Popular Cat breeds

 Domestic Shorthair or Moggy

The term 'Moggy' refers to a Domestic Shorthair cat that is not of a specific pedigree, indicating a mix of various breeds in its ancestry. Moggies are often considered healthier than purebred cats due to natural selection favoring strong genes. They are also thought to be more intelligent for similar reasons. Unlike pedigrees, which are bred for specific traits, a moggy's personality is not predictable until you get to know them. They typically exhibit the general characteristics of a typical cat without any extreme features, except for their short hair.

British Shorthair

The British Shorthair is one of the earliest pedigree cats in Britain. Initially known as the British Blue in the late 19th century due to its first color variant, the breed now comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. They are easily recognized by their round head, large round eyes that match their coat color, and small, short features such as the nose, ears, and tail. The breed is relatively large compared to others.

British Shorthairs are known for their calm nature, often preferring to rest rather than engage in active play as they age. Historically valued for their hunting abilities, their sturdy build supports this image. They are described as 'affectionate' and capable of forming strong bonds with their owners, making them excellent companions for both humans and other animals.

The breed's origins trace back to the interbreeding of cats brought by the Romans and local street cats in Britain. The breed standard was established in 1871. Despite facing near extinction in the 1950s, British Shorthairs have seen a resurgence in popularity that continues today.

Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is a relatively new breed, emerging in the 1960s in the United States and gaining recognition in the UK by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in 1990. Ragdolls are a pointed breed, with their bodies lighter than their face, legs, tail, and ears. They have semi-long fur in various colors and are distinguished by their striking blue eyes.

Known for their exceptionally calm temperament, Ragdolls are great family pets. They often exhibit dog-like behaviors, such as following their owners around and greeting them upon their return. Despite their calm nature, they also have a playful side.

Crossbreed

A crossbreed cat results from the mating of two different pedigree breeds, unlike moggies, which have mixed ancestry over generations. Crossbreeds are sometimes intentionally bred and often display better health than purebreds due to natural selection. They can inherit traits from both parent breeds, potentially balancing characteristics. For example, a cross between an independent breed and a friendly breed might produce a cat that is both somewhat independent and friendly.

Bengal

The Bengal cat is a relatively recent breed in the UK, originating in the US in 1963 from the crossbreeding of wild cats like the Asian Leopard with domestic cats. This breeding aimed to discourage the keeping of wild animals as pets and to protect them from exploitation for their fur. The breed was introduced to the UK in 1991.

Bengal cats have spotted or marbled fur patterns, with spots that can be brown or black, contrasting with the rest of their coat. They are a larger breed, with slightly longer legs that make their hindquarters higher than their shoulders, a trait inherited from their wild ancestors. They have broad heads, small ears with rounded tips, and distinct "mascara" markings around their eyes. Their tails are spotted or ringed, ending with a black tip. Despite domestication, Bengals retain a wild hunting instinct and a muscular build, enabling them to move with stealth.

A unique trait of the Bengal breed is their fondness for water. They often enjoy playing in water, much like their wild relatives, or drinking directly from the tap. Bengals are energetic and make excellent pets for households with children and other animals. They are known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and intelligence.