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Title: "Unveiling the Fascinating Feline Varieties -Exploring the Diverse World of Cat Breeds."
#felines
{Quote- "Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose."
-Garrison Keillor (1942)}
Introduction:
Very few people know about different cat breeds, let alone are they able to identify a cat breed by looking at one.Although it is much less common to talk about cat breeds, cat breeds do exist, though they are fewer in number. With so many cats around us, surely that would mean that everyone knows everything possible about them, right? Wrong! There are so many interesting facts about cats that you probably haven’t heard of, from the world’s largest cat to the surprising way they walk. There are close to around 200 domesticated dog breeds, there are only about 40 to 71 cat breeds, depending on which cat association you look at.
Cats have been our beloved companions for centuries,captivating us with their grace, independence, and unique personalities. With a staggering number of cat breeds worldwide, each possessing its own distinct characteristics, it's no wonder that feline enthusiasts are constantly enthralled by the diversity within the feline kingdom. In this blog post, we will delve into the captivating world of cat breeds, shedding light on the two largest organizations that govern them and exploring some of the most intriguing breeds that they recognize.
Did you know?-
1- A cat was the Mayor of an Alaskan town for 20 years.
An orange tabby cat called Stubbs was the mayor of Talkeetna, a small town in Alaska for 20 years! He had several uncontested elections and although he didn’t hold any legislative power, he was loved by locals and tourists alike.
2- Cats walk like camels and giraffes. Have you ever noticed that cats walk like camels and giraffes? Their walking sequence is both right feet first, followed by both left feet, so they move half of their body forward at once.
Camels and giraffes are the only other animals to walk this way.
3- Isaac Newton invented the cat door. The scientist is most famous for calculated gravity, but it’s also believed that Isaac Newton invented the cat door. How Stuff Works writes that when Newton was working on his experiments at the University of Cambridge he was constantly interrupted by his cats scratching at the door. So he called the Cambridge carpenter to saw two holes in the door, one for the mother cat and one for her kittens! Apparently these holes can still be seen at the university today.
4- Ancient Egyptians would shave off their eyebrows when their cats died. According to Ancient History Encyclopedia, Herodotus wrote in 440BC that when a pet cat died in Ancient Egyptian times the family members would shave off their eyebrows in mourning. Now that’s an interesting cat fact!
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe):
When it comes to cat breed recognition, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and its European counterpart, Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe), stand as the two largest and most influential organizations. While the CFA primarily operates in North America, FIFe extends its reach across Europe. Together, these organizations play a pivotal role in preserving breed standards, organizing cat shows, and promoting responsible cat ownership.
CFA Recognized Breeds:
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) currently recognizes an impressive total of 45 cat breeds. These breeds encompass a wide range of physical attributes, temperaments, and coat patterns, ensuring that there is a feline companion to suit every individual's preferences. From the elegant Siamese to the majestic Maine Coon, each breed holds its own unique charm.
In recent years, the CFA has welcomed two new additions to its roster of recognized breeds. The Khao Manee, originating from Thailand,is known for its striking white coat and captivating blue and gold eyes. This breed's history is steeped in mysticism and folklore, making it all the more intriguing. The Lykoi, often referred to as the "werewolf cat," boasts a distinctive appearance with its partially hairless body and patchy fur. These fascinating breeds were granted the opportunity to compete in cat shows starting in 2018, further adding to the excitement and diversity within the feline world.
FIFe Recognized Breeds:
On the other side of the Atlantic, the Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe) recognizes an impressive total of 51 cat breeds. FIFe's recognition extends across Europe, ensuring that feline enthusiasts from various countries have a platform to showcase their beloved breeds. From the regal British Shorthair to the playful Abyssinian, FIFe's recognized breeds encompass a wide spectrum of appearances and personalities.
While FIFe recognizes many breeds that are also acknowledged by the CFA, there are a few notable differences. For instance, FIFe recognizes the Turkish Van, a breed known for its love of water and distinctive patterned coat. Additionally, FIFe acknowledges the Norwegian Forest Cat, a breed that thrives in cold climates and possesses a thick, water-repellent coat. These unique breeds add to the richness and diversity of the feline world, captivating cat enthusiasts with their individuality.
The total number of distinct breeds recognized by either or both the CFA and FIFe is 64.
Another large body, The International Cat Association (TICA), currently recognizes 73 cat breeds as eligible to compete for the championship title in its shows. Besides, TICA has placed six more breeds on a waiting list of sorts. That is, they are at different stages in the recognition process.
The above gives a rough insight into the number of cat breeds. Many national and regional organizations exist, and the number of breeds they recognize differs, but most acknowledge between 40 and 80. The more intriguing question is, how has this number changed over time?
Conclusion:
The world of cat breeds is a captivating realm filled with an astonishing array of feline varieties. Thanks to organizations like the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe), these breeds are recognized, celebrated, and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Whether you prefer the elegance of the Siamese, the regality of the British Shorthair, or the mystique of the Khao Manee, there is a cat breed out there to capture your heart. So, embrace the diversity within the feline kingdom and embark on a journey to discover the perfect feline companion that resonates with your unique preferences and lifestyle.
