As well known American felinologists are the trendsetters in type, breed characteristics and temper of many such breeds of cats as Persian, Siamese, Devon- and Cornish-rexes, Mainkun, exotic shorthaired, Ragdoll, and many others including Russian blue as well. However vigorous energy, interest and love to work make Americans move further. They permanently experiment with available pedigree material and all the time invent new breeds of cats with primary prescribed characteristics, or sometimes relying on the hand of good luck. Many devotees of felinology are professional breeders and overcome tremendous hardships to obtain registration and right to participate in a show for beloved and ward new breeds of cats. This article deals with breeds of cats born in USA. Some of them originated on their own due to influence of the environment, others - owing to laborious work of many breeders. We'd like to rest our gaze at the group of breeds that have arisen on the basis of wild cats of USA by means of adding to them blood of pedigree sires. Some of these breeds are extremely popular there in USA; others are only on their way to popularity among fanciers and specialists.
In Russia these breeds are little known. Perhaps some of them the reader will meet for the first time. Nevertheless, possibly our owners will become interested in one of the breeds we'll talk about, and somebody, will probably dedicate his life to them.
So, now we represent the reader some following breeds: American shorthaired, American wiry-haired, Bombay, Snowshoe, American curl (American with colored ears), California spangled (California carnival) and exotic shorthaired. We're going to make a detailed survey of the origin, characteristics, temper and health of cats of these wonderful breeds.
American shorthaired
Origin and history. American shorthaired is a USA indigenous breed that has appeared there some centuries ago and apparently was brought here by pilgrims. In spite of this it hasn't been recognized till 1900ths. This cat one may have found on farms, rancho, near sheds, houses, where it has exercised a "sanitary control", diligently fighting rodents and becoming stable, firm, healthy breed. In 1900 and 1901 the first shorthaired cat was registered. However, in fact that was the Britain shorthaired cat named belly colored red marble. Then in 1904 the male cat named buster brown colored black smoky was registered and became the official breed ancestor. The accurate program of breeding of American shorthaired was elaborated in order to stabilize it as a breed, different from its European forefathers. Only by 1930 the progress have appeared to be clear, and in 1950 the CFA published a book of sires of domestic shorthaired which included 50 animals. Up to 1966 the breed was known under this name, and up to 1985 cats that phenotypically (outwardly) met the standard of American shorthaired were registered in CFA as domestic shorthaired. Today the breed is stable and only purebred sires are engaged in breeding. The top of hard work of fans of this breed has become a splendid male cat colored classical brown tabby, GC, MW SOL-MER SHARIF that took the highest title of CFA in 1966 - "the cat of the year". The second in this breed was the female cat the 12 of the best in CFA colored brown tabby GC, NW ORENO GUMMY BEARS.
Breed description. CFA admit almost all possible colorings for this breed: white, black, blue, red, cream, chinchilla, silvery shaded, shell-cameo, shaded cameo, smoky colorings and bicolors, particolor, tabby (classical, tiger, patched and cameo tabby as well). Chocolate, lavender and Himalayan colorings are not accepted yet. The color of eyes and pads and tip of nose may vary and depend on the color of hair. American shorthaired amazes by its energy, power, and mightiness - its appearance is the best evidence. These cats are of middle or large size with clearly pronounced sexual type that is males are much bigger, mighty and massive than females. The description limit standards of CFA are quite interesting. The maximum height of cat is equal to distance from withers to floor, i.e. the maximum size is limited. Its length is equal to distance from sternum to the most prominent point of buttock. American shorthaired has a stretched size and visually is divided into three parts: from sternum to elbow, from elbow to the forward side of the forelimb, and from the forward side of the forelimb to hind side of buttock. Tail is long, and is equal to distance from withers to its base. Cats of this breed should have big stretched head that is en face the head is rather long then wide. Cheeks are rotund; forehead is skewed a little, with no prominence between ears. Ears of middle size are fixed at their tips and attached at good distance from each other. Big opened eyes are situated somewhat obliquely relative to nose so that the outer edge of eye is somewhat higher than then inner one. Nose is of middle length with a mere skew at the point of connection with forehead. American shorthaired has a mighty, square and powerful head with long jaws and firm chin. Cats of this breed have a hard and strong skeleton, perfectly developed musculature and wide chest and mighty legs. Back is wide, mighty, a little bit skewed at the base of tale. Legs are strong, of middle length with strong muscles. American shorthaired has round, robust rolled up paws and stout tail with an obtuse tip. It's notable for thick and short hair.
