Sokoke Cat

In the eyes of every cat there burns the a wild spirit, of all domesticated animals cats are the most in touch with their wild roots. This can certainly be told about the Sokoke Cat, named after the forest which originally was their home for thousands of years.

This rare naturally occurring breed was developed not by the hands of man, but the hands of mother nature herself. Her tools are not for the show ring or for the eyes of cat fanciers world wide but for the survival of the fittest, endowing this beautiful breed with the best of both worlds, of both the structured and proper world of humans and the harsh and nurturing world of nature. As a result there came a cat lovingly called by the Giriama people as Khadzonzo (Like Tree Bark) and often referred to as the beautiful ones.




Breed Description

The Sokoke is a lean, medium sized, ticked modified classic tabby, found as a naturally occurring native breed in the greater Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Preserve area in the coastal zone of Kenya, Africa. A peace-loving, keenly aware and intelligent shorthaired breed, the Sokoke is playful and family oriented, forming close bonds with both feline and human family members. The Sokoke is a rare breed and is unique in that it has a see-through ticked tabby pattern which is first thing that captivates you with these cats, wild and majestic with the feel of a forest deep and dark in a far flung corner in Kenya, with ticking in both the ground color and pattern itself, even including the tail tip a color which is truly one of nature's gems.



This camouflaged pattern was not created for the pleasure of a catfancier but bred in by nature to help the cat be invisible in the leaf litter of its forest home. This pattern can also include outlining over the shoulders and below the spine making a wavy dappled light effect similar to tigers and other forest cats, this is also highlighted due to the shinny and short property of the coat giving it a magical sheen.



They have a tip-toe gait in the rear that becomes more pronounced when they are excited described often as being ready to pounce by those who have observed them in intimate close quarters. They are leggy, with large upright ears and lithe, graceful movements characteristics it shares with many Asiatic breeds which are believed to be their relations based on DNA studies. They are moderately active and easy to keep and posses a strong pride instinct living in extended families like that of Lions on the Savannah, a characteristic which is rare in the cat world.



History

The history of these beauties as with many cat breeds was a series of mystery filled events. Kismet truly, for if Jeni Slater a British/Kenya woman, did not rediscover a litter of these wonderful cats through the help of her gardener Sammy (Who later becomes instrumental in establishing the breed by getting more from the local children and closely working with these cats all through out as the cats grew in numbers.) these cats might have never been brought to the attention of the world and would have remained one of Mother natures many many secrets hidden in her green embrace. It was a faithful 1978 day when Jeni was walking around her plantation in Kenya when Sammy approached her and reported that a mother cat had given birth in a log. It was then a distinc melodic meows of kittens caught her ear as she passed by the fallen log in her coconut grove. She took an inquistive peek and found these sweet large eyes looking back at her, their ears erect and long. She was taken by their extotic pattern and took in two of the kittens a male and a female, the first to establish the Old Line of Sokokes as they are called today.



Through the help of her house staff and the funny fact that Slaters were owners of a fishing operations, the Sokokes began to grow in numbers without making the costs of owning a pride of little ones such as these become insanely impossible.



These cats due to many more turn of events slowly scattered all across Europe and recently in America. This sprouting popularity coupled with these cats amazing traits led to their Acceptance in the Preliminary breeds division of TICA. The owners of these cats and those who strive in this campaign for the popularity of the Sokoke in the Cat Fancier world hopes that one day they reach Championship status, making each and every kitten born with love and care a step closer to this grand goal.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Blessed by mother nature with a long magnificent coat and even prowled alongside the Vikings of old in their congquests as the mousers of the great Viking war vessels. They have reached the far corners of the world and maybe the first cats that might have reached the Americas. These cats are nothing but amazing from their eerie Warrior like look to their long romantic history, the Norwegian Forest cat is indeed one of the most intriguing cat breeds in the world. This breed can trace its beginnings as far back as 4,000 years ago, in the time of Odin and of Loki, of the Jotuns and Valkeries.

Skoggkat that was the ancient name given to these cats, Forest cat in the ancient tongue of the Norse people. They have a sweet Valkerie like expression in their face but with a proud stance that is reminiscent of a small Lion because of the long and spectacular winter maine that they have.

They are different from all of the long haired breeds, first their coats follow the natural order of nature, just like a wild animal they grow and loose fur with the coming and going of winter as a natural adaptation for life in the cold territories of Northern Europe.

