Cat Breeds
Although you may not know it, there are breeds of cats, just like there are breeds of dogs. However, unlike their canine compatriots, only about 3% of cats owned in the United States are actually purebred. There are cat registries in many countries that certify the pedigrees of cats, and only a small percentage of purebred cats can qualify to be “show cats.” To establish a pedigree, at least four generations of the cat's ancestry must be proven.
Cat breeds are actually a rather recent development, dating only back to about two hundred years. Whereas dog breeds were developed to perform a wide variety of different jobs for humans (from hunting companion to herder to military purposes and beyond), cats were never seen as being able to work in the same way. However, cats have been bred sufficiently that true breeds have developed. Some of the most famous are:
- The Abyssinian, a distinctive-looking breed with short hair, large ears, and a short face. Though their exact origins are unknown, they are frequently attributed to originating in Egypt.
- The American shorthair, one of the most common breeds in the United States, known for its short coat and inquisitive nature.
- The Bengal, a unique breed which often has a leopard-like spotting pattern.
- The Persian, one of the oldest breeds, has long, fluffy fur and a distinctively flat face.
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For more information about cat breeds and which one might be right for you, contact your Houston Vet Clinic today.