- Details
- Category: Breeds
- Hits: 289755
General Description
The Minskin is a new breed of cat with short legs and fur points-that is fur on the face, ears, nose, legs and tail. The body skin may have sparse hair covering but the belly is always hairless. These engaging short-statured cats have all the agility of any other cat however sometimes they different paths to the top of the refrigerator instead of a single leap!
History
1998 saw Paul McSorley begin the development of the Minskin in Boston, Massachusetts. Just as the Siamese has color restricted to the points (or extremities), Paul McSorley envisioned a cat with short legs and fur restricted to the points. To accomplish his goal, he crossed a Munchkin with short legs and fur with a Sphynx for the hairless characteristic where fur can occur on the extremities. He also used Devon Rex and Burmese in his breeding program. The first cat that met his goal was born in July, 2000. And by early 2005 about 50 cats meeting the Minskin vision existed. The Minskin is currently in TICA's program that monitors the development of new breeds.
Personality
The outgoing Minskin is an affectionate cat that loves the company of people, especially children and it gets along well with other cats and dogs. They are intelligent determined cats that can do everything their larger counterparts can do but sometimes use their intelligence to puzzle out a new route to the same end. These friendly little cats are very playful and will entertain you with their athletic antics as they speed around your house like a radio-controlled miniature race car.
Traits
The dense fur points feel like cashmere but have a satin-like sheen. The coat on the body is sparse and the body feels very warm to the touch. There is very little shedding of the coat. It comes in all colors and patterns.They have a semi-cobby body with a stocky appearance that is low to the ground because of the short legs. They have a rounded head with large ears and large round eyes in a face with a sweet expression.
Minskin Breed |
Photos used courtesy of © Jim Child Photography.
- Details
- Category: Breeds
- Hits: 288523
General Description
The Aphrodite is a large, athletic, well-muscled, solid cat found on the island of Cyprus. They developed in the mountain region where their size and strength helped them in catching larger prey. They are slow to mature, females are smaller than males, and allowances should be made when comparing females and young cats to the standard. The overall appearance is in excellent physical condition, strength, and power while maintaining a gentle temperament.
History
The Aphrodite is a naturally occurring breed from the island of Cyprus, dating back 9500 years ago. The Cyprus Cats National Breeds Association’s breeding program started in 2006 following the observations of feral cats that were living in the area. It was clear that they did not conform to any recognized established breed. A trial breeding program was set up to establish if the cats bred true to type. The results were astounding and the rest is now history. Walter and Teresa Litherland are pioneers in the Aphrodite Breeding Program. Their hard work and the results of that work have started very successful breeding programs in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
Personality
The Aphrodite is a very loving cat that is almost dog-like. They enjoy being in the middle of an active family or just sitting on your lap. They get along with children, dogs, as well as other cats. Their large size and silly personalities make them a perfect companion. They do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they are very social cats so be prepared to spend quality time snuggling with your Aphrodite.
Traits
The Aphrodite comes in both semi longhair and shorthair with minimal grooming requirements. They come in all patterns and colors except pointed and mink. They are large and powerful but elegant cats with a gentle temperament. They are slow to mature, taking 3-5 years to reach their full size. Aphrodite males 15 – 18 pounds and females 10 – 14 pounds.
- Details
- Category: Breeds
- Hits: 257890
General Description
The striking look of the Highlander with its long sloping profile and loosely curled ears draws attention to this substantial cat. But it is the fun-loving nature that steals hearts as it entertains you with its crazy antics. This is a cat that loves to be the center of attention and its big cat look also helps keep it front and center. The Highlander comes in both short and long hair.
History
Development of the breed began in 2004 with the intent of creating a domestic cat with a powerful "big cat" look. In 2005, the name Highlander was settled on and breeders focused on defining the breed and its characteristics as they worked toward championship status in TICA - one of the largest registries in the world. The cats used to develop the breed were carefully chosen from the domestic gene pool and not from any existing recognized breed. The ears are a key feature of the Highlander. TICA recognized the Highlander for competition in the Preliminary New Breed class starting May 1st, 2008. They are currently being shown as an Advanced New Breed.
Personality
Despite their "big cat" look, the Highlanders are the clowns of the cat fancy and love to play and chase. They love human company and will be there to greet you at the door or will show off to visitors. Vocally they are relatively quiet cats but physically they are high energy cats. This energy comes out in entertaining chase games and it is this energetic activity that helps build the powerful musculature that is so characteristic of this breed.
Traits
The Highlander has a long, sloping forehead and medium to large eyes shaped like a slightly flattened oval set on a bias that look at you with great intensity. The nose is wide with large nose leather. Together, the nose, muzzle and chin provide a boxy look to the muzzle. The chin itself is deep and strong. These features make the head appear longer than it is wide. The ears are unique: the top 1/3 has a loose curl. They are set as much on the top of the head as on the side and stand tall and open with good width at the base.
