Most people know more about
the different breeds of pedigreed dogs than they do about
pedigreed cats.
Since late in the 1890’s
records have been kept on the bloodlines of cat breeds and the
cat fancy has grown over the years to encompass most of the
continents.
At this time, there are many
pedigreed breeds of cats, the actual number varies depending
upon the association or resource you ask. CFF currently
recognizes at least 32 different breeds for showing.
Experimental and Provisional
are a show class for new breeds of cats, this class is allowed
to be exhibited and judged, but cannot be awarded titles.
A brief description of some
of the cat breeds you will see at a CFF Show is included in this
pamphlet. Enjoy the show!
The Maine Coon cat is the
most registered and shown breed in CFF. Not surprising since it
is a native cat that originated in New England. The Maine Coon
is one of the largest cats you will see in a show. It has a long
shaggy coat and a full plumed tail that it proudly holds
upright. They chirp and trill to call their people. They are
loving, loyal and are great with kids and other pets. A true
"Gentle Giant" of the Cat Fancy
The Persian cat is sweet,
affectionate and easy going. Built more for comfort than for
speed, their bodies are heavy, heads are round and broad with
large round eyes and small rounded ears; giving the Persian a
sweet open expression. Their long, full coats which require
regular grooming and bathing. The Persian cat comes in all
except the pointed colors.
The Himalayan, currently the
second most registered cat in CFF is a hybrid breed of the
Persian. The Himalayan resulted from breeding a Persian with a
Siamese. Once only accepted in the pointed colors, it is now
also recognized in most non-pointed Persian colors. The
non-pointed Persian colors resulted from additional breeding a
Himalayan to a Persian. The "Himi" follows the same cat show
standards as the Persian in CFF as to their type and are shown
in separate color classes from the Persian.
Another hybrid breed of the
Persian is the Exotic Shorthair/Exotic Longhair. Established by
breeding a Persian to a American Shorthair or Burmese. The
Exotic Shorthair, nicknamed the "lazy man Persian" has a medium
length plush coat, while the Exotic Longhair coat length and
texture is the same as the Persian. The Exotics body type and
head are the same as the Persian. An advantage of the Exotic is
that it can be found in all the Persian and Himalayan colors in
both the long and short hair versions.
The Siamese cat is very
popular with cat lovers. Their light color coats, with darker
"points" on the face, paws & tail, along with their sleek
bodies, gives them a striking appearance. While their
personality varies with individuals, most are loving,
affectionate, and bond closely to their owners. They are very
vocal cats.
The Oriental Shorthair was
once considered a solid color Siamese. Orientals are sociable,
talkative and affectionate, as well as playful. The body and
head shape is the same as the Siamese.
The Balinese is the long hair
version of the Siamese. They posses the same elegant body form
and dramatic markings. They have a long silky coat, a feathery
tail. They are as affectionate and demanding as their Siamese
cousins.
Ragdolls are laid back,
loving and will follow you around like a puppy. They have a
tendency to flop and are always underfoot. Some will fetch
and come when called. They are easy to groom, having no undercoat, and are
mat resistant. They are great with children.
If Abyssinians were the
ancient Egyptian cats, is it any wonder that they were
worshipped as gods? Elegant, energetic, and inquisitive, Abys
are the natural athletes of the cat world, Michael Jordan might
spend his next life as an Aby. They prefer shoulders to laps.
Dog-like and easily trained, Abys make excellent pets for
families that have dogs, children, and sports fans (men). They
prefer shoulders to laps. The long hair model is called a
Somali. If you either of these breeds you'll have a cat who
stays a kitten throughout its entire life.
The Devon Rex is a medium
sized cat who is covered with wavy fur that comes in all colors.
Their ears are amazingly large, low on the sides of the head.
This trait causes them to look like E.T. or Yoda. They shed
very little, producing less dander, making them a good choice
for people who are allergic to cats. The Devon has a quiet
voice, is active, clownish and intelligent. They prefer human
company to other cats, and adore your attention.
