Shorthair cat breeds: types, selection and care features

Shorthair cats outnumber their furry tribesmen in the number of species. They stand closer to the wild, in which you will not find feline predators with long fur. Many people prefer to keep short-haired animals due to easy care. In addition, they are beautiful, their abundance allows you to choose a breed for every taste.

The history of the appearance of short-haired cats takes us into the depths of time, 60 million years ago, to myacids, the progenitors of all predators on Earth, including cats. Over time, the weight of the animal became smaller and about nine million years ago, animals appeared, somewhat similar to modern cats.

Today, cat breeds are considered to be short-haired, the pile of which does not exceed 4.5 cm in length. If we compare wool with human hair, it has a more complex composition. The follicles of an animal contain two types of pile at once: the core, which makes up the fur cover, and down (undercoat). The outer (integumentary) can have different lengths, thicknesses and stiffnesses. The thickest and longest villi are called guides.

Out of one follicle can leave the outer hair, surrounded by a whole bunch of fluff. He always lays down from above, covering down, thereby saving the animal from frost and rain.

The density of the undercoat and the outer hair depends on the climatic conditions in which the cats live. In northern animals, the fur is much thicker and warmer, with a lot of fluff. In the south there live cats with short and close-fitting hair.The confusion in the natural regularity was introduced by breeding animals. Today, there are species that do not have undercoat (Burmese), or even wool (Don Sphynx).

Rexes, contrary to the straight outer coat created by nature, are endowed with a wavy mutation. And the type of fur “brush” (sometimes with some sphinxes), looks like a rigid twisted wire.

It is difficult to say how many short-haired cat breeds live on the planet. Each felinological organization has its own views and standards in this regard. The WCF Association of 70 breeds of 44 species considers shorthair, including sphinxes.

By type of coat thoroughbred shorthair animals can be divided into three types.

• Smooth-haired. Have a short tight-fitting coat. This type of cat least needs to care for the skin, it is enough to comb once a week. For a beautiful shine, you can use a special conditioner.

• Curly. These include rex. The coat is difficult, such pets should be bathed as a last resort, since after water procedures it is impossible to comb the hair, it is too confused. As a care, it is best to wipe them with a suede cloth.

• Plush. Breeds can serve as an example of this type of wool: British Shorthair, Scottish fold, exotic. They have a short, thick, very pleasant to the touch coat. It is worth combing them once or twice a week, using a silicone glove.

Considering the breeds on a territorial basis, it is possible to divide them into three main groups: European, Eastern and American.

• European. These include breeds such as British, Manx, Blue Russian, Scottish, European Shorthair. Most often, these are large, stocky animals, with broad cheekbones and a heavy gait.

• Oriental. In contrast to the European, oriental cats are light, graceful, elegant. They have a lean body, long legs and neck, a triangular head devoid of cheeks, huge ears and a long thin tail. This group includes Siamese and oriental cats, as well as African beauties - Abyssinian cat and Egyptian Mau.

• American These animals are considered descendants of European cats introduced to the American continents after their discovery. There are a lot of such breeds, the most popular ones are exot, Bengali, Bombay.

Named after the ancient country of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). The ancestors of these animals once lived on the territory of ancient Egypt and were considered sacred. Abyssinians are graceful, muscular cats with a beautiful curve of the neck. These are very smart and temperamental pets, they love people, but they also value their independence.

Powerful animals with rounded paws. Their ancestors arrived in America with the first European immigrants, but as a breed this species of cats developed relatively recently - in the middle of the last century. American seals are good-natured, loyal, although independent. They get along well with children and other animals.

The cat is bred for those who love wild animals. In the sixties of the last century, an Asian leopard was brought to America. His offspring, produced from a domestic cat, became the basis of the breed. Breeders worked for many years, but they managed to create a kind and gentle beast with the appearance of a wild leopard.

The best British domestic cats were taken as the basis for creating a plush cat, so nature worked more than the breeders to form this breed. The result was a good-natured, healthy man with a phlegmatic character, but, like a true Englishman, imposing, mannered and with a sense of tact.

In the first half of the last century, several cats were taken to the United States from Burma. They were crossed with the Siamese, as a result, a chocolate-brown cat with a round muzzle and a nose-pillow turned out to be of amazing beauty. Today, Burmese have other types of color.

Creating this breed, the breeders tried to get an Indian mini-panther with the affectionate disposition of a domestic cat. Burmese and black American shorthair animals participated in the selection. It turned out a beautiful black creature with shiny hair. The character came from a loyal, contact and loving Burmese cat.

In 1960, a kitten with wavy hair was found in a litter of a domestic cat in England; its offspring gave rise to a breed of curly kittens. Representatives of the breed have a plastic body, a triangular muzzle and huge protruding ears. Cats everywhere follow the owner, they love to be in the center of events, they never miss. A fountain of energy and affection for people make communication with them unforgettable.

