How to Identify An Exotic Shorthair Cat

Exotic Shorthairs are wonderful shorthaired versions of the Persian, being hybrids between Persian and American Shorthair cats. They have the flat faces of the Persian but a short plush teddy-bear look, and the usual small high-pitched Persian voices. This breed was first recognized in the late 1960s. Very responsive to humans and human emotions; this breed has inherited their very tame personality and gentle ways from the Persian ancestry.

Identifying An Exotic Shorthair
Step 1:
Begin by looking at the body. The Exotic Shorthair is classified as a medium sized cat, but is at the high end of that class. Typically the male will weigh between ten and fifteen pounds, though they are actually shorter and don't stand as tall at the shoulder as the regular American Shorthair. What they lack in length and height they make up in breadth. They have extremely wide football player shoulders. Often their forms have elicited such names as "sumo kitty" and "Jabba the cat". Despite their appearance they are in fact not fat, this is an illusion created by their fur and muscle structure. They have a very wide and low body, with thick legs, and a barrel shaped midsection. The majority of their weight is accounted for by a squat and very dense bone structure and amazingly powerful muscles. The tail should be short and thick, carried low rather than pointing upward.

Step 2:
Examine the fur of the cat. For a shorthair breed it should be long, thick, and luxurious. This breed does not shed or need any grooming, so if you were to pet it, no hair should be stuck to your hand. The fur hangs in rolls from the cat's body, giving it the appearance that it is fat or obese. Fur texture should be similar to that of cashmere. Because the species is a hybrid of the American Shorthair, almost any coloring or pattern is acceptable and this is not an effective way of determining the cat's breed.

Step 3:
Pay close attention to the cat's head. A short and thick "linebacker" neck with a fur ruff should lead to a massive head. The skull is very wide and simply huge. The forehead is rounded; the cheeks are also rounded and impossibly full. The muzzle should be very short and end in a pug nose. The chin should be strong and jaws powerful, though this often appears understated due to the enormous surrounding cheeks. The cat's eyes will be almost perfect circles and widely spaced like those of an owl, their color should correspond to their fur. The most easily recognizable part of the Exotic Shorthair is most definitely the head. If it matches this description then you are most likely looking at a pedigree American Shorthair.

Tips & Warnings
According to cat show judges "The ideal Exotic should present an impression of a heavily boned, well balanced cat with a sweet expression and soft, round lines. The large, round eyes set wide apart in a large round head contribute to the overall look and expression. The thick plush coat softens the lines of the cat and accentuates the roundness". This is not meant to be an outdoor cat, and if you see one outdoors it is probably lost and in need of help. As a result most strays of this species don't survive long and should be brought to a shelter immediately. Its different look and loving personality is sure to find it a new home quickly.
Eye problems such as Keratosis Sequestrium can often be found in this species. It is prevalent in Persian and Siamese linked breeds. This is not genetic but the result of having a great deal of the surface of the eye exposed when the cat's eyes are open. This can be treated by a competent veterinarian, but if a cat contracts this disorder then it's likely to have relapses throughout its life, the owner should be prepared for this and have the resources and time to cover the medical bills.

How to Identify A Havana Brown Cat

The Havana Brown cat is also known as the Swiss Mountain Cat and was well known in England since the early 1980s. The cat received its name because their dark brown or chocolate coats resemble the color of Cuban cigars. They are a close relative of the Siamese and are often interbred with them because of the rarity of pedigree Havana Browns. This would definitely be classified as an indoor cat. They don't care about hunting and hate being alone. They like being around people, will actively follow them through the home, and cuddle at any opportunity they get. This breed is very soft voiced and rarely meows unless in distress. Havana Browns are also exceptionally intelligent and can often recognize certain words if they hear them repeated often. They also use their paws to interact with their environment. Trying to open cabinets, pointing at things, and manipulating small objects of interest in a way more akin to an ape than a cat. This guide will explain the steps to identifying a Havana Brown Cat.

Identifying A Havana Brown
Step 1:
Look at the cat's general shape and build. Browns are a small species and rarely stand more than ten inches at the shoulder and are a little over a foot in length. The average male weighs between eight and ten pounds, while the females are a bit smaller at between six and eight pounds. They are generally very thin and sleek with small paws and a very long tail that narrows to a point near the tip.

Step 2:
Examine the cat's fur. True Havana Browns have only one accepted color, a rich mahogany or chocolate that gives them their name. There should be no patterning on the fur, though kittens sometimes have tabby markings that disappear as they mature. The fur should be short and densely packed; to the touch it should be lightweight and incredibly soft. It is often likened to touching mink fur.

