Burmilla Cat

What do you get when you cross a gorgeous Chinchilla Persian with an exotically beautiful Lilac Burmese? The result is the relatively new and highly charming cat breed known as the Burmilla! Originating in Britain in 1981, the Burmilla cat breed was the glorious result of an accidental mating between the two breeds mentioned above. The product of this breeding were kittens that were so sweet, beautiful and healthy, that a new breed was born. As a new breed to North America introduced in 1995, the Burmilla reached CCA championship status in Canada in 1998. The Burmilla is a cat of Burmese type and temperament with coat colors not found within the Burmese. It is a medium-sized cat with a short and dense coat that has a bit of a "lift" to it.

Burmillas can have either a short, silky coat like the Burmese - or a long-haired coat from it's Persian ancestry that is fine and silky - and easily groomed, with a majestic plumed tail and fluffy ruff. The Burmilla cat is easy to get along with. Relaxed and good natured, the Burmilla is both affectionate and playful - in addition to being drop-dead gorgeous! If you are looking for a healthy, extraordinarily beautiful cat that will love and adore you as much as you do them, then the Burmilla is an excellent choice.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair - affectionately known as Great Britain’s “working cat”.
BACKGROUND
A sturdy and muscular cat with a short, plush coat, the breed was developed from non-pedigree cats whose origins are those of the native working cats – the “street” and “yard” cats of Britain. The early British Shorthair and the French Chartreux were of similar type, and many breeders believe they were originally the same cat. Today, breeders have taken great care to produce two distinct breeds. Many shorthairs were shown at the famed Crystal Palace in 1895, and captured the hearts of people attending those shows.
CHARACTERISITICS
The British Shorthair is a medium to large, sturdy cat with a powerful body and a thick tail. British Shorthairs are very independent yet extremely affectionate. They enjoy people and will happily follow their owners around the house.

CARE REQUIREMENTS
Shorthairs are easy to groom because their fur does not tangle, however they should be combed very lightly once a week. They make ideal pets for families, and they are equally happy with a person living on their own.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
The British Shorthair will usually live up to 13 years of age, but with the proper care and nutrition can live up to 15 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT
This is a small to medium-size cat with the females usually weighing up to 2.2kg and the males 5kg.
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
This cat will enjoy the company of other animals, but will especially like having a playmate of its kind to share its days and activities.
IDEAL OWNERS
Though it is an independent animal, it will want someone who is totally dedicated to its needs and can give it lots of company and keep it entertained when called upon.

Burmese Cat

To the beautiful, affectionate breed known as Burmese, happiness is a warm lap! This loveable, people-oriented cat originated in Burma, and was developed as a distinct breed in the United States in the 1930's. Often described as "bricks wearing silk" these cats are remarkably heavy for their size. The soft, silky short coat comes in four shades; sable, champagne, blue and platinum. Known for their uncanny ability to make a cat-lover out of almost anyone, these adorable felines take companionship to extremes - wanting a hand - or should we say "a paw" - in everything that you are doing. Make room, because Burmese love to cuddle up with you in bed. Burmese should never be allowed outside as they are very dependent upon humans and have very little in the way of survival instincts to help them fend off other animals or avoid traffic. They are intelligent and charming creatures and get along well with well-behaved children and dogs introduced at an early age. Watch out, though, Burmese can be addicting - it's hard to stop at just one!

Bombay

In 1958, a Kentucky (USA) breeder deliberately bred a black American shorthair and a sable-brown Burmese in an effort to create a domestic cat that resembled the wild Panther. This novel combination successfully produced offspring that resembled the Black Leopard of India, The Bombay name, taken from the Indian city of Bombay (now Mumbai), honors the native country of the wild cousin.

Despite its distinct and beautiful appearance the Bombay's international acceptance has grown slowly. It always displays a thick, shiny, solid black coat; no other colours or patterns are permitted, The eyes shine in a coppery or golden shade.

The Black Cat in France is known as the Matagot, or Magician Cat. The fortunate family that takes the cat into its house receives the gift of good luck as a result. On the peninsulla of Brittany, in the northwest of France, there is a similar legend called the Chat D'Argent, or Money Cat. This feline is believed to serve nine owners at a time..

Throughout the rest of the world, with the exception of South America, the black cat is almost universally reviled as a harbinger of bad luck, an omen of the dark side.

Ireland, always a treasure trove of mythology, appointed the black cat as a helpmate of healers, and, at the same time, a witch's familiar. This shows the pagan influence of sun and moon cycles on the human psyche.

The black cat, a carrier of magic, was a representative of darkness. But, owing to fur that could also turn into moonglow, or silver, the black cat was given a dual identity. Furthermore, black was the byproduct of fire; fire, to the ancients was a thing of beauty, utility, and great power. All these aspects were, and are, present in the black cat.

The Bombay is considered a quiet, watchful cat who loves affection. This can be said of any feline. But the Bombay is one who, when things are going her way, purrs loudly enough to be heard in the next room. Bombays enjoy the indoors perhaps more than the outdoors, and they are noted for not liking any intrusive noises.This a well balanced, muscular cat with a deep black coat. Rounded and wide head with a short tapered muzzle. Round, wide-set, golden to copper coloured eyes, and medium sized, broad and slightly rounded wide set ears.

