TOP 10 most beautiful cat breeds

The most beautiful cats with the appearance of a predator

Crossing of natural cat species with domesticated cats occurred in ancient times. It is possible that many representatives of natural breeds are the result of such hybridization.

A person is attracted by the appearance of a pet with a wild appearance. This trait is fixed purposefully, obtaining new varieties as a result of mating Serval, Caracal, swamp cat with domestic cats. This is how hybrid breeds arose, some of the most beautiful, expensive and in demand.

Serval

Savannah

In the first generation it is a hydride of a wild Serval and a domestic cat. It has dimensions, body proportions, and colors close to its ancestor. The animal has been considered completely tame since the fourth generation, but has already significantly smaller dimensions. The breed originates from the USA; it was officially registered in the late 80s of the last century.

This giant cat has a fraudulent story surrounding the Asherah, a mythical hypoallergenic species. Savannah F1 (first generation hybrid) was sold under this name for fabulous sums. The cost of this animal is still high today - from 15 to 25 thousand dollars.

Savannah photo gallery:

Read an article about the magnificent Savannah.

Chausie

This variety was developed as a result of long selection by crossing House (swamp cat) and a domestic cat. The animal weighs up to 17 kg, body length up to 0.5 m. The ears are high, usually ending in expressive tassels. Three coat colors:

• Wild - reminiscent of a bright red, almost tan sorrel.

• Black with pepper (with gray hair).

• Absolutely black (Anthracite).

Black Chausie
American breeders began working on this variety in the mid-twentieth century, but final registration was completed by 2013.

A distinctive feature of these animals is that even by the fourth generation from the wild progenitor, the cats do not lose their large size, but it is very difficult to obtain a standard color - uniform, without stripes and spots. Therefore, the cost of some specimens in American nurseries remains quite high. In Russia, so far you can only buy first and second generation hybrids at prices ranging from 10-11 thousand dollars.

A little more chausie:

Read the article about the Houseie and Chausie breed.

Caraquet

A new cat hybrid appeared in the 21st century from the crossing of a Caracal and an Abyssinian cat, interestingly, in our country and America at the same time. This animal resembles its wild ancestor and is included in the TOP of the most beautiful, expensive and largest cats in the world. Since the breed is young, only 1st and 2nd generation hybrids exist so far.

So far only TICA has recognized it as an experimental breed. Caraket costs at least 15 thousand dollars.

You can read about the Caraquet breed on our portal Mister Cat.

Safari

This breed was obtained by crossing an ordinary domestic female and a Geoffroy cat. It has a spotted color and the appearance of a wild animal. You can find a kitten only in US nurseries at a price of ten thousand dollars.

Bengal cat

Bengal is one of the first successful experiments in hybridization. ALC and a domestic cat were crossed. This wild ancestor is not tamed at all, and its descendants are well socialized from the third generation, have a playful and friendly character. Very beautiful animals - a real smaller copy of a domestic leopard with a characteristic bright pattern.

The colors of the Bengal cat today are numerous - gold, silver, snow, Siamese-Himalayan, all in various versions of tabby - spotted or marbled.

In Russia, a pet-class pet can be bought for thirty thousand rubles, but a real purebred purebred cat from American nurseries costs from three thousand dollars.

Photo gallery of Bengal cats:

Read about the beautiful Bengal cat.

Toyger

This is a variety of Bengal, separated into a separate breed. The spots on the fur merge into continuous stripes and the animal resembles the appearance of a tiger, which gave rise to the name (toy - toy, tiger - tiger). The kitten costs more than two thousand dollars.

The most beautiful cats with a wild appearance are obtained from crossing long-recognized domestic breeds or were formed through natural mutation.

Even more toygers:

Little Toyger

Toyger

More about Toygers on our website.

Egyptian Mau

The American breed, registered in 1956, traces its origins to Cairo street strays, but is a descendant of the oldest Egyptian cats. The Mau's appearance is characterized by its spotted coat in various color variations and its eyes are usually bright green with distinctive eyeliner. These cats are distinguished by their beauty, friendliness and flexibility. There are no nurseries in our country, and the price of even a pet-class kitten starts from fifty thousand rubles.

