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Cat Breeds

Meet The British Fluffs: Mister Charlie, Queen Bobby, & Terror Teddy

by Modi Ramos September 13, 2021

In Gouda, South Holland, there lives a trio of adorable British Shorthair cats. And while they’re purrfectly photogenic, they’re funny, cheeky, and oh-so-clingy, too. British Shorthair cats are fluffy felines that can remind us of teddy bears, and for the British Fluffs, they’re unique appearance and adorable photos are cat-lover kryptonite!

I caught up with their owner hoping to feature them on the website, and thankfully she agreed. So, everyone meet the British Fluffs, three of the cutest British Shorthair cats you’ve ever laid your eyes on.

How did Mister Charlie, Queen Bobby, and Terror Teddy get their names?

When I was young I decided that when I got the possibility to get my own cat it should be a blue British Shorthair named Charlie. Luckily my boyfriend agreed haha. Charlie turned out to be a boy so he was the first mister of the house. Bobby is his white sister and the only female (queen) of the house. You don’t see blue eyes often by a white British Shorthair so that makes her even more our queen. Teddy is one year younger than Charlie and Bobby and is really a terrorist. He is by far the most naughty and cheeky. Teddy has the same mother as Charlie and Bobby and all three names are possible for a male/female, since we invented names before we could know the gender.

What are each of their personalities like?

Charlie is a real drama king and meows all day to get attention or snacks. Bobby is the most calm and quiet, except when there are flies in the house. Then she turned into a real serial killer. Teddy(bear) is the most cuddly and purrrs all day and night long. He challenges his big brother and sister until they romp.

I’ve heard that British Shorthair cats love to be near you at all times, are yours this way?

Absolutely yes. It’s an absolute no-go to go to the toilet or shower by only yourself. Bobby’s ritual is that she waits in front of the shower door after showering and then jumps on you for cuddles. It’s a full house in our room, and they also love to sleep on our bed at night.

What are their favorite hobbies?

Napping, relaxing and did I already said sleeping? British Shorthairs are really lazy. Charlie and Teddy are very playful and Bobby loves to catch flies. All three of them are really photogenic, as you can see at our Instagram.

What’s something special you’d like people to know about the British Fluffs?

The British Fluffs are really fluffy, cute and beautiful. They are unique each and so special together. Like I said before, there are not much white British Shorthairs with blue eyes and you also don’t see much brown (chocolate) British shorthairs. Follow us for a daily dose of fluff!

I’d like to give a special “thank you” to Lisa Miltenburg, the proud owner of the British Fluffs, for allowing me to share her cats’ story and cute photos with all of the Cattitude Daily readers. Hopefully this trio of cuties brightened your day. If you know another cat lover who would appreciate them, don’t forget to share.

Can’t get enough of British Shorthair cats? Learn all about them here in this fun video!

All Images Courtesy of british_fluffs on Instagram

September 13, 2021 0 comment

Cat Breeds Cat Breeds / Types of Cats

Feline 411: All About The Chartreux Cat Breed

by Victoria September 7, 2021

written by Victoria

The Chartreux cat is a majestic feline that might behave more like a dog than a cat. Although this cat is often confused with the British Shorthair, the Chartreux cat is very much a kitty with a look and history of its own!

Let’s learn all about the rare Chartreux cat breed!

Chartreux cat breed facts

You probably guessed it… these cats are French

The Chartreux cat is part of all aspects of French history. This cat has origins in the monasteries of France, where many believe the Chartreux cat was first bred. In fact, there were oral traditions passed down about these unique cats from these monasteries.

Fast forward a few hundred years, this cat made its way not only into written tradition but into nobility. There is a painting of an aristocratic woman, Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange, holding a grey kitty that many art historians agree is a Chartreux cat. This painting was commissioned in 1747! There are also several references to this feline in French literature too.

Chartreux kittens

But, the Chartreux cat’s origins are still unknown

While there are various allusions to the Chartreux cats in French history, the actual origins of this cat are pretty uncertain. The oral traditions passed on by the monks say that these cats originally came from the mountains of Syria. How they arrived in France was most likely by way of the Crusades, a religious war that began in the 11th century. Historians believe this tale, as there are many confirmed sightings of Chartreux cats along the roads Crusaders traveled to the Middle East.

These cats are pretty rare

The Chartreux cat isn’t one you’ll see just about anywhere. That’s because these cats were part of French nobility for a long time. As we know, nobility really values bloodlines. The French aristocracy controlled the breeding of these cats, making them very limited until this day.

This doesn’t just go for France or Europe. The Chartreux cat is rare even in the United States. That’s most likely due to the fact that this cat didn’t even arrive in the U.S. until 1970!