The Cornish Rex has a wavy
coat like the Devon (which is caused by a genetic mutation
called marcelling). They are often called the "greyhounds of the
cat fancy" with their soft velvet waves of the coat, large ears
and racy looks. The Cornish Rex is alert and has intense
interest its surroundings and people. This trait makes them a
true ruler of the household.
The American Curl is a
relatively new breed. The breed name is due to the
characteristic of their ears curling backwards. The curl results
from a genetic mutation, not a curling iron. The American Curl
comes in both long and short hair versions. They have a silky
coat, a body that is long and lithe. They are a very active
breed, affectionate and inquisitive.
The American Shorthair is
said to have been on board the Mayflower, brought along with the
Pilgrims to be mousers. They have a sturdy body, plush coat and
come in all colors except pointed, the Tabby pattern being the
most popular. They are intelligent and playful, an All-American
pet.
British Shorthair cats have
remarkably thick, plush coat. These cats have wonderful round
faces and cheeks that make you just want to pinch them. They are
native to Britain but have been bred in the US for many years,
being developed into a massive teddy bear. They have amiable
personalities, are playful as kittens, but become more relaxed
as adults. "Brits" come in every color and pattern but are not
accepted in CFF in the pointed pattern.
Bengal cats originated by
breeding a domestic cat to an Asian wild cat, then developed by
outcrossing with several other breeds. The amount of "wild"
genes is now said to be about 10%. An inquisitive active breed,
they love to climb, are said to like water. They enjoy the
company of humans and other pets alike. They look like miniature
leopards, reminding you of their wild origins.
Scottish Fold / Longhair Fold
originated in Scotland in 1961. Medium sized with a round head,
big round eyes, a broad nose & small ears that fold down
highlight the roundness of the head (they look like they are
wearing a bonnet!) Their body is strong and muscular. The coat
is short and dense on the Shorthair; the Longhair’s coat is
medium long and soft. Very "purrsonable", playful & sweet, they
love their people and follow you around
The Turkish Angora is a
natural breed to the country of their origin, hence their name.
They were imported into the US around 1950. Most of the earliest
imports were white, but are now seen in many colors. The white
and Van pattern are the most popular. They are a very active
breed and love the water, many like to swim. They have a long
body and a silky coat.
Norwegian Forest Cats are
Norway’s natural treasure. They are a medium sized, semi-long
hair cat whose personality is gentle, sweet and loving. They
come in all colors except pointed colors. They are a
relatively new breed to the US, being imported in 1979. The
"Weegies" are a popular companion animal and a favorite in the
show hall.
The Siberian is a breed of
cat that comes from Russia. It is a sturdy cat with a feral(wild),
yet sweet face. They have thick coats that were developed
because of the cold environment where they lived. They have a
strong muscular look and come in many colors. They are an old
naturally occurring breed that is relatively new in the US.
The Sphynx is a breed that is
newly accepted into CFF for competition. The cats are not really
hairless as some believe; they have fine hair covering their
bodies. To feel a Sphynx is like touching a suede hot water
bottle. They bond with their humans, are affectionate and make
good pets for people with allergies.
Household Pets in CFF are
VIP’s (Very Important Pets). They can be registered and scored
for National Top Twenty wins. Any type of cat can be entered,
long hair, short hair, old, young(at least 4 months old). If
older than 8 months they must be neutered or spayed They can
not be declawed or devocalized. They are judged on health,
disposition and "purrsonality".
The Birman is known as the
Sacred Cat of Burma. It’s origins are said to be mystical, but
however it began, the
breed is lovely. They have white gloves and laces on the back
feet which are like little socks that come to a V. They have a
thick luxurious coat, a Roman nose, a sturdy body and truly Zen
personality. They only come in pointed colors.
Manx cats originated on the
Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. The lack of tail is a genetic
mutation. In CFF they are only recognized in the short hair
version, but they also come in a long hair version called a
Cymric. They are easy going, yet playful cat.