The second is the magnificent maine and tail, it needs little or no brushing the logic in this is, Vikings wouldn't have the time to groom their kitties especially during the eve of battle and the Skogkatt as they are called wouldn't have groomers in the middle of the forest, but brushing is important during shedding season to ensure that there are no unsightly tangles and the cat's would have a really bad case of hair ball.

Because of they are a natural breed the size and fullness of the body depends on the line that you choose, some can be petite while some really robust and large. These cats come in all colors from the deepest black to the whitest of white almost loosing visibility as it trudges through the winter landscape. They come in all patterns imaginable not including the eastern siamese pattern and the new bengal rosettes.

They are rumored to be the ancient ancestor of the Maine Coon Cat, supporting the legend of Vikings reaching america even before the coming of Columbus. The Norwegian Forest cat is an outdoorsy kind of cat, they enjoy climbing trees hence their name Forest cats.

They are very patient and rarely startled, that is why the are great for children (make sure the child has no asthma though) but because of their broad and natural breeding temperment really depends on how you raise your Skoggkat, a well socialized kitty will respond accordingly compared to a cat that had little or no exposure to people.

Look into the eyes of a Norwegian and you will feel and eerie spirit within them, testement to their amazing lineage and their mystical past. Years ago these cats ran feral in the forests of Norway and almost faced extinction due to constant crosses between domestic shorthaird, but the late King Olaf declared the breed the official cat of Norway and made an effort to save the breed, adding to the mystique and indeed the regality of this ancient and magnificent breed.

more information about the breed and may be to purchase these beautiful cats please click on these link:

http://www.winterfyre.com/index.html - American Breeders

For the Breed's standards in TICA please click on this link:

http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/Pages/NF.pdf

For the standard of the Breed in the CFA please click on this link:cfainc.org/breeds/standards/norwegian.html

For the standard of the Breed in the UK please click on this link:
http://www.nfcc.co.uk/breedstandard.html

Persian Cat

It has long been a mystery of how the Persian cat came to be but what is known about them is the way they were brought out into the known world. The Caravans of the Desserts hailing from the land of the Shiq's and the Sultans brought to the western world this marvelous Pansy faced long haired cat.

Is known to be one of the oldest pedigree breed of cat found in brittain, and when you say a fancy cat breed it is usually the Persian that first comes to mind. It is believed that the Persians were developed out of the Bazaar cats called the Angora, and would you believe that they are even been recorded as far back as 1684 BC.

Certainly the long silky hair of the Persian is its Greatest assest not to mention is expressive eyes and wide face that a lot of cat fanciers and lovers have fallen for time and time again. As kittens these Balls of fur has never failed to get atleast a second glance at a petshop window. Eversince these cats were born they have been destined to be pampered and to raised in elegance, from the Ornate silk pillows of the Sultans to the laps of Italian and French Noblemen the elegant Persian has purred its way to immortality and they are the oldest known Pedigree cat in England.

For the longest time they have lived in Palaces and Castles alongside Royalty and Nobility that these cats are nothing less than the nobles of the cat world. Their temperments can only be described as civilized, a well bred Persian is always composed, never obtrusive or nor bashful. They like the attention they recieve but never do they beg for it "Sacred Bleu, Mua beg for attencion...no Misuer you give it to me!" that is the expression you will see in a Persian's face "hmm a french speaking Persian huh?"

Manul or Felis pallas

These cats have been believed to be the decendants of Iranian and dessert cats crossed with the now gravely endangered Pallas cats. But there is no evidence to back it up or any explaination how the long haired gene came into existence in the line of Persians and Angora cats.

Himalayan "Olivia"

Short Haired Persian or the Exotic

Because of their apparent popularity the Persian is the only pedigree cat that has so many divisions under its name, this includes the Himalayan, the Exotic and countless other color combinations out there. My personal dream one day is to develop a spotted Persian breed from either the Bengal or the Occicat or a Braided tabby Persian that I plan to call the Maja-Raja.

