Discover How to Easily Identify Your Cat’s Breed

Every cat owner has, at least once, wondered about the breed of their feline companion. It’s not always easy to identify a cat’s breed just by looking at them. Fortunately, with advancements in technology and a little understanding of the basics, you can now easily determine your cat’s pedigree. In this article, we are going to shed light on how to recognize your cat’s breed effortlessly.

What is a Pedigree Cat ?

The History of Cat Breeds

Most current cat breeds date back to ancient cats, domesticated thousands of years ago. Purebred cats are the result of human selection for specific physical traits. The start of modern feline exhibitions took place in England, featuring Persians and British Shorthairs. In France, the first exhibition was organized by the Cat Club in 1925. Thus began our fascination with identifying and categorizing different breeds of cats.

Defining a Pedigree Cat

In simple terms, a pedigree cat is one which belongs to one of the recognized breeds defined by various international associations. According to The International Cat Association (TICA), there are 73 recognized cat breeds while the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognizes only 45.

Now that we’ve established what constitutes a pedigree cat let’s delve into what you need to identify your pet’s breed.

Criteria for Identifying Your Cat’s Breed

Familiarization With Common Breeds

A good starting point is familiarizing yourself with some common breeds and their characteristics. For instance, siamese cats usually have striking blue almond-shaped eyes and short coats; maine Coons are large with tufted ears and long, shaggy fur. Noting these distinct traits will help in the identification.

Coat Length and Patterns

Cats have three general coat lengths: short, medium, and long. Additionally, they can also exhibit a variety of patterns such as solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, or calico. For example, Bengals are known for their striking spotted coats resembling those of wild leopards.

The world of cat breeds is fascinating and complex. But what if there was a tool that could simplify it ?

Using Mobile Apps to Determine a Cat’s Breed

The Power of Technology

With the advent of modern technology, identifying your cat’s breed has never been easier. Applications like Cat Scanner allow you to identify your cat’s breed by simply taking a photo or quick video. This technology delivers reliable identification in just a few seconds.

This new method has revolutionized how we understand our feline friends. However, it’s also essential to realize how character and appearance play a role when choosing a cat breed.

The Importance of Temperament and Appearance in Choosing a Cat Breed

Choosing Based on Behavior

Different breeds have varying personalities : some are active and playful; others prefer calm quiet surroundings. For instance, abyssinians are known for their playful nature whereas Persians usually exhibit laid-back behavior. Understanding these behavioral characteristics can aid in identifying your pet’s breed.

Skin-Deep Decisions

Apart from temperament, appearance is another critical factor when choosing cats by their breed. Coats vary in coloration patterns such as ticking, mottling, spotting, and more. Your cat’s eye color can also offer clues to its breed.

Whether your cat is from a recognized breed or not, it’s important to understand the differences between pedigree cats and domestic ones. Let’s explore these distinctions next.

Pedigree Cats vs Domestic Cats: understanding the Differences

Nature vs Nurture

Pedigree cats are selected and bred for specific traits, whereas domestic cats, often known as moggies or housecats, come in a wide array of shapes and sizes due to random breeding. These variations make them more diverse but also harder to classify than pedigree cats.

Apart from physical characteristics and behavior, there is another crucial aspect when identifying a pedigree cat – the pedigree itself.

Recognizing a Pedigree: basic Notions About LOOF and Certifications

The Importance of Pedigrees

In France, for a cat to be considered as belonging to a breed, it must have a pedigree proving its registration in a breed register such as the LOOF (Livre Officiel des Origines Félines). The pedigree contains the cat’s genealogy over four generations. It helps identify inherited characteristics and potential health issues related to specific breeds.

New Breed Development

Creating a new cat breed requires several years of work to introduce new physical features. The standard is written to guide breeders in getting closer to it. Currently, the LOOF lists more than 70 cat breeds in France.

Identifying your cat’s breed isn’t just about knowledge and curiosity; it can greatly influence how you care for your pet – including their diet.

Diet Adapted to Different Cat Breeds

Understanding Dietary Needs

Specific breeds have specific dietary requirements due to variations in their size, metabolism, and potential health risks. For instance, larger breeds like the Maine Coon may require more calories, whereas breeds prone to obesity like the British Shorthair may need a carefully controlled diet.

The Role of Breed-Specific Foods

Different brands offer breed-specific foods that cater to the unique needs of various breeds. These specialized diets consider factors such as kibble size, shape, and nutritional composition.

In closing, understanding your cat’s breed can enrich your feline friendship by enabling tailored care and deepening your appreciation for your pet’s unique qualities. Whether it’s through physical characteristics or through smart technologies, knowing your cat’s breed will always be an interesting journey into the world of felines.