Step 3:
Check the cat's head. The Havana Brown's neck is long and slender, which connects to a square shaped skull. The cat's jaw is squared as well, making the snout seem more prominent and jutting than it really is. Wide expressive eyes and forward pointing ears give them a constant inquisitive or curious look. The eyes are always green too. The best way to tell if the cat is a Havana Brown is to examine the nose. If you are looking at the cat from straight ahead, the top of the nose should form a level line with the bottom of the eyes. If the cat does not have this trait then it is not a pedigree Havana Brown. If it does then you're looking at one of the rarest species of domestic cat in the world and should be grateful for the opportunity.

Tips & Warnings
During WW2 This cat breed was almost lost because of unchecked breeding with other random species. As a result this is considered an endangered breed because of the very small breeding population of pedigree Havana Browns that still exist. It's thought there are only about one thousand of these cats in existence today.

How to Identify a Chausie Cat

The Chausie is a hybrid between the African Jungle Cat and a plain domestic shorthair. It's a relatively new breed and was only registered officially in 1995. They take their name from the Latin term for the African Jungle Cat, Felis Chaus. Because of their ancestry they are consummate hunters and very active when they wish to be. Despite this they are also very sweet and love to play and interact with their owners. They don't mind being touched or petted, but this species doesn't really go in for cuddling, they act as if it were undignified. That's really the best way to describe the species; regal and fearless but not aggressive or anti-social. This guide will explain how to identify a pedigree Chausie.

Identifying A Chausie Cat
Step 1:
Look at the cat's general build. You should see a cat roughly one and a half feet high at the shoulder and almost three feet long. This is a big cat, Chausie's are known for being twice the size and weight of an average housecat. Despite their size these cats are not bulky, being possessive of an athletic build with a wide chest, small paws, long legs, and a thin but dense bone structure.

Step 2:
Examine the cat's coloring. There are only three official color patterns for the pedigree Chausie. The first is just plain black. The second is a brown ticked tabby. Cats with this pattern generally have a pale belly with a light tan body and darker brown stripes. The third color pattern is unique to this species and is called a silvered tip. The cat will have a sliver-grey coloring with black splotches all over its body similar to that of a leopard.

Step 3:
Take a look at the cat's head. It should have a long, but thick neck that leads to a tall and narrow skull. The jaw should taper sharply down to the snout and the eyes are comparatively low on the face. The entire head should be dominated by extremely tall and straight ears, sometimes tipped like a bobcat. In the cat’s resting position the ears should be angled to face directly forward like a set of headlights on a car.

Step 4:
Study the cat's behavior. A Chausie will typically have fluid and slow movements. They take their time, seemingly confident in themselves regardless of what situation they find themselves in. Their behavior has often been described as dog-like; they will obey commands and come when called. They follow their masters closely and will often sit patiently at his/her feet waiting for a command or attention. If you get the opportunity, watch the cat jump. Chausies are known for the incredible strength in their haunches, allowing them to leap up to six feet straight up. If the cat matches all of these criteria then it’s likely you’re looking at a Chausie. It’s a very rare breed not often found except in catteries.

Tips & Warnings
This species doesn't require almost any grooming; their short fine hair sheds very rarely. Chausies are very good jumpers and use this to pounce on their prey, but they are not inclined to climb, so you needn't worry about them getting onto shelves and countertops. This species gets bored easily when it's by itself, so make sure it has plenty of toys to play with. Cats of this species are known for leaping up great distances in the air to catch birds in mid flight.
Be careful if you keep other pets in the house with a Chausie, anything which could conceivably be the cat's prey, will be the cat's prey.

How to Identify A Munchkin Cat

The first two recorded Munchkin cats were found by a school teacher under a pick-up truck in rural Louisiana two decades ago. They take their names from the diminutive munchkins from the story "The Wizard of Oz". It is from these two cats that all the known Munchkins are descended. They get their name because of an odd genetic mutation which results in legs about half the length of a normal cat. Some organizations refuse to recognize the Munchkin as a separate breed, say that it’s simply an American Shorthair suffering from a genetic disorder. Most cat breeders and enthusiasts disagree and are pushing hard to get the Munchkin into national cat shows. Though the species is often very easy to recognize, there are a slew of other traits the Munchkin possesses that one should look for. This guide will explain how to properly identify a Munchkin cat.

