Facts About Teacup Cats

IIn the past few years, ‘teacup’ pets have become all the rage. Take a look at the ‘Pets for Sale’ section of your local classifieds and you’ll find ads for teacup Poodles, teacup Chihuahuas, and even teacup Yorkshire Terriers. Teacup dogs in various breeds are well accepted throughout the world. But mention the very idea of a teacup cat and you might get some odd looks.

There are varying opinions regarding teacup cats, and sometimes these opinions are strongly held indeed. There are those who are convinced that teacup cats are nothing more than a scam. Others would like to see teacup cats gain the same recognition as teacup dogs. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, there are some basic facts about teacup cats that should be explored.

Recognition of Teacup Cats

Gaining recognition for teacup cats is fraught with controversy. One of the greatest obstacles to true recognition is unscrupulous breeders. There are many breeders out there who will attempt to pass off runts and other small cats as teacups. These cats are usually unhealthy and sometimes even deformed. This practice has led some to believe that teacup cats are no more than a scam.

However, just as with teacup dogs, it is possible to breed for the gene that results in a tiny cat. In the dog world, teacup Poodles are the best example of this. A true teacup poodle has been bred down to weigh only two pounds or so. This has been accomplished to some degree with the Munchkin cat. This cat, though technically a dwarf cat, has a short cobby body and legs which are obviously shorter than the average cat. Munchkins have been recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA) since the 1980s. If the Munchkin can be bred and eventually recognized as a legitimate breed, then it is possible that teacup cats will eventually gain recognition as well.

What is a Teacup Cat?

Munchkins, though a good example of how selective breeding for a specific mutation can be successful, are not teacup cats. Teacup cats are the result of a different mutation, one which results in a cat that while smaller, has all the proportions of a normal-sized cat. In general, a male teacup cat would weigh between three and seven pounds, where a normal cat might weigh up to seventeen pounds. Females might weigh as much as six pounds, compared to their normal-sized counterparts which might weigh in at around fourteen pounds.

The genetic mutation that results in a teacup cat is extremely rare. For this reason, the breeding of teacup cats is quite difficult and time consuming. It also has its own share of problems.

Problems With Breeding Teacup Cats

Unfortunately for teacup cats, one of the surest ways to breed for the necessary mutation is through inbreeding. This can cause a variety of health problems including neurological difficulties, cardiovascular problems, decreased life span, and many different deformities. This is very much a problem for the cats subjected to inbreeding and unethical breeders.

Critics of teacup cats will point to these unethical breeders as prime examples of why teacup cats should be banned, as the Munchkin is in some cat fanciers’ associations. And while it’s true that unscrupulous breeders are a problem, there has been some success with breeding teacup cats. In the late 1990s, several breeds were successfully reduced to teacup size, including the Persian. These kittens were studied over several years and were found to be perfectly healthy, just small. So it is possible to breed healthy teacup cats, but it’s also difficult and requires a great deal of knowledge of a particular breed.

Purchasing a Teacup Kitten

The successes are exciting, but if you’re considering purchasing a teacup kitten, be vigilant. True teacup kittens are expensive, mostly because of their rarity and the difficulties encountered when breeding them. If you find a breeder willing to part with a kitten for $50, it’s probably not a teacup kitten at all. It might be a runt, or it may even be a kitten that was deliberately deprived of certain nutrients. This can result in a tiny kitten, but the kitten will be unhealthy.

Search for a quality breeder than can explain the breeding process to you. Ask to see the parents, and their parents if available. A loving breeder who is concerned with the health and well-being of their kittens will not mind giving you a tour of their cattery. A good breeder of teacup cats will also question you about your home, your living arrangements, past and present pets you might have, and will probably want to go over basic cat care. The kitten will likely be spayed or neutered before you can take it home to protect against inappropriate breeding practices.

Though there certainly are teacup kittens available for purchase, make sure you do your homework first. Question the breeder and be suspicious of cheap prices. True teacup kittens will usually cost you anywhere from $1000 - $2000. You may be able to find one for as little as $500. Less than this, and you’re probably looking at a runt, and runts, cute as they are, are simply not teacup cats.

Teacup cats are just as affectionate and sweet as other cats. They can make excellent pets and are perfect for people with small apartments. They may be small, but they have big personalities. If you’re looking for the perfect feline companion, a teacup cat might be for you.

Characteristics of the Abyssinian Cat

The Abyssinian, or Aby, is one of the most popular cats, both as a pet and a show cat. Most people would recognize this distinctive breed, even if they don’t know what to call it. The Abyssinian was once worshipped by the ancient Egyptians and is the cat depicted in most ancient artwork. The inner grace and beauty of this creature makes it an appealing companion for many people.

