Domestic cats: breeds. Large domestic cats: breeds

All domestic cats are representatives of one species of animals. This group of animals in Latin is called Feliscatus, which literally translates as "agile and dexterous cats." They have a long history of developing relationships with man. It all started, according to scientists, about four thousand years ago in ancient Egypt, it was there that the beginning of relations with people began. A huge number of small rodents living close to people, attracted cats. The ability to catch a beast and destroy it was appreciated by the inhabitants of the Nile Valley, and from this moment they proceed to domesticate wild animals.

The highest honor, as we know from the history of Ancient Egypt, is mummification, and cats have been honored. Residents even worshiped the goddess, personifying this animal. Later, other old civilizations followed suit and began to worship animals, like the people of Egypt, and make them not only and not so much by domestic pets as by friends and part of a family living side by side with man.

When did they enter our life?

Genetics believe that both small and large domestic cats, the breeds of which are listed in the Cat family, are descended from the wild Livonian (steppe cat) - a predatory animal of small size.

According to some reports, domesticated cats began nine and a half thousand years ago in Mesopotamia, Jordan, and also Anatolia, that is, in the birthplace of human civilizations. This began with the era of agriculture, the consequence of which was the emergence of surplus food. They were attacked by rodents, and people protected themselves with the help of domesticated animals.

From the tenth century, cats conquered Europe, then Asia, then Australia and the rest of the world. With the passage of time, more than two hundred breeds of cats were withdrawn. Over the centuries, these animals are valued by man for their excellent qualities.

Features of cats

Skills and unique abilities of cats in catching rodents caused people to desire to domesticate the beast. Just like their wild cousins, large domestic cats are born as real hunters, able to pursue their prey in a variety of conditions and situations, doing this with the help of fangs and claws. Their special effectiveness in this matter is manifested at night, because their eyes reflect light, they are able to catch the slightest movements. All cats also have the perfect hearing and amazing body flexibility. They are pretty nimble, and a long tail (except for domestic cats whose breeds are tailless, like, for example, Bobtail) acts as a balance.

Animals communicate with each other in a language unknown to people, and smell the territory with odors, letting relatives know about their own borders.

Despite the fact that cats are domesticated, their digestive system is designed to digest raw meat. They are carnivores. Rough and rough tongue is used to separate meat from bone. In addition, cats lick their hair. The diet of such an animal depends entirely on the person, but it does not at all affect the desire to hunt. Even if you feed the cat raw meat regularly, it will still seek to hunt for rodents and some insects.

Domestic cats to date

At the moment, these animals are not only a friend of man, but also an object of trade, especially large breeds. The given goods in view of the exclusiveness of roads, but, despite the price, is in demand in many countries. Representatives of rare breeds are acquired for bragging.

Since the second half of the twentieth century, the process of breeding all new domestic cats has not stopped. However, now this is done for the most part for the sake of profit, but not for studying this species at all. Now we have figured out who are domestic cats. The breeds of these creatures are very interesting and unique in their own way.

Popular domestic cats: breeds and their characteristics

You can meet both long-haired and woolless animals, such as the Sphinx or Rex. Next, we will list the breeds of cats that, in our opinion, can be great friends for each person.

Maine Coon

Got his name due to the similarity with the raccoon (translated as the Manx raccoon). This breed of a large domestic cat with an interesting color has won the love of many people. Males can weigh from five to eleven kilograms, females - up to six. This breed has a semi-long hair, but it is not necessary to comb it, care of it is not difficult. The character of the representatives of this breed is friendly, and the appetite is excellent - the cat eats fodder several times more than its usual kindred, with preference given to freshly prepared food, not to preserves and dry forages.

Savannah

What other breed of big cats is there ? Savannah. It is a hybrid of a domestic cat and African servant. In the breeding of the breed, other representatives of this species also participated. The cat has a spotted color, its growth reaches sixty centimeters at the withers, and weight - fifteen kilograms. It has an elongated body and long legs, as well as thick wool. This is a very smart kitty. She easily gets along with other pets.

Persian

This is the most domestic breed of cats, because the oldest. These representatives can not exist outside the house, they have a gentle nature. Very strongly attached to the owner. They are quiet and rarely give voice, often lazy on the couch. Often accompany family members from room to room, get along well with children. Very curious, and also they like hunting for insects. The colors of the Persian are different, there are more than a hundred shades. A distinctive feature of the breed is a small flat spout.

Norwegian Forest Species

The domestic cat of this species is a descendant of the wild from the same forests. Distinctive features of the breed are endurance, resistance to cold temperatures, excellent qualities of the hunter. Large domestic cats breed Norwegian forest have a very thick and long fur. The weight of a male reaches seven-odd kilograms, females - slightly less (about five). Undercoat is usually white, the color can be absolutely diverse. The cat's body is strong and flexible. She likes to climb trees and walk freely.

Ragdoll

Another breed of large domestic cats is ragdoll. This is a very interesting view. Literally the title is translated as "rag doll". Outwardly, the cat is similar to Burmese, but has a broader chest. Cats weigh up to nine kilograms, cats - about six. They are phlegmatic, and very attached to the owners. Their intellect is very developed - they can be taught to walk not only in the tray, but also in the toilet. Animals understand human speech and execute commands. Here is such an amazing breed. A domestic cat of this species will suit every person, as she easily gets along with people.

Burmese

Burmese (sacred Burma) is a semi-longhaired cat with an interesting coloring. With the point color of the wool, they are characterized by white "gloves". They are beautiful and calm animals with a gentle character. Guests are loved and welcomed without fear. They like to sit on their knees and hands. Large domestic cat breeds sacred birma active, they like to play with people, get along well with little children. When the owners are busy, such pets do not distract them, as soon as the owner has a free minute - they will happily have fun with him. Not very talkative, but purring with pleasure.

Conclusion

Now you know who are domestic cats, the breed of popular representatives of this species, we have listed to you. We hope that the information will be useful to you.