Many people remember from the lessons of school history that a cat is one of those animals that has lived with a man from olden times. But have you ever wondered what kind of cats are? Of course, you can quickly give an answer - different. Well, seriously, there are a lot of them, and they are different.
What are cats and cats?
Cats and cats, as well as dogs, have their own breeds, pedigrees and clubs. Recognized and officially registered according to the data of the American Cat Fanciers Association are 40 breeds. But the European Felinological Federation officially recognizes 70 breeds. But, anyway, all breeds of cats are divided into four types. Let us consider in more detail what are the types of cats. Let's start with the most unusual.
Hairless cats . They are also called sphinxes and subdivide them into Canadian and Mexican. Here belong the breed of St. Petersburg or St. Petersburg Sphinx (as the name implies - the cat is bred in Russia). By their nature, sphynxes are quite capricious, sometimes even aggressive towards strangers. But the distinctive feature of Peterbald - complete absence of rancor and aggression.
Since recently (the breed was officially registered in 2006), a breed of cats, such as the bambino, are also referred to the group of hairless cats. Externally - this is the same sphinx, but on short paws (that's why bambinoes are jokingly called a cat-dachshund).
Shorthair . The brightest representative of this kind of cats can rightly be considered to be magnificent British (British Shorthair - the official name of the breed). They are aristocrats among cats. Their respectable look conquers many. And what only is "double" wool (the undercoat and awn are equally developed), reminiscent of a soft plush touch! A variety of colors! This is the gray-blue British, and black, and smoky, with the color "chinchilla", chocolate, lilac and even figured. Not a cat, but delight!
Semi-long-haired . This group of very friendly and inquisitive pussies includes Turkish, Norwegian, Raccoon, Maine (not to be confused with Men's, according to the name of the Isle of Man - the homeland of this breed.) These are the peculiarities of these short-haired cats - the absence of a tail) and Siberian . Here you can note a few bright representatives of the breed. First of all, it's all your favorite and one of the most popular breeds is Siberian. These cats are distinguished by high intelligence, tenderness and pronounced personality. The uniqueness of the breed - the magnificent fur of the "Siberians" practically does not cause allergies.
Another outstanding representative of the breed is the Turkish Angora, one of the oldest semi-longhaired breeds. Especially prized white angorki with eyes of different colors.
The largest in the world cats - the Maine Coon breed - are also representatives of this group.
Long-haired . This group is represented by Persian, Peking, Kumer and Balinese cats. And, as it is already clear from the name of the subgroup, the most striking representatives of the breed can be called unsurpassed Persians. It should be noted that this is also one of the most ancient breeds. After all, only in Europe they appeared somewhere at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries. Although modern Persians in many ways differ from the "ancient" Persians, but the distinctive feature of the exterior is a flattened nose on a massive head and a long (up to 15 cm) thick coat, nevertheless, remained. Even the Persians are very balanced and sociable, but they are very touchy.
And in conclusion one more very interesting question - what colors are there in cats. And just like the rocks can be said - different. It all depends on the breed standards, if you decide to purchase a thoroughbred cat or cat. Well, if you have an appearance in your house just a fluffy pet, then what's the difference in his color. The main thing is that he is a favorite.