SPOTTED CATS

OK, NOW FOR SPOTTED CATS.  THERE ARE THREE DIFFERENT PUREBRED BREEDS I’VE DISCOVERED.  MY INTERNET SEARCH WAS INSPIRED LAST SUMMER ON A LIBRARY TRIP WHEN I PICKED UP A COPY OF THE CAT FANCY MAGAZINE AND THE FEATURED BREED WAS SAVANNAH CATS.

SAVANNAH CATS

Savannah cats are the name given to the offspring of a domestic cat and a serval — a medium-sized, large-eared wild African cat. The unusual cross became popular among breeders at the end of the 20th century, and in 2001 the International Cat Association accepted it as a new registered breed. Savannahs are much more social than typical domestic cats, and they are often compared to dogs in their loyalty. They can be trained to walk on a leash and even taught to play fetch.

F1 generation Savannahs are very difficult to produce, due to the significant difference in gestation periods between the Serval and a domestic cat (75 days for a Serval and 65 days for a domestic cat), and sex chromosomes. Pregnancies are often absorbed or aborted, or kittens are born prematurely. Servals can be very picky in choosing mates, and often will not mate with a domestic cat.

Owners of Savannahs say that they are very impressed with the intelligence of this breed of cat. An often noted trait of the Savannah is its jumping ability. Savannahs are known to jump up on top of doors, refrigerators and high cabinets. Some Savannahs can leap about 8 feet (2.5 m) high from a standing position. Savannahs are very inquisitive, and have been known to get into all sorts of things. They often learn how to open doors and cupboards, and anyone buying a Savannah will likely need to take special precautions to prevent the cat from getting into things.

Many Savannah cats do not fear water, and will play or even immerse themselves in water. Some owners even shower with their Savannah cats. Presenting a water bowl to a Savannah may also prove a challenge, as some will promptly begin to "bat" all the water out of the bowl until it is empty, using their front paws.

BENGAL CATS

The Bengal is a medium to large domestic feline that originates from crossings of the small Asian Leopard Cat (ALC) to the domestic cat in an attempt to create a companion with an "exotic" look but a domestic temperament. After four to five generations of Bengal-to-Bengal breeding, the breed is recognized for championship competition by most international domestic cat associations.

The energetic Bengal is not for people who just want a leopard print cat for decoration. Whether they are fishing in the aquarium or playing in their water-bowls, fetching balls for their families, taking walks on a leash or climbing to the top of the highest cupboards, Bengals are constantly on the move and are perfect for anyone who wants to interact and play with their cat daily. The Bengal cat, like many other pets, demands a good deal of attention and affection and enjoys being an integral part of the family.

OCICAT CATS

The Ocicat is an all-domestic breed of cat which resembles a 'wild' cat but has no wild blood. The breed is unusual in that it is spotted like a wild cat but has the temperament of a domestic animal. It is named for its resemblance to the ocelot.

Despite its appearance, there is no 'wild' DNA in the Ocicat's gene pool. The species is actually a mixture of Siamese and Abyssinian, and later American Shorthairs (silver tabbies) were added to the mix and gave the breed their silver color, bone structure and distinct markings.

 

ABOVE IS THE SHORT STORY ON THE THREE BREEDS FROM WIKIPEIA.  BESIDES THE BEAUTIFUL SPOTS I’M ATTRACTED TO THE DOG TYPE QUALITES OF THE BREEDS, INSTEAD OF THE INDEPENDENT, ALOOF, SCARDY CAT WAYS OF THE TYPICAL BARN CAT LIKE SUSIE-Q.

UNFORTUNATELY THE CAT SHOW IN LAS VEGAS WAS A CFA (CAT FANCIERS ASSOCIATION) SHOW WHERE THEY DO NOT ALLOW OR RECOGNIZE ANY CATS WITH WILD DNA.  IT WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT AS I WAS HOPING TO SEE THESE CATS LIVE AND IN ACTION.  BENGALS IN PARTICULAR ARE VERY POPULAR.

LUCKY FOR ME THERE WAS ONE EXHIBITOR WITH OCIATS. HE HAD TWO BEAUTIFUL MALE KITTENS TO SHOW.

THESE TWO BEAUTIFUL KITTENS CAME RACING OUT OF THEIR CAGE AND WERE QUITE A HANDFUL TO KEEP UNDER CONTROL.  JUST LOOK AT THOSE SPOTS.

ARE THEY COOL OR WHAT?  MY HEART MELTED……..

HOW COULD I NOT COME HOME WITHOUT ONE OF THESE BEAUTIES?

AH, THEY’RE $700 A PIECE, THAT’S HOW I CAME HOME WITHOUT ONE.