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Abyssinian and Somali
The Somali is longhaired Abyssinian, the latter being known in the UK since the
mid-1880's, having originally come from Abyssinia, (now Ethiopia). They are very
intelligent, outgoing and enjoy the home life. The original colouring was the ruddy brown
ticked pattern, now known as the 'usual', although many colours are accepted today with
eye colours of amber, green and hazel. |
Fawn-Silver Somali
Mrs Horsley, Cumbria |
Asian Ticked Tabby, GC Vervain Goldberry
Bred by Naomi Johnson,
owned by Ms Kaye Wilson
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Asian Group inc. Burmilla
The Burmilla was the result of an accidental cross between a
Chinchilla male and a Lilac Burmese female. So popular were the resultant kittens that a
breeding plan was developed and several different types of Burmilla resulted over the
generations. These became known as the Asian Group of cats.
This group
includes the Burmilla, which may be shaded or tipped, the Bombay, which is a black self
shorthair and an Asian if it is any other colour. Additionally, there is the long haired
version - the Tiffanie and four varieties of Asian Tabby; Spotted, Classic, Mackerel and
ticked. |
Bengal
The Bengal was created quite recently in the United Stated by
crossing wild Asian Leopard cats with domestic shorthair cats. A fairly large, muscular
animal with hind legs slightly longer than the front legs. The dense coat is short and
glossy with a spotted or striped pattern. It is friendly and intelligent and has very
little fear of other cats. |
Miss Claire Irvine
Mountain Maestro Brown Spotted Bengal
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Mrs J Lukehurst, CH. Panjandrum Krakatao
Photo by Alan Robinson
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Birman
The Birman also known as the "Sacred Cat of Burma" is
a clever, gentle and tolerant breed having a semi-longhair coat with distinctive white
paws. This gave rise to the charming legend that for centuries these cats lived in a
Burmese monastery and one cat sensing that a priest was dying laid its paws onto the man
offering him friendship in his last hours. As the priest died the cat’s paws were
turned pure white.Birmans
are only bred in the Himalyan or colourpoint pattern, the colours being seal; blue;
chocolate; lilac; red; cream; tortie; tabby and tortie, tabby with points confined to the
face, ears, tail and legs. In all Birmans the eye colour is bright sapphire blue. |
British Shorthairs
This ‘Gentle Giant’ of a cat is loving and affectionate with a quiet voice and
does not continuously demand your attention. British Shorthairs are medium-sized to large
cats with males being larger than females; this is more obviously so than with other
breeds. They have dense, short coats which do not require excessive grooming and are bred
in a great many colours and patterns. |
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Debbie - Miss Yvonne De
Courcy, Devon
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Burmese &
Tonkinese
The first Burmese seen in the Western World was
the result of a small brown female, almost certainly a Tokinese imported into America in
the 1930’s and mated with a Siamese, the progeny producing all three breeds thereby
demonstrating that the Tonkinese is in fact a cross between the chunkier Burmese and the
lean Siamese. The Tonkinese is however, a relatively rare breed. |
Chartreux
This is a French breed of cat and is very gentle and playful. These are a really
solid cats that become devoted to their owners; coming to the call of their name and even
retrieve a thrown object. Some think this is a Blue British Shorthair by another name but
has a different standard in the US, where it is a recognised breed. |
Desert Lynx
The Desert Lynx Cat is the exotic result of pairing the wild, feral
blood of the bobcat with the affectionate, loving temperament of the domestic cat. Three
or more generations removed from their wild ancestors, Desert Lynx cats are bred to
resemble their wild cousins as closely as possible, with ear tufts, ruff, coat pattern and
size very much like the wild bobcat. These gorgeous creatures have slightly slanted,
almond-shaped eyes and often have polydactyl (six) toes with toe tufts. In contrast
with it's wild looks, the Desert Lynx gets it's sweet, laid back personality from it's
domestic heritage, and is selectively bred to maintain and continually improve this gentle
disposition. They are very intelligent and almost dog-like in personality, and although
they can be reserved around strangers, they are very friendly and outgoing with people
they love. Desert Lynx cats can have either a short or longer coat, and have very large,
muscular bodies with powerful hind quarters. They look and move very much like their wild
counterparts. There is no better place to experience the call of the wild than in your own
living room! |
Mrs A Berry, Boston,
Lincolnshire
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European Shorthair
The Scandinavian European Shorthair is similar to the British Shorthair but
without the influence of Persian. A breed with a mixed temperament depending on family
traits - homeloving or the hunter! They are strong, healthy and friendly, enjoying the
company of people and other cats - not too sure about dogs though. |
Exotic
The Exotic Cat is a
short haired Persian. It is a wonderful breed with a round face and large round, level set
eyes and full cheeks. Its ears are small and rounded, has a short nose with a good break
and a round firm chin with a level bite. Its body is short and cobby on strong, firm,
sturdy, legs, with rounded paws. The tail is thick and rounded and the coat is fill,
dense, plush and soft, with a roll back texture that allows the hair to stand away from
the body, giving a 'halo' effect. |
Red Tabby Exotic
Mr & Mrs M J Clark, Wiltshire.
