Welcome to Ultimate Cat—your go-to source for all things feline! From cat care tips and breed guides to quirky behavior insights and adorable stories, this blog celebrates cats in all their whiskered glory. Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or a lifelong feline fanatic, you’ll find helpful info, fun facts, and plenty of purr-worthy content here.
Some breeds are so new they're only recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA). And some of these are allowed to compete in TICA sanctioned shows, but they cannot earn points or titles yet. So it is with the Chausie (pronounced chow-see). This breed, classified as an advanced new breed by TICA at the time of this writing, is not yet a truly recognized breed, but it is well on its way to becoming one.
Though the idea for this breed has its roots in the late 1960s and early 1970s, it was not until 1995 that the Chausie achieved foundation registry with TICA. This was after jungle cats from south central Asia were crossed with Abyssinians. It was a further six years before the breed was advanced to evaluation status. In 2003, the Chausie was granted advanced new breeds status, where it remains as of this writing. Chausie cats can compete in shows, but not yet earn points or titles.
The Chausie, which can weigh up to 30 pounds, is a large-sized cat with a short, fuzzy coat and ears that are a little larger than normal. There are only three color combinations allowed. These are brown ticked tabby, black grizzled tabby, and solid black. The coat is short enough that it needs very little maintenance, but it will become dull if not brushed regularly. To keep your cat looking its best, brush the coat once a week with a soft brush. This had the added benefit of removing dead hair making your cat more comfortable.
These cats are highly intelligent and easily bored. For this reason, Chausie cats do not do well when left on their own. They prefer human companionship, but a feline friend will do. Just don't leave your pet home alone for hours on end unless you want a very upset kitty indeed.
These cats like to have games to play. They are graceful and agile, and can frequently be found perched on top of drapes or slipping behind a bookshelf. They like activities that allow them to really move, so make sure your cat has plenty of room to run, even if it's just around the kitchen.
Chausies are among the healthiest of cat breeds but they do need a glueten-free diet. Because of this, they can't eat most commercial cat foods. A diet of pure meat is best, so you may have to prepare special meals for your cat if you choose this breed.
If you're looking for an unique and athletic companion, the Chausie may be for you. Though they are not a truly recognized breed yet, they probably will be sometime soon. At this point, they may become easier to find. These little house cougars are energetic, however, so bear this in mind and be sure to keep your feline companion occupied.
Also known as the Chartreuse, the history of the Chartreux is long and varied. Though legends regarding the origins of this silvery-blue breed abound, we'll probably never know how the breed got started. They were shown at a cat show in Paris in 1931 by the Leger sisters. They were and still are rare, and so did not appear in the United States until the 1970s. However, it wasn't until 1987 that the Chartreux was granted championship status by the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA).
The Appearance of the Chartreux Cat
The Chartreux is a fairly large cat as cats go. Its body is muscular, its limbs short, but the paws look almost too large for the body and legs. The head is nicely rounded while the muzzle is long and tapered. The shape of the muzzle makes it appear this cat is smiling, almost like the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. The eyes of the Chartreux should be a gleaming gold. Deep copper is also acceptable.
The coat of this rare breed is soft and plush. It should not be bristly or sharp. The hairs are rather short, but the dense undercoat makes it appear longer than it really is. All Chartreux are blue in color with a deep silver sheen. They appear to glow in low light. This cat is relatively low maintenance, but you should use a soft cloth or a grooming glove to remove dead hair once a week. This will keep your feline friend's coat soft and gleaming.
The Personality of the Chartreux Cat
Not a vocal breed, the Chartreux rarely makes any sound at all. They are intelligent, willing to learn, and utterly silent. These qualities combine to make them excellent hunters. They'll wait patiently for prey and have the ability to stay still for long stretches of time. They're rare enough that they are not usually employed at mousers, but when they are, they're excellent at the job.
If you're looking for a cat who loves to play and may even learn to fetch, the Chartreux might be for you. They're always willing to engage in games and hate being left alone. These cats do well with small children and other pets, but they do tend to bond to one specific person. When they do, they rarely leave this person in peace. Even so, they'll remain affectionate and loving toward the rest of the family.
Known Health Issues of the Chartreux
Since breeding programs for the Chartreux are relatively recent, this breed tends to be more robust than many. These cats bred themselves with very little interference for many years, probably longer than we know, so genetic health conditions are rare. Some cats are prone to patellar luxation, also known as slipping kneecaps. Most breeders are away of this and are careful not to breed lines with this particular problem.
The Chartreux is a pleasant and sweet cat and makes a wonderful addition to any household. Bear in mind that they are rare, and so have a higher price tag than some cat breeds. But if you're willing to spend the money, you can find yourself a loving and beautiful feline friend.
The first real record of a Burmese cat dates back to 1930. A cat named Wong Mau was brought over from the orient and gifted to Dr. Joseph Thompson. All modern Burmese can trace their lineage to Wong Mau, who was a young female at the time. She was walnut brown with points which were slightly darker, which led some to assume she was just a darker Siamese. Dr. Thompson, however, began a breeding program in an attempt to reproduce her unique features.
