87
SHORTHAIRS
A FINE-BONED AND ELEGANT CAT WITH AN ATTRACTIVELY MARKED COAT
CEYLON
Named after its native home (now Sri Lanka), the Ceylon
was imported to Italy in the early 1980s, where the breed was
developed. It is now found worldwide and, if not as widely known
as other breeds, has achieved some popularity in Italy. With its
beautiful ticked coat and sandy coloring, this cat is similar in
appearance to the Abyssinian (p.83), though the two are not
related. The Ceylon has a distinctive pattern on its forehead
called the cobra mark, which is much valued. Breeders praise the
cat’s friendly nature and its responsiveness to attention.
Darker lines
on cheeks
and forehead
Yellowish green eyes
with dark rims
Sandy-colored,
black-ticked coat
Necklace
markings
around
throat
Well-defined
stripes on legs
Kitten
Clearly defined
ticking on body
Fine-boned but
muscular legs
Place of origin Sri Lanka
Date of origin 1980s
Breed registries Other
Weight range 9–17lb (4–7.5kg)
Grooming
Colors and patterns
Manila (black-ticked on
sandy-gold ground color);
various other markings and
tickings, including blue, red,
cream, and tortoiseshell.
Broad chest
Distinctive
cobra mark on
forehead
Large ears set
high on head
Short, fine-haired coat
with minimal undercoat
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STRENGTH AND ELEGANCE
An Ocicat is a natural athlete, and the
power in its graceful frame becomes
evident when the cat is in motion.
The sleek, spotted coat fits closely
over smoothly gliding muscles.
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89
SHORTHAIRS
AN ADAPTABLE AND CONFIDENT CAT THAT OFTEN RESPONDS WELL TO TRAINING
OCICAT
Despite its name, this spotted beauty is not a cross between the
domestic cat and the ocelot—the native jungle cat of South and
Central America—but it looks as though it ought to be. The Ocicat
was actually the surprise product of an attempt in 1964 to breed
a Siamese (pp.54–57) with colorpoints that matched the ticked coat
of the Abyssinian (p.83). The first spotted kitten that appeared
was kept solely as a pet, but others produced later were used
to create the new breed. The inclusion of American Shorthairs
(p.61) in the Ocicat’s development program introduced
greater size and substance. Ocicats have a delightful
temperament, love company, and are easy to manage.
Darkest coloration
appears on tip of tail
Large, almond-
shaped eyes
with dark rims
Short, shiny chocolate
tabby coat marked with
“thumbprint” spots
Necklace
pattern
around neck
Powerful,
athletic body
Silver-spotted
tabby coat
Oval paws
Place of origin US
Date of origin 1960s
Breed registries CFA, FIFe,
GCCF, TICA
Weight range 6–14 lb
(2.5–6.5 kg)
Grooming
Colors and patterns
Black, brown, blue, lilac, and
fawn in spotted tabby pattern.
Characteristic
tabby “M” mark
on forehead
Broad, slightly
square muzzle
Long, slightly
tapering tail
Lighter markings
around eyes
and on chin
Dark lines
on cheeks
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CATALOG OF BREEDS
90
A LARGE, BEAUTIFULLY MARKED TABBY WITH AN EXOTIC DIFFERENCE
AZTEC
Previously known as the Ocicat Classic, this is a version of
the Ocicat with markings in the classic tabby pattern rather
than spots, this cat was recognized as a separate breed only
comparatively recently, and is still not yet accepted as such by all
breed authorities. The Aztec has the same history as its spotted
cousin (pp.88–89), being a mixture of Siamese (pp.54–57),
Abyssinian (pp.83–85), and American Shorthair (p.61). It is an
energetic cat, with an enthusiasm for games and getting up
onto high places. The breed has an excellent temperament and
is highly sociable. An Aztec will not stay happy for long on its
own, and is best-suited to a house full of people and action.
Place of origin US
Date of origin 1960s
Breed registries GCCF
Weight range 6–14lb
(2.5–6.5kg)
Grooming
Colors and patterns
Classic tabby pattern
in various colors,
including silver.
Unbroken line of dark
color runs from
shoulders along spine
Large, almond-shaped
eyes are angled slightly
toward base of ears
Tail has dark rings
along its length
Large, broad-
based ears
Large, lithe, well-
muscled body
Dark tabby
markings on
ticked brown fur
Long, broad
muzzle
Traditional tabby
“M” marking on
forehead
Evenly spaced bracelet
markings on legs
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91
SHORTHAIRS
THIS CAT HAS A PEACEFUL NATURE BUT IS POSSESSIVE OF HOME AND FAMILY
SOKOKE
A native of the coastal Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kenya,
this spectacular tabby was discovered in the late 1970s, when
a British Kenyan resident adopted two feral kittens with
distinctive markings and used them for breeding. Sokokes
were later imported to Europe and the US, and new bloodlines
were introduced in the 21st century. The modern Sokoke
combines the traits of what are known as the Old and New
Lines. These cats develop close family bonds, and some
have a natural talent for communicating vocally with
their owners. They remain fairly active beyond
kittenhood and enjoy playing games.
Long hindlegs
give a tiptoe gait
Skull almost
flat at top
Long, slender,
fine-boned legs
Eyes outlined
with black
Classic tabby
pattern on coat is
blurred by ticking
Large,
broad-based,
upright ears
Chinstrap
marking on
throat
Black tip
to tail
Place of origin Kenya
Date of origin 1970s (modern
breed)
Breed registries FIFe, GCCE,
TICA
Weight range 8–14lb
(3.5–6.5kg)
Grooming
Long, whippy
tail has
firm feel
Colors and patterns
Ticked brown tabby
only.
Prominent
whisker pads
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