MAJOR GROUPS AND BREEDS OF CATS

Small Animal Technology Course

GROUPS

2 different cat groups:Shorthaired Breeds (13 total)Longhaired Breeds (26 total)

SHORTHAIRED BREEDS The Abyssinian

Believed to be direct descendant of the Sacred Cat of Egypt, which was worshiped and held sacred

There are 3 recognized breed colors: ruddy, red, and blue.

Ruddy=orange-brown color, ticked with dark brown or black

Red=ticked with chocolate-brown Blue=blue-gray, ticked with slate-blue Considered extremely affectionate, quiet, highly

intelligent, and alert Breed is very active, can learn to retrieve, and is fond of

water Medium sized with a firm, muscular, well-balanced body Its head is slightly rounded and wedge-shaped with

large ears and large, almond-shaped eyes

ABYSSINIAN

SHORTHAIRED BREEDS The Burmese

Developed in U.S. in 1930’s Crossed a brown female Burma with a Siamese Has a sweet disposition and enjoys being held Breed can become stubborn and angry Medium-sized cat with a solid, short body Rounded head with a broad, short muzzle and a

distinct nose break Sable-brown in color with gold eyes Upper respiratory diseases are common in

kittens and inbreeding has increased the incidence of heart defects, mutative malformations of the face and head

BURMESE

SHORTHAIRED BREEDS The Colorpoint

Developed in England in 1947 Colorpoint gets its name from the color of the

extremities; nose, ears, feet, and tail Colorpoint cats have one general body color with

darker extremities or points. Breed is considered bold, very demanding, vocal,

and full of nonsense. Very intelligent and loving Genetically Siamese and possesses the same

characteristics, with an elongated, angular body and wedge-shaped head

Breed is medium in size and eyes are a vivid blue

COLORPOINT

LONGHAIRED BREEDS Maine Coon

Considered to be the native American longhair cat that first appeared on the rocky coast of New England

Oldest natural breed in North America Considered lovable and friendly and enjoys companionship

of another pet or person Breed has a tiny voice with squeaks and chirps Large-sized cat, often reaching 12-18 pounds Medium-wide head, medium-long nose, and large tufted,

tall ears Fur on the tail is especially long compared with the fur

covering the body Brown tabby is the best-known color and pattern for the

Maine Coon, but a wide range of colors and patterns exists Eye color varies from green to gold to copper; white cats

have blue eyes

MAINE COON

LONGHAIRED BREEDS The Birman

Very sociable cat the needs company of others Considered a sweet-natured, charming, &

intelligent cat Medium to large in size Sturdy, stocky cat with a long body Head is strong, broad, and rounded with a

strong, rounded muzzle and low-set nostrils Eyes are round and ears are medium in size with

rounded tips Coat is long and silky Genetic defects include weak hind legs, nasal

obstruction, and poor occlusion, which may cause breathing through the mouth

BIRMAN

EXIT SLIP 1) How many different types of cat groups are

there? 2) What are the different types of cat groups? 3) Which breed is considered to be the oldest

natural breed in North America? 4) Which breed is considered to be the direct

descendant of the Sacred Cat of Egypt? 5) Which breed gets its name from its coloring

on its nose, feet, ears, and tail? 6) Which breed has genetic defects like weak

hind legs and poor occlusion? 7) Which breed was developed in the U.S. in the

1930’s?