Requirements for animals entering shows. A cat may be disqualified if any changes in appearance that may prove hybridization take place such as long or fluffy hair, or pronounced stop, or bulging eyes, or projecting bridge of nose. Defects of tail, incorrect number of fingers, incorrect bite, obesity or emaciation, inadequate behavior may also become the reasons of disqualification. Excessive roughness of constitution and short tale in American shorthaired are also fined.
How to keep and take care. The owner should encourage his pet to make its "exercises" because these cats are very lazy and tend to put on weight. Short thick hair needs brushing especially during molting (usually in spring). As a rule, these cats like to eat showing a surprising greediness during having their meal and preferring doing this in solitude in some secluded corner. In USA in big nurseries American shorthaired cats are often kept in fresh air in specially found aviaries, if climate allows this. Most part of its time in this case American shorthaired devotes to contemplation laying comfortably on the deck chair... Peculiarities of behavior. American shorthaired may easily adopt to any life conditions and surroundings (people, animals, birds, etc.) It's very clever and well behaved and is easy to train. Likes to purr, nestling up to its' master, has a soft voice. It's very clean and delicate at home. Tends to show its' independence and is perfect as a guard - adroit, swift and tireless. Some medical problems are possible. American shorthaired is very strong and healthy breed that has consolidated its genetic basis during struggle for survival.
American wiry-haired.
Origin and history. The first cat of this breed was born in March 5 1966 in one of barn garrets of New York. The unordinary coloring of the kitten born from two American shorthaired parents, Bootsy and Fluffy, was regarded as spontaneous mutation. Joan O'Shea, a professional breeder, bought this wiry-haired, curly kitten and called it "Council Rock Farm Adams of Hi-Fi". The owner at once decided this kitten will have become the ancestor of a new breed of cats, and began her hard breeding program to achieve it. The discovered mutation occurred to be half-dominant and display itself only on certain kind of hair. Breeding wiry-haired animals didn't have a success; therefore wiry hair in posterity has appeared to depend on perfect type of hair of one of parents. Still is hard to get a desirable type of hair in cats of this breed. American wiry-haired cats today are few because of difficult breeding. In 1992 in USA only 400 cats of this breed were registered.
Breed description. In CFA all colorings approved for the American shorthaired are accepted. Cats of this breed may have any coloring and pattern that exclude obtained as a result of hybridization such as chocolate, lavender, Himalayan, or their combinations with white. Rough and curly hair is a unique peculiarity of this breed. This is easy to know by touching whiskers and hair on muzzle or ears. Every hair alone represents a hook or curl, as rigid as a wire. Thick, vivid hair with tough curls is preferred. American wiry-haired has a round head with projected cheekbones, well pronounced "face" features and mighty chin. Nose is slightly curled inside. Eyes are clear, big and widely placed. Eyes are slightly slanting; outer angles are high. Body is of middle or large size and with strong and brawny legs. Ears are with rounded tips, tail is thick and with obtuse tip.
Requirements for animals entering shows. Cats of this breed are disqualified if incorrect hair, any tail deformations, incorrect number of fingers and any coloring showing it was obtained through hybridization. Cats with fluffy and long hair or with expressed stop are fined. For the present moment none of representatives of this breed is among "the best 25 cats of CFA" yet. Though there are already some regional winners among cats of this breed. In 1996 a female cat colored brown-patched tabby GC, RW Proceed Miracolous Wire, was the best representative of the breed, and a male cat colored brown tabby GC Cactuscats Stiff Stuff was the second.
How to keep and take care. Uncommon hair structure of American wiry-haired demands special care. One must not brush the hair with a comb or hairbrush, as it tends to come out in layers. Owners should strictly follow the rules of hair care, directed on protecting from breaking and high temples; correct washing once a week and right feeding.
Behavior characteristics. American wiry-haired is very independent and restrained emotionally cat. Quickly adapts to children and animals at home. Usually is not accustomed to purring and only murmurs during having meal.
Probable medical problems. There are no any specific disorders for this breed so far. Easily damaged hair with a trend to coming out stays the main problem for this breed.
Bombay
Origin and history. That was Mikki Horner who in 1958 began rising of this breed based on a beforehand created image of a "mini panther". The result of mating of a Burmese sable colored with a black American shorthaired exceeded all expectations. In 1976 after 20 years of laborious selection a blue-black "mini panther" with sparkling hair and orange eyes was registered in CFA.