Egyptian Mau Gallery:

Read about the Egyptian Mau.

Ocicat

Large muscular cats, obtained in America in 1964 by crossing the Siamese and the Abyssinian, have spotted colors. The name comes from the feline species Ocelot, the brightest-colored wild representative (Ocicat has no connection with it). There are practically no breeders in Russia. American and Canadian nurseries will sell a pet-class kitten for a thousand dollars.

Ocicat photo gallery:

Read about Ocicats on our website.

Abyssinian

This small cat, up to five kilograms, with the bright red sorrel color and ticked coat that people love, is one of the oldest natural breeds.

Its colors are varied: ruddy, blue, sorrel, fawn, silver. In their behavior they sometimes resemble a monkey - they are so active, playful and funny. These animals are widespread and universally loved. The price of a kitten in Russia starts from fifteen thousand rubles for a pet class; exhibition and breeding specimens are much more expensive.

You can learn more about Abyssinian beauties and handsome men on our website.

Bombay

This small short-haired cat comes in only one color – completely black. Bred in 1958 in America by crossing a Burmese and an American Shorthair to produce a domestic mini-panther.

A gentle but very active animal with copper eyes is very beautiful and is very popular. In our country, the price of a kitten starts from sixty thousand rubles.

Read about Bombay on our website.

Maine Coon

This natural breed from the American state of Maine has long been at the top of the list of the largest. By the way, read about the largest Maine Coons on the Planet. Powerful, sometimes more than a meter long tail, the animals with long shaggy hair and tufted ears are very beautiful and have enjoyed constant popularity for many years due to their stern appearance and docile nature. A Maine Coon kitten costs at least $600 for a pet class and up to 1.5 thousand for a breeding or show.

Read about famous and popular Maine Coons on the portal.

Serengeti

A beautiful large cat obtained by crossing a Bengal and an Oriental. Outwardly, it resembles a wild Serval, hence the name of the variety - in honor of the most common habitat of the bush cat. These animals are playful, sociable and well socialized. The cost of kittens is from 600 to 2 thousand dollars. They can only be purchased from nurseries in North America.

More about Serengeti.

The most beautiful cats with short hair

These pet varieties are the closest to naturally occurring breeds. This is the largest category in all feline systems, characterized by a wide variety of species, types and colors. Among them are the brightest and most beautiful.

Khao Mani

This small cat, weighing no more than three and a half kilograms, amazes with its amazing beauty. The snow-white short coat combined with huge, usually different colors (blue and green or blue and yellow) eyes is simply mesmerizing. This ancestor of the oldest natural breed is very rare, sometimes its price reaches 20 thousand dollars.

Khao-mani

Read about Kao-mani.

Snow-Shoo

It’s not for nothing that Snow Shoe received the poetic name “Snow Shoe”. Despite the variety of colors, there will definitely be white “socks” or “socks” on all four legs. The beauty's eyes are an amazing blue shade, the most expressive are bright sapphire.

These animals are very rare, as it is very difficult to get a kitten with the correct color. There is only one nursery in Russia, and even a pet-class animal cannot be bought here for less than sixty thousand rubles. Purebred pets from the few breeders in America are much more expensive.

Read about Snow-Shoe cats.

Korat

Korat is one of the oldest natural breeds. The small cat always has a solid blue color. The original Thai name "si-sawat" means "bestower of happiness." The cost of this cheerful but silent smoky pet starts at four hundred dollars.

More about Korats.

Siamese cat

Siam is the birthplace of this ancient breed, the favorite of kings. The characteristic color-point coloring, combined with bright blue eyes and a cheerful character, are highly valued throughout the world. By crossing the Siamese with other representatives of cats, many new varieties were obtained: Australian, Burmese, Balinese, Himalayan, Ocicat, Snow-Shoe, Neva Masquerade, Tonkinese, Javanese.