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Japanese Bobtail
A variety with a short 'bobbed' tail originating from Japan, where it is seen to be
a symbol of friendship and hospitality. They make excellent pets due to their very
friendly nature. They are medium sized and have shorter front legs. Very intelligent and
get on well with most other animals. |
Korat
A very old breed coming originally from Thailand and arriving in the UK in 1972.
Very intelligent with a loving nature but enjoys peace and quiet. They have a distinctive
heart shaped face with green to yellow eyes - medium sized with good muscle tone. |
Maine Coon
Originally from New England the Maine Coon became popular in
the UK in the 1980’s. This large, easy-going cat has a shaggy, waterproof coat with a
ruff effect around the neck; it has a bushy brush-like tail and tufted ears and toes.
Although a profuse, dense coat it does not require as much grooming as the Persian
Longhair. The breed is acceptable in almost any coat colour and pattern, the best known
being the classic tabby-and-white. |
Manx
Generally thought of as a tailless cat, however the breed comes in four forms;
Rumpy, Stumpy, Tailed and Cymric (longhaired version), with the Rumpy having no tail at
all and being the only exhibition type. The Manx has back legs, which are longer than the
front giving them their recognisable gait. Very affectionate and make great pets. |
Mau - Egyptian Mau (Oriental Spotted Tabby)
This is a spotted cat of modified Siamese type originating in the USA and
called the Oriental Spotted Tabby in the UK. Their characterists are very similar to the
Siamese, being outgoing and friendly with vocal talents. |
Norwegian Forest Cats
Norwegian Forest Cats are a historic
breed of large, robust, natural cats who really do come from Norway. It is a large but
elegant semi-longhaired cat, the most important features being type and coat quality. As
the breed originated as a natural outdoor working cat on Norwegian farms, the appearance
of the NFC should reflect this natural heritage. A good Forest Cat has a special
expression - intelligent, calm, dignified, maybe even a bit wicked - which makes it
different from any other breed. This is known as the "NFC look". |
Ch Skogens Keema
Tortie Tabby & White
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| However, one of
the most endearing characteristics of the Norwegian Forest Cat is its temperament -
intelligent and fun-loving yet gentle and laid-back, energetic and sociable yet not too
demanding - a "Wegie" makes an excellent and rewarding friend for life. As for
grooming, this is easily dealt with by means of occasional combing - for their natural
coats are largely self-maintaining. The NFC matures slowly, and full development can take
up to 4 years. |
Ocicat
A man-made breed originating as a result of cross breeding Siamese, Abyssinian and
American Shorthair. This was in the early 1960's and occurred in America. The first Ocicat
to come to the UK was at the end of 1988. The Ocicat is an exotic, spotted breed,
selectively bred to bring the beauty of a wild cat to your home without the 'wild blood'
or temperament. Although having the 'wild' appearance they are intelligent,
affectionate and enjoy playtime. They are a 'chatty' breed that require no special care
and mix well with adults, children and other cats and dogs. |
Mrs M A O'Brien
Cornwall |
Oriental and Javanese
The Oriental conforms to the requirements of the Siamese breed of cat but
without the need for the Himalayan pattern. They need company and are very vocal wanting
to take part in all that is happening around them. Both self and patterned colours are
bred in this medium sized breed of cat. Foreign Whites are
basically Siamese without the point markings while the Havana is a warm
brown in colour. The Javanese is the longhaired version of the Oriental - similar to the
Balinese but without the colour points. |
Persian
The Longhaired Persian is without doubt the world’s best known
and most popular breed of cat. It is an elegant and sturdy cat with a long, luxurious
coat. A friendly, good-natured breed with a quiet voice who gets on well with other cats
and with dogs.Like
their ancestor the Persian cat, they have a gentle 'laid-back' personality with a very
good temperament making them ideal flat dwellers. |
Persian Chinchilla
Mr L B Jolicoeur & Mr L A Wallis, S Yorkshire
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| It is a comparatively new
breed and began in this country by crossing British cats to Persian cats. The results
being these beautiful Exotics. Even today when we breed Exotic to Exotic or Exotic to long
haired Persians, there can be long haired kittens in the litters. These are classed as
variants and cannot be shown but can be bred from. Exotics follow the Persian colour lines
and can be seen in many lovely colours and coat patterns. |
Ragdoll
Originating in the USA, the Ragdoll is said to have originated from a
Persian queen who had been mis-mated. Looking at these cats today it would be easy to
assume that the sire had been either Siamese, Colourpoint or Birman.