Chartreux cat breed

Chartreux cats have very unique hair

What is absolutely fascinating about the Chartreux cat is their coat. These cats actually have water-resistant fur. This means that, no matter how soaked these kitties get, they will come out of a bath pretty dry on their own. This is one of the few Chartreux cat facts that make these kitties more like dogs than cats.

Most can’t tell the difference between the British Blue and the Chartreux cat

These two kitties may have a similar blue-gray coat, but that isn’t enough to say these two cats are alike!

The British Blue cat does not have the water-repellant hair that Chartreux cats do. Instead, British Blues has a super dense and plush coat that definitely retains water. Also, British Blues have strong legs and are more stocky than the Chartreux.

The real big difference between these kitties is their eyes. Chartreux cats have distinctly orange eyes. British Blues, however, can have green, blue, gold, or even copper eyes.

Chartreux cat breed

Many adore these cats for how calm and quiet they are

Chartreux cats live by the motto: cool, calm, and collected. They prefer to live a low-key life, lounging around, and not annoying anyone. These cats are so chill that they rarely even hiss at people.

Also, Chartreux cats aren’t’ very chatty either. This goes from the moment these felines are kittens – these cats doesn’t make much of a peep! This makes these cats a favorite for many cat owners who prefer to maintain a very tranquil household environment.

The Chartreux cat loves to have a BFF

Even though these cats may not be chatty, they do love companionship. Chartreux cats stick by their humans. They don’t love being alone. These cats don’t mind being held for long periods of time. As many of us cat owners know – this isn’t common for most cats. So, if you’re a dog person looking for a cat, the Chartreux may be the cat for you!

In fact, Chartreux cats are known for picking their special someone. They like to get really close to one person and make them their best friend for life. This doesn’t mean that this kitty will forget about or be mean to others – these cats stay super friendly to everyone else. But, their special someone will forever get that extra special treatment.

Do you or anyone you know have a Chartreux cat? Well, what a rare treasure you have! We’d love to hear any and all the stories about these beautiful kitties.

pretty Chartreux cats

September 7, 2021 0 comment

Cat Breeds Cats

Meet Toby And Mr. Mika: A Pair Of Precious Ragdoll Cats To Brighten Your Day

by Modi Ramos September 3, 2021

written by Modi Ramos

With all the crazy news going on across the globe, if you do decide to go online, it’s nice to fill your feed with cats to keep your spirits up. For Toby and Mr. Mika, they’re a couple of super gorgeous Ragdoll cats that love to pose for the camera. And thankfully for us, their owner takes precious photos of them to share with the world.

May be an image of ragdoll cat

It’s hard not to fall head over heels for a Ragdoll: those eyes, that fluff, and so much kitty to love! These two cats each have their own personality, and they’ve carried the torch to honor their late cat housemate, Timo, whose adorable videos still brighten the days of many even after his passing.

I caught up with their owner hoping to share this cute pair, and thankfully see agreed! So, everyone, get to know Toby and Mr. Mika!

Where are you guys located?

We are living in the Netherlands.

May be an image of 1 person and ragdoll cat

What are each of their personalities like?

Mr. Mika is a very gentle, easy going, active and playful kitty. He’s very smart and loves to learn things like new tricks. Mr. Mika is a very curious boy. He has a special bond with his Koi fish friends, one in particular, the big white one. We call him Dino because he’s huge.

Toby loves to play as well but he’s not very gentle. He loves to play rough. He’s a bit bossy. Toby is big fluffy cuddle kitty, a real mommy’s boy. The typical thing is, he looks big but he sounds like a baby with his little baby squeaky sound. Toby has typical funny Ragdoll poses (sitting like a real man).

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What are their favorite hobbies?

Mr. Mika loves to hang around at the Koi pond, greeting his buddies. He visit them every day. He will always touch and even kiss them and never use his nails. The fishies recognize him too, it’s very special. He also loves to chase Toby. Mika always wants to play with everything he sees like a leaf, twig or a bug. He’s a busy kitty. He helps his cat dad at the Koi pond by dragging the fish net and checking out if they getting enough food. The best helper! Mr. Mika loves to chill in his hammock.

Toby loves feathers. He never gets enough of feathers. His daily routine is running after Mr. Mika in the morning, running like a maniac. A great workout. He’s always near Mika like a big brother (although they are not really brothers). Toby loves to chill in his hammock as well.

They say that Ragdoll cats will go limp when you hold them, how do your Ragdoll cats respond to being held? (They are both Ragdoll cats, correct??)

Yes they are both full breed Ragdoll cats. And yes they both go limp when you pick them up.

May be an image of ragdoll cat

May be an image of cat and snow

How do Toby and Mr. Mika get along with each other?