This breed is widespread and loved throughout the world. The price of a kitten is from two hundred to eight hundred dollars, some exhibition and breeding specimens are much more expensive.

Read about the extraordinary Siamese.

Havanna

The Havana is an amazingly beautiful chocolate or lilac cat with bright emerald eyes. The breed appeared in England in the 50s of the 20th century from the crossing of two varieties - the Siamese and the American Shorthair. These friendly, sociable and talkative pets are very rare; a kitten will cost at least $1000, even for a pet class.

Read about Havanas.

Laperm

The breed appeared due to an accidental mutation. This unusual kitten with fur similar to sheep was first born in the US state of Oregon in the litter of an ordinary female. Wavy coats come in a variety of colors and require special care. Adorable white cat “alpacas” are rare and expensive, starting from five hundred dollars for a pet-class kitten.

More about Laperm.

Manx

The oldest cat species of natural origin. Tailless cats have been known in Maine in the Irish Sea since the late 16th century, but the breed only gained recognition in the 20th century. Based on the length of the tail, they are divided into rampies, stumpies and tails. The color of the short coat can be any color.

It is noteworthy that if one of the parents has the tailless gene, then the kitten will be born without a tail and will be viable.

If both partners are Manx, the offspring usually die. Therefore, a pair should always have an individual with a normal tail length. Calm and friendly, excellent hunters and fishermen are highly prized for their unusual appearance and character. The cost of a kitten starts from a thousand dollars per pet class.

Manx and Cymric (semi-longhaired variety):

Read articles about Manx and Cymric.

Russian blue

As the name implies, this breed comes from Russia, and more precisely from the Arkhangelsk province. Known since the 16th century, it has long been loved all over the world. Her beauty is extraordinary. The coat color is only blue (smoky gray), the eyes are transparent and bright emerald. Owners of a chic fur coat and a wonderful character are highly valued, widely distributed in Russia, the price starts from twenty-five thousand rubles.

More interesting information about Russian Blue on the Mister Cat portal.

Chartreuse

This breed, which historically developed on the territory of ancient France, was named after the town of Chartres.

It is believed that the ancestors of these cats came to the shores of the mainland in the 17th century from Africa along the sea trade route. They have a solid silver color and bright green eyes. The animals are very large in size, are famous for their balanced and docile nature and in their habits are more reminiscent of domestic dogs. In demand and highly valued. The cost of a kitten is from eight hundred to one and a half thousand dollars. There are no nurseries in Russia.

Chartreuse

More about Chartreuse.

Exotic Shorthair

This breed was purposefully bred by American breeders as a specimen of the shorthaired Persian cat.

The exotic was registered in the 60s of the 20th century in the international TICA system. Apart from the length of the coat, the breed standard is no different from the Persian. This is an unusual variety for Russia, which is highly valued throughout the world for its beauty and wonderful character. A pet-class kitten can be purchased from fifty thousand rubles.

More about Exots.

Japanese Bobtail

Historical cat species of Japan. The main distinguishing feature is the short tail. According to legend, this genetic mutation is artificial in nature - in ancient times, cats’ tails were cut off, as it was believed that they contained “evil.” Colors come in a variety of colors, including bicolor and tabby.

Funny pets with a pompom instead of a tail are distinguished by their beauty and wonderful character, and are popular everywhere. In our country you can buy a kitten for a price of thirty thousand rubles.

More about Japanese Bobtails.

British Shorthair

This cat is a breed of natural origin, known in Europe since 1880. The British dog comes in various colors and patterns, the most common and beloved is the blue coat color. The fold-eared version of the British is also widely known - the Scottish Fold.

By temperament, these pets are real phlegmatic, but they are sincerely attached to their owner, patient and calm. Printed wool with a thick undercoat requires careful grooming. The price for a pet is from 15 thousand rubles. Breeding animals are much more expensive.