Breed description. Bombay is an absolutely anthracite-black cat including nose tip and pads. The hair is surprisingly short, closely adjacent to body, so lively and bright like a patent leather. Americans describe its image in the following way: patent-leather child with eyes like two new pence. So, Bombay is a cat of a middle size, has a hair shimmering deep black and gold or cupper eyes. Head is round with no projections and angles, with solid and strong chin. Ears are of middle size are set widely and slightly bent forward. Nose has a typical break (stop), but isn't turned-up.
Requirements for animals entering shows. Bombay may be disqualified if any marks or spots are present, or the tip of nose and pads are colored another than black. Green eyes or superfluously pronounced break, leading to heavy breathing or puffing, are inadmissible as well. Cats of this breed should have correct bite and correct number of fingers. Any defects of tail are considered to be disqualifying. Excessively rough and mighty animals with week musculature are fined. As a whole, Bombay is the very cat whose mark at an exhibition at 55% depends on the color and quality of hair. In 1996 male GC, RW Ratatat's Night After Nite and female GC, RW Tangyi's H.M. mistress of the night became the first and the second of the best representatives of breed correspondingly.
How to keep and take care. A Bombay needs frequent washing to keep hair clean and sparkling. It molts at the age of 1 year when brown, down hair should be brushed out. After some time absolutely "stripped" animal become overgrown with a new hair.
Behavior peculiarities. Bombays are very tender and loving cats. They Like delicious and hearty food. They are usually nice with all members of family, however remaining unfriendly with children.
Possible medical problems. Bombays may have some genetically determined diseases of heart, spinal channel and skull, or be their carriers. Many bloodlines carry skull deformations. Heavy nasal breathing caused by an extremely pronounced stop are often in cats of this breed.
Snowshoe
Origin and history. Snowshoe is a cat with Siamese marks, reminding elegant white shoes. Mrs. Dorothy Hinds-Dougherty in Kensing nursery has created this breed about 30 years ago. The unusual coloring is a result mating of Siamese cats with classic coloring and grand bi-colored American shorthaired ones. Taking into account the fact that bi-colored gene is dominant and Siamese - is recessive, one should have expected the first posterity to be bi-colored. Breeding hybrids with each other gave the first cats of a new breed. After Snowshoe has become a real breed Mrs. Hinds-Dougherty passed it to Vikki Olander. The standard was written and the new breed was registered in TICA, ACA and ACFA.
Breed description. Size of a Snowshoe cat is between middle and large. It inherited strength of American shorthaired and oriental gracefulness of Siamese cats. This is a perfectly balanced, harmonious animal with a well-developed musculature. Snowshoe cats may have seal- or blue-point color with white marks. The ideal coloring includes short white triangle in the form of letter v on the muzzle and spreading on the nose and the bridge. White mark may spread across the chin on the chest in the form of white line. "shoes" on fore and hind limbs should be of the same clear white color. Head is in the form of an equilateral triangle and is not so long as in Siamese ancestors. Eyes should be light blue, bright and shimmering, big and oval. Ears are big and wide at their base. Body is of middle size; skeleton is not that mighty; perfectly developed musculature. Hair is short, bright, elastic and slightly rough by touch.
Requirements for animals entering shows. Cats that have eyes other than light-blue, cats with long hair, or with light and dark marks located in any other places than in that agreed in code of standards, or with lack or excess of white color in loci of marks (on muzzle and legs) are disqualified. White color shouldn't present in any other parts of body 9including tail, ears etc.). Breed still hasn't been registered in CFA.
How to keep and take care. Snowshoe has a short hair that is easy to care. These cats enjoy swimming and eagerly take a bath.
Peculiar features. Snowshoe cats like people. They are very loving, charming, tender and affectionate and never happen to be nervy or excited. At home this cat provides peace and good will in all members of the family. As a rule they always follow their masters, permanently being nearby. They are very fond of playing with the owner, seeking for different hidden small things. They are kind and shrewd, and patient to children. An absence of vocal talents, which are typical for their Siamese ancestors one may regard as an advantage.
Probable medical problems. In a whole Snowshoe cats took their good health and even temper from American shorthaired cats. However some blood lined are to be carriers of tail defects inherited from Siamese ancestors. Today all animals that have occurred to be carriers of this defect are excluded from breeding.
