CATALOG OF BREEDS
82
A DESERT CAT THAT IS WELL ADAPTED TO HOME LIFE
ARABIAN MAU
A breed native to the Arabian Peninsula, this cat was
a desert dweller that migrated to city streets when human
populations encroached on its habitat. In 2004 breeding
programs to develop the Arabian Mau were started, with
the aim of preserving the cat’s original traits and natural
hardiness. With its high energy levels and need for mental
stimulation, this breed can be a handful and will not be
content to spend much time lazing around. However, the
Arabian Mau is both loyal and affectionate, and sympathetic
owners usually find it a highly rewarding pet.
Long legs
with oval paws
Single mackerel tabby
coat has firm texture
Slightly slanted,
oval eyes
Nose slightly
concave
Prominent
whisker pads
Medium to large,
muscular body
Place of origin United Arab
Emirates
Date of origin 2000s (modern
breed)
Breed registries Other
Weight range 7–15lb (3–7kg)
Grooming
Colors and patterns
Various solid colors and
patterns, including tabby
and bicolor.
Large, pointed
ears
Spotted pattern
continues onto
underside
Banding
on legs
Necklace
markings
White
solid coat
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83
SHORTHAIRS
THIS SLINKY, GRACEFUL CAT IS FULL OF ENERGY AND NEEDS SPACE TO PLAY AND EXPLORE
ABYSSINIAN
There are various accounts of the Abyssinian’s history,
including the attractive but highly improbable story that
it descends from the sacred cats of Ancient Egypt. A more
plausible version suggests that its forerunners might have
been brought back from Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) by British
soldiers when the Abyssinian War ended in the late 1860s.
What is certain is that the modern breed was developed in the
UK, most likely by crossing the British Shorthair (pp.68–77)
with a more unusual, and possibly imported, breed. With its
athletic build, aristocratic bearing, and beautiful ticked coat,
the Abyssinian is a striking cat with a hint of wild about it.
Intelligent and affectionate, Abyssinians make
wonderful companions but they like an all-action life.
Large,
alert ears
set wide
apart
Well-balanced,
graceful body
Silky, lustrous,
usual coat
Rounded muzzle
with prominent
whisker pads
Fine-textured
blue coat
Long,
tapering tail
Relatively
small paws
All hairs on coat
are ticked with
contrasting
color bands
Slender legs
Distinctive dark
facial markings
around eyes
Place of origin Ethiopia
Date of origin 19th century
Breed registries CFA, FIFe,
GCCF, TICA
Weight range 9–17lb (4–7.5kg)
Grooming
Colors and patterns
Several color forms, all
with distinct ticking and
facial markings.
Lighter
underparts
Eyes outlined
in black
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BRIGHT-EYED
All ears and eyes, even very young
Abyssinians are alert and perpetually
on the go. Almost everything engages
the interest of these hyperintelligent
cats that need plenty of regular stimulus.
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CATALOG OF BREEDS
86
THIS AFFECTIONATE CAT HAS A STEADY TEMPERAMENT AND A DELICATELY BEAUTIFUL COAT
AUSTRALIAN MIST
The first pedigree cat to be developed in Australia, this
breed was created from crosses between Burmese (pp.39–
40), Abyssinian (p.83), and Australian domestic shorthair
cats. Formerly known as the Spotted Mist, it comes in a range
of attractive spotted and marbled patterns and colors, all
enhanced by ticking that produces a delicate misted effect.
The Australian Mist is extremely popular in its native country
and has earned a reputation as a particularly easy pet to
keep. It has a loving nature, lives happily indoors, and
is equally suitable as a playmate for children or a
faithful companion for the less active owner.
Long tail thick
in proportion
to body
Prominent
whisker pads
Short, sleek coat
Ears wide at
base and tilt
slightly forward
Green eyes
with straight
upper lids
Medium-large,
firm body
Nose broad
with slight dip
Broken necklace
markings
Place of origin Australia
Date of origin 1970s
Breed registries GCCF, TICA
Weight range 8–13lb (3.5–6kg)
Grooming
Colors and patterns
Spotted or marbled
tabby, misted by
ticking; colors include
brown, blue, peach,
chocolate, lilac,
and gold.
Broad, slightly
rounded head
Neat oval paws
Blue marble
tabby coat
Broad,
rounded chest
Paler underparts
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