The powerful, muscular body is substantial and entrances you with the beauty of its movement. Flexible long hind legs combine with the rippling muscles developed in the torso from its active play. The feet are large and have prominent knuckles. These are big powerful looking cats with a gentle disposition. The naturally short tail ranges in length from 1 inches to hock length. It is thick and articulated, and sometimes has kinks and curls in it. It also has a fat pad at the end. The Highlander's tail is an incredibly expressive element of the breed and will wag like a dog from sheer joy and signal its happiness and playfulness.
- Details
- Category: Breeds
- Hits: 266265
General Description
The ideal Serengeti cat is a medium-sized cat with long legs. It should be in excellent physical condition, strong and muscular. It should appear as a graceful, statuesque, squarely built cat with a very upright posture. Also noticeable is the long neck that which blends into the base of the skull without tapering. Strikingly large, round-tipped ears equal to length of the head are one of the main features of the Serengeti as are its bright, round eyes. They should have a gentle, confident, outgoing and alert temperament.
History
The Serengeti cat was created by Karen Sausman, owner of Kingsmark Cattery in California and a professional conservation biologist. She decided to create a domestic breed of cat that was partially modeled on the beautiful African serval. However, unlike the breed known as Savannah cats, the Serengeti cats have no serval blood and have been developed from crossing bengals and oriental shorthairs. A project to create the breed started slowly in 1995 and now Serengeti's are being bred by individuals around the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and even Russia. Serengeti cats are TICA registered and can be shown as a preliminary new breed.
Personality
The ideal Serengeti cat has an open, self-assured and friendly temperament. While they might be shy for a few moments in a new location, as soon as they warm up to their new owners and home they can become like Velcro, always wanting to be with you helping with every endeavor. These are extremely agile cats and very active. They love to get on high places and enjoy running through the house at full speed. They can be vocal, which comes probably from their oriental ancestors, and gladly talk with you about almost any subject. If properly introduced, they get along well with other pets.
Traits
The Serengeti is a medium boned, long-legged domestic cat. They have a short, tight coat with a silky texture. Serengeti's come in yellow to gold with a pattern of distinctly, widely spaced black spots. They also come in solid black and they may also be a cold grey with black spots and bright, white silver with black spots. The ears of the Serengeti are very large, rounded on the end and placed directly on top of their skull. Their large round eyes are usually gold to amber. In conformation and body type, the Serengeti is more similar to the oriental short hair but with larger boned and longer legs. They are also much more upright in their posture. Male Serengeti cats can weigh between 10-15 pounds and females weigh usually between 8-12 pounds.
- Details
- Category: Breeds
- Hits: 271950
General Description
The striking look of the Highlander with its long sloping profile and loosely curled ears draws attention to this substantial cat. But it is the fun-loving nature that steals hearts as it entertains you with its crazy antics. This is a cat that loves to be the center of attention and its big cat look also helps keep it front and center. The Highlander comes in both short and long hair.
History
Development of the breed began in 2004 with the intent of creating a domestic cat with a powerful "big cat" look. In 2005, the name Highlander was settled on and breeders focused on defining the breed and its characteristics as they worked toward championship status in TICA - one of the largest registries in the world. The cats used to develop the breed were carefully chosen from the domestic gene pool and not from any existing recognized breed. The ears are a key feature of the Highlander. TICA recognized the Highlander for competition in the Preliminary New Breed class starting May 1st, 2008. They are currently being shown as an Advanced New Breed.
Personality
Despite their "big cat" look, the Highlanders are the clowns of the cat fancy and love to play and chase. They love human company and will be there to greet you at the door or will show off to visitors. Vocally they are relatively quiet cats but physically they are high energy cats. This energy comes out in entertaining chase games and it is this energetic activity that helps build the powerful musculature that is so characteristic of this breed.
Traits
The Highlander has a long, sloping forehead and medium to large eyes shaped like a slightly flattened oval set on a bias that look at you with great intensity. The nose is wide with large nose leather. Together, the nose, muzzle and chin provide a boxy look to the muzzle. The chin itself is deep and strong. These features make the head appear longer than it is wide. The ears are unique: the top 1/3 has a loose curl. They are set as much on the top of the head as on the side and stand tall and open with good width at the base.
The powerful, muscular body is substantial and entrances you with the beauty of its movement. Flexible long hind legs combine with the rippling muscles developed in the torso from its active play. The feet are large and have prominent knuckles. These are big powerful looking cats with a gentle disposition. The naturally short tail ranges in length from 1 inches to hock length. It is thick and articulated, and sometimes has kinks and curls in it. It also has a fat pad at the end. The Highlander's tail is an incredibly expressive element of the breed and will wag like a dog from sheer joy and signal its happiness and playfulness.
