Some breeds are newer than others, and the Highlander is one of the newest of them all. This hybrid cat breed can trace its roots only to 2004, but the cats chosen to initiate this new breed were not of any specific existing breed. Instead, individual cats were chosen based on their physical traits. Because the breed is so new, it is only recognized by a handful of associations as a preliminary or new breed. The International Cat Association (TICA) acknowledged the Highlander in 2008, but this breed has not yet gained wide acceptance.
The most defining characteristic of the Highlander is the ears. They feature a loose curl in the top third of the ear. The curl is similar to the American Curl, and yet distinct enough to set the Highlander apart from the more established breeds. The ears are placed high atop the head and are wide and open at the base.
Highlanders come in both long and short hair varieties, and any an all coat colors and patterns are acceptable. The long hair variety should be groomed at least twice a week to avoid matting while cats with shorter hair should be groomed twice a week, just like most other breeds. The coat is typically soft and might even feel silky.
The rest of the cat is strong and substantial. The forehead is sloped while the nose and muzzle have a squared appearance. Eyes are very much like slightly flattened ovals, giving this cat breed an intense and almost intimidating stare. The body should be large and muscular, almost reminiscent of a wild lynx or even a bobcat. The tail is short, usually about an inch, but this is natural and not the result of docking. The tail, which may have kinks or curls, is highly expressive. Some Highlanders will even wag their tail very much like a dog.
But make no mistake--they are cats through and through, right down to the way they play. Highlanders are clowns at heart and can often be found chasing their own tails or waiting behind a curtain to pounce on an unsuspecting human (or fellow feline, or canine, it doesn't seem to matter). These cats love humans, so expect to be met at the door, tail held high, even if you've only been gone for five minutes. These cats love to indulge in antics that have the appearance of insanity.
This friendly cat is great with children, is able to live with other animals, and adapts easily to most living situations. If you're looking for a cat with a playful personality and a unique appearance, the Highlander might be for you.
The Havana (once called the Havana Brown) has its origins in the early 1950s. Hoping to breed what was essentially a dark Siamese, breeders crossed Siamese cats with black domestic shorthairs and even a few Russian Blues. The results were varied for a while, but eventually Elmtower Bronze Idol, the first of the Havanas, was born. He was the result of a controlled crossing between a black domestic shorthair and a Siamese. Then in 1958 the breed was recognized by the Governing Council of Cat Fancy, but it was listed as the Chestnut Foreign Shorthair. The name Havana Brown would be adopted in 1970, and later (1983, specifically) the 'brown' portion of the name was dropped entirely.
There are really two lines of cats these days. English lines are more oriental looking, but American lines tend to have a more angular look and are more in keeping with the original appearance of the Havana.
The Appearance of the Havana
This medium-sized cat has a body type that seems foreign and familiar all at the same time. Weighing no more than ten pounds, the Havana is a firm and muscular cat. This makes him both powerful and graceful. The muzzle of the Havana is unique in that it just seems to stop, leading to a blunt appearance. The ears tend to be larger than the norm, but not so large as to seem ridiculous.
There is only one acceptable eye color--green. The Havana comes in two colors, lilac and brown. Some associations still only recognize the brown, but the lilac cats are just as lovely. Kittens are sometimes born with tabby markings, but these disappear as the cat reaches adulthood. Whiskers should match the coat color. Grooming is easy because the hairs are short and flat. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair is all that is usually required. If you want your cat to gleam like those show cats, rub him with a chamois cloth. I know, I know. They're for cars (and you typically buy then at auto supply store). But they are also for cats. Try it and you won't be disappointed.
The Personality of the Havana
Some cats are so people-oriented that they can't bear to be deprived of attention. The Havana falls squarely into this category. They really can't be left alone all day while you're off at work. They need affection and companionship. If you think you might leave your cat alone, get a companion cat or two. A group of three Havanas does better than a single cat left home alone.
This cat will follow you around and investigate everything you do. They tend to be a little vocal, so you'll know when kitty isn't getting enough attention. This is the cat who will sit on your paper or lay on your computer until you play with him. You'll want to invest in cat toys and cat trees to keep this active breed busy. But this still won't be enough. The Havana needs interaction, so you can't buy a bunch of cat trees and expect him to entertain himself all the time. Play with him or you'll end up with a neurotic kitty on your hands (and under your feet).
The Havana is a robust and healthy cat, one that makes a terrific house pet for individuals or families who are home often. If you want a cat who will play with you, sleep on your pillow, and basically stalk your every move, the Havana might be for you.
When breeders started experimenting with a cross between the American Shorthair and the Persian, the goal was to get something that looked like a Persian but with much shorter hair. The kittens of these crosses did look like Persians, but they lacked the truly short coat of the American Shorthair. The hair was shorter than the Persian, but not quite short enough.
Still, there was potential in these kittens, and a woman by the name of Jane Martinke saw it. She called the silver-colored kittens Sterlings, proposing that this be the name of the new breed that would eventually be developed. The idea was still to keep crossbreeding in the hopes of attaining a short and plush coat. After consulting with several other breeders, the name was changed to Exotic Shorthair, opening the door for other colors and crossbreeds.