They get along very well. They loved each other since the beginning (since day 3). They are always playing together and grooming each other. A perfect match.

What’s something special you’d like people to know about Toby and Mr. Mika?

They’re special characters. Ragdolls are like puppy dogs. Funny, smart and pretty. Also, they are very gentle and their fur feels soft like silk.

The late Timo the Ragdoll cat

Could you please tell me a little bit about Timo, your late cat?

About Timo, he was a very special cat. Our first Ragdoll. We fell in love with him from the moment we saw him. He became well known on the internet because of his special bond with the Koi fish (just like Mika) and his hammock skills. Unfortunately he passed away too young in 2019 because of kidney failure. I receive daily messages of people watching old videos of Timo on YouTube again, telling me how much they miss him. He was loved all over the world.

I’d like to thank Toby and Mr. Mika’s owner for allowing me to share her gorgeous kitties with the Cattitude Daily readers. It’s so fun to be able to personally connect with cat owners all over the globe, so I hope you enjoyed learning about these two precious cats. To keep up with these cuties, follow them on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

May be an image of ragdoll cat

May be an image of Persian cat and ragdoll cat

All Images Courtesy of Timo the Ragdoll Cat on Facebook

September 3, 2021 0 comment

Cat Breeds Cat Breeds / Types of Cats

Feline 411: All About The Ocicat

by Victoria August 31, 2021

written by Victoria

An Ocicat isn’t hard to spot if you know what we mean. This cat is named after the gorgeous and wild Ocelot cat because of the gorgeous spotted coat they both share. Yet, Ocicats are not as wild as the breed they may resemble…

Let’s learn more about this pretty and popular cat breed!

types of tabby cat markings

Ocicats may look wild, but they’re not…

Just because Ocicats were named after Ocelots, doesn’t make them wild! In fact, Ocicats have always been a domesticated cat breed.

The only thing that makes Ocicats look wild is their fascinating appearance. Ocicats have a silky short-haired coat, with spots all over their sides and bellies. They also have especially large ears and eyes. While these may be characteristics of many kitties in the wild, the Ocicat’s spots were actually bred into existence!

These may not be wildcats, but boy are they athletic

What also fools many about the Ocicat is how athletic this domestic kitty is. You can tell from its strong, muscular bodies. A lot of times, people expect this lean kitty to be light and delicate. But, picking up an Ocicat can feel kinda like lifting a tiger cub!

Since Ocicats have such athletic builds, they are super active. Ocicats love to climb on everything. With their powerful legs, they can reach great heights and make spectacular landings. So, perhaps it’s best to not leave the cat food on top of the fridge with an Ocicat around.

ocicat breed facts

Ocicats happened by accident

So, if Ocicats aren’t even part wildcat, how did these pretty kitties come to be? Well, the Ocicat occurred after a little experimentation challenge back in 1964…

Virginia Daly, a professional cat breeder, was asked to try to breed a Siamese with an Abyssinian. The reason wasn’t to create a spotted cat, rather to breed a pointed Siamese. Daly was successful with the original goal, but her second litter revealed a cute little kitty with tons of spots.

Daly couldn’t help but notice the cat. She named him Tonga, breeding him and introducing the Ocicat to the world. This breed was officially recognized by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1987.

These cats have 12 different color variations

All Ocicats have spots. But, not every Ocicat is the same color!

It may surprise you to know that Ocicats have 12 color variations. These variations range from tawny to chocolate to even lavender-spotted Ocicats.

ocicat kitten

Ocicats are technically Tabbies

Before you get confused – you must remember that Tabby isn’t a breed of cat. It is a coat pattern!

Ocicats are agouti tabbies, meaning they have a ticked pattern of fur. An Ocicat’s hairs are both light and dark. You can notice this by looking very closely at the kitty’s fur, especially in the light.

But, what makes an Ocicat officially a tabby is their “M” marking on their forehead. This is the famous ‘mark’ of any tabby.

So, what makes an Ocicat a tabby? Their Abyssinian parents of course! Agouti tabbies are also known as Abyssinian tabbies.

Despite their pretty spots, these cats do not require a lot of grooming

A pretty cat can fool us to think they’re high maintenance when in reality it’s quite the opposite. Ocicats don’t require any special pampering.

To keep your Ocicat looking and feeling great, it’s best to brush their coat once a week. This will not be hard to do either, as Ocicats really do adore human attention.

ocicat cat breed

Ocicats natural-born entertainers

What makes Ocicats so adored is how friendly they are. Their whimsical personality makes them always a joy to be around. Ocicats are very intelligent, picking up on all kinds of games super fast. Coupled with their love for climbing on nearly anything, you’ll never be bored with an Ocicat around.