This direction of cats was created by nature, breeders interfered little in the formation of the species. Not far away from the wild world, the animal retained good immunity and hunting skills. In Russia, the breed did not become popular, because it looked like our street cats.

A cat with a luxurious spotty smoky color, similar to ancient Egyptian images, belongs to the ancient breeds. She is incredulous, closed, but devoted to her family. These are incredibly energetic animals, good hunters. They dislike strangers and zealously guard their toys. They can be bathed, if you do this from childhood, the cat is happy to accept water procedures.

A curly-haired kitten was born in a smooth-haired cat in England, which became the progenitor of the breed. Animals are intelligent, affectionate to the owners, active, love to play with young children. Cats do not mark territory, unlike other breeds.

A very unusual breed of cat, with tiny legs on a standard body. This makes them look like dachshunds. In 1983, Sandra Hochendedel (USA) found a short-legged pregnant cat. Most kittens born inherit the short-paw gene from their mother. Manchkins came to Russia in 2001 and established themselves as outgoing, friendly, playful pets.

The animal has no tail. But some representatives of this breed have a small "stump", individuals with a full tail are occasionally found. Cats were named Manks in honor of the Isle of Man off the coast of Great Britain, where their breed was formed. Pets can be kept for families with small children or other animals.

At the end of the 19th century, they tried to rank the eastern monochromatic beauty as a Siamese cat, but the color did not match too. In the middle of the last century, American breeders registered Orientals as an independent breed. Friendly, talkative and very affectionate cat is widely popular in Europe and America.

Cats are called so because of their resemblance to the wild predator ocelot: they have the same expressive spotted pattern on the skin. Despite the resemblance to a wild beast, the pet has a soft character, cheerful, playful disposition, she is sociable and devoted, more like a dog by habits.

The cat looks like a lynx: the same spotted, with tassels on the ears and a piece of tail instead of the whole.Piksibobov bred in America in the 80s of the last century. These are gullible gentle animals who consider the family their flock. They are smart, understand human speech and always come to the call.

These cats came to Europe from the Arkhangelsk province. Many liked the bluish tender coat of the animal with a silver tint. The cat’s character is tactful, obedient and soft, but she does not like tenderness, does not allow herself to be stroked, and she treats strangers wary.

In ancient times, cats were kept at the court of rulers in the territory of Siam (now Thailand). They were companions of princes and princesses who were not allowed to play with other children. A couple of pets were presented to the English royal family in the 19th century; they became the progenitors of all European cats.

Applies to the smallest cats. They were brought to Europe in the 70s of the last century from Singapore. The breed occurred naturally. Today it is rare and small. Animals are loving, but unobtrusive, with great energy potential, they are always on the move, they get along well with children and other animals.

The breed was obtained by crossing Siamese cats with American Shorthair. They borrowed color from the Siamese, and a large physique from the American breed. The cat is smart, amenable to training, performs commands well.

Because of the color similar to the Siamese cat, these breeds are often confused. But Thais do not possess such sophistication and grace as the Siamese. These are intelligent animals with a dog’s mind and habits.

This cat looks like a tiger in miniature, but her character is completely tame. The breed is young, it was bred at the end of the last century. It is difficult to find a more good-natured creature, the cat gets along with everyone, starting from children and ending with a small bird, if it lives in the owner's family.

A very young breed bred in our century. It is a hairless fold cat, with a graceful body, long and flexible limbs. This is a faithful and devoted friend, if someone is sick, the left-handed person will not leave the household for a minute.

The breed was bred by the French, they consider it their calling card. These are very large animals with beautiful amber eyes and soft hair with a blue tint. Cats are balanced, adequate, but prefer loneliness to noisy companies. In a chartreux family, he himself chooses a master and obeys only him.

Small ears, pressed to a round muzzle, look very touching. Not all kittens lose their ears with age, those who do not have this are called Scottish straight. Pets are the most calm and phlegmatic cats in the world. They get along with everyone, but do not like to sit on their hands and prefer their own space.

In the sixties of the last century in America, a Persian and an American short-haired cat were crossed - a cute plush animal with a snub nose was obtained. Due to its cartoonish appearance, exotics have become a favorite breed all over the world.

The choice of animals depends on the preferences of their owners. In addition to short hair, there are many more criteria by which cats are chosen: some love affectionate ones, while others prefer independent ones, someone needs a calm one, and someone needs a playful one. To facilitate the selection, we will analyze the breeds of cats according to various features.

There are breeds of cats that not only impose their society on the owners, but also like to "talk". They will purr and meow for any reason, trying their best to tell something in their own language. Talkative breeds include Burmese, Siamese, Thai, Oriental cats, as well as Don and Canadian sphinxes. These are very affectionate, loyal and sociable animals. People who spend all their time at work should not choose these breeds.

Some people prefer silence, especially after a busy day. They will be tired of the talkative sphinx, everywhere literally pursuing the owner. In this case, silent breeds should be chosen. These include: Cornish Rex, American Shorthair, Exot.

