77 Things to Know Before Getting a Cat. Susan Ewing M.

      American Wirehair

      The American Wirehair is the result of a spontaneous mutation that was first seen in a litter in 1966. While there are some physical differences besides the coat, the American Wirehair is similar to the American Shorthair, and breeding one to the other is allowed.

      The wiry coat defines this breed and comes in degrees of wiriness, from spiked to curly. Individual hairs, including the whiskers, may be crimped, hooked, or bent. They need very little grooming because a brush or comb can damage the coat, but occasional bathing to remove dead hair is a good idea to prevent loose, hooked hairs from irritating the skin.

      American Wirehairs are quiet, loving cats, a bit on the reserved side. They weigh between 6 and 11 pounds (2.7–5.0 kg) and have a lifespan of fourteen to eighteen years. The breed is generally healthy but may develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

      Balinese

      The Balinese is essentially a longhaired Siamese, the result of a spontaneous mutation. Breeders began breeding for this type in the 1950s. There is no undercoat, so the breed’s long, flowing fur is easy to care for and unlikely to mat. The Balinese comes in traditional Siamese colors as well as nontraditional colors such as tabby point and tortie point.

      Like the Siamese, the Balinese is curious and mischievous as well as affectionate. He enjoys talking, but his voice is a bit softer and less insistent than that of a Siamese. This longhaired beauty weighs between 5 and 10 pounds (2.3–4.5 kg) and has a life expectancy of nine to fifteen years. He may develop heart problems and can be affected by lysomomal storage disease.

      Bombay

      This black cat brings good luck in the form of a loving, playful pet who wants to be with his people. If you want a loving companion, the Bombay fits the bill.

      The Bombay is the result of a Kentucky breeder, Nikki Horner, who wanted to produce a domestic cat that looked like the wild Indian panther. She started by crossing a black American Shorthair with a sable (rich solid brown) Burmese. The end result was a solid black cat with mesmerizing eyes. The Bombay sports a gorgeous, sleek black coat and glowing eyes that range from gold to copper.

      

      Balinese

      Bombay

      

      Burmilla

      Bombays weigh between 6 and 11 pounds (2.7–5.0 kg) and have a life expectancy of twelve to sixteen years. Like so many cats, they are susceptible to HCM and, because of their short muzzles, may have breathing difficulties.

      Burmilla

      The name Burmilla is taken from the names of the two breeds in its background: the Burmese and the Chinchilla Persian. (Note: Some consider the Chinchilla Persian to be a separate breed; others consider chinchilla a silvery color variation.) The result is a medium-sized cat with a silvery coat that may be tipped or shaded with black, brown, lilac, blue, chocolate, cream, red, or tortoiseshell. The coat may be short or semi-long. Burmillas have distinctive black “eyeliner” around their eyes, lips, and noses. Another striking feature is their eyes, which may be any shade of green. Their color changes as they age, so you won’t know your cat’s permanent color until he is fully grown.

      Burmillas get along well with children and other pets and are gentle, playful, and loving. These sweet cats weigh between eight and ten pounds and have a life expectancy of ten to fifteen years. They can be prone to allergies and may develop polycystic kidney disease.

      Havana Brown

      If you love chocolate, or maybe a good cigar, the Havana Brown may be your soul mate. British breeders who wanted to create a brown cat developed this cat. They crossed Siamese with black domestic shorthairs, eventually resulting in the Havana Brown—named, some say, after the color of a Havana cigar. Other distinguishing features are the breed’s green eyes, forward-tilting ears, and a “corncob” muzzle shape. The International Cat Association (TICA) allows a lilac (pinkish-gray) color and, upon accepting that color, changed the breed’s name to simply Havana.

      No matter what you call him, the Havana Brown is a cat who wants to be with you and supervise whatever you’re doing. He explores with his paws and enjoys talking. Don’t get a Havana Brown if you’re usually gone all day; this cat is much too social for that.

      Havana Browns weigh between 6 and 10 pounds (2.7–4.5 kg) and have a life expectancy of ten to fifteen years. This is a healthy breed but may be prone to developing stones in the urinary tract.

      Japanese Bobtail

      The Japanese Bobtail is a loving, friendly breed that enjoys a game of fetch and is a good candidate for agility. The breed has been known in Japan for hundreds of years but first appeared in the United States in the late 1900s, where it is still relatively rare. Its most distinguishing feature is its bobtail, and no two tails are ever alike. Its hind legs are longer than its front legs, and it comes in shorthaired and longhaired varieties.

      Japanese Bobtails come in solid colors, bicolor, vans, and calicos (called mi-ke in Japan). While more bicolored and van-patterned Bobtails are registered in the United States, the calico is considered the luckiest color in Japan—although any Bobtail is thought of as lucky and able to bring prosperity and happiness to his owner. The popular type of statue called maneki neko, or “beckoning cat,” is a Bobtail, and many Japanese shopkeepers have these statues in their stores to attract good people.

      Japanese Bobtails weigh between 6 and 10 pounds (2.7–4.5 kg) and have a life expectancy of nine to fifteen years. They have no major health problems, and the gene associated with the short tail does not produce any spinal abnormalities.

      

      Havana Brown

      

      Japanese Bobtail

      Korat

      The Korat of Thailand is another cat that is considered good luck. His fur is said to glisten like silver; his green eyes symbolize prosperity; and his heart-shaped face brings happiness to brides. If there’s a kink in his tail, the luck increases. The Korat can be a real cuddle cat; he likes being with his human family and he has a playful streak.

      The Korat comes in only one color: a silver-tipped blue. The coat is short and lies close to the body. The breed does not attain its distinctive green eye color until between the ages of two and four, and this slow-maturing cat is not fully developed physically or emotionally until he is five years old.

      This gentle cat weighs between 6 and 10 pounds (2.7–4.5 kg) and has a life expectancy of ten to fifteen years. He is prone to a fatal genetic condition, the GM-1 and GM-2 gangliosidoses (also known as lysosomal storage disease), but breeders can test their breeding stock to identify carriers, so your breeder should be able to guarantee your Korat’s health.

      Korat

      LaPerm

      The LaPerm is a curious, active cat who loves heights, whether it’s your shoulder or the top shelf