Submitted by Iro
The Selkirk Rex, though named after an individual, is actually similar to the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex, which adapted the 'Rex" from an unusual breed of shorthaired rabbits.
Although the Selkirk Rex cat's founder, who lived in Wyoming, used to claim that she named the breed after the Selkirk Mountains, when informed that those mountains were actually located in British Columbia, she confessed to naming the breed after her stepfather. This makes the Selkirk Rex the only breed of cats named after an individual.
Selkirk Rex cats of today are a culmination of three breeds: Persians, Exotics, and Brits, similar to the Cornish Rex and the Devon Rex in that they can be both longhaired, or ShortSelkirk Rex, but are dissimilar in that they have rounded, stocky bodies. The Selkirk Rex also has a naturally curly coat, which unlike the other Rex breeds, is a dominant rather than a recessive trait. They were accepted for championship status in the year 2000. They originated through a natural mutation in a litter of domestic kittens born in 1987.
If you are out and about with your Selkirk Rex, be prepared to be stopped by people who just have to run their fingers through the cat's coat for a good petting. But beware, this cat is not for the faint of heart, or should I say hot-tempered. Selkirk Rex owners are often bombarded with all kinds of hair jokes. Some of these include comments like the following: "This cat is our drip and dry variety," or "Why don't you groom your cat," or even "The cat with the bad hair day." So you need to be like your cat, patient, loving, and tolerant, not of other cats, that's easy, but of your fellow human beings. Selkirks even have curly whiskers; however, they are brittle and may even break off as they grow longer. But you need not worry about your Selkirk Rex losing its curl as it grows older. With that dominant curly gene, they retain the curly coat and whiskers for life.
It is interesting to note how the creation of the Rex name became attached to the British Rex breeds. Rex, as you may know from its use with the Tyrannosaurus Rex, is Latin for 'one holding the station in life of regent or king of a country.' In the late 1890s, a French rabbit fancier named Desire' Callion sold a newly discovered breed of shorthaired rabbit to King Albert of Belgium. He bred them for rabbit show competition in Europe, but obviously they didn't fit the breed standard since they had short hair. Not wanting to anger the king by disqualifying his rabbits, the judges came up with the label Rex and applied it to all of the king's entries. Therefore, every rabbit with the shorthair mutation is now referred to as Rex.
Upon discovery of the first curly haired cats in Cornwall, England, they were dubbed 'Rex' after the short-furred rabbits, and Rex became known as the cats with unusual fur.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author For more specific information on Selkirk Rex Cats, click here Selkirk Rex Cats, for more cat breed care and information on all types of felines visit our main site The Feline Cart
The Oldest Breed of Domestic Cat, the Siamese
Submitted by Iro
The oldest breed of domestic cat, the Siamese is highly known not only for its distinctive good looks but also it chatty nature and winning personality.
Probably the oldest breed of cat in existence is the unique-looking Siamese. This sleek feline was originally exported from Siam, now Thailand, in the late eighteen hundreds and the unmistakable appearance is known far and wide. Siamese cats are all sleek lines, chiseled aristocratic, wedge-shaped heads, short silky coats, almond shaped eyes that are a deep blue and are slanted, and their coats which consist of a striking contrast in color. Another thing that is legendary about Siamese cats is their voice, as they are quite vocal, and are also well known for speaking with their body language as much as their voices. Very much a "people" cat, they are happiest whether in your bed, on your lap, or anywhere else they can get to, including the kitchen table. They love to explore, so do not be surprised if you find your Siamese on top your refrigerator, walking the narrow edge of your bedroom door, and happily ensconced inside of your kitchen cupboard, bathroom vanity, or even nestled on a shelf inside your linen closet.
Highly intelligent, Siamese cats have loving natures and inquisitive personalities making their journey to your heart a quick and easy one. These beautiful animals first appeared in England when the English ambassador to Siam was presented with them as a gift, and he returned home with them. It didn't take long before they began to appear in the English cat shows and by the early twentieth century, they also began to show up in the American shows as well.