American curl (American with curled ears)
Origin and history. In 1981 first cats with "curled" ears, two homeless kittens came to the Joe and Grace Ruga house in Lakewood, NA. Owners draw attention to kittens' ears - strange with strong cartilage, bent back. One of them after had his meal went on his way, another one, who occurred to be a female, peacefully settled on the sofa. Year after Sulamyth, as the stranger was called, gave birth to a litter of 4 kittens. All four had "curled" ears. That was the way it became known that "curled" ears in cats is a dominant characteristic and derived from a spontaneous mutation. A curl of ear begins to form as early as at 4-7 day after birth. The curl itself situated in the first 1/3 of ear from its' base.
Grace Ruga continued breeding Sulamyth posterity. She gave her sister Ester Brimlow a female cat called Mercedes. The latter gave birth to kittens, and Mrs. Nancy Kiester who is now a fan of this breed, took two of them. After she had read a scientific article about Scottish folds she decided to create a similar new breed. She called Grace Ruga and came to agreement to exhibit Sulamyth and two of its grand-grand-sons in a show in Palm Springs, NA. These cats had a great success in the show. With a help of Jean Grimm, a professional breeder, the standard of a new breed was established. In 1985 TICA recognized American curl to be worth registering, and next year it gave a right to participate in championship to its' longhaired representatives. Then the breed American curl was recognized by CFA and today consists of two divisions: longhaired and shorthaired.
Breed description. Ears should be big and wide at its base and rounded on its tips. The curl (break) of ear must be pronounced, with its endings directed back and to the center of a skull. Head is slightly wedge-shaped (rather long than wide). Eyes are big, looking calmly and friendly. Body is of middle size and strong. Usual weigh of these cats is between 3 and 4.5 kg.
Requirements for animals entering shows. Ears must be stand-up and opened, bent straight back relative to face. Cats with closely placed, incorrectly bent or "asinine" ears with vertical break or horizontal bent or with crimped inner surface are to be disqualified. Nose should not have an expressed stop. Cats with superfluously developed underhair, with fluffy or rough hair structure or with mere defects of tail in a form of bulge will be "punished" too. Animals with excessively bent ears, with endings touching the head or the back surface of ear are disqualified. Cats with insufficiently strong cartilage at its base with a break lower then in 1/3 of the length from the base of ear are also disqualified. The winner of this breed, in addition shouldn't have any defects of tail. In 1996 a female cat GC, RW Procurlharem Lauren Bacurll colored brown patched tabby and a white male cat GC Musique Scooby Doo were the best of the longhaired division; and a male cat GC Sandybears Sagan's Legacy colored brown mackerel tabby was the first in shorthaired one.
How to keep and take care. American curl cats are very unpretentious and don't need special care. Hair requires minimal effort for it never felts. These cats are very lively and playful and need enough space and trainers for their physical exercises.
Behavioral peculiarities. Cats of this breed are very polite and intelligent. They like to play, communicate with other cats, but prefer contact with its master. They can be easily taught, like long walks, stepping with dignity on the lead beside its master. As a rule they are faithful friends and companions in games with children.
Probable medical problems. At the present nothing is known about any genetic defects or specific disorders the breed is notable for. As a whole American curl is remarkable for its excellent health.
California spangled
Origin and history. Few breeds wish to have the same origin as California spangled. It was created by Poul Casey, a Hollywood scriptwriter and in 1986 became a Christmas gift to a "Neiman Marcus" weekly. Author's idea about raising a domestic cat with splendid spots on its' body, the same as in wild cats got an encouragement. It has taken 10 years to get this breed and finally we can see a luxurious cat with athletic figure, with opened, almond-like eyes, with head wide at cheekbones, and rounded spots on its body. In 1971 a pedigree work began from a couple of sires: longhaired patched silvery male cat and a Siamese female cat with wide, apple-like head. Then brown patched marble Manxes and half-blooded Abyssinian cats from Egypt colored pale yellow with specks, and shorthaired patched cats from Malaya were added. In 1981 they managed to obtain a desirable type of such cat. And in 1987 first cats of this breed were registered in TICA. The breed is accepted in some European countries as well. Though it's not accepted in CFA.
