Some breeds come about because a breeder wants a specific look. Such was the case in 1998 when Paul McSorley started crossing a Munchkin with a Sphinx. He wanted a breed that had short legs of a Munchkin but fur that is restricted to the points like a Sphinx. This particular combination took two years to achieve, but finally the first Minskin kitten was born in 2000. Because it is so new, this cat does not yet have Championship status. Instead it is classed as a Preliminary new Breed. This means that it can be shown in TICA shows, but cannot yet earn titles. Whether this young breed will advance is yet to be determined.
The Appearance of the Minskin
The body of the Minskin, with its short legs and cobby body, is very like the Munchkin in appearance. The head, however, is more Sphinx-like and features the large eyes and large ears so characteristic of the Sphinx.
The coat is incredibly sparse and just a little coarse. Because there is so little fur, the fur absorbs the heat from the body, making it feel quite warm to the touch. There is little hair, which means little shedding. This makes grooming a breeze. A quick rub with a chamois cloth once a week usually keeps the cat healthy enough. A soft brush can also be used.
The Personality of the Minskin
Most Minskins are quite friendly and enjoy the company of humans. They will follow at your feet and climb on your back if given the slightest encouragement. They tend to want to be the sole focus of a human's attention, so they're not that great with other pets. They do love children, however, though care must be taken as this breed is a little more fragile than some others.
This is a cat that bores easily, and the Minskin can be destructive when bored. A highly intelligent breed, the Minskin needs something to do. Games and stimulate the mind are a good idea, especially if you're going to be away from home. They don't do well on their own if they don't have something to occupy their busy minds.
If you're looking for a cat that's a little unique, the Minskin might be for you. This cat is amusing and entertaining, making him a great companion for the right person.
Though some people believe that the Manx cat lost its tail when Noah closed the Ark doors a little too quickly, history tells a different tale. The Manx originated on the Isle of Man, but its ancestors probably arrived by ship from England, Wales, or even Scotland. The genetic mutation that created the unique tail of the Manx occurred on the Isle of Man at least as early as 1810, but there is some evidence to suggest that the tailless cats were running around as early as 1750. We may never really know for sure.
The mutation that caused kittens to be born without the vertebrae of a normal tail is likely the result of inbreeding. The Isle of Man is fairly small, after all, and there were relatively few cats for the breed to develop. In time, some of these tailless cats grew long hair, others remained shorthaired. The shorthaired kittens were labeled Manx, while the longhaired ones received the name of Cymric. The only difference between these two breeds is the length of hair.
The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized both the Manx and the Cymric, granting them championship status, in June of 1979.
The Appearance of the Manx and Cymric
Since the two cats are identical except for coat length, there is little point in describing the same characteristics twice. Both cats are found in all patterns and colors, some more desirable than others. Bold colors and dramatic markings are best, but any color or pattern is acceptable in this versatile breed.
Both versions of this cat have thick coats, giving them a round appearance. The Manx has a short, glossy coat with a glossy appearance. The Cymric should have longer hair that is both silky and plush. A neck ruff and fluffy breeches are required in the longhaired Cymric.
The Cymric and the Manx are both medium in size with a rounded body and head. They resemble furry little bowling bowls and are often referred to as such with great affection. Though they may appear large with their fluffy fur, they are typically no more than 10 pounds.
Despite their reputation for having no tails, these breeds are not all tailless. The tail may be stubby and may even have a slight curl. Even cats with no tails at all have all the nerve endings of a tail, so take care when handling the hindquarters of either breed.
The Personality of the Manx and Cymric
Both the Cymric and the Manx are gentle cats with a sweet and playful disposition. Because these cats are affectionate and quite dependent on people for company, they should not be left alone for long periods. They're not cats you can leave for a week while you go off on vacation, so take this into account.
These cats are not generally great with children and other pets cause of their sensitive tail area. They are amusing for adults, however, and will indulge in a game of fetch if properly enticed. You might even find your Manx or Cymric burying their toys rather like a dog. Neither breed is overly loud, but they will engage you in conversation with a soft thrilling sound if you listen long enough.
If you're looking for a quiet cat who will crave your company, the Manx or the Cymric may be for you. Both breeds require little grooming, just a weekly brushing to keep the coat soft and healthy, so the maintenance are nearly identical.
The origin of the Maine Coon is surrounded by mystery and legend. Though once considered a result of raccoons and cats breeding, we know now that this is not the case. Well, most of us know. There are still some people who believe it, crazy as it might sound. The truth is probably that cats from Europe wandered freely and bred, creating a breed that is strong, healthy, prolific, and naturally occurring. There was probably more interest in them Maine, hence the addition of 'Maine' to the Coon Cat title the cat had earned.
