| Cats are probably the most popular of pets | | | | |
| nowadays. Originally valued for their inbred ability to | | | | The Ocicat is an all-domestic breed of cat which |
| hunt various house pests such as mice and roaches, | | | | resembles a 'wild' cat but has no wild blood. It is |
| cats also offer a warm and affectionate | | | | named for its resemblance to the ocelot, which is a |
| companionship to their owners. In 1987, cats | | | | wild cat. Ocicats are a very outgoing breed. They are |
| overtook dogs as the number one pet in America | | | | often considered to have the spirit of a dog in a cat's |
| (about 50 million cats resided in 24 million homes in | | | | body. Most can easily be trained to fetch, walk on a |
| 1986) and bout 37% of American homes today have | | | | leash and harness, come when called, speak, sit, and |
| at least one cat. Domestication of cats were first | | | | lie down on command. On average ocicats weigh |
| believed to have originated in ancient Egypt in about | | | | about 12.1 pounds or 5.5 kilograms. |
| 3000 BC, where cats where also revered as sacred | | | | The Turkish Van |
| animals. Different breeds of domesticated cats come | | | | The Turkish Van is a large, semi-longhaired cat with a |
| in various sizes. Some pet owners prefer small | | | | swimmer's body. The cat is moderately long and its |
| kitten-sized ones, while some prefer large-size | | | | back legs are slightly longer than its front legs. The |
| domesticated cat breeds.When choosing pet cats, | | | | coat is the most fascinating trait on this cat. The |
| one must consider the breeds' characteristics in | | | | semi-long haired, water resistant single coat, is thick in |
| addition to its size. Here are just some of the large | | | | winter but very soft, like rabbit fur or cashmere. |
| domesticated cat breeds that are popular with | | | | During the spring and summer months when it |
| cat-lovers. | | | | becomes extremely hot, the long hair on the body is |
| The Maine Coon | | | | shed for a shorter coat that retains the cashmere |
| The Maine Coon is a native of the state of Maine in | | | | feel. Male Vans grow to about 16 pounds (7.3 kg) |
| the USA where it is also the official state cat. It is | | | | while females tend to be a bit lighter in weight, 12 to |
| one of the largest breeds of domesticated cats | | | | 14 pounds (5.4 to 6.4 kg). Vans, because of their fine |
| where the males can weigh anywhere between 13 | | | | fur, are hypo-allergenic cats. They are considered |
| and 18 pounds (5.9 and 8.2 kg) on average, and | | | | excellent pets for those with allergies. |
| females between 8 and 12 pounds (3.6 and 5.4 kg). | | | | Pixie-Bobs |
| In 2006, the Guinness World Records named a male | | | | Pixie-Bobs are a fully domestic breed of cat bred to |
| purebred Maine Coon the "Longest Cat". | | | | resemble the North American Bobcat. Pixie-Bobs are |
| It measured 48 inches (120 cm) in length, from the | | | | a large breed, with males reaching 18 pounds (8 kg) |
| tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, and weighs 35 | | | | and females reaching 14 pounds (6 kg). The |
| pounds (16 kg). | | | | Pixie-Bob's body is stocky and solid. Pixie-Bobs are |
| The Ragamuffin | | | | also the only polydactyl breed recognized by The |
| The Ragamuffin is a long-haired domestic cat. | | | | International Cat Association (TICA). These cats may |
| Ragamuffins are fairly large cats - females weigh | | | | have anywhere from six to seven toes on each foot. |
| between 10 to 15 pounds (4.54 to 6.80 kg), and | | | | These large-size cat domestic cat breeds are only a |
| males weigh between 15 to 20 pounds (6.80 to 9.07 | | | | few of the ones available for pet purposes. It is |
| kg). Ragamuffins are notable for their sweet, friendly | | | | important to take note of the qualities of the breed |
| personalities and plush, rabbit-like fur. They are | | | | of cat before we decide which ones to adopt, as |
| adoptable as early as four months of age, but do not | | | | this would remarkably affect the way we take care |
| reach full maturity until around four years of age. The | | | | of them. Knowing such could help make things a lot |
| Ragamuffin is an expensive breed and costs can | | | | easier for us pet owners as we go about our |
| range from $900 - $1200 per kitten. | | | | endeavor in raising our pets. |
| The Ocicat | | | | |