How To Identify A Munchkin
Step 1:
Look at the cat's shape. If it has extremely short legs it may be a Munchkin. However, if the short legs are accompanied by an over-sized head than what you're looking at is a cat with a genetic illness called achondroplasia and is not really a Munchkin. Some Munchkins are born with normal length legs, so leg length is not the final deciding factor on identifying the species. Regardless of leg length you should see a breed similar to an American Shorthair though smaller in size. It's rare to find one over ten pounds and is considered a small breed.

Step 2:
Look at and feel the fur. The Munchkin has a coat of thick, but short hairs. Their texture around the face, throat, and underbelly should be similar to that of rabbit's fur.

Step 3:
Watch the way the cat walks. Often they will begin to move with a rabbit-like hop, throwing their weight from the rear legs to their forelegs so their hind end flies up in the air. It's a very distinctive hop that is done only by the breed.

Step 4:
Watch the way the cat looks around. Often Munchkins will stand on their hind legs when looking around to get a higher vantage point. It bears a striking resemblance to the way a meerkat of Africa will stand up to look for danger. If the cat meets these criteria then you’re definitely looking at a Munchkin. They are rarely found anywhere but an accomplished breeder's facility, so it’s a rare find indeed.

Tips & Warnings
The munchkin cat is the source of great controversy among breeders and some government organizations. The government claims that these cats are classified as malformed animals and considers breeding them because of the potential health problems such animals might encounter. Breeders say that these cats are a breed unto themselves and are in no danger from the genetic mutation munchkins have which results in their shortened legs. The Munchkin is the ideal indoor cat. They don't sharpen their claws, they don't climb, and they don't shed much. They are very social and affectionate and prefer to be with people than be alone. They get lonely easily. They love to play and are a great companion to small children given their playful nature and non-aggressive nature.
Because the Munchkin has likely been crossbred with other species in its history, these cats can have virtually any fur color or pattern and as such this is not an effective way of recognizing the breed.

How to Identify a Balinese Cat

Balinese Cats are the close cousins of the more famous Siamese. They are a cat originating from the orient and are popular in cat shows throughout the country for their grace and poise. They are so much admired for their strength tempered with elegance that they are known as the ballet dancers of the cat world, which is coincidentally how their name originated. They are not nearly as temperamental as the Siamese, though they are still primarily an indoor cat. This guide is meant to explain how to appropriately identify a Balinese cat should you come across one.

How To Identify A Balinese Cat
Step 1:
Start by looking at the cat's general shape. You should see a medium sized cat with long, lithe limbs and a tubular body. The paws should be small in relation to the rest of the body. Despite their thin appearance, they should have well defined muscles under their fur and be surprisingly heavy if picked up.

Step 2:
Look at the cat's head. It should be wedge shaped with large ears at the end of a long neck. If looked at from above it should appear to be an even sided triangle. The eyes should be a deep blue and slightly slanted in the Oriental fashion.

Step 3:
Examine the fur. One point that distinguishes the Balinese from the Siamese is the slightly long and silky soft fur. This fur will serve to soften the otherwise sharp angles limbs of the cat. The coloration of the Balinese is fairly strict, following the Siamese exactly in that the main portion of the body is a cream or light tan that darkens to a near black along the edges of the ears, the face, and the hindquarters and tail.

Step 4:
Examine the tail. This is the best way to tell if a cat is Balinese. Despite having a coat of short, soft fur; the tail will have silky fur about two or three inches long. It should form a thick plume. If the cat you're examining fits these criteria then you're most definitely looking at a Balinese. These cats are common enough among good pet stores and breeders, though finding one with enough pedigree to have the plume tail on the street or at your shelter is rare.

Tips & Warnings
The Balinese, though a medium haired cat, requires little grooming compared to its Siamese and Javanese cousins. These cats are among the most intelligent of the medium-haired breeds and can be trained with simple positive reinforcement techniques.
Balinese can work well with children, depending on the child. They will not tolerate being mistreated and will immediately strike out if they are pushed, held inappropriately, or their fur or tail is pulled. As a result they should be kept away from babies and small children.

How to Identify a Manx Cat

Manxes come from the Isle of Man, which is how they inherit their name. Anybody coming from the Isle of Man may be referred to as a Manx. They are a very energetic and intelligent cat and are quite striking as many of them carry a genetic mutation which results in a stubby tail or a lack of one all together! This genetic mutation unfortunately makes the Manx predisposed to birth defects, bowel, bladder, and spinal problems. Manxes are often classified based on the lengths of their tails. The Dimple or Rumpy is the cat with no tail at all and is most often sought after in showcats of that breed. Because not all Manxes are missing their tails, this is not an effective indicator of the breed. This guide will show you how to recognize a Manx cat.