Photo gallery of British and Scottish cats:

Read about British Shorthairs and Longhairs, Scottish Folds and Straights, as well as Highland Folds. And also about the non-existent breed of British Fold.

The most beautiful cat breeds in the world

Cats with an unusual, bright color, original face and smooth or fluffy fur can be called beautiful. At least 2 breeds meet these selection criteria. This rating category is dedicated to them, where the advantages and disadvantages of the animals in question are described in detail.

Scottish lop-eared

This variety originated in 1961 in Scotland and got its name because of its floppy ears. An adult pet weighs about 4-6 kg and lives for 14-16 years with proper care. It is characterized by a height at the withers of about 30 cm and a short, smooth coat of smoky, red, gray or white color.

The Scottish Fold is the most loyal to other cats and gets along with them without problems even in a small area. She is good-natured and quickly becomes attached to family members, but she chooses one person as her owner and pet. The animal is not indifferent to games and, despite its sociability, prefers not to impose its personality.

Advantages:

• Rarely raises his voice;
• Doesn't scream loudly;
• Accuracy and cleanliness;
• Equilibrium;
• Doesn't damage furniture.

Flaws:

• High cost of kittens.

The Scottish Fold is not burdensome for its owners and can easily tolerate short separations from its owner.

Bengal

The history of the Bengal cat begins in the middle of the 20th century. The animal is distinguished by its gracefulness and bright leopard color. Only it is smaller in size than its older brothers. Height at the withers reaches 25-32 cm with a weight of 5-6 kg. The life of a pet is quite long - 12-15 years, but for this the owner must not forget about regular vaccinations and give him premium food.

The most beautiful cat breed in the world and one of the cleanest. The animal will not go into a dirty tray, so you will have to clean it regularly. She is amenable to training and training, which can begin as early as 3 months after birth. This is a very smart pet, quickly grasping and following the commands of its owners.

Advantages:

• Good health;
• Cats love to mark territory;
• Powerful paws;
• Friendliness;
• Loves water.

Flaws:

• Very playful, so you can’t do without a special complex.

As reviews show, Bengals get along well with other animals, except rodents, which they happily hunt.

The most beautiful fluffy cats

Breeds of cats with long hair arose later than their short-haired counterparts and are of eastern origin. These extraordinarily beautiful animals were originally the property of only privileged royalty.

Welsh cat

The Cymric is essentially a long-haired version of the Manx, whose litters sometimes produced such kittens.

The variety was registered in Canada in the 70s of the last century, and another 20 years later - in the American TICA system. This cat does not have a very large weight and size, but its double coat (the powerful undercoat creates such an illusion) makes it visually larger.

The main distinguishing feature of the Welsh cat is the absence of a tail. The standard only allows for one to three vertebrae. Cymrik's colors include solid, smoke, tabby, Siamese, and bicolor. But the most famous in the world is black. These cats are friendly and hardy, and are quite touchy. Therefore, you need to behave delicately with them. This is a rare cat for Russia. The world price for a Kimra cat kitten is from four hundred to one and a half thousand dollars.

American Longhair Curl

The variety was bred in 1981 in the United States of America as a result of a random stable mutation. The main distinguishing feature is the unusual ears curved back. There are short-haired and long-haired varieties of various colors. Read about American Curls.

These cats are very intelligent, have an unusual and attractive appearance, are attached to their owner, and are well brought up. World price level is 500-4000 dollars. The cost depends on the individual characteristics of the kitten, the presence of a pedigree and the purpose of the animal.

Napoleon (Minuet)

Unusual, very beautiful dwarf pets. Obtained as a result of selection of the Persian cat and the Munchkin, from which they inherited a chic fluffy coat and short legs. The breed is experimental, registered in 2015 with TICA, breeding work is in full swing.

Very strong, active and healthy pets remain outwardly like kittens all their lives. The characteristic “baby face” makes these kids the eternal favorites of all children, and the smart Napoleons pay them the same. They do not tolerate separation from their owner well, they are playful, friendly and extremely trusting. They appeared in Russia quite recently in single copies. The cost of kittens as pets is 30-70 thousand rubles. To purchase a breeding pair, you must contact American nurseries. The cost of such animals is 1000-3000 dollars.

