Feline Traits Overview
Finnegan Flynn
| 15-04-2024
· Animal Team
Cats, belonging to the order Carnivora and the family Felidae, are vertebrate animals.
They have a small body size, ranging in color from bluish-gray to tawny, with a slender build measuring 0.3 to 0.5 meters in length.
Their fur is dense and soft, with small collarbones, short snouts, round eyes, robust necks, relatively short limbs, and several spherical pads on their feet.
The surface of their tongue is covered with filamentous hook-shaped papillae with a keratinized layer. Male and female cats resemble each other, with males having slightly larger heads. Cats have a long reproductive and fertile period, with a lifespan ranging from 12 to 17 years.
Cats have a wide distribution, inhabiting various environments, from tropical rainforests, deserts, and plains to cold grasslands and plateaus, excluding Antarctica. They are solitary animals with a strong territorial instinct, and when threatened, they can be aggressive, displaying exceptional climbing abilities. As predatory animals, they primarily prey on rodents, birds, fish, and other small animals in the wild, showing a preference for meat and exhibiting selective eating habits.
As household pets, cats can alleviate people's psychological stress and fulfill their emotional needs. Additionally, their ability to catch mice significantly reduces economic losses for humans. The cultural significance of cats dates back to their domestication, where they were revered as "sacred animals," often associated with both sun and moon deities in ancient Egyptian art.
Now, regarding which cat breed is suitable for beginners and which one is the best to keep and also gentle, cute, and aesthetically pleasing:
1. British Shorthair Cat: The British Shorthair is known for its round and robust body, sturdy limbs, short and dense coat, large round head, gentle and calm temperament, and friendliness towards humans.
With large, round eyes that come in various colors depending on the coat, they have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years and can weigh between 4 to 8 kilograms. Besides its characteristic genetic traits, the British Shorthair exhibits considerable variability in coat and eye colors, resulting from extensive breeding history, leading to healthier bodies and more docile temperaments.
2. American Shorthair Cat: Also known as the American Shorthair or American Shorthair Tabby, this breed originated from crossing European cats with native American felines, resulting in a traditional domestic breed. It's considered one of the best cat breeds in the United States, with an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
The American Shorthair is known for its robust physique, strong bones, muscular build, intelligence, and gentle temperament. Its coat is thick and comes in over 30 colors, with the silver tabby variety particularly prized.
3. Ragdoll Cat: Originating from the United States, the Ragdoll is a hybrid breed known for its large size and weight, with neutered males reaching nearly 10 kilograms and females up to 8 kilograms. They have wedge-shaped heads, large round eyes, luxurious coats, long muscular limbs, soft bodies, and tails.
Their coat colors include paint colors, mitted patterns, and colors. Ragdoll cats are gentle, affectionate, and friendly towards people. Their graceful beauty and delicate nature have earned them the nickname "fairy cat" or "puppy cat." They are relatively expensive in the market due to their distinctive appearance and mild temperament.
If scratched by a cat and bleeding occurs, immediate medical attention should be sought. If the hospital is far away, the wound can be rinsed alternately with clean water and soap, but medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. Vaccines are available to everyone, and refusal to receive vaccinations due to pregnancy or breastfeeding is not advisable.