Probably the best-known variety of Siamese cat is the Seal point, with pale fawn bodies and seal brown extremities that are almost black in color. The Seal points were the first of the breed to arrive on the Western scene. Chocolate points having creamy white bodies and milk chocolate markings did appear from time to time. But the Blue point with bluish-white bodies and slate blue points was the one that really gained official recognition around 1934. In case you didn't know, the points are located on the cat's legs, tail, mask, and ears. Last but certainly not least is the Lilac point, which has a white body and pinkish gray points, and is considered to be the most ethereal and delicate Siamese in hue, with color considered the most prominent feature in this breed of cat.
Siamese cats are loving, personable animals that will easily win their way into your heart and captivate you with their distinctive good looks, superb intelligence, and winning personalities. And if you enjoy talking to your cat, and what cat lover does not, your Siamese will happily keep up his end of the conversation.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author For more specific information on Siamese Cats, click here Siamese Cats, for more cat breed care and information on all types of felines visit our main site The Feline Cart
The oldest breed of domestic cat, the Siamese is highly known not only for its distinctive good looks but also it chatty nature and winning personality.
Probably the oldest breed of cat in existence is the unique-looking Siamese. This sleek feline was originally exported from Siam, now Thailand, in the late eighteen hundreds and the unmistakable appearance is known far and wide. Siamese cats are all sleek lines, chiseled aristocratic, wedge-shaped heads, short silky coats, almond shaped eyes that are a deep blue and are slanted, and their coats which consist of a striking contrast in color. Another thing that is legendary about Siamese cats is their voice, as they are quite vocal, and are also well known for speaking with their body language as much as their voices. Very much a "people" cat, they are happiest whether in your bed, on your lap, or anywhere else they can get to, including the kitchen table. They love to explore, so do not be surprised if you find your Siamese on top your refrigerator, walking the narrow edge of your bedroom door, and happily ensconced inside of your kitchen cupboard, bathroom vanity, or even nestled on a shelf inside your linen closet.
Highly intelligent, Siamese cats have loving natures and inquisitive personalities making their journey to your heart a quick and easy one. These beautiful animals first appeared in England when the English ambassador to Siam was presented with them as a gift, and he returned home with them. It didn't take long before they began to appear in the English cat shows and by the early twentieth century, they also began to show up in the American shows as well.
Probably the best-known variety of Siamese cat is the Seal point, with pale fawn bodies and seal brown extremities that are almost black in color. The Seal points were the first of the breed to arrive on the Western scene. Chocolate points having creamy white bodies and milk chocolate markings did appear from time to time. But the Blue point with bluish-white bodies and slate blue points was the one that really gained official recognition around 1934. In case you didn't know, the points are located on the cat's legs, tail, mask, and ears. Last but certainly not least is the Lilac point, which has a white body and pinkish gray points, and is considered to be the most ethereal and delicate Siamese in hue, with color considered the most prominent feature in this breed of cat.
Siamese cats are loving, personable animals that will easily win their way into your heart and captivate you with their distinctive good looks, superb intelligence, and winning personalities. And if you enjoy talking to your cat, and what cat lover does not, your Siamese will happily keep up his end of the conversation.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author For more specific information on Siamese Cats, click here Siamese Cats, for more cat breed care and information on all types of felines visit our main site The Feline Cart
Siberian Cats Are Nothing to Sneeze at
Submitted by Iro
Even though they have beautiful fur, Siberian cats are not only great for allergy suffers, but will give your dog a run for its money
Do you feel that cats can't compete with dogs? Think again. In 2003, Rachel Tucker of Baker City, OR, entered her two hundred strong Siberian cat sled team in the Atta Boy 300 sled dog race as a publicity stunt. Much to the amazement and embarrassment of the Husky competitors, Tucker's cats ran the three hundred mile course in just over twenty-two hours, not only winning the race, but beating out the nearest dog team by about an hour. No one thought she had a prayer, except for Tucker of course. "I told the puppy lovers to watch out, that these cats were for real, but they thought I was joking," said Tucker. Centuries ago, Siberian cats were initially bred as watch cats and used in Russian monasteries.
