The Personalities of the Breeds - Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of South Australia Inc

PERSONALITIES OF THE BREEDS

General:
The personality of every cat differs from that of other cats. Being very strongly individualistic, it is rare to find two alike, even within a litter. The descriptions in this article, therefore, are of the character traits normally found within the breeds. They are generalisations. The environment in which a cat lives, and that in which it was raised, also affect temperament and personality, as does heredity. Reputable breeders of Pedigreed kittens know their cats and can help you to choose THE kitten with the right personality for you.

PERSIAN: Beneath its placid and gentle exterior, the Persian has a very typically feline nature. It adapts well to new surroundings, is a good traveller and ideal for showing: it seems to enjoy being the object of so much admiration! The Persian makes an excellent companion, for it is restful, pleasant to stroke, calm and quiet - although quite independent. Its miaow has a very melodious sound. It is affectionate and likes being with people, but it may not always be demonstrative. It is one of the best natured of cats, extremely good tempered until teased. Usually very tolerant with children, playing with them gently with "velvet paws". Although quieter and generally less adventurous than its shorthaired cousins, the Persian enjoys running and jumping which helps to keep it in fine shape. Some may also hunt mice. They are not pugnacious as a breed, and will live companionably with other animals. The Persian likes company, human and animal, but will very often avoid those who are unfamiliar. When a Persian goes outside, it may not always come back easily or willingly, however, as it does everything in its own time. It will happily live its whole life indoors, even in a flat, provided it has the run of the place and plenty of fresh air. It will not fret if left alone, but will probably sleep most of the time. The Persian really enjoys being groomed if a regular grooming pattern has been established at an early age.

EXOTIC SHORTHAIR: similar in personality to the Persian but, perhaps, more playful and responsive.

BIRMAN: also known as the Sacred Cat of Burma The Birman is an intelligent and clever longhaired cat with quiet gentle charm. Less nervous than a Siamese, less placid than a Persian, it is adaptable, playful, easy to train, sociable, good with other animals and children. It is very affectionate towards its owners, if a little distant with strangers. The Birman will want to be part of the family. Relatively undemanding, it does not like to be confined but prefers the freedom to roam the house. It likes venturing outside, but not staying out. Its silky coat requires less grooming than the coat of a Persian.

SIAMESE: The Siamese is the most extrovert of cats, demonstrative, noisy, vocal and active and, though some claim it is not the ideal cat for those who cherish peace and quiet, there are many Siamese cats that are very gentle and quiet. This very intelligent cat has an elusive character. It demands a great deal of devoted attention from its owner. It has an inquisitive nature, adores playing hide-and-seek, and can be funny, even facetious, especially if it has an appreciative audience. Very agile, yet it is obedient and will go for walks on a lead and follow its owner around the house as a dog will do. It may be friendly to some strangers and totally indifferent to others. It is very "talkative" and will carry on conversations with an owner who is willing to listen.

BALINESE: This cat is basically a longhaired version of the Siamese, and is similar in nature and personality to that breed.

ORIENTAL: The Oriental is bright, lively and even mischievous. It is also very gentle, a friendly and faithful cat, reputed to be as intelligent as a Siamese. As the Siamese played a very large part in its development as a breed, the Oriental, too, shares many of its personality traits. The FOREIGN WHITE also shares this personality but it is generally a little quieter than the other Siamese type cats.

BRITISH SHORTHAIR: This "gentle giant" is generally healthy, strong and sturdy. A delightful breed, it is even tempered, active, intelligent and astute, graceful and curious. Its miaow is fairly quiet and it's very adaptable. It seems tailor-made to lie in front of a fire, purring, but it enjoys the outdoor life and hunting, too. This affectionate cat is also good with dogs. An excellent pet in a household where there are children or elderly people.

SCOTTISH FOLD: This charming cat is sensible, gentle and sweet natured. It loves people, including strangers, and is good with other animals and children. Makes a loving, placid pet, with a great personality, being sociable, happy and playful as a kitten all its life. Strong and particularly resistant to disease. Comes in short haired and long haired varieties.

SCOTTISH SHORTHAIR: Some kittens born to Scottish Fold cats do not have folded ears and these, too, make excellent pets with the same personality as the "Folds".

