Cat Breeds

American Bobtail Cat

Bobtails are slow to develop, reaching maturity somewhere between two and three years. Like bobcats, the Bobtail's hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs, and the feet are large and round and may have toe tufts.

The Bobtail's most noted feature, its succinct tail, is one-third to one-half the length of an ordinary cat's, and should not extend below the hock. Like the Manx, the Bobtail's tail appears to be governed by a dominant gene. The tail is straight and articulate but may curve, have bumps or be slightly knotted. Bobtails with no tails (also called rumpies) are not acceptable because of the health problems associated with the shortened spine.

Balinese Cat

The Balinese should not to be confused with the Himalayan, which bears the pointed pattern of his Siamese ancestors but has the body style and personality of the Persian. Today's show Balinese resembles the extreme Siamese that is popular in today's show hall, rather than the stockier traditional Siamese that is making his comeback among fanciers. The traditional Balinese, a longhaired variety of the traditional Siamese, is recognized by the Traditional Cat Association and, while not popular in the show halls, has a growing following of fanciers.

      Birman Cat

In the ideal Birman, the         matching white gloves on the front paws should end at or between the second and third joints of the paw. On the back paws, the gloves should cover all the toes and may extend up higher than the gloves on the front paws. The gloves must extend up the back of the hock and in this area are called laces. Ideally, the laces end in a point or inverted 'V' and extend one-half to three-quarters of the way up the hock. Symmetry of the laces is desirable. Ideally, the front gloves should m   atch, the back gloves should match, and the laces should match. However, getting well-gloved Birmans is the thorn in the paw of every Birman breeder.

 British Shorthair Cat

If you're looking for a cat that will loot your refrigerator and swing dizzily from your chandeliers, then the British Shorthair is not for you. Brits are quiet, even-tempered, undemanding cats with a bit of typical British reserve, particularly when they're first introduced. When they get over their initial shyness, however, they become extremely faithful companions. British Shorthairs tend to show their loyalty to the entire family rather than select one person with whom to bond. British Shorthair breeders describe Brits as cats that like to keep a low profile, sweet and affectionate but not clingy 'in-your-face' type cats. They tend to be independent and if left on their own can usually adapt quite well. 

Burmese Cat

Breeders and fanciers report that Burmese are amusing, playful, and super-smart, the perfect interactive cats for home, office, shop, any place where people are in need of love and entertainment. They are as active as the Siamese and love to play. Devoted cats, Burmese are loyal and people-oriented.

Burmese have a unique rasp to their voices and sound a bit like cats going hoarse from too much talking. Burmese are not as talkative as their Siamese neighbors. When they have something to say, however, they'll reiterate the message until you get out your universal feline/human translator and take care of whatever it is troubling them.