Breed description. Only colorings with correct spotted pattern are admitted: silvery, coal, bronze, gold, red, blue, brown, and black spotted. At the first glance, California spangled is a very spotted cat that has a strong body, straight along its' length in a form of tube. The hair is soft and short except the tail where it is softer and longer. Spots cover its back and sides and neck, stripes are between ears and on the limbs. Round, square, oval or triangular spots are preferable rather than in a form of half-moon or oblong. Tail with 2 or 3 dark rings has an obtuse dark ring on its ending. California spangled is rather big brawny cat and has mighty legs that are at right angles towards body and provide rectangular profile and majestic posture - a posture of a "hunter". Eyes are wide-opened, almond-like and bright. A strong chin completes not too much heavy head. Ears are of middle size and placed high.
Requariments for cats entering shows. Green eyes, white marks, spots of incorrect form or in incorrect places, and bad temper or malevolency are fined in California spangled. Lash-like tail with marks and low placed ears are "punished" too. The winner of the breed should not have white spots except for a single white point on the chest. Elongated or shortened skull, light tip of tail or defects in chin or jaw structure will prevent a cat to become a winner.
How to keep and take care. California spangled is very communicative. They prefer active games. As a rule, one doesn't have much trouble with these cats. They should be energetic and not aggressive. These cats like to stretch vastly while grinding claws and try to have a rest on as high as possible places.
Possible medical problems. An absence of any disorders is to be a positive character of this breed.
Exotic shorthaired
The History of this breed - the top of breeding of American electioneers - goes back into late 50ths and the beginning of 60th years when professional breeders began to mate American shorthaired with Persians. This resulted in that the American shorthaired began to loose its specific features and to obtain new characters that were inherited in hybrids remarkable for an unusual beauty and kind temper. Hybrids were rushed the blood of Russian blue and Burmese cats to obtain a specific hair - not too short but soft and silky at touch. In 1996 due to efforts of Jane Marthinik a new breed of cats called Exotic shorthaired was registered in CFA.
Breed description. Colorings correspond to coloring variations in Persian cats. Color-points (Himalayan coloring) are considered as the most exquisite among these cats. The standard for these cats is based on that for Persian cats, except for description of hair - the latter should be short but longer than in other shorthaired breeds, thick and standing away from the skin, soft and silky, very pleasant at touch and easy to care. Such hair is attributed to a polygene inheritance from Persian but at the same time some shortening has happened due to change in the single major gene. Exotic cats have a round massive head, chubby and wide cheeks, and a mandible, strong and wide. Small rounded ears are slightly bent forward and widely placed. Eyes are big, round and widely placed too. Nose is short, turned-up, with wide tip and a stop between eyes. These cats have a compact mighty body, wide chest and a trunk round in section. Limbs are short, thick and strong. Paws are round, big and strong. Tail is short, thick, stout, with no bends or breaks on its' tip.
Requirement for animals entering shows. Cats of this breed may be disqualified in the presence of any defects of tail (break, bend, bulge, etc.), weakness or inexact movement of hind limbs, deformations of backbone, deformations of mandible causing face asymmetry, blind or squint eyes or albugoes.
How to keep and take care. Exotic is one of the most unpretentious breeds of cats. It needs brushing once a week in order to remove dead hairs and to massage the skin. In case of need for washing one may use any shampoo for cats or an ordinary one, containing conditioner. After washing hair needs drying necessarily otherwise owing to a thick underhair the hair itself will stay damp for a long time. Diet of these cats should consist of an ordinary well-balanced food.
Typical behavior. Their temper and behavior exotics have inherited from their Persian ancestors. They are very steady, clever and tender, affectionate and friendly cats. Perhaps they are more playful than Persians.
Probable medical problems. Exotics just as Persians may have some deformations of jaws and teeth. Some cats possess heavy nasal breathing because of too short nose or deformations of bones of facial part of skull that lead to narrowing of nasal ducts. The same alterations that disturb an outflow from skull sinuses may induce sinusitis. A superfluous epiphora in Exotics is common problem of all snub-nosed cats. In absence of proper eyes and skin care dermatitis and conjunctivitis may occur around them. Nevertheless as a whole, Exotic cats are notable their enviable health which they got from American shorthaired, and are surprisingly unpretentious. Wonderful health, hair that needs mere care and very cute "plush" image of an Exotic appear to be the main reasons of the growing popularity of this breed in USA.
Larissa Voronina, a candidate of medical science
Translated by Tatiana Karpova (Moscow)
(MSU, Biology faculture, Dep. zoology and ecology).