More about Napoleon or Minuet.

Balinese cat

Looks like a Siamese with semi-long hair. The breed was registered in the American TICA system in 1961, and in European felinological organizations it exists under the name Javanese (all colors except Siamese).

Medium-sized pets have a sociable and friendly character, sincerely love the owner and all household members, and do not tolerate loneliness well. A pet-class Balinese kitten in our country costs 20-40 thousand rubles. Breeding and exhibition animals should be purchased from foreign nurseries. Their prices start at $1,500.

More about the Balinese cat.

Neva Masquerade

A very beautiful and extremely expressive cat was obtained by crossing a Siberian and a Siamese. The breed was initially registered in Leningrad in 1962. The elegant pet has a characteristic Siamese color, long, shiny fur (considered hypoallergenic, read about hypoallergenic breeds) and bright blue eyes. An intelligent and unusually attached creature to its owner is sold much more expensive than an ordinary Siberian cat. The cost of a purebred cat is up to $1,500.

More about Nevsky Masquerade.

Sacred Burma

Initially, these ancient cats lived only in Buddhist monasteries, they were worshiped and considered the guardians of souls.

At the beginning of the 20th century, French officers brought the Burmese cat and female cat to Europe, where the breed was approved already in 1925.

At first only cream color was known, now there are many more of them - red, blue, chocolate and others. But the presence of color-point colors is considered mandatory. The character of Burma is quite balanced, but they are distinguished by excessive obsession and jealousy towards the owner. They love to play with children. Animals of rare beauty are not very common in Russia. Sometimes they can be found in Siamese catteries at a price of 20-40 thousand rubles. Outstanding specimens for show and breeding are purchased from nurseries in France at much higher prices.

Burma has white paws

Persian cat

This is the first long-haired breed known in the world. These cats first participated in an English show in 1887.

The owner of a long, thin, soft and silky coat of various colors is very beautiful, captivating with her large golden eyes. Animals that are white in color have blue-colored eyes, and there are differences in eyes. Pets are somewhat capricious, they require a special approach, and are calm and phlegmatic. Buying a kitten for home care will cost 30 thousand rubles, and breeding and show class animals cost up to $1,500.

More interesting things about the Persians.

Ragdoll

This breed is the result of crossing Angora and Burma. Approved in the American TICA system in 1965.

Ragdoll means "rag doll". This name is associated with the amazing ability of these cats to completely relax all the muscles in a person’s arms.

This is a large animal, weighing up to 10 kg. There are only three colors - Siamese, two-tone and glove. The striking beauty and surprisingly trusting gentle nature of the Ragdoll made him highly sought after in the world. These pets need protection and increased human attention, as they can easily get injured (they feel almost no pain) and be harmed by other animals and children.

In our country it is difficult, but you can find a kitten for home keeping (30-60 thousand rubles). And to purchase a breeding or exhibition specimen, you will have to visit nurseries in the USA, England and Canada. Sometimes their cost reaches up to $3,000.

Also read a separate article about Ragdolls.

British chinchilla

The first amazingly beautiful plush cat with white thick fur and bright blue eyes was born in England in 1882 from an accidental mating of a Persian and a blue Brittany. Nowadays, many different coat colors are registered - golden chinchilla, blue gold, silver and peach colors.

These pets are good hunters and are distinguished by their intelligence and calmness. They are highly valued, the cost of a kitten is about 40 thousand rubles.

A lot of interesting things about the British Chinchilla.

Somali cat

This is a long-haired version of the Abyssinian cat, bred by American breeders in the mid-20th century. All other standard parameters of the breed, including colors, correspond to the Abyssinian.

By nature, these pets are calmer and friendlier, although they retain their energy and love of games throughout their lives. Pet class is sold in Russia in the range of 30-50 thousand rubles. Animals for breeding and show are valued much more expensive.