Siberians are beautiful breed large cats that are a natural product of Russia, typically found in Leningrad and St. Petersburg. They did not have it easy, either. Not only did they have to endure the harsh Russian climate, but for a number of years it was against the law for Russians to own and feed pets. These cats had to run the streets surviving 'underground' and eventually finding refuge in the local monasteries. They weren't introduced into the United States until the 1990s.
Siberians are semi-longhaired cats with thick undercoats and come in all color patterns, usually taking up to five years to mature. As illustrated above, they have powerful muscles and are great leapers, with hind legs, when extended, slightly longer than the front ones. Their paws are large and powerful as well. But in spite of all this strength, they are extremely agile, and have the sweetest facial expressions. They are very vocal and can be heard giving off a soft chirping sound. Siberian cats have quite a regal bearing.
But one of the most fascinating things about Siberians is that people who are typically allergic to cats, who experience sneezing, wheezing, hives, and watery eyes as well as other symptoms, have absolutely no allergic reaction to a Siberian. For a shaggy cat, that is quite an astounding fact. People who in the past have even been hospitalized because of an allergic reaction to cats can comfortably cuddle with a Siberian and suffer not a single sniffle.
Siberians have wonderfully affectionate natures and are quick to give a kitty massage or bath to their owner when they're feeling sad or down. They also have been said to have dog-like qualities, especially when it comes to protective behavior. For all of their power and protectiveness, Siberian cats are absolutely wonderful around children. So if you happen to have children with allergies or asthma, but you would love to give them a pet, a Siberian Cat is just the ticket.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author For more specific information on Siberian Cats, click here Siberian Cats, for more cat breed care and information on all types of felines visit our main site The Feline Cart
Even though they have beautiful fur, Siberian cats are not only great for allergy suffers, but will give your dog a run for its money
Do you feel that cats can't compete with dogs? Think again. In 2003, Rachel Tucker of Baker City, OR, entered her two hundred strong Siberian cat sled team in the Atta Boy 300 sled dog race as a publicity stunt. Much to the amazement and embarrassment of the Husky competitors, Tucker's cats ran the three hundred mile course in just over twenty-two hours, not only winning the race, but beating out the nearest dog team by about an hour. No one thought she had a prayer, except for Tucker of course. "I told the puppy lovers to watch out, that these cats were for real, but they thought I was joking," said Tucker. Centuries ago, Siberian cats were initially bred as watch cats and used in Russian monasteries.
Siberians are beautiful breed large cats that are a natural product of Russia, typically found in Leningrad and St. Petersburg. They did not have it easy, either. Not only did they have to endure the harsh Russian climate, but for a number of years it was against the law for Russians to own and feed pets. These cats had to run the streets surviving 'underground' and eventually finding refuge in the local monasteries. They weren't introduced into the United States until the 1990s.
Siberians are semi-longhaired cats with thick undercoats and come in all color patterns, usually taking up to five years to mature. As illustrated above, they have powerful muscles and are great leapers, with hind legs, when extended, slightly longer than the front ones. Their paws are large and powerful as well. But in spite of all this strength, they are extremely agile, and have the sweetest facial expressions. They are very vocal and can be heard giving off a soft chirping sound. Siberian cats have quite a regal bearing.
But one of the most fascinating things about Siberians is that people who are typically allergic to cats, who experience sneezing, wheezing, hives, and watery eyes as well as other symptoms, have absolutely no allergic reaction to a Siberian. For a shaggy cat, that is quite an astounding fact. People who in the past have even been hospitalized because of an allergic reaction to cats can comfortably cuddle with a Siberian and suffer not a single sniffle.
Siberians have wonderfully affectionate natures and are quick to give a kitty massage or bath to their owner when they're feeling sad or down. They also have been said to have dog-like qualities, especially when it comes to protective behavior. For all of their power and protectiveness, Siberian cats are absolutely wonderful around children. So if you happen to have children with allergies or asthma, but you would love to give them a pet, a Siberian Cat is just the ticket.
Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/About the Author For more specific information on Siberian Cats, click here Siberian Cats, for more cat breed care and information on all types of felines visit our main site The Feline Cart