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Fascinating Ancient and Designer Cat Breeds
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items Although cats did not figure much in my life when I was young, I'm come to the realization that I am the equivalent of human catnip to them. Seriously. Most memorably, and in no particular order: I have had one neighborhood kitty show up on the doors...
This list shows the breeds, old and new, that have piqued my interest, plus my recs for pet essentials.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
This list shows the breeds, old and new, that have piqued my interest, plus my recs for pet essentials.
Note: This list may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission (at no extra charge to you) if you make a purchase using these links.
Sections
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Ancient Cat Breeds
Designer Cat Breeds
Feline Essentials (Bedding & Toys)
Feline Essentials (Bowls & Feeding Stations)
Feline Essentials (Food & Vitamins)
Feline Essentials (Grooming)
Ancient Cat Breeds
Not all were meant to be mousers. Some were the companions of royalty; others were protectors of households. Who knew that such a small and dainty-looking package could be so fierce when called upon to defend home and hearth?
The big-eared Aby amazes me with its ticked coat, highly social nature, and curious nature. This active cat will definitely not be one to sleep the day away!
Abyssinian
A huge and friendly breed (with origins that are shrouded in the mists of time) that would put many large dog breeds to shame. I suppose we have celebrities (like John Cleese) to thank for increasing the visibility of this massive breed.
Maine Coon
There's something so endearing about this tailless breed, which, for me, are like the feline equivalent of the Pembroke Corgi.
Manx
It's hard not to get lost in that luxuriously magnificent fluffy coat--and when you throw in the stunning parti-coloration, you have a real standout in the neighborhood! (this was the pedigree of my 6-month daily visitor).
Norwegian Forest
The Pekingese of the feline world, Persians have smooshed-in faces and a slightly dour expression that looks all too human.
Persian
One of the most intelligent, friendly, and beautiful breeds you'll find (this may have been the pedigree of my visitor, who came calling on two separate occasions at the stroke of midnight!)
Russian Blue
My first encounter with Siamese cats was through a viewing of Disney's The Aristocats movie. It's no wonder that I thought that they were Far East Asian and exceedingly cultured!
Siamese
This gorgeous long-haired Turkish native has been long renowned for its soft silky fur, intelligence, and friendly, companionable nature around people and other pets.
Turkish Angora
This breed loves water (dispelling the myth that all cats--whose ancestors were desert-dwellers who therefore must have hated water) so much that they're known as swimming cats.
Turkish Van
Designer Cat Breeds
They come in so many shapes, sizes, colors, and temperaments, and we humans have had a hand in diversifying this enigmatic animal.
This is an energetic, adaptable, and highly sociable breed that possesses more of a dog-like personality than any other cat breed. It loves to climb!
American Bobtail
A little leopard, indeed! With its stunning rosettes, the athletic Bengal is a gorgeous showstopper on and off the catwalk. I have had the pleasure of getting to see one of these pretty kitties up close and personal (it was definitely a “squee moment...
Bengal
Big ears, big eyes … what's not to love? With its sleek look, single coat (a fine down that makes it indoor living during the cold seasons a must, as it is as close to hairless as a cat breed can get!), and speediness, the Cornish Rex is the greyhoun...
Cornish Rex
Also known as the Pharoah Cat, the smart, highly social, energetic, and fleet-of-foot Egyptian Mau is believed to have descended from ancient street cats, but the pedigreed breed was actually established in the 1950s. It is the only domestic breed of...
Egyptian Mau
So named for its resemblance to the ocelot, the very un-wild and very trainable Ocicat has Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair ancestors in its genetic makeup.
Ocicat
The blue eyes, silky coat, and affectionate nature of this large, longhaired breed have endeared it to many humans. They are called Ragdolls because of their tendency to go limp (and relax) when picked up.
Ragdoll
So named for the way that their ears fold (owl-like) around the top of their heads (try finding the Henry's pocket on THIS breed!)
Scottish Fold
This hairless wonder isn't as old as you think … it wasn't the doted pet of Egyptian royalty. In fact, the breed came about as a result of a mutation in a kitten born of a domestic cat in Canada in 1966.
Sphynx
Feline Essentials (Bedding & Toys)
Engagement and enrichment toys are so important for kitty (not to mention, saving your sanity when it comes to thinking of ideas to keeping your favorite feline entertained)!
Made with claw-resistant felt, this versatile scratcher and bed will keep puss engaged for hours (although I have never had a problem keeping the visiting felines engaged – usually the backyard (with the birds) is enough!)
Travel Cat® Donut-Shaped Hideaway Cave & Scratcher
This cozy, machine washable walled pet bed is calling your kitty! With dimensions of 15" (L) x 18" (W) x 5" (H), it's big enough for most cats (unless you have a bigger-than-average Maine Coon)!
Whisker City® Cat Face Cuddler Bed
If you work at an office or are away for long periods of time, your furry friend will not have any time to be bored with this versatile play station (even if they don't sleep 15 hours a day!)