For more information about the breed and if you wish to purchase a kitten for yourself, please click on these links to the best catteries of the breeed:

http://www.purrinlot.com/

http://www.startraxcats.com/persian-cats/

http://www.pelaqitapersians.com/gettingKitten.html

For the breed's standards in TICA please click on this link:

http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/Pages/PS.pdf

For the breed's standards in CFA click on this link:

http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/standards/persian.html

Breeding cats

Have you ever wanted to breeed your cat and have some new kittens running around the house? Or are you dreaming to have your very own Cattery, well here are some useful tips for you cat breeder hopefuls out there.

PICKING A BREEDER:

Researching about your potential breed is a big element, if your a new comer to the cat fancy you should go to cat shows first and study about the breed that you want to perpetuate. Talk to the breeders and be familiar with the standards of the breed and also keep a sharp eye for details on the physical characteristics of a winner. By befriending cat breeders you will be able to acquire valuable information like available litters, studs and queens that are forsale and most especially what to look for in the breed. If you are fortunate you can find a mentor that is interested in guiding you through the commitment of becoming a cat breeder or a cat show person.

The Beginning for breeding cats starts with a Queen or two, Queen means a female cat. Picking Queens begin at the breeder's home when you are getting her as a kitten. Make sure that you are buying from a realiable source, a reputable Cattery or a good petshop that also gives your cat's certificate from the Cat Association where she was registered to. Pedigree cats have papers which show your cat's genealogy and pedigree. With the said papers you will be able to trace your kitten's family history whether its parent's came from a good line that shows qualities that are a good example of the breed.

kitten's looks and health is also a must, the kitten must be alert and should come with the vet's certification of health and vaccinations. Make sure that she fits the breed's standards, take your time in looking at every aspect of your kitten because she will be with you for the whole of her nine lives.

One tip I read on the Internet is "When its not be - dont force it" that means if there is something off about the kitten no matter how cute she is you better leave it alone. Some cat breeds are really friendly but occassionally there is a rogue that comes out of the litter, this kitten could be so cute and is a perfect example of the breed physically but its temperment is off, this applies especially with breeds that were developed with wild blood in them like Bengals and Chausies, better leave the kitty alone such individuals if bred might perpetuate the flaw.

Cats are still wild in nature but because of good breeding practices the temperment has greatly improved but the wildness is still in there somewhere deep in its genetic code so if such throw backs comes along your path steer clear from them you might end up with a beastie in your hands and a cat on its way to the pound.

KNOWING WHEN TO BREED:

Cats become sexually mature around the age of 5 months and above, but it is adviseable to breed your Queen when she is a year old to make sure that her body is mature enough to go through the ordeal of pregnancy. At the age of 5 months or 6 she will come into heat this is the time when she is sexually receptive to males, but if she is not mature yet better keep her inside the house away from the tom cat.

two weeks your cat will be sexually receptive or in heat, this is a discomfort for your kitty, you might see her rubbing her bottom on the furniture or you might hear her vocalizing often. This will continue until she is pregnant or if the heat cycle is over it will happen again after two weeks or three.

BREEDING:

On an average your Queen comes into heat in a 4 to 5 week cycle, 1 to 2 weeks is the heat itself and another two to three weeks after the heat the cycle will begin a new. This is good if you are now prepared to breed her with the right male. Choosing a good stud or male of the same breed is another steop, try to find show winners that exhibits complementing characteristics to your Queen. But remember its usually the Queen who carries the genes for conformity so she must be a perfect specimen herself. The male will mount her as soon as he smells her aromatic perfume, so better if you dont bathe your queen during her heat period to better stimulate the stud's interest.

If you dont own the stud and he lives away from your home it would be best if you can bring you queen to his place. This will allow the male to feel that he is dominant and that the female is seeking him out. Females have no problem with performace they are easy to work with in breeding but males just have some querks they need to work out like how to get her interested in him. If the male that you chose is very young it might take two days before he figures it out but if you have an experienced male then you just have you job cut out for you.

They will assume the copulation position several times, and it would be better if the male can stay with you for three days so she can mate with him repeatedly. This will ensure that your cat has mated only with the selected male and will ensure uniform kittens. If you have a spare room in the house or if you have an attic or a basement this will be an ideal place for your cat's romance.

On the fifth week after the encounter your cat's pregnancy will be confirmed, she will not go into heat again until her litter is grown. She will become noticeably fatter and would always like to lie down and she will no longer be ineterested in hanging around the males. Better if you can now find her a good kittening place which is warm and cozy. Cats give birth after three months and three days from the day she was sucessfully mated. You can now begin increasing her food intake on the fifth week, and make sure she is getting the best nutrition so I recomend tha she will be given a combo of wet and dry foods.