How To Recognize a Manx
Step 1:
Look at the body type. Manxes have short bodies, arched backs, and rounded hindquarters. All Manxes have hind legs that are longer than their forelegs, giving them a permanent arched look. They should also be no more than twelve pounds, being a medium sized cat.

Step 2:
Look at the cat's coat. The Manx cat exhibits two coat lengths. The short-haired Manx cat has a double coat with a thick, short under-layer and a longer, coarse outer-layer with guard hairs.

Step 3:
Watch the way the cat walks. Manxes don't walk so much as hop like a rabbit. This is the result of a mutation in their genetics which results in a shortened spine. Even the spines of Manxes possessing normal tails are shorter than they should be.

Step 4:
Study the cat's head. Their ears are medium to medium small in size and are set far to the sides of the head. The head itself is rounded and slightly longer than it is wide. If the cat meets this criteria than you're looking at a Manx.

Tips & Warnings
Manxes often display odd dog-like behavior they will often retrieve a small object if thrown and some even bark. Manxes come in both long and short haired varieties. The long haired is less common and genetically submissive to the short haired. At one time such kittens were euthanized as the long haired gene was unwanted in show cats. These cats take a very long time to mature and it is not until they are five years old that they are fully grown. Manxes are very skilled hunters and are highly sought after by farmers and the like because there are many accounts of Manxes successfully bringing down animals much larger than itself. Manxes are very friendly and affectionate cats when indoors, though they are far from a lap cat. They'll cuddle and then run off to do something else. They also enjoy playing in water, though will still hate taking baths as much as any cat.
Two Manxes that are completely tailless should not be breed together as this will result in birth complications and birth defects. Often such kittens are stillborn. Pedigree Manxes appear in a wide range of colors and fur patterns, so trying to identify them by this is useless.

How to Identify A Burman Cat

The Burman or Birman cat is shrouded in mystery. Very little is known about their history, though they are considered a sacred animal among certain Buddhist priests. There are very vivid legends involving the monks of Burma and these cats, who were kept nearby as they were believed to be capable of carrying the souls of the dead to their next stage of existence. Another quirk is that Burman's will have a name beginning with a certain letter based on the year they were born. This continuously rotates and allows the owner to keep track of the cat's age. A pair of them were brought to France in 1919 and those two form the basis of the modern day Burman's which one could obtain from a pet store of breeder. This guide will explain how to recognize a Burman cat and what to look for in a pedigree showcat.

Recognizing a Burman Cat
Step 1:
Look at the build, a Burman should have a long body with a thick stocky head and middle with wide shoulders. Though considered a large breed, the Burman will typically be anywhere between six and fifteen pounds in weight. The males are usually above ten pounds and the females below.

Step 2:
Look at the cat's coat. This is a longhaired breed, but its coat is packed tightly with short insulating hairs with the longer hairs toward the extremities. Also look for a thick ruff on the front of the chest up to the throat and around the neck.

Step 3:
Check the cat's eyes. Pedigree Burman's often have dazzling blue eyes.

Step 4:
Look at the cat's head. A Burman will have a short neck and a wide, thick head. Their snouts are short and often underpronounced.

Step 5:
Study the cat's coloring. Burman's come in a few different colors, but it always follows a strict pattern. Their fur is often a pale cream or white and darkens to grey or tan as if runs down the tail and legs. The tips of their ears are often dark grey, tan, or black. The face is always an oval of dark fur surrounded by a light colored head to match the body. Though it is not required, perfect white paws that look like gloves are often looked for in show cats.

Step 6:
If the cat matches these criteria it's likely a Burman. Such cats are rare and usually only sold by breeders, if you happen across one it’s a very lucky find.

Tips & Warnings
Burmans are a very relaxed and easy going animal. They have no trouble being ignored but can just as easily be affectionate, they take their cues from their owners. Rarely climbers, they are particularly good housecats that adapt to their surroundings and interact easily with children and other pets.
Be careful with Burmans around aggressive dogs as they tend to fight back if they are threatened, though it takes a lot of abuse for them to feel threatened. This breed requires weekly combing as their thick undercoat constantly sheds.

