The beginnings of domestic cat breeds, the first “modern” felines, appeared somewhere around 7000 to 5000 B.C. in northern Africa. This was when a few small, tabby-striped wild felines arrived in human settlements. Thus began the process of domestic cat breeds, spurring some of the most intriguing types of cats seen today.

The Egyptians thought so highly of cats that the goddess Bastet was depicted as one. Strict limits were placed on taking cats outside of Egypt, and families actively mourned the deaths of beloved household felines. At the same time, however, thousands of cats were bred and raised for sacrifice. Their mummies have been found in huge numbers. Egypt was at the crossroads of great trading enterprises, and cats soon found their way both east and west. Short-haired cats arrived in Italy 2,100 years ago and moved across Europe quickly, finally reaching England some 1,900 years ago.

Large cats have specialized feeding as well – they must have a good, nutritious diet and it may be difficult to obtain commercially prepared food for them.

Many of the larger cats will need outside enclosures that can be expensive to construct and maintain and they must include areas that let the cat get out of the rain, snow, or extreme heat. They also must be escape-proof, because the escape of these large cats can be quite detrimental.