coat that the specimens of the same breed can present.
- A pedigreed cat must be provided with documents that allow it to go back to its ancestors (of three, four or more previous generations, according to the provisions of the association with which the cat was registered) and be able to generate kittens that conform to breed standards.
Step 2. Learn about mixed cats
Mestizo cats are usually of unknown ancestry and vary greatly in size, build, head shape, eye and ear type, tail shape and length, coat length and type, coat color and personality.
If the cat does not have the documents issued by the associations with which it was registered at the time of birth or purchase, it is not a pedigreed cat. This can be confusing, as pedigreed cats are sometimes referred to as "thoroughbreds"; the term in question is misleading, because a pedigreed cat is no more "pure" than the more battered stray cat
Step 3. Consider the length, design and color of the coat
The parameters to be considered more carefully when identifying a cat are length, pattern and color of the coat, so it is important to be able to analyze and describe the hair of the animal you intend to classify. For example, is it short and gray or long and multicolored?
Determining whether the cat you want to classify is long-haired or short-haired will help you narrow down your search. Most cats are long-haired or short-haired, although some cats may have both varieties of hair; there are also cats with semi-long hair
Step 4. Look at the cat's face and eyes
Certain breeds have well-marked facial features that can aid in classification. For example, does the cat have a short muzzle, blue eyes, long ears, or a pointed muzzle or other distinctive features? Examine and account for these characteristics to identify which breed your cat belongs to.
Step 5. Consider the animal's personality
Some cats have distinct personalities that can help identify their breed. For example, is the cat shy, affectionate, energetic, communicative or something else? Consider your cat's personality to further narrow your search.
Part 2 of 2: Recognizing Certain Specific Breeds
Step 1. Identify a longhaired Persian type cat
Typical characteristics of these cats include: short noses, small ears and very thick fur. When evaluated in the context of a feline show, these cats must conform to the same standard for coat type, shape, size and length. The coat can be of various colors and have different patterns; it can be brindle (brindle-brown characterizes the most classic among the Persians), smoke-colored, lilac, white, black etc. They tend to be quiet, undemanding cats, and usually have a gentle nature. The most common longhaired cats of the Persian type include:
- Chinchilla;
- Colorpoint (also known as Himalayan);
- Silver shaded;
- Long-haired exotic.
Step 2. Learn to recognize the British and American Shorthair
When viewed by an inexperienced eye these cats may look the same, but there are differences in American and British standards. Although short-haired, these cats have a thick undercoat that can tangle easily. Their coat can be white, black, blue, cream or chocolate and lilac. As for the design of the coat, this can be brindle, tortoiseshell and white, colourpoint, tipped, smoke, bicolour etc. As adults they get quite large, but they are gentle, affectionate and peaceful animals (ideal for children!). The most common breeds include:
- Manx;
- American Shorthair;
- British Shorthair;
- Exotic short-haired.
Step 3. Recognize Burmese
The Burmese is constantly looking for attention and is always on the move. These cats need a lot of care, as they hate being left alone. They are known for their affectionate and heated temperament, as well as their almost "canine" tendency to bring objects back and prove exceptionally faithful. Their coat can be brown (sable), blue, chocolate (champagne colored), platinum (tinged with lilac), red, cream, brown and white tortoiseshell, blue and white tortoise, chocolate tortoise or lilac.
Step 4. Recognize the Siamese
It is among the easiest cats to recognize due to the particular design of its coat, which is dark at the ends (in English "points": mask, ears, paws and tail). He meows a lot and does not like to be left alone: he must be in company and feel involved. Siamese cats are intelligent and very sociable but tend to devote their affection and energy to only one person. Coat colors include: seal-point, blue-point, chocolate-point, lilac-point (or frost-point), cream-point (short-haired with cream-colored tips), tabby-point (or lynx) and many others, depending on the association that establishes the breed standard.
Step 5. Recognize the short-haired Oriental
In size and shape, these cats are similar to the Siamese, but have a greater variety of coat colors, which do not conform to the standards of the Siamese. Their temperament is very similar to that of the Siamese: they are elegant, affectionate, playful and intelligent cats. They can meow loudly and for a long time, and often become destructive if left alone for too long. The following breeds belong to this group:
- Cornish Rex;
- Devon Rex;
- Abyssinian;
- American Wirehair;
- American Curl;
- Bengal;
- Ocicat;
- Burmilla;
- Russian blue;
- Egyptian Mau;
- Korat;
- Japanese Bobtail;
- Tonkinese;
- Traditional Siamese;
- Scottish Fold;
- Sphynx.
Step 6. Recognize a mixed breed cat
These cats do not conform to any breed standards and can be of any color and size. Large and small, black and white, brindle or two-tone, these represent the majority of domestic cats in the world.
- Consider buying a DNA test kit online. This can give you all the information you need to trace the genetic makeup of the cat.
- If you are thinking of getting a cat as a pet, consider adopting a mixed breed cat: there are many looking for a home and, unless you have a valid reason to get a cat of a particular breed, you will give a new home for an intelligent and often healthier kitten than a pedigreed cat (in general, mixed-breed cats tend to have fewer genetic problems).
Advice
- Volunteer at a rescue center or animal shelter and learn how to clean, feed and care for the cats there; in this way you will have the opportunity to get to know a great variety of mixed cats and you will learn a lot about the temperament and behavior of these animals.
- Cat shows often host breeders eager to let the public know about their cats and the breeds to which they belong.
Warnings
- Long-haired cats should be groomed daily to remove knots and tangles of fur, which can promote skin infections.
- Flat-faced cats can suffer from respiratory problems and skin infections if they are not taken care of properly.