This is one laid back cat. It is undemanding, very tolerant and is docile and gentle. A
cat which will flop in your arms! A very trusting nature makes them easy to steal and so
are better as indoor cats only.
Three different varieties are recognised, Colourpoint, Mitted and Bi-colour each in seal
point, blue point, chocolate point and lilac point.
When born, Ragdoll kittens are all white, their mask, ears, tail and legs darken as
they mature. Slow to mature, they can take 3 years to reach adulthood. |
Brookies Baby Wise
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Gr Ch Charnfield Capricorn
Devon Rex
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Rex - Devon & Cornish Rex
These are both naturally occurring breeds from the late 50's / early 60's
and both have a curly coat but which are genetically quite different. The Cornish Rex is a
medium sized cat with long legs, the head wedge shaped with large ears set high and oval
eyes. The coat is soft and plush, with a distinctive wave. On the other hand, the Devon
Rex is quite unlike any other breed. The wedge head has full cheeks, a short muzzle and
large, wide ears set low and wide on the head. The coat is very short and fine. Rex are
full of character and not perhaps for the house-proud or fainthearted. |
Russian Blue
A classic all blue variety but with a different coat texture to the other blue
varieties, being a short plush with a double coat that stands upright from the body.
Characterised by their unique head shape; large ears high on the head, vivid green eyes
and prominent whisker pads. Originating in Russia, they are large elegant cats that are
quite shy - needing a quiet and peaceful household to thrive in. |
Gr. Ch Denillanne Xzasha |
Savannah
The Savannah is a hybrid domestic cat breed. It is a cross between an
African wild cat called the Serval and a domestic cat. Savannahs are considered one of the
larger breeds of domesticated cats. Their tall and slim build gives Savannahs the
appearance of greater size than their actual weight. Savannahs have been described as
friendly, assertive, active, playful and interested in dogs and children. |
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Siamese & Balinese
The Siamese is one of the oldest breeds of pedigree cat and is
instantly recognizable with its long body, distinctive markings and soft, short coat. The
Balinese is the long-haired counterpart of the Siamese. An outgoing breed with
plenty to say but hates to be left alone. Becomes really devoted to its owner. |
Siberian Forest Cat
Similar to both the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Maine Coon they have a
distinctly shorter and rounder head. They are medium in size and well muscled, good
climbers with a long to semi-long coat. |
Sokoke
The Sokoke originated from the Sokoke Forest in Kenya and is a wild breed. A medium
sized cat that is well muscled and affectionate. Their coat is very short and glossy and
they come in tabby only with amber to green eyes. |
Singapura
A native of Singapore, this is a small breed of cat that, while at first appearing
to be a little shy is very affectionate. A similar colouring to the Abysinnian but with
large slightly pointed ears. |
Sno-Bob
The Sno-bob is a white variety of Derert Lynx. A variety of American
Bobtail, resembling Alaskan Bobcat - pale in colour, darker ear tips, bob-tail.
Shorthair/Semi-Longhair with powder puff tail up to one third normal length, tufted ears.
Some lines produce rumpies, stumpies and kink-tail cats. |
Mrs Janice Plumb
Middlesex
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Sphynx
The most distinctive feature of the Sphynx is it appears to be hairless, but it is
in fact covered in a fine down which makes it feel like a warm peach or chamois leather.
Sphynx have long fine legs that are well muscled. Their front feet are like hands with
long fingers; like that of a monkey. Medium to long body with a broad chest. Tail should
be long and tapering. Head is slightly longer than the width. Ears are large and wide at
the base, and held quite high. A slight stop to the nose and lemon shaped eyes. Sphynx
have a very distinctive muzzle. Kittens are covered with wrinkles on their face and body,
with some retained in adulthood. All eye and coat colour accepted. |
Turkish Angora
This is a natural occurring semi-longhair breed that is very outgoing by nature.
They can be lead trained and are very playful. A medium sized cat with a non-tangle coat
but which does require some attention. Not to be confused with the Angora. |
Turkish Van
This breed has a unique 'thumb print' mark between their ears and also enjoy
a swim, given the chance. They are intelligent and sociable but should be kept indoors as
they tend to wander rather than having a small territory. Quietly spoken they are
generally white with auburn markings. |
Mrs Mary Prior - Essex
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