If you are not sure of your cat's pedigree and if you are not sure if you can handdle the attention that the kittens and the mother needs during the vulnerable day better that you have you cats neutered instead because breeding should not be taken lightly.

Ocicat

The Occicat was the accidental result of an experiement in 1964 to interbreed American Short hairs, Abyssinians and Siaimese cats to achieve the rare Abyssinian pointed Siaimese cat. After this experiment the goal was indeed achieved but there in the litter appeared this sweet spotted kittens that was later named Ocicat after the a wild cat species called the Ocelot by the daughter of the breed's developer Virginia Daly a noted CFA breeder.

"Purple Rain"

The ivory kitten with golden spots was the first Ocicat to be born and it was named Tonga which was later neutered and sold as a pet. The cat then came into the spot light with the aide of a famous news paper in Detroit that publicized about an attractive spotted cat which was actually Tonga, and then a geneticist Dr. Clyde Keeler who expressed a deep desire to have a cat like Tonga because of its resemblance to the endangered Ocelot.

"Loepardus pardalis"

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a wild cat native to south america and texas, they are an arboreal species of cat that prowl the darkness of the nighttime rain forests. These very territorial cats have been hunted and killed for their beautifully patterened coat which is studded with large and attractive rosettes and spots.

"Hanuman"

breeding was then repeated to achieve the births of more Ocicats, and then other breeders started to follow the methods used by Virginia and eventually helping in the promotion of the cats as a new breed and established a broad genetic pool in the process.

"Jeep"

The Ocicat was recognized for CFA registration in 1966, but it took another twenty years to develop the breed and gain enough support from other catteries and breeders to achieve provisional status. The Ocicat was advanced to championship status on May 1987 to the delight of Virginia and her daughter who first developed and named the breed.

"Wedjat"

There has been tremendous controversy about the genetics of the spotted pattern. In the past all patterned cats were believed to display one of the three tabby patterns: ticked (Aby), mackerel (tiger striped), or classic (blotched or bull's eye). The spotted pattern of the Ocicat is said to be different from other spotted breeds or patterns. Some cat fanciers and experts say this is due to a totally different gene from the regular tabbies but there is no conclusive evidence to prove it. Some suggest that it was selective breeding that eventually gave rise to the random arrangement of genes that is now expressed on the Ocicat.

"ZIN"

Because of the pure domestic blood of the Ocicat it's temperment is exquisite, often described by its owners as dog like, because of its trainability, confident nature and its athleticism, this cat is indeed for the out going kind of person who doesnt want a bashful kitty in his house.

"TUT"

come in many colors and at least all those colors associated with the three foundation breeds: tawny, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lavender, fawn, silver, chocolate silver, cinnamon silver, blue silver, lavender silver, and fawn silver and all of them must be studded spots to be able to fit the standards.

If you want to learn more about this breed and would like to purchase one please click on these sites:

http://www.dotdotdotocicats.com/cattery.htm

http://www.sunstoneocicats.com/

http://www.ocicats.com/index.html?_ret_=return

http://ocigatos.homestead.com/

For the breed's standards in TICA please refer to this link:

http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/Pages/OC.pdf

For the standard in CFA please click on this link:

http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/standards/ocicat.html

Serengeti Cats

Have you ever seen a Serval before (Leptailurius serval), those cute and large eared African cats. If you ever had a chance to have one as a pet wouldn't you want to try in raising one?

Unfortunately those cats are wild and you wouldnt actually find one in your local petshop or cattery right? Well there is good news for those wild cat enthusiats out there. Karen Sausman of Kingsmark Cattery in California developed a breed of cat that closely resembles a cute Serval.

They are called Serengeti cats, named after an African country that has Servals running all over the place. But would you believe that these cats were not bred from Servals at all. They do have wild ancestors but the breed was developed from domesticated and established breeds but still having that wild and mishcievious Serval look.

These spotted and stripped cats called the Serengeti was developed from the Spotted Bengals and the Long eared Oriental cats which explains the closeness in looks with a Serval but because of its domesticated origins it is very tamed and has a nice disposition.