© Aneemkp
{Quote- "Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a purpose."
-Garrison Keillor (1942)}
Introduction:
Very few people know about different cat breeds, let alone are they able to identify a cat breed by looking at one.Although it is much less common to talk about cat breeds, cat breeds do exist, though they are fewer in number. With so many cats around us, surely that would mean that everyone knows everything possible about them, right? Wrong! There are so many interesting facts about cats that you probably haven’t heard of, from the world’s largest cat to the surprising way they walk. There are close to around 200 domesticated dog breeds, there are only about 40 to 71 cat breeds, depending on which cat association you look at.
Cats have been our beloved companions for centuries,captivating us with their grace, independence, and unique personalities. With a staggering number of cat breeds worldwide, each possessing its own distinct characteristics, it's no wonder that feline enthusiasts are constantly enthralled by the diversity within the feline kingdom. In this blog post, we will delve into the captivating world of cat breeds, shedding light on the two largest organizations that govern them and exploring some of the most intriguing breeds that they recognize.
Did you know?-
1- A cat was the Mayor of an Alaskan town for 20 years.
An orange tabby cat called Stubbs was the mayor of Talkeetna, a small town in Alaska for 20 years! He had several uncontested elections and although he didn’t hold any legislative power, he was loved by locals and tourists alike.
2- Cats walk like camels and giraffes. Have you ever noticed that cats walk like camels and giraffes? Their walking sequence is both right feet first, followed by both left feet, so they move half of their body forward at once.
Camels and giraffes are the only other animals to walk this way.
3- Isaac Newton invented the cat door. The scientist is most famous for calculated gravity, but it’s also believed that Isaac Newton invented the cat door. How Stuff Works writes that when Newton was working on his experiments at the University of Cambridge he was constantly interrupted by his cats scratching at the door. So he called the Cambridge carpenter to saw two holes in the door, one for the mother cat and one for her kittens! Apparently these holes can still be seen at the university today.
4- Ancient Egyptians would shave off their eyebrows when their cats died. According to Ancient History Encyclopedia, Herodotus wrote in 440BC that when a pet cat died in Ancient Egyptian times the family members would shave off their eyebrows in mourning. Now that’s an interesting cat fact!
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe):
When it comes to cat breed recognition, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and its European counterpart, Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe), stand as the two largest and most influential organizations. While the CFA primarily operates in North America, FIFe extends its reach across Europe. Together, these organizations play a pivotal role in preserving breed standards, organizing cat shows, and promoting responsible cat ownership.
CFA Recognized Breeds:
The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) currently recognizes an impressive total of 45 cat breeds. These breeds encompass a wide range of physical attributes, temperaments, and coat patterns, ensuring that there is a feline companion to suit every individual's preferences. From the elegant Siamese to the majestic Maine Coon, each breed holds its own unique charm.
In recent years, the CFA has welcomed two new additions to its roster of recognized breeds. The Khao Manee, originating from Thailand,is known for its striking white coat and captivating blue and gold eyes. This breed's history is steeped in mysticism and folklore, making it all the more intriguing. The Lykoi, often referred to as the "werewolf cat," boasts a distinctive appearance with its partially hairless body and patchy fur. These fascinating breeds were granted the opportunity to compete in cat shows starting in 2018, further adding to the excitement and diversity within the feline world.
FIFe Recognized Breeds:
On the other side of the Atlantic, the Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe) recognizes an impressive total of 51 cat breeds. FIFe's recognition extends across Europe, ensuring that feline enthusiasts from various countries have a platform to showcase their beloved breeds. From the regal British Shorthair to the playful Abyssinian, FIFe's recognized breeds encompass a wide spectrum of appearances and personalities.
While FIFe recognizes many breeds that are also acknowledged by the CFA, there are a few notable differences. For instance, FIFe recognizes the Turkish Van, a breed known for its love of water and distinctive patterned coat. Additionally, FIFe acknowledges the Norwegian Forest Cat, a breed that thrives in cold climates and possesses a thick, water-repellent coat. These unique breeds add to the richness and diversity of the feline world, captivating cat enthusiasts with their individuality.
The total number of distinct breeds recognized by either or both the CFA and FIFe is 64.
Another large body, The International Cat Association (TICA), currently recognizes 73 cat breeds as eligible to compete for the championship title in its shows. Besides, TICA has placed six more breeds on a waiting list of sorts. That is, they are at different stages in the recognition process.
The above gives a rough insight into the number of cat breeds. Many national and regional organizations exist, and the number of breeds they recognize differs, but most acknowledge between 40 and 80. The more intriguing question is, how has this number changed over time?
Conclusion:
The world of cat breeds is a captivating realm filled with an astonishing array of feline varieties. Thanks to organizations like the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe), these breeds are recognized, celebrated, and preserved for future generations to enjoy. Whether you prefer the elegance of the Siamese, the regality of the British Shorthair, or the mystique of the Khao Manee, there is a cat breed out there to capture your heart. So, embrace the diversity within the feline kingdom and embark on a journey to discover the perfect feline companion that resonates with your unique preferences and lifestyle.
© Aneemkp
