American cats

The American Bobtail is a relatively new breed originating in the USA in the 1960s though not receiving much publicity until relatively recently. It is rarely seen in the UK as it is not recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and therefore cannot be shown at GCCF shows. It can be either a shorthaired or semi-longhaired variety and is distinguishable by its shorter length tail which is between a third and a half the length of that of a more conventional breed. As the length of tail is not a programmable gene and cannot be bred specifically to order it is said that no two tails are ever the same and unlike other cats the American Bobtail will often wag its tail to show pleasure. The longhaired variety is described as having a shaggy-looking coat (rather than dense or fluffy) as befits the connection to wild bobcats from whom they are thought to descend whereas the shorthaired American Bobtails have rather plush coats This is a sturdy rather rugged looking cat and both varieties are medium to large in size with males weighing around 15lb and females a little smaller.

The American Curl originates from the standard domestic household pet in North America with the exception of a striking mutation of ears that curl back from the top of the head pointing towards the back which gives the cat an expression of utter amazement.

Although fully recognised in the USA it is rarely seen in the UK as it is not recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and therefore cannot be shown here at GCCF shows. However it is found in many other countries including Spain France Japan and Russia.

The Ameican Curl cat breed is recognised in the UK however by both TICA and FIFe so if you visit a cat show run by one of these organisations it would be possible to see one of these cats in the UK. At the time of writing there are currently only 2 breeders of American Curl cats in the UK so the chances of seeing one of these breeds is quite rare.

The extent of the curl determines whether or not a cat the cat be bred from or shown in the USA - cats with ears just turned back become pets those with slightly more curl can be used for breeding and those with full crescent curls can be shown. The original variety is a semi-longhaired cat but out-crossing has subsequently produced a shorthaired variety and as the shorthaired gene is dominant many shorthaired Curls carry the longhair gene and produce semi-longhaired kittens. The gene producing the Curl effect is a dominant one and breeding with any non-Curl cat as part of a programme to increase the gene pool will produce at 50% of kittens with the Curl appearance - both Curl and non-Curl kittens are useful to improving the programme for the future of the breed.

The American Shorthair is a lovely natural breed and as their name suggests they hail from the United States. Females tend to be smaller than their female counterparts but both have extremely weather resistant coats that are quite harsh to the touch. They are known to be wonderful companions and family pets thanks to their easy-going loving natures which has seen the American Shorthair become one of the most popular breeds in the States. However anyone wishing to share their homes with one of these charming cats would need to register their interest with breeders because not many well-bred American Shorthair kittens are available in the UK every year.

The American Wirehair is a lovely looking feline that's relatively new to the cat scene. The breed is a medium to large cat that comes in a variety of colours and patterns and over the last few decades since the sixties has become a really popular choice as a family pet due to their charming looks and their lovely kind natures. Their coats are a natural mutation which causes the fur to appear crimped and wiry. However this naturally occurring mutation has to be encouraged because it is what is known as an incomplete dominant gene.

The Bengal was first bred in the United States and is a relative newcomer to the cat scene. They are medium to large size cats that boast a lot of presence with their strong athletic bodies and sleek marbled or spotted coats. They were created by crossing between the Asian Leopard Cat with domestic breeds which includes the Egyptian Mau Ocicats and Abyssinians. They are known to have outgoing personalities which when paired to their wild good looks has seen the Bengal become a popular choice both as a companion and family pet not only in the UK but elsewhere in the world too.

The Bombay is a medium-sized cat with an elegant appearance and boasts a loving and sociable nature. They have extremely beautiful and captivating eyes and luxurious black fur that sets them apart from other breeds because they resemble miniature panthers. The breed is relatively new to the cat world, having been developed in the 1950s by crossing a Burmese cat with a black-coated American Shorthair. Today, these adorable cats have found a place in the hearts and homes of many people around the world, not only for their unique appearance but also for their wonderfully gentle and extremely affectionate nature.

The Maine Coon is a large cat that originates from North Eastern America. They are an old breed that over the years has become among one of the most popular cats on the planet and for good reason. They have lovely semi-long coats which paired to their charming looks and affectionate loyal natures means they are ideal companions and family pets.

Ragdolls are relative newcomers to the cat world but already they are finding their way into the hearts and homes of many people all over the world thanks to their charming looks and sweet kind natures. They are medium size cats that boast having semi-long hair and gorgeous blue eyes. These lovely cats are known to be laid back easy going which in short means that Ragdolls tend to get on with everyone which includes children and other animals.