And, they are true lovers at heart

Not only do Ocicats love to play, but they love to…love! Ocicats have big ole hearts for their humans. This isn’t just for their human parents – Ocicats are known to be very friendly to strangers too. An Ocicat’s affectionate and charming personality makes this cat breed a reliable pick for families, even ones with young kids.

The Ocicat may not be as wild as they look, but that doesn’t make this kitty any less cool. Ocicats are fun, athletic, and witty kitties that any cat lover will fall in love with.

Do you know someone with an Ocicat, or is looking to bring one home? Share this article with them – it will only get them more excited to have an Ocicat in their life!

ocicat breed facts

August 31, 2021 0 comment

Cat Breeds Cat Breeds / Types of Cats

Feline 411: All About The Balinese Cat Breed

by Victoria August 20, 2021

written by Victoria

Some may mistake a Balinese cat for a Siamese, but, trust me, this cat is one of a kind. Balinese kitties have beautiful long-haired fur, striking blue eyes, and an adorable personality. It’s hard not to adore these cats! Let’s learn a little bit more about what makes the Balinese cat breed so unique.

Balinese cat breed

The Balinese cat breed spontaneously occurred!

There wasn’t a plan to breed the Balinese. This gorgeous kitty actually happened by accident. History tells us that, in the 1940s, a breeder noticed Siamese kittens with long-haired fur in a litter. Their long hair resulted from a spontaneous mutation in the genes of a Siamese, creating the Balinese cat.

What is even more interesting is that this spontaneous mutation wasn’t a new occurrence. In fact, the CFA (Cat Fancier’s Association) recognized a longhair Siamese in 1928. Yet, it wasn’t until after the 1940s that the Balinese became an official breed…

Many believe that these long-haired Siamese cats were bred out of litters selectively to keep the Siamese cats as ‘purebred’ as possible. When the Balinese cat was finally recognized in the 1940s and 1950s, it came as no surprise – World War I and World War II had recently passed and deeply depleted the domestic cat population. To save the Siamese, breeders were less particular about air-lengths. The result was the revival of the long-haired mutation and the official birth of the Balinese cat breed!

Balinese cat breed

These cats are not actually Balinese…

The funny thing about the Balinese cat breed is that it didn’t come from Bali or have ancestors that did. A breeder actually picked the name because of the Balinese cat’s graceful nature. It reminded the breeder so much of Balinese dancers that she decided to name this cat breed after them. This worked out, as many Siamese breeders were very opposed to naming this new breed a Siamese…

These kitties give a lot of love

A Balinese will be right there for you if you’re experiencing heartbreak, trust me. Balinese cats are super affectionate. They love to connect with their humans and often have a great sense of their human companions’ emotions. Balinese cats are also always ready for belly rubs and cuddles. But, most of all, these cats love to be silly and play all kinds of games. The Balinese actually adore a good game of fetch!

balinese cat breed

The Balinese also are very clever kitties…

What makes the Balinese so playful is how curious and brilliant they are. The Balinese are one of the smartest cat breeds around. You can notice this in how inquisitive they are. The Balinese cat breed is known for loving to investigate. These kitties are super athletic, jumping and climbing on anything of their interest. This is usually so that they can find the perfect place to observe an entire room. As you can see, the Balinese are very tactical kitties who always want to know what’s up!

These cats love to strike up a conversation

You wouldn’t believe how much these cats love to chat! It’s the way that Balinese cats express their emotions, including how much they love their humans. This is a trait they definitely get from their Siamese family, although typically the Balinese aren’t as chatty as their Siamese relatives. Balinese Cat Breed Information

The Balinese cat breed has pretty color points

The beautiful color points on Balinese cats are hard to miss. Color points refer to the different colored fur on a cat’s ears, face, paws, tail, or even nose. These unique color variations in Balinese fur come directly from their Siamese heritage.

The two breeds also share the same kinds of color points too. There can be blue, seal, chocolate, or even lilac color point Siamese or Balinese cats. These color points give Balinese cats all a unique look.

balinese cat breed

And, they don’t shed as much as you’d think!

Many often think that because a Balinese has long hair, this cat sheds a ton of fur. That’s not true at all. Balinese shed the least compared to other long-haired cat breeds. The Balinese only have one coat, meaning that these cats are simple to groom and have less hair to shed. This is one of the reasons many adore the Balinese- you get to look at a gorgeous long-haired kitty without having to deal with any major grooming hassle!

There’s no doubt that the Balinese are intelligent and pretty kitties. We are so grateful that these wonderful cats came to be. If you or someone you know has a Balinese kitty, share this article with them. They may learn a thing or two about their funny and friendly feline!