The Appearance of the Maine Coon
The Maine Coon has a semi-long coat. This coat is water-resistant and incredibly heavy. Some way the cat is all fluff and no substance. Nonsense, of course. The hair is shorter on the back and neck, but much longer on the ruff, stomach, and britches of the cat. Despite its length, the coat is smooth and requires little maintenance. A weekly brushing does it. The bushy tail sets the Maine Coon apart from most other breeds. All in all, a stunning example of a feline.
This large cat, which weighs in at up to 18 pounds, comes in almost all colors and patterns, though the brown classic or mackerel tabby is the most common. All colors and patterns may have white markings. The eyes should be large, expressive, and range in color from gold to green. They should shine with an inner light.
The Personality of the Maine Coon
There are few cats in the world more laid back than the Maine Coon. This breed will get along well with children and other pets. He'll also show great affection and will play with people a great deal. It's not unusual to see a Maine Coon playing with children, adults, or even dogs if he happens to be bored.
Despite all this, he is not too dependent and can't really be described as a lap cat. When you're home, expect him to hang around, but if you're not he can entertain himself well enough. Though you may not like the activities he chooses...still, he's not destructive and will generally behave himself.
Typically a quiet cat, expect the Maine Coon to communicate in soft thrills and little chirps. Pay attention to these sounds and he'll speak more often. Ignore them and he'll either ignore you or find another way to get your attention.
If you're looking for a large breed sturdy enough to play alongside kids and dogs, the Maine Coon cat may be the cat for you. Expect your cat to romp through the house, and to make a little noise doing so. He is among the heaviest of domestic cats, after all.
Sometimes a new breed just shows up out of the blue. On a cherry orchard in March of 1982 a brown tabby gave birth to a little of six kittens. One of these kittens, a small female, was not like the others. She was a tabby, but she was long, skinny, and completely hairless. She stayed hairless until she was around six weeks old, at which time she started growing a sparse and yet curly coat. As she matured, this coat became soft and waxy.
This was the first of these interesting cats, but it wasn't the last to be born on the cherry orchard. Their owner, Linda Koehl, decided to enter six of these kittens into a cat show in her area. The judges were pleased with her kittens, so she started a breeding program that would eventually establish the foundation for the LaPerm cat breed.
At first almost all of the kittens were born bald, only later developing the curly coat that is a signature of the breed. A few were born with straight hair and kept this straight hair even as they matured. Then a kitten named Snow Fire was born. He started out with straight hair, but it shed out and was replaced with a curly coat and even curly whiskers. This was the first time that had happened, but it's since become commonplace.
It took twenty years of perfecting the breed, but the LaPerm was finally granted championship status by The International Cat Association (TICA) in February of 2003. They have since been used to create a few hybrid cats including the Skookum.
The Appearance of the LaPerm
The LaPerm is a medium-sized cat with a strong and yet slightly strange-looking body type. They can weigh up to 10 pounds and have large, cupped ears. The eyes should be almond-shaped and have a loving appearance. Any eye color is acceptable.
The most distinctive feature of this breed is, of course, the coat. Guard hairs, awn hairs, and down hairs are present, which would make the coat relatively normal if it weren't for the curls. The curls are responsible for the coarse texture. Because of these curls the coat stands away from the body. The longest hairs should be around the neck, creating a ruff effect. Even the whiskers, eyebrows, and the hairs in the ears are curly.
There is both a shorthaired LaPerm and a longhaired LaPerm. The longhaired cat has a plume to its tail while the shorthaired cat has a tail that resembles a bottlebrush. Coats are thicker and fuller in the cooler months, and older cats tend to have a more developed coat than the younger cats. All coat colors and pattern are acceptable provided the coat is the traditional LaPerm coat.
Another benefit of this coat is that it does not tangle and doesn't fall out (think poodle, but in cat form). A light brushing once a week will remove any loose hair and keep the coat bright and shining.
The Personality of the LaPerm
Unlike some of the more aloof breeds, the LaPerm loves to be around people and can be found sitting on laps, shoulders, and sometimes heads (as my son will attest to). They make incredible family cats as they are gentle, patient, and friendly. A LaPerm will generally get along well with children and other pets. They're also incredibly entertaining with their kitten like antics. A LaPerm will never grow out of this kittenish attitude.
If you're looking for a cat that doesn't shed a whole lot, is great with kids, and is a bit of a clown, the LaPerm might be for you.
