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Cat Information index - covering cat
insurance for every breed and cat breeding and showing information
CATS
The domestic cat has a long history dating
from the time of the ancient Egyptians when it was worshipped
in the temples, through the Middle Ages with their superstitions
and witchcraft, until the present day when millions of homes
have their pet cats and hundreds of pedigree cats compete for
thousands of pounds’ worth of prizes at cat shows each
year. Throughout this time the size had remained much the same,
but the coat now differs greatly in colour, length, and in the
absence or presence of markings. The majority of the cat population
in Britain, estimated at twelve millions, is made up by the
‘household pet’. The pets have coats varying in
length from very short to very long, in assorted colours. Most
of them are charming, but on unknown ancestry, and are therefore
‘non-pedigree’. Cats whose ancestors can be traced
back for several generations and whose characteristics conform
to certain standards are known as ‘pedigree’ and
may be registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy,
which recognises over thirty varieties or breeds.
These are divided into two sections, the long-haired breeds,
sometimes called Persians and once known as Angoras, and the
short-haired breeds. The characteristics or ‘type’
required for all varieties and colours of the pedigree long-haired
cats are much the same, but the short-haired varieties are again
divided, into the British short-haired breeds and the Foreign
short-haired breeds. Briefly, the British cat has a rounded
head and straight sturdy lines compared with the wedge-shaped
head and the slim lithe appearance of the Foreign cat. As will
be seen from the descriptions of the breeds, the word ‘Foreign’
does not necessarily mean that the breed is an imported one,
but refers solely to the type.
For breeding, showing or just a pets, pedigree cats of outstanding
show standard bred in Britain are eagerly sought after by breeders
and cat lovers, and although there can be no comparison with
the number of dogs exported, there is a steady demand for British-bred
cats in all parts of the world.
Our cat guide should enable any particular breed of cat to be
recognised at a glance and help anyone acquiring a kitten to
choose the special variety preferred and the appropriate cat
insurance.
It is a popular misconception that a pedigree cat is an exotic
creature needing special care and attention, and many people
are therefore afraid to take on such a responsibility. The truth
is that a pedigree cat can live just as happily with the same
care and feeding as a non-pedigree cat. Both equally need affection,
care, grooming and a good varied diet. A long-haired cat will
certainly need more time spent in grooming the fur, but fifteen
minutes a day should keep him looking magnificent. Provided
the pedigree kitten is healthy, full of life when purchased,
is injected against Feline Infectious Enteritis, and barring
accidents which may affect any cat, the life expectancy is the
same.
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Cat
insurance 