Balinese cat breed

August 20, 2021 0 comment

Cat Breeds Cat Breeds / Types of Cats

Feline 411: All About The Snowshoe Cat Breed

by Victoria July 28, 2021

written by Victoria

The snowshoe cat breed has a unique look and history, making it one of the most fascinating cat breeds around. With their striking blue eyes and unique color points, snowshoe cats stand out with their dazzling looks.

So, how much do you know about the snowshoe cat breed? If you don’t know a ton, don’t you worry – we’re bringing you all the cool facts on this fascinating and rare breed of kitty!

snowshoe cat breed

Snowshoe Cats are related to the Siamese

The distinct markings on a snowshoe often have them mistaken with the Siamese. To set the record straight – these are two different kitties. But, the snowshoe cat breed is ‘part’ Siamese. In fact, there wouldn’t be a snowshoe cat without a Siamese cat.

How is that? The snowshoe cat breed itself resulted from breeding a Siamese and American shorthair cat together. This created a kitty with an athletic build, short coat, and very pretty color points, like its Siamese parents!

These cats happened by accident!

We now know that Snowshoes came from the Siamese and American shorthair cat. But, as far as we know, no one purposefully bred those two cats. Rather, snowshoe kittens were discovered in a Siamese mamma cat’s litter. The kittens stood out with their cute little white feet.

What is super interesting about Snowshoe cats is that their looks rely heavily on recessive genes. This makes breeding Snowshoe cats a little more difficult, as you have to do a little more work to ensure that the gene will be present in a litter. This is what makes Snowshoe cats pretty rare.

snowshoe cat breed

These cats are named for their unique look

The discovery of the Snowshoe cat breed all happened because these kitties stood out with their…feet! We can thank the breeder Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty for giving these cats their unique name. In the 1960s, this breeder noticed the white feet on a few kittens in a Siamese litter. This unusual trait inclined her to name these kittens “Snowshoe.”

They actually love the water

Those who think all cats hate the water are wrong, and the Snowshoe cat breed proves it! One of the most surprising traits of the Snowshoe cat breed is their love of the water.

This makes Snowshoe cats one of the easiest to bathe. Chances are – your Snowshoe will already be in the bathtub before you even tell them it’s grooming time!

snowshoe cat breed

These cats wish they were humans

If loving the water didn’t convince you enough that Snowshoe cats want to be human, then wait until you discover their personality. Snowshoe cats are full of charm and super-expressive, similar to their Siamese parents. They’re also total lovers and truly adore their human companions. The only thing missing is that Snowshoes don’t speak human! The Snowshoe cat breed also has such a fondness for their humans that they actually prefer having their human companions around.

They are great with kids

A Snowshoe’s intelligence and love for humans also make them a great cat for families. Snowshoes are gentle cats that really care about humans. These cats are also very well-tempered around dogs, making Snowshoes adaptable and welcome in any household. Of course, like with all animals, it is always best to be safe and to instruct children how to interact with cats.

Snowshoes tend to pick a best friend…

The funniest part about a Snowshoe’s affection is that it more often than not goes towards one person. Yup – Snowshoe cats tend to choose one human BFF. Once these cats make their choice, that’s it for life. Many think this makes the snowshoe cat breed more like a dog than any other cat breed. But, who doesn’t want a feline best friend?

They can get lonely really easily

As we can see, snowshoe cats are a super social cat breed. But, super social creatures do struggle to be alone. Snowshoes are notorious for getting lonely very quickly. Just like dogs, you can’t leave a Snowshoe alone for a long time. Some Snowshoe cat owners opt to get another cat or dog to distract their snowshoe while they’re gone.

Are you lucky enough to own a Snowshoe? Or someone you know? If so, that’s awesome – Snowshoes are a very special cat breed. Don’t hesitate to share all the details on the Snowshoe cat breed with anyone looking for a new kitty. You might just help them meet their new best friend!

snowshoe cat breed

Have you ever wondered why cats like Siamese and Snowshoes have those pretty color points? Find out the answer here on CattitudeDaily.com.

July 28, 2021 0 comment

Cat Breeds

Feline 411: All About The Himalayan Cat Breed

by Victoria July 7, 2021

written by Victoria

Himalayans are super unique cats. These cats have their very own look. Their thick silky fur and striking blue eyes make the Himalayan cat breed hard to go unnoticed. Maybe you already know that and are already a Himmie owner yourself. We don’t blame you – the Himalayans are a beautiful cat breed.

So, what makes the Himalayan cat breed different from its Persian and Siamese parents? Lots of things!

Himalayan cat breed

Let’s Discover All About the Himalayan Cat Breed

The Himalayan Cat is a Hybrid

The Himalayan cat breed doesn’t have an ancient history. Rather, the Himalayans were a result of crossbreeding two other cat breeds: the Persian and Siamese cat.

