This month on the LazyPaw Animal Hospitals blog, we’ve been delving into the world of frisky felines. As we count down to the upcoming World Cup on June 12, I wanted to take a walk on the wild side and showcase some exotic cat breeds from around the world.
Savannah Cat (Africa)
Savannahs are 30-pound crossbreeds between domestic cats and mid-size, large-eared, wild African cats. Their attitude is more social than the average feline’s; they can learn to walk on a leash and play fetch, which owners say makes them the perfect mix between cat and dog. Because Savannahs are extremely hard to breed, price tags for the most exclusive kittens are as high as $30,000.
Sphinx (Canadian and American, with an Egyptian reputation)
Though many associate these sophisticated kitties with the style of ancient Egypt, the Sphynx has only officially been around since the early 1960s. Hairless cats have always been mentioned in history, but this particular breed comes from a foundation of cats found in North America in the 1970s who were further developed by expert breeders. The hairless kitties were first nicknamed “Moonstones” and “Canadian Wonders” by Ridyadh Bawa of the University of Toronto. Sphynx cats don’t have a coat to shed or groom, making them a great choice for those with allergies. However, no hair doesn’t make them no-maintenance; oils build up on their skin, so they need baths every week or two.
Scottish Fold (Scotland)
Scottish Folds are the closest a cat can get to being teddy bear. The first one, a barn cat, was spotted and later bred by a Scottish farmer in 1961. The Cat Fanciers’ Association granted the breed championship status in 1978, earning it immediate attention. Felines have either traditional ears or ones that fold when they are a few weeks old, which is caused by a genetic mutation of an incomplete dominant gene. Demand for folded-ear cats is higher than the supply, making these owl-like felines a hot commodity. All Folds are known for their placid temperament and attachment to their human caregivers.
Are you interested in adopting a cat of your own? If research online is leaving you feeling dizzy, make an appointment to talk to us at LazyPaw Animal Hospitals.