Leptailurius serval (Serval)

Felis catus (Serengeti Cat)

Large and high set ears of the Serengeti was developed to closely resemble the same kind of ears that a Serval has, their spotted coats have been taken from a well spaced spot type of Bengals to immulate more the defined and spaced spots of a Serval. Karen needed to infuse Bengals with large and expressive eyes since the Serval has large eyes to use in looking for prey in the dark, and so she searched for such individuals to use in the foundation stock. Another trait that was incorporated was the long leggedness also found in Servals, this was taken from the Bengals which have sleek and long legs.

a lot of trials to achieve the Serval look without using wild stock to produce it, Karen needed to look for Oriental short hairs with high set ears and nice whisker pads and she had to look for clear spotted Bengals since Rosetted or Clouded Bengals are not acceptable and Servals are a spotted species.

Serengeti's first achieved acceptance with TICA in 1994 and was given the opportunity to show with the Preliminary New Breed class. When 2002 came the cats were now allowed in the Evaluation class for showing giving a better chance for the cats to be appreciated by the public and arousing interest for new breeders to perpetate the breed since it is part of the requirements of a new breed to be bred by a lot of breeders, as the breed's population and breeder's increase so as its status with TICA.

These cats are very athletic and quite playful, they can be compatible with other pets through careful introduction and care. They are very self assured and wastes no time in leaving its mark in the house with the hearts of its owners and visitors which will make them ask 'Is that a Serval, How do I get one?"

Try these website for more information about this new and interesting breed:

http://www.kingsmarkfarms.com (The original breeder)

http://www.serengetibreed.com/about.htm

http://www.thekarakashkats.com/

For the breed's standards in TICA click on this link:

http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/Pages/SE.pdf

Bombay

Have you ever marveled at the mystique of a Black Panter, admired its grace and sheer stealth at night? There is a cat breed that was developed to become the minature version of a Panther. This breed was inspired by Black Leopards of Bombay which made Nikki Horner of Louisville Kentucky to embark on a mission to produce such a cat that would resemble these Black panthers of India.


They are an elegant looking breed, with the bloodlines of Black American short hair and Sable Burmese cats in its genetics. It was these two breeds that was used by Nikki to reveal to the world the beauty of a pint sized panther walking around your garden at night stalking little prey like mice and squirrels with only its bright copper eyes peircing through the darkness as its whole body is concealed by the dark.



It took several outcrossings and inbreeding before Ms. Nikki achieved the look and conformity that she wanted, the best results came from a Black american short hair male with nice copper eyes and a female sable Burmese. The Bombay's temperment is a combination of the easy-going shorthairs and the affectionate and lap loving Burmese. The Bombay is now closer in form to the Burmese rather than the shorthair, they are even interbreedable. Black kittens with bright copper eyes born to this cross are registered Bombays and the other colors Burmese, shorthairs are no longer used to outcross since they ruin the body conformity of the breed.


They say if you'd like an athletic and amusing cat then Bombay is the right cat for you, this cat is like a dog a cat and a monkey all in one. Its very nimble and quick like a monkey with an inquisitive nature to match, loves to play fetch like a dog and thrives in affection as all cats do. This cat is a people cat, always loves to hang around humans and are often the first one to the door when a visitor arrives "the only thing missing is a bark and a waggy tail" .

These cats are also called the Magician cats, they are said to be the opposite of the bad luck black cats. Instead they bring their master's good luck and happiness, they are even believed to be money cats serving 9 master's at a time giving them a steady stream of money through its mystical powers. Well if the cat's physical charm is not enough for you how about its reputation as a good luck charm.

For more information about the cats and how to get one please click on these links and check out their cattery:

http://www.bombayandburmesecats.com/mainpage.html

http://www.bombays.net/

http://www.bombaycats.net

For the Standards of the Burmese in TICA which the Bombay included please click on this link:

http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/Pages/BU.pdf

Egyptian Mau

This ancient breed called the "Mau" that means cat in Egyptian, dates way back 3000 years ago and may be druing the first Egyptian dynasty. They are the direct descendants of Felis lybica (African wild cat) who roamed the desserts and savannahs of Egypt and Namibia. Records now show that they were first bred as bird retrievers that possesed an extraordinary speed to aid them as the fetched their quarry. The mau even has loose skin under its belly like that of the cheetah allowing its legs freedom of movement. Carvings and paintings of the ancient Egyptians shows the Mau holding birds in its mouth and carrying them back to the shooter of the arrow as it trudges along a papyrus filled marsh.

