Scientific Name | - | Felis Domesticus |
Type | - | Mammal |
Diet | - | Omnivore |
Size | - | 35cm (14in) |
Weight | - | 4.5kg (10lbs) |
Top Speed | - | 48km/h (30mph) |
Life Span | - | 15 years |
Lifestyle | - | Solitary |
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.
Abyssinian
American Bobtail
American Curl
American Shorthair
American Wirehair
Balinese
Bengal
Birman
Bombay
British Shorthair
Burmese
Chartreux
Cornish Rex
Cymric
Devon Rex
Egyptian Mau
Exotic Shorthair
Havana Brown
Himalayan
Japanese Bobtail
Javanese
Korat
Maine Coon
Manx
Munchkin
Nebelung
Norwegian Forest Cat
Ocicat
Oriental
Persian
Ragdoll
Russian Blue
Scottish Fold
Selkirk Rex
Siamese
Siberian
Singapura
Snowshoe
Somali
Sphynx
Tonkinese
Turkish Angora
Turkish Van
Cats generally have expensive needs, including housing, feeding, and vet bills. Of course the initial cost of purchasing the cat is often expensive as well. The smaller exotic cats can sometimes be easier to care for in all of these regards than the larger ones.
The behavior of cats can vary dramatically depending on the type and is quite different from a typical domestic house cat. This should be anticipated and prepared for. Of course all cats have individual personalities, but some generalizations can be made from species to species as well. For instance, some of the larger cats may be more dangerous to be around and you may not be able to go into their houses without much precaution. Some of the larger cats that may be kept in the house may be more prone to destroying furniture and spraying everything. Some of these cats will also be more readily willing to learn tricks and follow directions, and some will be less willing to.
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.
HousingMany 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.