The Personality of the Abyssinian

Abyssinians are highly intelligent cats known for their loyalty and affection. They love to interact with both their owners and their environment and they love to explore. However, they are delicate enough that they’ll rarely knock over priceless heirlooms or the random saltshaker. Abyssinians enjoy having a good view of what’s going on around them, so expect them to sit high atop the fridge, a bookshelf, or even perching on the tops of doors. They are intensely curious and will follow whatever catches their eye, so they should be kept indoors.

Due to their high energy level, an Abyssinian will only rarely curl up on a vacant lap or sneak under the covers. They do enjoy playing with their beloved owners and will likely engage in a round of fetch in their more kittenish moments. These cats are highly social, but they don’t do well in large groups of cats. Abyssinians simply do not like to share the spotlight and are better suited to single cat households.

The Physical Appearance of the Abyssinian

The most defining characteristic of the Abyssinian is its unique coat. The richly colored fur has a ticked tabby pattern free of markings on its legs, tail, and neck. However, the perfect Abyssinian has dramatic facial markings. Each individual hair on Abyssinians is ticked with four to six distinct bands of color. These bands should alternate between dark and light, with the lighter beginning at the root, the darker at the tip. Ideally, the color at the root should be identical to the color on the underside of the cat, as well as the color on the insides of its legs. The eyes should be gold or green, though some associations such as the Cat Fanciers’ Federation (CFF) recognize hazel as an appropriate eye color. These cats are medium in size, with males weighing in from 8-10 pounds. Females should be slightly smaller at 6-7 pounds.

Abyssinians come in several different colors. The most common is the ruddy Abyssinian. The coat should be burnt sienna in color, ticked with various shades of darker brown or black. The undercoat should be orange-brown and the tail may be tipped with black. The nose leather should be a tile red, but the paw pads must be either black or brown. The ruddy Abyssinian is accepted in all major associations where the breed is recognized.

Blue Abyssinians are particularly striking. Their coats are warm beige ticked with shades of slate blue. The undercoat should be blush beige and the tail must be tipped with slate blue. The nose leather should be a deep rose in color, often referred to as old rose. The paw pads are usually mauve with slate blue between the toes. This color is accepted in all major associations where the breed is recognized.

Fawn Abyssinians are a warm rose beige ticked with light cocoa brown. The undercoat should be blush-beige and the tails must be tipped with light cocoa brown. The nose leather is typically salmon while the paw pads are dark pink with light cocoa brown between the toes. This color is now accepted in all major associations where the breed in recognized.

Red is has become a common color for Abyssinians. The coat should be rich, warm, glowing red ticked with chocolate brown. The undercoat should be bright red while the tail is tipped with chocolate brown. The nose leather is usually a rosy pink and the paw pads are a solid pink with chocolate brown between the toes. This color is accepted by in all major associations where the breed is recognized, though the International Cat Association (TICA) calls this color cinnamon.

Lilac is a beauty and unique color for Abyssinians. A lilac Abyssinian is a pale ivory ticked with a frosty gray. The undercoat is a pale ivory and the tail is tipped with frosty gray. The nose leather is always mauve or pink. Paw pads should be lilac pink with a dusty lilac between the toes. This color is only recognized by TICA and the American Cat Association (ACA).

Cream is one of the less recognized colors. Cream Abyssinians should be a pale cream in color, ticked with a darker cream. The undercoat is an even paler cream and the ears and tail should be ticked with darker cream. The nose leather should be rosy pink, as should the paw pads. This color is only recognized by the ACA.

Both the American Association of Cat Enthusiasts (AACE) and TICA accept the silver version of each of their recognized colors. This means that an icy white coloration closest to the skin is followed by ticking up the hair shaft.

The Abyssinian is active, agile, animated, loving, and intelligent. These cats make engaging companions for people of any age and can easily adapt themselves to most environments. Abyssinians are truly a remarkable breed.

Cat Breed Facts: Colorpoint Shorthair

The origins of the Colorpoint Shorthair begin with the Siamese. Experiments were often initiated with the hope of introducing new colors into the Siamese breed. As these experiments could only be done by outcrossing with other breeds, this infuriated Siamese purists. However, one of these ‘experiments’ resulted in the personable Colorpoint Shorthair.

