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A comprehensive guide to cat breeds. Cat encyclopedia of the world - Country of origin edition

Domestic cats evolved alongside humans who began farming, expanding their habitat. Over the course of about 10,000 years, they have dominated the world, and now, depending on the breed, they come in a variety of looks and personalities.

text: Hikari Torisawa

Cat Encyclopedia of the World
Japanese Bobtail
Burmese
European Burmese
Berman
Siam
Singapore
Abyssinian
Egyptian Mau
Turkish Angora
Maine Coon
American Shorthair
British Shorthair
Norwegian Forest Cat
Persia
Siberian
Russian Blue

Supervisor: Munenobu Yamamoto (veterinarian)

Discoveries made to date suggest that cats have been living with humans for approximately 10,000 years. The wild African wildcat, which lived in the desert, arrived in the Levant region where agriculture began and was to play a vital role in controlling rats. It was then domesticated, and over time traveled to ancient Egypt and then across the sea to ancient Rome. From there, it spread throughout Europe and was transported to Asia via the Silk Road around the time of Christ.

It is believed that cats were introduced to Japan in the Far East from China in the 6th century along with Buddhism. During the Age of Discovery in the 16th century, cats finally reached the New World of America, and in the 18th century, Australia. Breeds with unique morphological characteristics were born one after another in each region.

"The Japanese Bobtail and Manx are easy to understand, but their characteristics are passed down through repeated breeding in limited environments. Also, in cold regions, cats with long hair and large bodies, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat and the Siberian Siberian, are born, while in hot regions, slender, short-haired, and small breeds, such as the Singapura, are born," says Yamamoto Munenobu.

There are approximately 60 cat breeds, although the number varies depending on the registration organization. In addition to naturally occurring indigenous cats, there are three patterns: cats that have been stabilised through breeding mutations, and cats that have been artificially created through crossbreeding. These are registered with organizations such as The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA), and the number continues to increase every year.

Japan

Japanese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese cat is believed to have arrived from the continent in the 6th century with the introduction of Buddhism. Characterized by slightly longer fur and a short tail, the Japanese cat was brought to the United States in the 1960s, where it became an established breed. Its weight ranges from 3 to 4.5 kg.

Myanmar

Burmese

Burmese
The smooth coat is typically a brown color called sable. The breed was established after a native cat from Myanmar was brought to America by sailors. Its Siamese-like point markings and soft voice are adorable. ●Weight: 3-5.5kg.

European Burmese

European Burmese
This breed was developed in the UK by crossbreeding the Burmese, a native of Myanmar, with Siamese and other breeds. It has a sharp face, a large body, and long legs. It has an intelligent and gentle personality. It weighs 4-6kg.

Berman

Berman
This breed has a long history dating back to pre-Christian times, having lived in temples and been revered as a "sacred cat" and appearing in ancient legends. Its soft, long fur has broad points and graceful sapphire blue eyes. Its weight ranges from 3 to 6.5 kg.

Thailand

Siam

Siam
Its slender body and the spotted patterns on its face, paws, and tail surprised Western cat lovers in the late 19th century. It appears to have existed as early as the 14th century, and it has long been a favorite in royal palaces and temples. Its weight is 3-4 kg.

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore
The smallest purebred cat, it fits in the palm of your hand. Its large eyes, outlined by eyeliner, and short, reflective, sepia-colored fur combine to create a truly adorable look. Its roots lie in the indigenous cats of Singapore. Its weight ranges from 2 to 3.5 kg.

Ethiopia

Abyssinian

Abyssinian
Its ancestors are from India, and its direct roots are said to have come to Britain after the Ethiopian War. Its small head and muscular body are covered in short hair called the Abyssinian tabby. Its bell-like cry is also charming. ●Weight: 3-5kg.

Egypt

Egyptian Mau

Egyptian Mau
It has drooping green eyes and beautiful fur with scattered spots. It closely resembles the cats depicted in murals of ancient civilizations, and is considered one of the oldest domestic cats. Its speed is unmatched among domestic cats. It weighs 3-5 kg.

Türkiye

Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora
It has drooping green eyes and beautiful fur with scattered spots. It closely resembles the cats depicted in murals of ancient civilizations, and is considered one of the oldest domestic cats. Its speed is unmatched among domestic cats. It weighs 3-5 kg.

America

Maine Coon

Maine Coon
They hail from the frigid New England region of the United States. They are covered in long hair, with long tufts of hair on the soles of their feet, perfect for snowy fields. At 123cm long, they hold the Guinness World Record for being the longest cat in the world. They weigh between 3 and 6.5kg.

American Shorthair

American Shorthair
This breed originates from cats brought by settlers from England to the New World. It has wide-set eyes, wide-set ears, a round face with a square jaw, and a sturdy build. Its signature silver swirl pattern is characteristic. It weighs between 3 and 6 kg.

England

British Shorthair

British Shorthair
Its plump cheeks and smiling mouth are said to be the inspiration for the Cheshire Cat from "Alice in Wonderland." It is one of the oldest breeds in Britain. Its ancestors came from outside the island during the Roman invasion of Britain. Its weight ranges from 3 to 5.5 kg.

Norway

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cat
They live in the forests of Scandinavia and survive harsh winters with their long fur and large, sturdy bodies. They are a large breed that is said to have been the model for cats depicted in ancient Norse mythology. They weigh between 3.5 and 6.5 kg.

Afghanistan

Persia

Persia
This is one of the oldest pure breeds, having spread from areas around present-day Afghanistan and Iran. Records of long-haired cats can be found in ancient hieroglyphics. Its charming features, round eyes and low nose, have taken the world by storm. ●Weight: 3-5.5kg.

Russia

Siberian

Siberian
The long, double or triple coat of hair and the strong, muscular, and fat-filled body are unique to the frigid climate of Siberia. It was once a rare breed that was banned from being taken out of the country. It weighs 5-7 kg.

Russian Blue

Russian Blue
Even the Russian emperor was enthralled by its grey fur, emerald green eyes, and delicate appearance. Its head, known as a cobra head, has a unique shape with high cheekbones. Its cry is sweet and beautiful, like a bell. ●Weight: 3-5kg.

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