The coat texture is fine, short, satiny and tight to the body. Bombay cats require little grooming. Petting will keep the coat shiny and free of dead hair. A rubber brush can be used for excessive shedding. A nutritionally complete food will add gloss to the coat and fuel for the cat's natural energy.Instant lap cat, best describes the heat-seeking Bombay lifestyle. Both sexes make excellent pets. While they will get along with other breeds, the Bombay usually wants to dominate other cats. A dog might make a good companion for a Bombay

These are smart and agile cats, they often retrieve and will seek out interaction with humans. Visitors' purses or packages are thoroughly inspected. Head bumpers and nose rubbers, they love nothing more than to be held. Some can be very talkative and they have a distinctive voice.Quiet, sensitive, reserved and intelligent, the Bombay does best in a quiet home, where it is affectionate to the whole family.

Birman

For a strikingly unusual cat, it is hard not to fall in love with the Birman, or 'Sacred Cat of Burma' as it is known in its native country.
BACKGROUND
The story of the Birman says that one hundred pure white cats lived in the Burmese temple of Lao-Tsun, but one night the temple was raided and the oldest priest was attacked and killed. His pure white cat, named Sinh, jumped on the body of his master and the priest’s soul entered the cat. As it did, the white hair of his body became golden (similar to the temple goddess), his legs, face, ears and tail became earth coloured and his paws remained white as a symbol of purity. Now with a romantic tale like that, who wouldn't want to own this cat?
CHARACTERISITICS
These softly spoken cats and are a lot more active than Persians, but less active and talkative than Siamese cats, making them an ideal breed for children, or anyone looking for an exotic indoor pet.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
This cat carries itself with much poise with its pale coloured coat, dark face, ears, tail and legs, and white “gloves” on its feet. While regular grooming is essential, its glorious coat is more silky than fluffy and rarely matts, making it relatively easy to maintain.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
The Birman will usually live up to 13 years of age, but with the proper care and nutrition can live up to 15 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT
This is a medium to large breed of cat with the female usually weighing up to 4.5kg and the male weighing up to 8kg.
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
If this cat is introduced to other pets in the home as a kitten, there should be relatively few skirmishes. If it is brought into the home as an adult cat and given time to get used to any other animals (allow several weeks) it usually settles in well.

IDEAL OWNERS
This breed will suit most people from all walks of life, and can happily live in most environments. However, extreme heat or extreme cold regions should be avoided. A secure home is also best to keep this cat safe.

Bengal

Bengal Cat History: The origins of the Bengal Cat stem from the first pairing of a wild Asian Leopard Cat, a small, forest-dwelling cat found in Asia and India, and a domesticated cat, which occurred more that 35 years ago. The Bengal cat has since purred it's way into the hearts and homes of cat fanciers world wide, and is currently one of the most popular cat breeds. The exotic beauty, affectionate nature and intelligence of the Bengal cat has since inspired many other hybrid cat breeds, including the Savannah cat.
Bengal Cat Appearance:The Bengal cat has a gorgeous, shiny camouflage coat, perky, attentive ears, amazing physical prowess and an extremely high level of intelligence.
Bengal Cat Personality:Bengal cats are playful, laid-back, affectionate, curious and almost dog-like. They can be trained to walk on a leash and many of them actually like water! If you're an apartment dweller, and have your heart set on a dog, but not enough room, a Bengal is the next best choice. Bengals make fun, affectionate, wonderful pets and are great with children, dogs and other animals. Bengal cats are addictive! Like potato chips, it's hard to stop at just one.

Balinese

The Balinese is an active and busy cat that likes a 'chat' and is more than happy to follow its owner around lavishing affection on them as they go!
BACKGROUND
This long-haired cat is part of the Oriental family and was developed from the long-coated breeds that were found in Siamese litters throughout the USA. Its elegant shape and movement was the inspiration for its name as it reminded breeders of the native dancers on the island of Bali.
CHARACTERISTICS
The Balinese is an easy-going cat and will happily play with any children in the home, but as with any pet, children do need to be taught to respect this cat and allow it its own space.
CARE REQUIREMENTS
The Balinese conforms to the svelte shape of the Siamese. However, overlaying its slim body is its semi-long silky coat that, despite its length, does not require as much grooming as those of other long-haired breeds. In fact, this beautiful coat and its gorgeous, long plumed tail are almost the only things that distinguish it from the Siamese and make it an easy to care for cat.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
The Balinese will usually live up to 12 years of age, but with the proper care and nutrition can live up to 14 years of age.
AVERAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT
These animals are slightly under medium height with the females usually weighing up to 3kg and the males weighing up to 5.5kg
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
This breed will happily get along with other pets, but its ideal playmate is another Balinese so that they can play together and “make happy mischief”.
IDEAL OWNERS
For those people who want to own a cat that is on the ball, the Balinese is an active, playful, and devoted companion with elegant good looks, and likes nothing better than a cuddle or to sit on its owners lap. Secure premises are also best so not to allow this character to roam.