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

"All photos seen here are not my own and in no way am I claiming them to be my own. Some have the knowledge of the owners of me showcasing their cats Photos.
These photos are here to give adequate and vivid representations of cat breeds and conditions and are in no means for profit."

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

"All photos seen here are not my own and in no way am I claiming them to be my own. Some have the knowledge of the owners of me showcasing their cats Photos.
These photos are here to give adequate and vivid representations of cat breeds and conditions and are in no means for profit."

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

"All photos seen here are not my own and in no way am I claiming them to be my own. Some have the knowledge of the owners of me showcasing their cats Photos.
These photos are here to give adequate and vivid representations of cat breeds and conditions and are in no means for profit."