This all happened in the 1930s when two Harvard researchers Clyde Keeler and Virginia Cobb aspired to combine the traits of the Siamese and Persian cat. Their research and breeding didn’t stop there – for decades after their experiment, many breeders continued to crossbreed the two cats, creating the gorgeous Himalayan cat breed we know today.

There’s a lot of discussion around whether the Himalayan should be considered its own breed. Some classify the Himalayan as part of the Persian group while others consider these cats their own individual breed.

himalayan cat breed

The Himalayan Cat Breed Come in 20 Different Colors

Himalayans don’t all look the same. You’d be surprised to learn that the Himalayan cat breed has 20 different color points! This is something that influenced their breeding. Himalayans have various point colorations that make each Himmie unique in its own way.

Check out this fun graphic which features the many fun color points of the Himalayan!

So, what are the color points of Himmies? The most common ones are lilac point and lynx point Himalayans, which have even more coloration variations among them! These are the reason why you may see Himalayans with creamy white hair, dark brown hair, or even blue-ish hair. They make look different, but they are all equally Himalayan.

Himalayan cat breed

These Cats have Stunning and Sensitive Eyes

No one can deny that the Himalayans have some beautiful eyes, thanks to their Siamese parent. These eyes aren’t just blue, they’re a bold and striking blue that no one can miss. It comes as no surprise that Himmies are known for expressing everything with their eyes.

As we know, beautiful things must be taken care of Himalayans often struggle with eye issues. This isn’t a result of their gorgeous eyes – it is because Himalayans are brachycephalic, like pugs. This means that they have flat faces, making them prone to certain respiratory and eye issues.

himalayan cat breed

Don’t Be Fooled by Their Fluffiness

Himalayans fool us with their hair. While they do have a relatively larger body than other breeds, Himmies are not as big of cats as they appear. Their thick long hair makes their bodies look a lot larger than they actually are.

If you pick up a Himalayan, you’ll realize that they really aren’t massive cats. They are relatively medium-bodied. This, along with their silky soft fur, makes Himmies excellent lap cats.

These Cats were Named After Rabbits

You’d think the beauty of the Himalayan cat breed would be enough to explain why this cat shares its name with a stunning mountain range. It’s a little different than that…

These cats got their name from one of their earliest breeders in Britain. They thought that a Himalayan’s hair reminded them a lot From then on, these cats were known as Himalayans.

Himalayans Have a Few Names…

Due to their breeding history, the Himalayans have received quite a few names. For a while, they were just called Persian-Siamese cats. Today, these cats are known as Himalayan Persians in America. But, in Europe, Himmies are actually called the Colorpoint Persian.

himalayan cat breed

Himalayan Cats are Pretty Chill

One of the reasons many love the Himalayans is their awesome attitude. They aren’t the kind of kitty that’s going to scale your walls, cling to your curtains, or jump off your fridge. Himmies are known for their chill attitude. They are a little shy and prefer calm environments.

This also makes the Himalayan a very family-friendly cat. Most Himmies adore being pet and pampered. They give a ton of love in return too! But, these cats are not a fan of rough games. They run away from any abrupt behavior, like aggressive touching or loud noises.

Whether you have a Himmie at home or not, we hope you enjoyed all the fascinating facts about the Himalayan cat breed. Himalayans are truly one of a kind. If you know anyone who has a pretty Himmie at home, don’t forget to share this article with them. They might just discover something they didn’t know about their lovable hybrid kitty!

July 7, 2021 0 comment

Cat Breeds Cat Breeds / Types of Cats Cat Facts

Five Cat Breeds That Love Water

by Avery May 25, 2021

written by Avery

If you’ve ever seen a tiger swim, you’ll know that not all felines are as hydrophobic as the average tabby. But did you know there are many breeds of domestic feline that not only tolerate water but actively enjoy swimming? Here are five domestic cat breeds that love water.

5. Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian forest cats are a natural breed of domestic cat found in northern Europe. Legend says these voracious climbers were once kept as ship cats on Viking vessels to deter any rats from boarding the ship. Over time the breed developed a water-repellent topcoat and dense woolly undercoat to keep themselves warm and cozy even in the stormiest conditions. Members of this breed have even been known to use their swimming skills to hunt fish and other prey only reachable in the water.

To learn more about Norwegian Forest cats, check out our article on them here.

