MAJOR GROUPS AND BREEDS OF
CATS
Small Animal Technology Course
GROUPS
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2 different cat groups:
 Shorthaired Breeds (13 total)
 Longhaired Breeds (26 total)
SHORTHAIRED BREEDS
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The Abyssinian
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Believed to be direct descendant of the Sacred Cat of
Egypt, which was worshiped and held sacred
There are 3 recognized breed colors: ruddy, red, and blue.
Ruddy=orange-brown color, ticked with dark brown or
black
Red=ticked with chocolate-brown
Blue=blue-gray, ticked with slate-blue
Considered extremely affectionate, quiet, highly
intelligent, and alert
Breed is very active, can learn to retrieve, and is fond of
water
Medium sized with a firm, muscular, well-balanced body
Its head is slightly rounded and wedge-shaped with large
ears and large, almond-shaped eyes
ABYSSINIAN
SHORTHAIRED BREEDS
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The Burmese
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Developed in U.S. in 1930’s
Crossed a brown female Burma with a Siamese
Has a sweet disposition and enjoys being held
Breed can become stubborn and angry
Medium-sized cat with a solid, short body
Rounded head with a broad, short muzzle and a
distinct nose break
Sable-brown in color with gold eyes
Upper respiratory diseases are common in kittens
and inbreeding has increased the incidence of heart
defects, mutative malformations of the face and head
BURMESE
SHORTHAIRED BREEDS
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The Colorpoint
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Developed in England in 1947
Colorpoint gets its name from the color of the
extremities; nose, ears, feet, and tail
Colorpoint cats have one general body color with
darker extremities or points.
Breed is considered bold, very demanding, vocal, and
full of nonsense.
Very intelligent and loving
Genetically Siamese and possesses the same
characteristics, with an elongated, angular body and
wedge-shaped head
Breed is medium in size and eyes are a vivid blue
COLORPOINT
LONGHAIRED BREEDS
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Maine Coon
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Considered to be the native American longhair cat that
first appeared on the rocky coast of New England
Oldest natural breed in North America
Considered lovable and friendly and enjoys companionship
of another pet or person
Breed has a tiny voice with squeaks and chirps
Large-sized cat, often reaching 12-18 pounds
Medium-wide head, medium-long nose, and large tufted,
tall ears
Fur on the tail is especially long compared with the fur
covering the body
Brown tabby is the best-known color and pattern for the
Maine Coon, but a wide range of colors and patterns exists
Eye color varies from green to gold to copper; white cats
have blue eyes
MAINE COON
LONGHAIRED BREEDS
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The Birman
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Very sociable cat the needs company of others
Considered a sweet-natured, charming, & intelligent
cat
Medium to large in size
Sturdy, stocky cat with a long body
Head is strong, broad, and rounded with a strong,
rounded muzzle and low-set nostrils
Eyes are round and ears are medium in size with
rounded tips
Coat is long and silky
Genetic defects include weak hind legs, nasal
obstruction, and poor occlusion, which may cause
breathing through the mouth
BIRMAN
EXIT SLIP
1) How many different types of cat groups are
there?
 2) What are the different types of cat groups?
 3) Which breed is considered to be the oldest
natural breed in North America?
 4) Which breed is considered to be the direct
descendant of the Sacred Cat of Egypt?
 5) Which breed gets its name from its coloring on
its nose, feet, ears, and tail?
 6) Which breed has genetic defects like weak
hind legs and poor occlusion?
 7) Which breed was developed in the U.S. in the
1930’s?
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