How to Buy a Norwegian Forest Cat

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a breed native to northern Europe and adapted to a very cold climate. Though it wasn't until 1970 that the breed achieved much notice, the species is very old and thought to be the ancestor of the Maine Coon and long haired Manx. Affectionately known as Wedgies, these cats are very large and athletic, males topping the scales at over 22 pounds with females typically half that size. These cats are skilled hunters and able climbers despite their size and are not typically considered a housecat, though they are very affectionate if properly raised, this breed has no trouble going out on its own to look for its own entertainment. Despite their hardy nature they have almond shaped eyes and very sweet expressions, making them an adorable cat to own. They rarely become stressed and have absolutely no trouble with children or other animals. The first Wedgies appeared in American in the late 70s and about sixty of them are registered per year, making this cat a hard to find minority breed. If looking for a companion more than a pet then this is the cat for you. This guide will explain how to prepare for your new cat as well as how to purchase one.

Things You’ll Need:
Computer

Credit Card or other method of payment

Litter Box

Cat litter

Cat food

Food bowl

Pet store or supermarket

Basket

Old towels

Veterinarian

Reliable transportation

How To Prepare For A Norwegian Forest Cat
Step 1:
Go out and purchase a litter box, good cat litter, food bowls, water bowls, and a good supply of pet food. Dry food is best to give daily with the occasional can of cat food for a treat. Such things are available in any supermarket, though a pet supply store will likely have a better selection. You'll want to get food specifically made for the cat you have in mind. If you want an adult, don't get it kitten chow, and vice versa.

Step 2:
Find a room or part of the house that can be sectioned off. When getting a new cat it will need some time to acclimatize to its new surroundings. To do this make a little room for it to live in for a few days until it calms down and gets used to your presence. A small bathroom works best.

Step 3:
Place the food and water bowls, the litter box, and a nest made from an old basket or a bunk of old clean towels in the cat's new room. With this done you're ready to go and buy yourself a

Norwegian Forest Cat

How To Buy A Norwegian Forest Cat
Step 1:
Don't bother checking your local animal shelter or newspaper. Because of the rarity of the Wedgie in much of the world outside Northern Europe, there is practically no chance of finding one except from a licensed breeder. Only pedigreed Wedgies were brought to American, and their owners were careful to keep it that way.

Step 2:
Go online to http://www.breedlist.com/breeders/nor.html for a comprehensive list of breeders where you live. They are all already investigated and reviewed, and only those who are licensed breeders that properly care for their animals are listed.

Step 3:
Contact the breeder of your choice by phone or email and be sure to tell them what you want. Undoubtedly several cats will be available, each with their own appearance and personality. It can be a tough decision to make, but you've got to choose among them and stick to your decision. A pedigreed cat from a licensed breeder is not cheap and should be treated with the utmost of care.

Step 4:
Once you've made your decision, agree on a price and either have the animal shipped to you or go pick it up yourself if the breeder lives nearby. In either case the breeder should provide you with an animal carrying cage and papers certifying the animal's pedigree and vaccinations.

Step 5:
Take the animal immediately to your local veterinarian to ensure the cat is in good health and give it its shots should the cat have yet to receive them. At this point you'll want to register the cat's name at the veterinarian's office and get a collar with your contact information should the cat ever be lost.

Step 6:
Take the cat home and put it in the room you've prepared for it for at least three days. It may be very hard to resist the urge to pet and play with your new pet, but the cat needs to understand that its new environment is safe, and that can't happen if you or others intrude on it often. What you can do is go into the cat's room each day at the same time. Clean the litter box, give it fresh food and water, and let it get used to you. If the animal approaches you and rubs against you leg or wants to be petted in some way then it’s alright to pet the cat, but do not be the one to initiate contact. It will likely become skittish.

Step 7:
When the animal is acclimatized, let it out of its room to roam the house. Wedgies are smart though not particularly inquisitive and are likely to give their new home a good once over before settling down. Take the time to move the litter box, food, and water dish to somewhere in the house convenient for both you and the cat. Make sure that cat closely watches you move the bowls so it will know where to find them in the house. With this done its now up to you to build a friendly relationship with your new family member

Tips & Warnings
It’s believed that the Norwegian Forest Cat has the Norwegian Lynx somewhere in its ancestry due to their similarities in size, skull structure, and hunting methods. There are numerous stories that wild Norwegian Forest Cats have often been seen swimming in ponds and lakes to catch their own fish, a trait shared with the Norwegian Lynx. Though it’s very exciting to get your own pedigreed cat from a breeder, first think of all the animals in the local shelter that could use a good home. Drop by and see if you connect with one.
Because of the Wedgie's adaptation to a cold climate, keeping one in a warm climate like that American South is somewhat cruel. Norwegian Forest Cats are skilled hunters and should not be declawed as they will not be able to fight or defend themselves in a dangerous situation. Though their responses to an attack will be no different, their lack of claws will ensure their own harm or even death.