RUSSIAN SHORTHAIR: Once known as the Archangel Cat, this very sweet natured cat has an extremely quiet voice. It is gentle, loving and companionable, but may have a tendency towards shyness. Loves people and will become very attached to its owner. Very willing to please and can be trained to walk with a harness and lead. Not a wanderer, and will quite happily live in a flat without pining for the great outdoors. This cat is not really happy in a busy, noisy household, preferring to live in peace and quiet.

ABYSSINIAN: This cat may have a "wild cat" appearance, but there is nothing wild about its temperament, as this is a gentle and loving breed. Outgoing and highly intelligent, sometimes reserved and dignified, this breed is fairly independent and will often keep its distance, especially with strangers, although some Abyssinians are very sociable. Passionately attached and very faithful to its owner, often jealous of other cats in the household (but not aggressive), it rarely gets into fights. Very active and loves playing games. An athletic cat, built to run, climb and scale trees but will adapt well even to accommodation without a garden, especially if allowed to jump and climb. An ideal companion with an extremely quiet voice. Good with children. Doesn't like being left on its own or being confined to small areas for long periods.
SOMALI: Gentle, affectionate & lively, like the Abyssinian from which this longhaired cat was developed.

BURMESE: The "Peter Pan" of the cat world, this breed is renowned for its great personality. A gentle "hooligan", sweet natured, lively, playful, extremely friendly towards people and good with children. Highly intelligent with a more stable temperament than the Siamese, easily trained, very trusting and a great explorer, as mischievous at ten years old as it was at ten weeks. Afraid of very little and will give a grand welcome to human strangers but it can be reservedly territorial towards unfamiliar cats and other animals. The Burmese's trust, lack of fear and love of exploring can lead it into many dangers from ovens and washing machines to cars and roadways. Loves attention and company, without being too demanding. Hates being left alone for any length of time, but happy if it has another cat or a dog for company while its owner is at work.

CORNISH REX & DEVON REX: Particularly intelligent, affectionate and fearless cats, Rexes have strong personalities, characterized by great independence of spirit. They are hardy, agile, and have a great sense of fun. A Rex enjoys its own company but can get on very well with other cats. However, it loves people and does not like to be left on its own for long. It is good natured, can be taught to walk on a lead, and is a good traveller. The Devon is particularly playful with a devilish sense of humour, and it is said to wag its tail like a dog when pleased. Both of these outgoing and enterprising breeds make excellent pets for the whole family. Their fur tends to be low-allergenic, so they can often be tolerated by asthmatics & others who react adversely to cats.

OCICAT: Despite its untamed look of the wild Ocelot, this exotic, graceful cat is demonstrably affectionate and really loves a good cuddle. It is powerful but gentle, seldom aloof, and will follow its owner like a shadow. Loyal, trusting, extrovert, confident around strangers, the Ocicat takes everything in its stride. A natural athlete, it can be trained to walk on a leash, sit up, fetch, and even perform tricks. Can make an excellent travelling companion. Good with other animals and children. It is undemanding but loves attention, prefers company but doesn't fret if left alone, and will be equally content in noisy and busy surroundings or in a quiet, peaceful home.

There are other recognised Breeds of Pedigreed Cats, but some are not readily available as pets.

For more information:

For breed profiles, with photographs, visit the CFA (USA) site

List of breeds and colour recognised by GCCFSA, and the Australian Cat Federation (Inc)
Some breeds that are recognised overseas have no official recognition in Australia at this time.

Australian Cat Federation Breed Standards

HAVE YOUR PET DESEXED

It is not necessary to put your females through the stress of "calling" or the trauma of kittening. Some people say it is necessary to have one litter. That is not true. If your female is a loving and contented cat, having kittens will not have any advantage. Kittening can be very traumatic, and can even result in a Caesarean.
Desexed males make extremely affectionate pets. If left entire (undesexed) they more often than not get into fights, come home battle-scarred, in pain and quite likely with infected wounds that will become abscesses. Their "courting" will disturb the peace of your neighbourhood. They will also probably spray (urinate) in the house, at the door, on cars and anywhere in the yard. When a kitten is desexed it does not develop this habit. Desexing an older male cat may break the habit, and will stop that unpleasant "Tomcat" odour.

PLEASE DESEX YOUR "BOYS" !!!
(As well as the "girls".)

BE A RESPONSIBLE CAT OWNER.

The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of South Australia Inc.
is proud to be an affiliate of The Australian Cat Federation (Inc.)



		Established 30th June 1962 Affiliated to The Australian Cat Federation (Inc.)