Types of Cats (Part 5)

Norwegian Forrest Cat: Known as the Skogkatt in its native Norway, the Norwegian Forest Cat is a large, semi-longhaired cat whose rugged appearance fits its name. Despite the hardy facade, this breed is very much a homebody that enjoys the company of other pets and particularly their human companions. Their relationship with you can best be described as “on their own terms.” Yes, Forest Cats can be lap cats, but THEY will decide when to get on or off that lap. At a minimum, Forest Cats insist on being near their people in a place of their choosing: chair, bed, or desktop. A scratching post and a cat tree, preferably tall, are musts for the Norwegian Forest Cat home. These are moderately active cats; there will be bursts of energy followed by long naps. Sensitive yet social, you will find them to be intelligent cats that adapt readily to change. Breeders are often asked if these cats need to be outside. As with all cats, inside the home is quite suitable and is certainly the safest environment. Providing interesting toys, perches with outside views, and most importantly, regular one-on-one time will result in a well-adjusted cat.

American Bobtail: American Bobtails are loving and incredibly intelligent cats possessing a distinctive wild appearance. They are extremely interactive cats that bond with their human family with great devotion. They can both entertain through their antics at one moment and provide their owners a warm, soft shoulder to cry on in times of distress. American Bobtails are known for their love of games and can play fetch or hide and seek for hours on end. They will often initiate games with their owners, and they demonstrate their hunting instincts in the home by catching in mid-air flying insects that make the fatal mistake of entering their territory. They also love to stalk their toys and carry them in their mouths, as if they were a freshly caught rodent. Basically a quiet cat, the American Bobtail is known to trill, chirp, and click when delighted. They are easily leash trained and love to go for walks with their people. An easygoing breed, they get along well with most dogs and welcome newcomers, whether they are two-legged or four-legged.

Types of Cats (Part 4)

British Shorthairs: Compared to most shorthair breeds, British Shorthairs are relatively calm cats when they mature. They are easygoing in nature and talk infrequently. Very affectionate, they become quite attached to the people they own. British Shorthairs are easily trained and very adaptable. They seem to get along well with all human members of the household, regardless of age, but are usually not fond of being carried. Pets of all kinds have been kept with British Shorthairs, including dogs of all sizes, rabbits, and birds. British Shorthairs are not known for being acrobats and can tend to be clumsy at times. No breed specific, health related problems plague the British Shorthair.

Ragdolls are large, laid-back, semi longhaired cats with captivating blue eyes. The Ragdoll is a pointed breed, which means that the body is lighter in color than the points (the face, legs, tail and ears). The Ragdoll cat is carefully bred to produce large affectionate animals in three patterns, two with white (mitted and bi-color) and one with no white (colorpoint). The ideal Ragdoll is a well balanced cat, with no extreme features. Altered males will usually top the scale at 15-20 pounds; females are proportionately smaller and usually weigh between 10-15 pounds at maturity. Ragdolls are slow-maturing, reaching full coat color at two years, and full size and weight at four.

Types of Cats (Part 3)

Egyptian Mau: Egyptian Maus are very independent cats even if they have been with he same owner since kitten hood. But even through their independent nature, Egyptian Maus are very comfortable around their families. They don't shed much fur but be prepared for a good amount of fur on your clothing. Maus, however, are more prone to genetic diseases because of poor breeding practices. Maus are a little on the playful side and love to vocalize their feelings to their families.

Maine Coon: If you are looking for a loving, family-friendly, goofy, playful, sweet, and loud cat, then the Maine Coon if the cat for you. They love to be around their families and don't ever let themselves be unheard. Coons have a beautiful thick coat that need a lot of attention and if left unkept, then you will pay the price with fur on every surface in your house. But the trademark of the Maine Coon has to be their tails. It is long, fluffy, and heavy and they just drag it along the floor behind them while they walk.

Types of Cats (Part 2)

American Shorthair: American Shorthair cats can best be described as a happy medium. They aren't too big or too small. They aren't too hyper or too laid back. If you enjoy a lovable cat but is also not in your face about it, then the American Shorthaired cat is the perfect cat for you. They can generally live from 15 to 20 years. More than 1/3 of American Shorthaired cats are the silver tabby with black markings.

Persian Cat: In a word, Persian cats can be described as placid. They are not hyper in any way possible and need to have their trust earned. But once you do, they crave your affection and love to be around you. However, owning a Persian cat is time consuming because their long coat requires a lot of grooming.

Russian Blue Cats: When a Russian Blue is around a stranger, they are gentle and reserved cats. But once they are around their families, they turn into energetic and playful companions. Russian Blues are energetic but not overly energetic. Even though they can have fun all by themselves, there is not a thing they love more than when their favorite human joins in on the fun. Russian Blues are polite and easily trained. A simple 'no' will do.

Although I love my cats with all of my heart, there comes every once in a while that I just can’t stand them. For example, one night I was laying in my bed half asleep. I have to keep my door a little open or else my cats will meow all night long. As a result, my cats roam in and out of my room as they please. So this night, while laying on my back, I feel Potato come and lay on my chest facing me. I was on the verge of falling asleep so I didn’t mind. But then, IT happened. Potato stands up, rotates 180 degrees, and lays back down with her rear end staring me in the face. And to make matters worse, she throws a little fart right in my face. I was in complete shock. As I was processing what had just happened, I get hit with what could arguably have been the worst smell I’ve ever smelled in my life. I immediately push her off of my bed onto the floor, ignore the thud she makes as she hits the floor, and go and wash my face as thoroughly as humanly possible. I kick Potato out of my room, close the door, and fall asleep a very angry and disgusted person.

Types of Cats (Part 1)

Bengal Cats: Bengal cats have a reputation of being wild and energetic; however, they are just as lovable and docile as any other domesticate cat. They love to be around their families and are not afraid of water so they will go for a swim if as long as they are in the mood for it.

Himalayan Cats: If you like to stay indoors, lounge around, or read a good book, then the Himalayan cat is perfect for you. They are a calm and gentle breed but have a playful side to them as well. Himalayan cats love to be around their families and crave attention from them. Himalayan cats require a lot of grooming and care. They also love to play fetch and will be entertained for hours with a simple cat toy.

Siamese Cats: Siamese cats are sweet and loving toward their families. They are known to be very playful and vocal. But if you "converse" back, they will happily have a conversation with themselves. Siamese cats are extremely social and love to be a part of your life. They love to follow you where ever you go. But if you leave them alone for too long, Siamese cats will long to be with you and never leave you alone.

Rule number one when you pick up a stray cat: make sure they have been spayed and neutered. Biscuit and Potato may have been fat when we got them, but being fat does not necessarily mean they have been spayed. My family and I learned the hard way because just a few months after finding them in the street, even though they were little, we found out Potato was pregnant. Man was my mom freaking out. I was too, but only because I was scared that I would have to give away all of them. Well after about 2 months of an ever increasing in diameter cat, Potato finally gave birth to 6 adorable little kittens. I had to help her throughout the whole birth giving process and it was not fun. My sister and I became momentary doctors and literally googled our way through the labor. But thank god every kitten came out perfectly fine and healthy. From left to right we have Chester Jr, Snow, P.J. (Potato Jr.), Tater Tot, French Fry, and Shadow. I told my mom that if Potato were to have blonde kittens, that I would without a doubt name them French Fry and Tater Tot. Now we had 8 cats and we quickly began to give them away once they were old enough to leave their mother.