They were later venerated by the Priests of Bastet, the Goddess of both the Moon and the Sun. These cats were pampered as the Temple cats, watching over the altar of Bastet and the other Ancient Gods. These cats enjoyed a life of luxury and of honor, even after death their importance to the egyptians showed for they were burried in a better state compared to peasants, They were mummified with the finnest linnens and the most expensive of perfumes to aid them in the journey to the afterlife. The human family that owned the mau would shave their eyebrows in respect of the departed emissary of Bastet. And in the ancient times who so ever harm or kill a Mau shall only be punished by death.

The Mau is the only naturally spotted cat breed in the world, in fact the Mau's spots are not just on its fur the spots are even visible on the skin after you have shaved the fur off. Its eyes are a gooseberry green with an expression of compassion or worry, inherting the nature of her diety Bastet. The Mau's body is scattered with random spots spreading from the back of its head down to the base of its striped tail, stripes can also be found on its legs down to its feet. Its neck is elegant and slightly elongated looking that of a refined princess. Its color ranges from smoke to silver and bronze, a few blacks are recorded and they do occassionally pop up out of a litter due to the smoke color of the breed.

The Mau breed nearly face extinction during the world war, but their story becomes more romantic as they were rescued by an exhiled princess named Nathalie Troubetskoy. Her dedication was the salvation of this rare and mystical breed. Her first Mau was given to her by a boy when she was staying in Italy, this boy had been keeping a little silver spotted female in a shoe box. This was inturn given to him by a diplomat working from the middle east.

Princess Nathalie Troubetskoy researched more on the Identity of her newly found pet, and through her search she has found that the kitten was indeed an Egyptian Mau. Through her other contacts she gathered all the Mau's she could her find determined to save them from oblivion. She acquire more of the cats through the Syrian Embassy, these cats which later became the base blood of the modern Mau's from Nathalie's Fatima Cattery that she established her self to spread the popularity of the breed.

In the 1970's the breeders of the Mau felt the weight of a limited gene pool once again, a new heroin of the breed stepped up for the challenge. It was Jean S. Mill who introduced the Indian lines of Mau's, these cats came from a Zoo from New delhi where they ran loose inside a Rhino enclosure. These cats introduced the glitter gene into the breed which later helped in improving the beauty and health of the gene pool.

The torch of the breed savior was then passed to Cathie Rowan in the 1980's when she brought thirteen new Mau's into America, her help bolstered the ranks of the Mau's bloodlines and helped in the general survival of the breed into the next decade.

J. Len Davidson brought fresh new genes from the Mau's home land Egypt when she imported four more cats that had a more broader bloodline than the first two lines, these were the beginnings of the Egyptian lines. These excelled in intelligence and produce more litters and healthier kittens. Marie-Christine Hallepee in 1999 is the latest heroin of this breed when she imported Fondcombe’s Sahourê from Egypt to France.

These new imports were taken from the very streets of India and Egypt that is why their histories are shrouded in such mystery and intrigue. If your looking for a cat with a heritage and a knack for finding "Joan's of Arc" then the Mau is indeed a breed for you.

Check out these sites for more info and if your interested in getting the breed:

http://www.emaucats.com/

http://www.gilesemaus.com/

http://www.nefertitimaus.com/

For the breed standard in TICA please click on this link:

http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/Pages/EM.pdf

Toyger

"Churp"

"Tiger Tiger burning bright in the house at the middle of the night, can you cuddle and can you play can you sit beside me and stay..."

You must be wondering what I'm talking about right? well what if I told you that there is a new breed of cat that looks like a little tiger wouldnt you want to see one?Better yet wouldnt you want one?Well there is such a breed called the Toyger "Toy Tiger" the result of a mix between the best stripped Tabby cat "Scrap Metal" and a Bengal cat "Rumple Spotskin"This was the vision of one Judy Sugden during the latter part of the 1980's, she wanted to breed a cat that looked like a tiger but the temperment of a sweet house cat.

The first few attempts of the breed created what is called a braided tabby, the marking came out to be stripes over a dark mahogany background. The first of these was EEYAA's Tres Ves, the cat had the color and pattern that made it look like a miniature tiger but not the good temperment that Judy wanted.