4. Maine Coon

Many believe that these gentle giants descended from Norwegian forest cats as their thick, fluffy coats are remarkably similar in design and function. Their large paws also serve as makeshift paddles scooping water out of their way so they can glide more efficiently through the waves. Not all Maine coons love to swim, but they generally love water, even just playing with a leaky faucet. However, their love for water can sometimes get them in trouble, so Main Coon owners are encouraged to keep track of their cat’s swimming habits lest they get accosted mid-shower for some waterlogged cuddles.

To learn more about Maine Coon cats, check out our article on them here.

cat breeds that love water

3. Manx

While many are best known for their lack of tails and distinct bunny hop way of walking, that is not the only trait that distinguishes them from the average feline. The breed originates from the Isle of Man, located in the middle of the Irish sea, so it makes sense that the kitties dwelling on the island would grow to love the surrounding sea. They were often sought after as ship’s cats since their affinity for water meant they were likely to thrive on a naval vessel.

To learn more about Manx cats, check out our article on them here.

2. Bengal Cat

The Bengal cat is a relatively new breed of domestic feline created by breeding the domestic spotted Egyptian Mau with the Asian leopard cat, a small wildcat native to southeast Asia. Because of their wild origins, Bengals are the only domestic cat breed with distinct rosette markings, although they come in various colors and marking patterns. Bengals tend to enjoy all forms of play, including swimming, although many owners report their cats prefer lounging alongside their swimming pools to submerging themselves completely.

To learn more about Bengal cats, check out our article on them here.

Turkish Van cat

1. Turkish Van

Possibly one of the oldest existing domestic cat breeds, the Turkish Van is legendary for its love of water. This cat breed comes in first for many lists of cat breeds that love water. According to legend, these felines first arrived at Mount Ararat on board Noah’s Ark when they decided to jump ship and swim to shore. When the waters receded, the cats settled in the Lake Van region, where they continue to propagate to this day.

Experts believe this breed may have developed their swimming skills to avoid overheating in the summer months when local temperatures reach well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While still well-loved by cat lovers everywhere, the Turkish Van is a rare sight in North America as most of its breeders dwell in Europe, and Turkey has banned further export from their country.

To learn more about Turkish Van cats, check out our article on them here.

Did you learn anything new and interesting about our feline friends? Share this article with other cat lovers that you know so they can learn something, too.

May 25, 2021 0 comment

Cat Breeds Cat Breeds / Types of Cats

Feline 411: All About The Ragamuffin Cat Breed

by Modi Ramos April 28, 2021

written by Modi Ramos

There are lots of cat breeds out there, and some of them have some rather interesting names. The Ragamuffin—not to be confused with the Ragdoll—is one of this interestingly named felines. These large and fluffy cats are praised for being low maintenance and friendly to all those that they meet. Keep reading to learn some fun and interesting facts about the Ragamuffin cat breed…

Image Courtesy of Vetstreet.com

The Ragamuffin is related to the Ragdoll

Given the name of the breed, this fact should come as no surprise. The Ragamuffin was first developed in 1994, but the exact development of the breed remains shrouded in mystery. Ann Baker, the creator of the Ragdoll cat breed, closely guarded her cat’s offspring for generations, in order to retain markings, temperament, the classic “go limp” flop, etc.

The Ragamuffin was created because some breeders wanted to introduce additional coat patterns which were not officially recognized under the Ragdoll’s breed standard. There are some Ragamuffin cats that can look almost identical to a Ragdoll, and others that look much different. Variety is the spice of life, and it’s why many simply adore these colorful cats that retain the signature chill personality of the Ragdoll cat breed.

Like the Ragdoll, these are medium to larger sized cats, which males being considered perfectly healthy at even 20 lbs. For females, the average weight ranges from 10-15 lbs. According to PrettyLitter, the original name of the Ragamuffin cat breed was supposed to be “Liebling”—which is German for “darling” and makes perfect sense given the breed’s precious temperament. But, it was decided best to settle on a name which paid homage to the breed’s originator.

Ragamuffin cat

Ragamuffins are large and lovely cats with stunning coats

The Ragamuffin—also sometimes spelled RagaMuffin—is a breed of cat which can come in a wide variety of shades, with or without white markings. These Ragdoll type white markings often make them closely resemble a Ragdoll cat, but these cats aren’t going to go limp in your arms like a Ragdoll might.

The unique patterns and markings these cats can come in make them head-turners for cat lovers everywhere. From mink to tortoiseshell, solid, and tabby, Ragamuffins are truly a sight to behold. Despite the fact that their coats are full and fluffy, the care required to keep them looking nice is surprisingly low maintenance. And because they’re coats are so soft and silky to the touch, you wouldn’t be able to resist petting them upon encountering one. But don’t worry, they’ll love it as these cats aren’t shy and thrive on affection and attention.