Read about the Somali cat on our portal.

Turkish Angora

The second most famous long-haired breed after the Persian cat. Both of these varieties came to Britain in the 16th century through Turkish merchants. But the breed was registered in the European felinological system only in 1973 and only snow varieties with blue eyes (different eyes are allowed).

The Angora is much more elegant and graceful than the Persian, although initially these species were often confused. Today, other colors are known besides white - any solid, spotted, tortoiseshell. Pets are distinguished by their calmness and friendliness towards all household members and other pets. The cost of kittens ranges from 300-800 dollars.

A lot of interesting things about the Turkish Angora.

Turkish Van

Another ancient natural variety existed for a long time in isolation on the islands of Lake Van in Anatolia. It was originally registered in England, but is now widespread everywhere and is known in all felinological communities.

The most common coloring is solid white or cream with chestnut markings on the head. The eye color in this case is blue or heterochromic. There are marble spots. A distinctive feature is white ears and a mark on the forehead.

Other colors are also known - gold, blue, cream, tortie. The eyes are amber. Due to the natural characteristics of the breed’s development, all its representatives love water very much, swim and fish well. The fur of these animals has water-repellent properties. The price of Van kittens is from 400 to 1000 US dollars.

About the Turkish Van breed.

Description of cat breeds

There are more than 200 breeds in the world, from completely hairless to long-haired. They are recognized and registered by felinological organizations. 10 of them were selected for this rating, which is divided into calm, beautiful, affectionate, apartment cats.

Let's describe each creation in more detail:

• The Scottish Fold is a fairly old breed that appeared in 1961 in Scotland. The pet is distinguished by its strong build and interesting appearance due to its flattened ears. With proper care, the animal can live up to 16 years.
• Bengal - appeared in the middle of the 20th century and is characterized by an unusual appearance. In terms of color, it can be confused with a leopard, only the Bengal's height is much smaller - up to 32 cm at the withers. The pet's weight is 5-6 kg and varies depending on nutrition.
• Russian Blue - bred thanks to immigrants from Russia. She is striking with her bluish coat, which glistens beautifully in the sun. Her fluff is short and very easy to care for. Life expectancy ranges from 14 to 16 years.
• The Siberian is a Russian cat that appeared around the 16th century. She has medium length fur. She is not cold in winter and at the same time it is easier for the owner to care for the pet. The weight of the animal reaches 6-10 kg, and its height is about 35 cm, depending on its gender.
• The Maine Coon is a creature originally from the USA, up to 40 cm tall at the withers. This is the largest breed in the world and loves space. She lives for about 13 years. She is characterized by a beautiful fluffy tail and tufts on her ears. The pet's character is independent, but calm and balanced.
• Toyger - it is often called the domestic tiger because of the same striped color. The first animal was born in the late 1980s. This breed of kind and affectionate cats is very large - it weighs up to 7.5 kg, so it is a bit heavy to carry in your arms. They have strong paws and massive shoulders.
• The British Longhair is a fluffy creature with thick fur that keeps it warm in the winter. She is distinguished by bright, large eyes and cutely rounded ears. The British are characterized by obedience and unobtrusiveness in relations with their owners.
• The Canadian Sphynx is a relatively small species weighing up to 5 kg. This is one of the longest-living among similar varieties. On average, the Sphynx lives up to 17 years. It does not burden its owner, since it is undemanding in food and care, but it requires certain financial investments to purchase special toys.
• Persian is the most popular and affordable, bred as if specifically for keeping in an apartment. She has declared herself to be a calm and peace-loving animal that bestows affection on its owner and creates comfort in the home.
• The Peterbald is the result of crossing the Don Sphynx and the Oriental breed. It is characterized by the absence of any vegetation. The animal proved to be calm, adequate, friendly and had no problems finding a common language with people, including children.