"War Whoop"

The next and up until now the unsurpassed "War Whoop" of Judy is the first real Toyger, the best looking toyger you have ever seen, with stripes and color that will make you think that this tiger has shrunk!Today the breeders of this new breed are still developing the Toyger, it has already been recognized by the Cat Association. The little Toygers even move like the tiger with its signature gait and walk.

"Apache"

Next she wanted to achieve the tiger markings in the face of her toygers, tiger markings around the eyes since it was devoid on the areas of a domestic cat. This problem was answered by a cat that was imported from india Jammu Blu, he had these unusual markings between his ears and so begun the next step which is incorporating the pattern to the breed. It was a painstaking effor for Judy but she was a woman of vision.

"FineThing"

Now inorder to become a breed she needed people to help her, breeders who are as dedicated as her for the long journey ahead for recognition. Anthony Hutcherson of Jungletrax and Alice McKee of Windridge lend their hands for this great effort of judy and a lot of other friends willing to house the less perfect kittens.

Now the toygers of today has become what it is now through these people and through the aide of computers, so you might say that one of its parent's is not a cat but a bucket of bolts. Judy made sketches and drawings of her proposed breed before they were even born taking into consideration what she wanted to see on the cats of the future. Even more so is the current efforts of the breeders, communicating cross country for the matings and match ups to broaden the choices and to help each other in the continuous development of the breed so with out emails and websites the development of the Toygers would have been much slower.

"Raja"

At long last it was Recognized by TICA for Registration early in the 1990's, Preliminary New Breed in 2000. The goals for the breed are long term and the prospects look more to the future for hope as one new kitten is born is a step nearer to Judy's visions. Several of the features proposed have never before been recognized as possible in a domestic cat. Progress is slow but steady in all areas from companionability to appearance withing taking any stress away from both. The Toyger has now shown its new TICA status of Advanced New Breed last May 2006 and hopefully will be widely loved by the public soon, Judy hopes that with this new breed people will begin to feel a greater appreciation for the tiger and help in its conservation.

For more details about the toyger visit their association website:

http://www.toygers.org/

Toyger Breeder in the UK:

http://www.queenannecats.co.uk/available.html

For the breed standards in TICA please click on this link:

http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/Pages/TG.pdf

Bengal Cats

Have you ever admired the wild and untamed beauty of a leopard or a cheetah, have you ever wondered "if I could could only own one..." well its almost impossible right, first they are in Africa, second they would chomp your head off the very second you come near them. What if I told you that there is a cat breed that greatly resembles a Leopard and a Cheetah wouldnt you run to the petshop and ask for one? Well yes there are such things as "Ivan" on the left would attest, and as you can see he is not your ordinary street tabby. These are a rare but very beautiful breed of cat that I fell in love with by just looking at their pictures.



These are the result of a Hybrid between the wild Leopard cat (Felis bengalensis) and the House cat (Felis catus). But these are not the direct offspring of the cross but the generations of the fifth and above so that will become more of a house cat in nature not a wild little beastie. They were the result of a study about the asian leopard cat that was conducted during the 1960's or the late 1970's to aid the plight of the rare leopard cat. This produced fertile offspring which was later carefully bred to have the conformity and temperment of a common house cat whom we enjoy the company of.


Felis bengalensis

The first generation of this hybrid called the F1's resulted to unfertile males yet fertile females which later became the foundation of the Bengal Breed. All the later generations after fifth generation produced fertile males and females and are registered under SBT Bengals. These cats steal every cat show the appear on, providing that they are an excellent examples of the breed. Look at the picture at the bottom, he is Perry owned and showed by his proud owners John and Shiela Fowler. If you owned him wouldnt you be proud?




"Sir Leonardo"

Seeing these cats prowl around your yard stalking and unsuspecting rodent would give you the feeling that your watching a miniture safari. This breed resembles Leopards, Cheetah's and on some mutation of the new breed clouded leopards. Their patterns range from brown tabby, sepia, seal mink tabby, spotted, spotted and marbled.



"Gabie"

These cats have a series of black and brown spots set on a back ground of brown, orangy brown, silver or grey. These spots come in all shapes and sizes, rosettes and swirls also come out of this breed that's why it resembles lots of different kinds of its wild cousins. Some of the most stunning patterns are the clouded leopard, the snow leopard patterns and the King cheetah patterns.