Time passed and different breeders used different crosses to get the look they desired. Some used the Russian Blue, others the Burmese, but all kittens were bred back to Persians in an attempt to keep the Persian body type. Because Persian breeders themselves didn't want to get involved in the development of the Exotic Shorthair, the breed came along slowly. It wasn't until 1979 that The International Cat Association (TICA) decided to grant the Exotic Shorthair championship status.
The Appearance of the Exotic Shorthair
The Exotic Shorthair has a dense bone structure, making them heavier than they appear. The head is broad, the ears low set, and the face short and round, leading to a sweet expression that contributes to the popularity of this breed. The body should be short, almost square, with thick legs and a thick tail that is shorter than the average breed.
The coat is thick and plush, but not as long as the Persian. They come in all colors and patterns, all of which look like little plush toys owning to the shape of the head and body. This breed does need to be groomed regularly, but grooming is not as difficult as with the Persian. A quick brush once a week and a wiping of the eyes (to prevent buildup that can lead to irritation) is generally all that is required.
The Personality of the Exotic Shorthair
A quiet breed, the Exotic Shorthair is gentle and affectionate. This is a cat that will jump into your lap for a cuddle as soon as you sit down. This cat inherited the easy-going nature of its American Shorthair ancestors, making it the perfect companion for children and other pets.
This cat loves to play and can amuse itself for hours if provided with a few toys and something to climb on. This means the Exotic Shorthair can be easily left at home while you go off at work. Your cat will be excited to see you when you get home, but he won't be totally lonely if he has a few interesting cat toys.
Known Health Issues of the Exotic Shorthair
Unfortunately, the Exotic Shorthair inherited a few health problems from its Persian ancestors. Inherited polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which can cause cysts in the kidneys, is common. The cysts are present at birth, but enlarge and cause severe problems once the cat reaches adulthood. The first signs of this disorder usually appear between three and four years of age. The cat may initially lack an appetite and be very thirsty, but irreversible kidney failure is the ultimate result. Breeders can screen their cats for this disease, but it's expensive. Expect to pay more for a kitten that is guaranteed to be free of PKD.
Other health problems can be traced to the brachycephalic face. The broad and short skull can cause eye and breathing problems. There may be chronic sinus difficulties and even kinked tear ducts, so good and regular vet care is important for the Exotic Shorthair.
The Exotic Shorthair is sweet and loving. If you're looking for a cat who will fit right into your family like he's been there for years, this adorable breed might be for you.
Mau is the Egyptian word for cat, so the Egyptian Mau is really the Egyptian Cat. Genetic testing has proven conclusively that the Egyptian Mau really did originate in Egypt. In fact, ancient artwork in the region depicts cats that are very similar in appearance to the modern Mau. Unfortunately, the Mau had a hard time in the early part of the 20th century, almost going extinct during WWII.
In 1956, that began to change. Three cats were imported to the United States from Italy. Two of these were female, one was male, and all were Egyptian Maus. The gene pool was limited, but with precise crossbreeding, inbreeding, and the importing of suitable cats, the breed stabilized and was accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1979. Today, most cat associations recognize the Egyptian Mau as a championship breed.
The Appearance of the Egyptian Mau
This muscular breed is elegant and has a regal bearing. Its coat is medium in length; its texture varies with the color of the Mau. Smoke colored cats have a fine and silky coat, but silver and bronze cats sport a dense and soft fur that is a pleasure to touch. All cats have gooseberry green eyes shaped like medium-sized almonds. The eyes slant towards the ears, giving the cat a slightly worried look. The ears are large and broad, giving the Mau an inquisitive appearance. These ears are very keen, making the Mau especially sensitive to sounds.
The most distinctive quality of the Egyptian Mau is the brilliant coat. Maus are the only naturally spotted domestic cat breed; all other spotted breeds were bred with wildcats to achieve the spotted effect. There is a marked difference between the coat color and the spot color, so the spots stand out in sharp contrast. The size and shape of these spots is mostly random.
All Egyptian Maus have a mark in the shape of an "M" on the forehead. This is often called the Mark of the Scarab. A dorsal stripe runs the length of the spine, covering the back and the tail all the way to the tip. The neck, upper chest, tail, and legs are all striped with the shoulders showing a transition between spots and stripes.
The Personality of the Egyptian Mau
This breed is shy and incredibly sensitive. They don't like loud noises and they despise anything that disrupts their daily routine. They do best in a quiet household free of too much noise. The Egyptian Mau is not the kind of cat that likes to live with a party animal and they tend to do better in homes without young children.
But the Egyptian Mau will bond to a sensitive and quiet individual. Once this cat is bonded, it will remain intensely loyal and loving towards its person. If a Mau truly bonds to you, you'll find yourself on the receiving end of more affection than you'll know what do to with. The cat will want to be with you always and will make little chirping sounds when happy. Expect the Egyptian Mau to be involved in everything you do because it's hard to avoid them when they want to be the center of attention.
Known Health Issues of the Egyptian Mau
For the most part, the Egyptian Mau is a stable and robust breed. They have very few inherited health problems, but some lines are prone to luxating patella (slipping kneecaps). Ask your breeder about this problem and consider getting a cat from a line that has not exhibited this condition.
The Egyptian Mau is a sweet and loving cat who needs a quiet space to be happy. If you are the type of person who likes to sit and read a book late on a Friday night, this loyal breed might be for you.