The Development of the Colorpoint Shorthair

Breeders truly began to introduce new Siamese colors in the 1940s. Red, cream, tortie, and tabby points were among the first colors to arise during this time. In Great Britain, these cats were not recognized as Siamese, but offered the name Pointed Foreign Shorthairs. Breeders refused to accept this designation. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) in the United States refused to recognize them at all.

In 1964, the CFA voted to recognize the new colors under a separate breed, the Colorpoint Shorthair. England’s solution to the ‘naming problem’ of the Colorpoint Shorthair was to recognize these ‘non-traditional Siamese’ under a new breed number.

While some associations recognize Colorpoint Shorthairs as Siamese, most breeders and enthusiasts agree that these cats have developed unique traits and characterizes that do indeed warrant a distinct breed.

Some Breed Standards for the Colorpoint Shorthair

The standards for the Colorpoint Shorthair are fairly strict, as with most other breeds. It is easy to have a cat that is penalized or even disqualified, so those seeking a show cat should approach the purchase of a potential kitten with care.

General: The Colorpoint Shorthair is a refined and lithe cat with tapering lines. The ideal cat is similar to the Siamese, but with its own distinctive coloring.

Head: Medium in size, the head should be a long tapering wedge. It should be very triangular in shape, unbroken by the whiskers. An allowance should be made for jowls in adult males.

Ears: The ears of a Colorpoint Shorthair should be very large and pointed. They should be quite wide at the base and continue the lines of the head.

Eyes: All Colorpoint Shorthairs must have blue eyes, the brighter the better. The eyes should be almond shaped and medium in size.

Body: Graceful and long, the Colorpoint Shorthair is a combination of fine bones and firm muscles. The legs should be long and slim, while the paws are dainty and oval.

Tail: The tails of all Colorpoint Shorthairs should be long, thin, and taper to a fine point.

Coat: Fine textured and glossy, colors for the coat of Colorpoint Shorthairs vary and may include solid, lynx, or parti-color points. The coat should be short and lie close to the body.

Penalties: Any cat with inconsistent pigmentation of the nose leather or paw pads will be assessed a penalty in competition.

Disqualifications: Any of the following will result in disqualification: any eye color other than blue, kinked tails, incorrect number of toes, or malocclusion resulting in an overshot or undershot chin.

Colorpoint Shorthairs have budding personalities and a bright and open expression. They make wonderful companions but are generally not recommended for young children.

How to Select a Siamese Cat

Of all the breeds of cats available in the world today, the Siamese is one of the most popular. They have unique and vibrant personalities, and are wonderful companions. For those interested in purchasing a Siamese kitten, there are some things to consider.

Selecting a breeder is the first step in purchasing your kitten. There are literally hundreds of Siamese breeders in the United States, and many more throughout the world. Don’t be too hasty in your selection. Do your research and ask for references. If at all possible, visit the breeder and take a good look at the facility.

When adopting any cat, Siamese or not, health is always a major concern. Ask to see the parents of the kittens, and enquire about the general health and well-being of the parents. Pay attention to any mention of heart or liver problems with either parent, since these can be passed down to the kittens, especially with a breed such as the Siamese.

Take a look at the area where the kittens are kept, ensuring that it is free of dirt, fleas, and mites. Check to make sure all kittens are clean and healthy in appearance, and ask about a health guarantee. You want to make sure that if you take your kitten to the veterinarian and are told that your new family member is seriously ill, you can return the kitten for a refund.

Siamese kittens are highly social and quite dependent. They shouldn’t be removed from their mother before twelve weeks of age, or they could develop severe anxiety disorders. A breeder who encourages you to take the kitten home before this is likely not interested in the health and well-being of the kittens.

Observe the kittens for a while. Do not pick a kitten simply because you like the way it looks. Watch them as they interact with each other. The happy and frisky kitten is the best pick for most people. The wallflower might not be feeling well, or might dash under the couch as soon as you get home. Look for the kitten that will be more compatible with your lifestyle.

You might notice that the kittens are either a creamy white, or that their markings are lighter than expected. This is normal. Siamese markings start to come in around four weeks of age, and don’t finish darkening until the kittens are approximately a year old.

Siamese kittens are very vocal and require a lot of attention. If you tend to stay home a lot, or can take the kitten with you, then your kitten will be happy and well socialized. If, however, you’re away from home for long stretches of time and it's not possible to have the kitten accompany you, a second kitten might be a viable option. No one likes to be alone, least of all a precocious Siamese kitten.

The choice to bring a Siamese into your home is not to be made lightly. They can live for fourteen or more years, and are full of energy and love. If you’re ready to love them and give them the attention they deserve, Siamese might be the breed for you.