The best flea drops for cats

Mr. Cat Recommends: Hairless cats are unique and charming

Hairless cats are officially classified as the short-haired variety. But they differ significantly from them in the almost complete absence of wool. These young breeds appeared initially as a result of natural mutation and quickly found their admirers. “Alien” creatures with pleasant to the touch, very warm skin are extremely beautiful in their own way.

Canadian Sphynx

The Sphynx differs from later hairless breeds in that the kittens are never born completely naked. Small, fine and sparse fur is found on the body of any animal. They were first born in Canada, but breeding work has stopped. American breeders returned to it and the breed was registered in the USA in 1966.

Pets have surprisingly pleasant hot skin that feels like velvet or corduroy. The price for kittens is from 400 to 800 dollars depending on the class.

Read about the Canadian, Don and St. Petersburg Sphinxes. And also about this breed in general, see photos.

Peterbald

The Neva Sphynx is a Russian cat breed registered at the end of the last century. Oriental and Don Sphynx took part in the selection.

The colors of these cats are very diverse. Just like Donchak, they can be born completely naked, with “rubber” skin.

St. Petersburg Sphynxes are active, affectionate and dependent on their owner. The cost of kittens as pets is low - about 10 thousand rubles, but breeding and show classes are in a different price category. Their cost can reach 1.5 thousand dollars.

Peterbald

Bambino

Canadian Sphynxes and Munchkins took part in the selection work. The experimental breed was recognized by the international felinological organization TICA in 2006. Completely hairless cats have very short legs, are intelligent, obedient and highly trainable. The kids have excellent health and wonderful character. Kittens cost from a thousand dollars.

About the charming Bambino.

Dwelf

A young and unique variety was obtained as a result of selection of three breeds: Sphinx, American Curl and Munchkin. These dwarf pets are not found heavier than two kilograms. Short legs, a strong hairless body, large ears and expressive blue eyes are the distinctive features of these cats.

Gentle, intelligent and trusting creatures are still a rarity; their cost ranges from six hundred to two and a half thousand dollars.

Bengal cat

Representatives of this breed are inquisitive and require a lot of attention.

This hybrid breed was developed in 1980 in the USA by crossing an Asian leopard cat and a regular domestic cat. The main advantage is the luxurious thick fur with a leopard color. An adult Bengal weighs about 5-9 kilograms. Representatives of this breed are inquisitive and require a lot of attention. They are smart, active, playful and, despite their roots, not at all aggressive. These gentle and sensitive creatures quickly get used to their new home.

This is interesting: Despite their large size, Bengals love to sit on their owner's shoulder. They love swimming even more! These cats can simply play with water, often ask to go to the owner’s bathroom, and insistently demand that they be given water treatments as often as possible.

The price of one kitten ranges from 800 to 2500 dollars.

History of cat domestication

For a long time it was believed that the cat was first domesticated in ancient Egypt. But recent research by geneticists allows us to confidently assume that the first representatives of these pets appeared more than ten thousand years ago in the Fertile Crescent - Anatolia (the modern Middle East - Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and some other countries). From there, with the development of trade, the domestic cat spread to Cyprus and Egypt. Read the article about how cats appeared on our planet.

The Anatolian cat is one of the oldest varieties, descended from the first domesticated ancestors. Based on its appearance, scientists suggest that initially all furry pets were short-haired.

Anatolian cat

In Ancient Egypt, there are known cases of domestication of wild cat species that survive today, such as the House and Serval.

The emergence of new breeds

With the development of civilization and increasing prosperity, man sought to surround himself with beautiful things. Spectacular cats were also included in this prestigious list. The first unusual breeds lived with the richest and most influential people - usually at royal courts, with famous merchants, and appeared as shrines in monasteries.

A surviving treatise, The Book of Cat Poems, found in Thailand, describes at least twenty different breeds. They developed both naturally as a result of random mutations, and by deliberate crossing of animals with one or another feature.

Thai cat

There are currently more than two hundred and fifty breeds of cats in the felinological world. Among them there are not many natural ones; for the most part they include varieties bred as a result of targeted selection. In addition to short-haired pets, there are semi- and long-haired and even hairless pets.