'"Clouded Pattern"




"Snow Clouded"

And soon there will the the Margay patterns and also the ocelot patterns. There is just no stopping the evolution of this new and magnificent breed, if you would like to know more visit these sites to look at their amazing cats.

http://www.rockybengals.com/ - For Marbled

http://www.bengalkittens.org/ - For Spotted

http://www.kingsmarkfarms.com/ - For all patterns and the new serengetti cats

http://www.bengalslongisland.com/ - For New Yokers

http://www.bengal-cat.net/ -Cattery of my friend Debbie
















"Ivan"




Supreme Grand Champion "Perry"

And for the breed's standards in TICA please refer to this link for the information:

http://www.ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/Pages/BG.pdf

Cat's Origins

Left is Felis sylvestris to the right is Felis lybica

Thousands of years ago a wild cat, may be a European wild cat (Felis sylvestris) or African wild cat (Felis lybica) went out of her den to look for rodents to feed her hungry kittens. But may be it was the dry season or the winter season that made her prey so scarce, that it made her decide to do the unthinkable, give a visit to the two legged tall creatures with strange dens(Humans). She knows that the humans have a grain pile that is crawling with rodents just waiting to be pounced upon by an enterprising little huntress - so she applied for the job:)

Felis catus

Man saw that this budding new partnership with this little bundle of fur and attitude had potential. Humans have just begun to cultivate grains and to stock them which in turn attracts a hodge podge of interested rodents that were more than willing to get their own share of man's labor. So man begun something that will forever change the destiny of cats, he took the little huntress into his employment. Hey who wouldnt right, she's cute and dedicated, a bit wild but affectionate and she works for mice and other little creepy crawlies of man's granary, and so begun man's relationship with the cat.

It is still unclear of which cat species was the first to have been domesticated. Some belive it was Sylvestris others contest it was Lybica. A lot of scientists believe that cats came to Persia and Nubia already domesticated and were traded by the romans for pets to the Sultans and the Kings. So a DNA test was made on the three, the domestic cat and the European and African to finally conclude which one was the first. Mitochondiral DNA suggests that the common house cat and the African cat are subspecies of Sylvestris therefore making the European the progenetor of all cats.

Egyptian Mau

But it was in Egypt that the cats gained a pedistal in history, being worshiped as Bastet the Goddess of both the Sun and the Moon and as the perfumed Goddess. Here the cats changed roles from a mouser to emissaries to the divine, cats were then bred to become Temple cats or the now rare and very beautiful Egyptian Mau. They were even burried better than human peasants, burried in the finnest linen and the best perfumes.

Angora

In Angora cats became the stewards of the Market place, keeping in control the hungry congrigation of Rats and Mice that could spread disease in the bazaars and would bode loss to the otherwise profitable food market, there they also played a role in becoming the best and most charming companions to merchants, hence the Angora breed was produced, the original breed was pure white and had one yellow eye and a green eye or blue.

Cream Persian

Later cats came to Persia where they became the pets of the Sultans, here they became lavished Palace cats or Persian cats. They now sat beside the defenders of the Faith of Islam and watched over the ever changing sands of the desserts. They gained such thick coats and beauty so elegant they have now become a status symbol not just a simple rodent assasin. It was through the silk road that cats reached asia, some may have taken a ride with the Muslim traders when they reached the farthest reaches of the east.

Siamese Cat

In Siam the cats gained a new gift, they have become a thing of romance and legends. When a princess decided to put her ring on a Siamese cat's tail while she took a dip in the river and whispered in its ear to guard it with her life. Some Siamese cats have this kink on the tail, it is said that this is where the princess placed her ring for safe keeping.

Japanese Bobtail

In Japan cats gained the status of bringers of good luck when a monk once said to cat "Do something more than just sit around and catch mice." So this little cat went out of the temple and waved at the passing Samurai so that they can take shelter in the temple, since then the Samurai gave favor to the temple for the smart cat. Hence the waving cat of Japan became the symbol of inviting good luck to the home. What ever the reason cats became a part of man's life, what remains and what will forever be the first and formost agreement for man and cat is, hunt the rats and I'll keep you warm, hunt the mice and I'll keep you safe, sit beside me and purr before we go to sleep.:)