Ragamuffin cat breed

The Ragamuffin cat craves attention

While some cats can be aloof and standoffish, the Ragamuffin is not one of them. These cats are known for their clingy nature, and wherever you go in your home they’ll be sure to follow. Ragamuffins are praised for their sweetness, so this is a perfect cat breed for you if you want a cat that’s all about spending their time with you.

This cat breed does best in a home where they’ll receive lots of love and attention, as long hours spent apart don’t bode well for their clingy nature. These cats are vocal as well, so they’ll be sure to hit you with meows of disapproval should you be gone from the house for too long.

Ragamuffin cat breed

A cat that’s as friendly as can be

While cats are truly individuals by nature, the average Ragamuffin thrives off interacting with others. Once you have a Ragamuffin cat in your life, you will quickly realize that these cats own you, and not the other way around. They might be friendly and docile, but they are demanding of your time, attention, and affection, and aren’t shy about it either.

If you have a home with kids, other pets, or have company over often, this is the type of cat that won’t mind at all and will be happy to make appearances often. Keep in mind, due to their overly trusting nature, it’s best to keep these cats strictly indoors. Seeing as they don’t know a stranger, someone could easily claim them as their own—and you wouldn’t want that!

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia.com

Did you learn anything new and interesting about our feline friends? Share this article with another cat lover that you know so that they can learn something, too.

April 28, 2021 0 comment

Cat Breeds

Cat Breeds Known For Their Fluffy Tails

by Amber April 20, 2021

written by Amber

Cats use their tails for everything from communication to balance. They wag, twitch, and can even serve as the occasional play thing. Cat tails can be long and skinny, short or stubby, and some of our favorites are big and bushy. There’s just something majestic and adorable about cats with big fluffy tails. Lucky for us, there are more than a few cat breeds known for their impressive-looking tails. The cats on this list are purebreds, but that doesn’t mean mixed breed cats can’t also have the fluffiest tails. Regardless, we can’t help but fall in love with these bushy-tailed felines.

1. Maine Coon

fluffy tails

This giant of a cat breed has several stand-out characteristics. Not only is the Maine Coon one of the largest cat breeds out there, it’s also revered for its big, fluffy tail. In fact, a silver Maine Coon named Cygnus Regulus Powers currently holds the record for having the longest domestic feline tail. And it’s not only long, it’s also gloriously fluffy.

The Maine Coon is one of the oldest cat breeds from North America, and their long fur was meant to keep them warm in cold weather. Their long fluffy tails were a big part of this. These big cats wrap their luxurious tails all the way around their bodies to help them stay warm.

2. Ragdoll

fluffy tails

The Ragdoll is another large cat breed favored among all cat lovers. Their most distinctive characteristic is how they go limp whenever they’re picked up (hence the name Ragdoll). But you can’t forget about their big fluffy tails. Ragdolls have beautiful long hair all over, and it all comes together on their perfectly fuzzy tails.

Ragdolls have naturally light fur with a pointed pattern that usually leaves their long tails darker than the rest of the body. The gradient from light to dark makes these cats even more stunning, and their tails are worth admiring.

3. Turkish Angora

As one of the more rare cat breeds in North America, the Turkish Angora is sometimes mistaken for other long-haired cat breeds. Don’t be fooled, however. This medium-sized cat has a dedicated group of followers. They can be all white, chocolate, lavender or Himalayan patterned, and they have fluffy tails to match.

While the length of a Turkish Angora’s body fur can vary, their tails are where you can truly appreciate their silky softness. Their tails are typically long and end in a full and luxurious brush.

4. Persian

fluffy tails

Persians are easily recognized by their flat faces, and they’re also majestically fluffy. Unlike other long-haired cat breeds, a Persian’s tail fur is generally more course than their body fur. Their thick fur came in handy when the earliest Persians were living in the cold mountains, and breeders have kept the trait alive by favoring the fluffiest of the fluffy.

Persians have thick, bushy tails that could easily sweep your floor and get caught in every stick found in your yard. Some even have tails with interesting kinks and curls.

5. Somali

As the long-haired version of the Abyssinian, the Somali cat breed is often called the “fox cat.” The nickname is mostly due to their pretty fluffy tails and big ears. They have double coats that are luxuriously thick and come in colors including ruddy, red, blue, or fawn.

Not only is the Somali’s tail thick and fluffy, it also plays a role in the breed’s natural grace and athleticism. They are especially alert felines with strong muscle development and a lot of energy. They use those fluffy tails when they’re climbing kitchen cabinets, jumping between chairs, and doing everything else their active minds and fit bodies demand.

While we love all kinds of cats, we have to admit that fluffy tails are hard to resist. They require a little more grooming, but running your fingers through that silky fur (if your cat allows it) is always worth it.

April 20, 2021 0 comment

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