Whisker City® 60-in Playbox, Ball Track with Scratcher, Toys, and Tree (White/Tan)
You can't teach a cat to fish! Oh wait, you can! A great place for your pet to get some catnip (included), privacy, or some shuteye!
Whisker City® Pop Up Fish Tent
Your cat won't be headed to the national speed or agility trials with this tunnel – but it's still fun to watch it pop in and out of this one!
Whisker City® Cozy Pop-Open Play Tunnel
Better a toy than your arm, I say (and call me finicky, but I like the fact that the imagery is that of a banana, and not a bird!)
Catstages Catnip Dental Banana Teether Toy
A cute mind enrichment tool for cats who demand more than one form of entertainment!
Catstages Hunt N Wobble Fruit Bowl Toy
This toy kept my 6-month visitor engaged (even if, ultimately, she did prefer the company of humans over the scratcher)!
Whisker City® Ball Track & Scratcher
Feline Essentials (Bowls & Feeding Stations)
The way you feed and hydrate your cat is so important!
Cats need water every day (just like humans). They do NOT need cow's milk after they've been weaned off momma cat's milk – contrary to the cartoons that I watched as a child!
PetSafe® Viva Pet 1.8L/64 oz Water Fountain (Filters Included)
Who wants their kitty to develop neck strain from consuming their favorite vittles? This elevated double bowl setup is perfect for dispensing their daily meals!
Whisker City® "Meow" Double Diner Bowls (0.5-cup)
As someone who also keeps fish, I understand the important of not just refreshing, but filtering water for pets. These dual filtration filters ensure that kitty's daily drinks stay safe and fresh!
PetSafe® Ion-X Pet Fountain Filters - Dual Filtration for Cleaner and Fresher Water (4-Pack)
No cat loves dried up nom-noms! This is the best way to store uneaten, undispensed wet cat food in the tin. Even if I transfer the remainder to a glass container (which I am apt to do), the kitty image on the silicone lid lets me know WHO the food is...
Whisker City® I Dream of Leftovers! Food Can Covers (3-Pack)
This placemat not only gives kitty a place to eat, but protects floors and carpets, too!
Whisker City® Elevated Feeding Placemat
I love to consolidate – and I can't stand having a little food in one giant bag and a lot of food in a small bag.
Vittles Vault® by GAMMA2 Paw Print Pet Food Container
Feline Essentials (Food & Vitamins)
Let's face it: cats are able to (better take care of themselves) than dogs. Still, a pet is a huge responsibility, and here's what you need for your beloved puss to stay happy, healthy, and engaged with you and their world!
I'm all for cat food that can actually keep those wet, furry balls from being deposited on a rug (or floor!)
Hill's® Science Diet® Urinary Hairball Control Adult Dry Cat Food (Chicken)
I've never been able to get the Meow Mix jingle out of my head. Now that's a memorable TV ad tune!
Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food (All Ages - Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Ocean Fish)
It isn't just humans who need a healthy gut – cats (and dogs) do, too!
Nutramax® Dog & Cat Proviable Probiotics & Prebiotics Digestive Health Supplement (30-Count)
Not all cats like wet food. Some prefer the dry variety, especially if this is what they ate from kittenhood.
Purina® Cat Chow® Complete All Life Stages Cat Dry Food (Chicken)
Hard to believe that Fancy Feast is almost half a century old! I remember the TV commercials that ran in the 1980s for Fancy Feast. Still a favorite wet food with many cats (and cat owners!)
Purina® Fancy Feast® Classic Pate Wet Cat Food (Poultry & Beef, Variety Pack, 3 Oz, 30-Count)
Salmon, tuna, and shrimp snacks? Cats eat better than I do!
Purina® Friskies Seafood Sensations Salmon Tuna & Shrimp Dry Cat Food
Dry cat food that features a nutritious combination of chicken and rice, plus probiotics to deliver a meal to keep your cat well fed and happy.
Purina® Pro Plan Complete Essentials Adult Dry Cat Food
I don't envy any cat owner whose furbaby has diarrhea. This powdered probiotic supplement is easy to add to your cat's food.
Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary Cat Supplement - FortiFlora Probiotic Powder
Feline Essentials (Grooming)
Even if puss is meticulous about its fur, keeping your cat looking its best can sometimes require a little human intervention.
Unless you own a hairless breed (like the Sphynx, Donskoy, Bambino, Levkoy), regular grooming is a necessity to keeping your cat's coat and skin clean and looking in top shape.
Whisker City® 2-in-1 Pin & Bristle Double-Sided Combo Grooming Pet Brush
Maybe it's just me, but every cat I've come across likes to be groomed. This silicone glove works in the the bath, too!
Whisker City® 2-in-1 Double-Sided Wet/Dry Pet Grooming Glove, Brush and Microfiber Tool
You didn't think that a scratching post would be enough to keep kitty's nails trimmed to a safe length, did you? If you're uncomfortable about giving your furbaby a pedicure, a pet groomer may be your (next) best bet!
Whisker City® Standard Cat Nail Clipper