If there are grown up children in the house who need playmates, you should choose moving, playful animals. With them you can play hide and seek, run racing. Or throw a ball and ask to bring. They can be trained and trained in many tricks. Who is touched by the rapid temperament of the pet, the following breeds should choose: Ocicat, Bengal, Siamese or Abyssinian cat, Egyptian Mau.

Cats of these breeds will suit owners with a good repair, because they will not rush around the house and destroy everything around. They are ideal for people with a weak nervous system, as they will not annoy them with their obsession and activity. A well-eaten and peacefully sleeping cat can always be woken up and stroked if an antidepressant is needed. Bedbugs include: exotic, british and russian blue cat.

There are breeds of cats that literally beg for affection from their owners. They rub on their legs, jump into their arms, climb into the face to “kiss”, hug their paws around the neck. Such "Velcro" is suitable for people with great unspent potential of love and tenderness - communicating with each other, everyone will receive his portion of pleasure. Affectionate endowed with: Don Sphinxes, Manksi, Burmese.

Adult children and young people most often choose intelligent cat breeds that are easy to train, with which you can play and communicate. It is always interesting and fun with them. Smart cats include: Siamese, Oriental, American Bobtail, Munchkin, Burmese.

Some cat lovers, because of their busyness, spend days out of the house, but cannot completely refuse to communicate with cats. Such people should choose calm and at the same time independent animals that will not suffer from a lack of attention, but will always be able to entertain themselves. Workaholics are suitable: Scottish, British, blue Russian cat, Egyptian Mau and Manchkin.

For children, especially young children, you should choose an animal with a peace-loving character that will not "give change" even if the baby pulls it by the tail. It should be patient cats that enjoy communicating with children. In this case, it is better to pay attention to the following breeds: Manx, Exot.

Such animals are suitable for single people who lack attention and communication. Animals of this type literally live on the problems of the owner: they relax together, do cleaning, do household chores and sleep. Cats do not leave people for a minute. "Velcro" include Burmese, Thai, Bengal cats, Devon Rex, Japanese Bobtail.

These cat breeds are suitable for people living in private houses, as they are endowed with a strong hunting instinct, they catch mice well and are independent enough to visit the courtyard, street and return home. For private sector owners: turkish van, blue russian, manks, american shorthair.

The house has dogs, birds, guinea pigs, turtles, but no cat. Fans of domestic "zoos" care about which cat can be brought into the house without a "scandal" with other animals. In this case, you should choose good-natured, sociable, accommodating representatives of the breeds. These include: Japanese and American Bobtail, Thai and Bombay cat, Peterbalds.

For those who want to express themselves, to enjoy the delight of guests about an unusual pet, you need to pay attention to the breeds: Peterbold, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Munchkin.

These cats are suitable for wildlife lovers who cannot afford to bring a panther or leopard to their house. Cats of some breeds will remind them of the wild. In this case, you should look at Ocicat, Savannah, Bengal and Bombay breed.

If a cat with long hair settles in the family, there will be a lot of care for her and the apartment. In this regard, with shorthair animals it is easier, but they shed no less than their counterparts - just the hairs are shorter. In the wild, animals molt twice: preparing for winter and summer. In domestic cats, due to a comfortable constant temperature, the “deceived” organism malfunctions, sluggish molting occurs throughout the year.

Disease, stress, old age, and poor nutrition can affect the active discharge of animal hair. The appearance of a large amount of fluff in the house with a young cat should be an alarm signal for the owner. The physical or psychological health status of the pet should be checked.

A shorthair cat will also have to be combed out, only less often, about once a week. There are a number of reasons why you should do this.

• The hair licked by a cat can clump in the intestines, interfering with the digestive process. If you do not help to get rid of dying hair in a timely manner, the animal will have to give a gel to absorb it.
• The brush perfectly massages the skin, improving their blood supply, and hence the quality of the coat.
• Many cats love the combing procedure, at this moment a special emotional contact arises between the owner and the animal.

You can remove the hair from the animal using special combs, brushes or a silicone glove with cloves purchased at the pet store. To do this, carefully brush with a brush two to three times from the scruff to the tail of the pet, and then do the same movements in the opposite direction. Having finished working with the back, you need to carefully comb the sides and stomach.

Shorthair cat should be washed as a last resort. But to care for the ears, eyes and paw pads is periodically necessary. This is done with cotton buds, swabs dipped in boiled water, a weak solution of manganese or a decoction of herbs.

The owner is also responsible for the health of the animal. It is necessary to periodically show the cat to the veterinarian for prophylactic purposes, monitor the vaccination schedule. Once every three months, give the pet helminth tablets, even if it does not happen on the street.

Many cats are unpretentious in food; they eat everything that they are given. But the right balanced diet will help maintain the health of the animal for many years.

Shorthair cats are just as beautiful, smart and talented as all cats in the world, only cares with their hair are a little less.

About the features of short-haired cat breeds, see the next video.