A breeding with a seal point Siamese produced some kittens like Wong Mau and other like the Siamese father. As breeders continued to use Siamese cats in their breeding programs, the only difference between Siamese and Burmese was the color. Recognition was difficult because most associations required three generations of like-to-like breeding.
The breed finally gained wide recognition in the 1950s. By this time, Siamese outcrosses had stopped, but crosses with black American Shorthair became more common. Over time, colors other than the original brown gained acceptance. The Burmese was recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979. It was one of the first breeds to be recognized by this association.
The Appearance of the Burmese Cat
The Burmese has a compact and well muscled body and are medium in size. The ears are a little larger than most other breeds. The coat is silky and generally low maintenance, but does require weekly brushing to remove dead hair and keep your cat looking and feeling his best.
The head of the Burmese is triangular in shape and the eyes are large and golden in color. Kittens are born with very distinct points, but as cats age the points become less visible. A full mature cat may appear to be almost solid. There are many colors available, including blue, sable, lilac, chocolate, and even red.
The Personality of the Burmese Cat
If you want a cat who will sit on your lap and never leave you alone, the Burmese may be what you're looking for. These cats like to play and enjoy younger children and small pets as companions. They don't tend to have a problem with dogs, though an older cat with no exposure to canines may be hesitant, especially with large dogs. Like the Siamese, the Burmese is a vocal breed and likes to talk to the people in its family.
The Burmese does not do well on its own. If you're away from home for more than six hours at a time, you might want to consider getting a second cat. This breed is not good for people who are away from home for days at a time, not unless you have someone at home who can keep your cat company.
Known Health Issues of the Burmese
For the most part, the Burmese is a healthy enough cat breed. However, there is a deformity known as the Burmese head fault or craniofacial defect. This deformity is carried on a lethal gene and kittens almost never survive birth. Those that do are typically euthanized to spare them a slow and cruel death.
The good news is that this defect is found exclusively in the American Burmese, and American Burmese are banned from most breeding programs. Ask your local breeder about instances of this defect in their breeding program to determine if your cat is at risk.
The Burmese is a sweet and loving cat who needs attention. This breed is perfect for the family who wants an affectionate loving pet.
Sylvester was an energetic, fun-loving, half Siamese black and white cat. He looked so much like the well-loved cartoon character that his name can naturally. No one really remembered who named the cat, but his young mistress took all the credit.
This particular cat had a bit of an attitude. He had his favorite people, much like anyone, and he had an odd way of showing it. Sylvester took an instant liking to his mistress's Grandmother. The feeling was not mutual, as Grandma was more of a dog person. Still, she treated the young cat well and even brought him treats once in a while. The treats went a long way to making Sylvester love Grandma, and he started to pester her whenever she came over.
Grandma, not wanting to encourage the cat, decided to ignore him. This didn't please Sylvester at all. One day, when Grandma came for a visit, Sylvester decided he'd either get her attention or get even. He didn't much care which. After the obligatory round of hugs and kisses, Grandma took a seat in the kitchen, selecting the chair nearest the refrigerator.
Sylvester immediately hopped on top of the fridge and perched like a hawk. He hovered over her, fixing her with a stare that was nothing short of predatory. This continued for the better part of two hours.
Finally, Grandma couldn't take it anymore. "Stop it." She didn't yell, she didn't scold him, just make her statement firmly. Then she went back to the conversation she'd been having with her daughter and granddaughter.
It had no effect on the precocious cat. He continued to stare, unblinking, trying to unnerve her. Grandma started to shift in her chair as the weight of his gaze came to rest on her shoulders.
"Stop it." This time she looked directly at him.
If a cat could smile, Sylvester (or Vesser, as we called him) did. Instead of listening to her, he shuffled forward until he was almost falling off the fridge.
Eventually, Grandma just couldn't take it anymore. She got up and went to the other side of the table, the side nearest the microwave. The microwave sat on a counter, and above the microwave was a cabinet. There was no more than four inches of space between the microwave and the cabinet.
But four inches was nothing to Vesser. He immediately leaped down from the fridge and hopped onto the counter. He slithered into the space between the cabinet and the microwave, wedging himself in there. He inched forward until he was once again hovering over Grandma. The height might have been less, but he still managed to inspire discomfort on the part of his victim.
It wasn't long before Grandma turned to the hovering cat and cried, "What do you want?"
Vesser flew off the microwave and landed lightly on her lap. He placed his delicate paws on her chest and lifted his head toward her. After staring intently into her eyes for several long moments, Sylvester licked her nose once and cuddled his head under her chin. A few moments passed before Grandma put her arms around the purring feline.
"Is this what he wanted?" she asked incredulously.
The cat's young mistress spoke up. "Of course, Grandma. He just wants you to love him, and to make him the center of the world." The young girl smiled. "He is a cat, after all."
Grandma laughed and held Vesser tightly. "Maybe I am a cat person after all." The cat started to knead her with his white paws. "Imagine that, after all these years."
Mistress, Mom, and Grandma all laughed at each other as the rambunctious cat nibbled Grandma's chin.
