There are several domestic cat breeds that bear a striking resemblance to their wild cousins, such as tigers, leopards, and cheetahs. These domestic breeds have been selectively bred to accentuate certain physical features, resulting in a remarkable similarity to their untamed relatives. While they may look like miniature wild cats, these domestic felines possess tameable temperaments and can make wonderful pets. From the Bengal cat's leopard-like spots and stripes to the majestic Toyger's tiger-like stripes, these domestic cats offer a glimpse of the wild within the comforts of home.
What You'll Learn
- Bengal cats: a cross between an Asian Leopard cat and a domestic shorthair
- Savannah cats: a cross between a serval and a domestic cat
- Egyptian Mau: the only naturally spotted breed of domestic cat
- American Bobtail: resembles a smaller version of the North American Bobcat
- Toyger: a miniature tiger, created by crossing a mackerel tabby and a Bengal cat
Bengal cats: a cross between an Asian Leopard cat and a domestic shorthair
The Bengal cat is a hybrid breed, a cross between the Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat, especially the spotted Egyptian Mau. The name 'Bengal' comes from the Latin name for the Asian Leopard cat, 'Felis Bengalensi'.
Bengal cats have a distinctive leopard-like appearance with their muscular bodies and spotted or marbled coats. Their coats come in a variety of colours, including brown, black, orange and silver, with spots, rosettes, arrowhead markings or marbling. They are the only domestic breed of cat with rosette markings.
The first cross between an Asian Leopard cat and a domestic cat was recorded in 1889, when English artist Harrison Weir wrote about it in his book, 'Our Cats and All About Them'. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that Jean Mill, a breeder in California, began deliberately crossing Asian Leopard cats with domestic cats to produce a domestic cat with the appearance of a leopard.
Bengal cats are highly intelligent, active and playful. They are also very affectionate and enjoy spending time with their human families. They can be trained to perform tricks and enjoy playing games. They are fond of water and can often be found climbing or perching at the highest point they can reach.
Bengal cats are generally healthy, but they are prone to a few health conditions, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). They are also susceptible to distal neuropathy, flat-chested kitten syndrome, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and ulcerative nasal dermatitis.
Bengal cats are not hypoallergenic, but they are typically rated as low to medium risk for individuals with cat allergies. They have short coats, tend to groom less than other breeds, and shed minimally.
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Savannah cats: a cross between a serval and a domestic cat
Savannah cats are a hybrid breed, a cross between an exotic African serval and a domestic cat. They were first bred in the 1980s to create a wild cheetah-like appearance, with expressive eyes, dark tear stains, vibrant coat colours, solid black spots, large ears, and long legs. They are the largest type of recognised and registered pet cat breed.
The first Savannah cat was born in 1986, from a male serval and a female Siamese domestic cat. The breed was accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 2001, and attained championship status in 2012.
The Savannah cat's appearance is influenced by specific serval characteristics, including large ears, long bodies and legs, wide noses, and hooded eyes. Their coats are short and can be brown, silver, black, or black smoke, with a spotted pattern. They are known for their tall and slender build, giving them the appearance of greater size than their actual weight.
Savannah cats are highly intelligent, active, and adventurous. They are loyal and known for their dog-like behaviour, such as playing fetch and walking on a leash. They are also known to be affectionate and social, seeking interaction with their owners and even pouting if left out. They are not lap cats but will follow their owners around the house.
Due to their hybrid nature, Savannah cats may exhibit wild or territorial behaviours, particularly in the earlier generations. They may also have undesirable traits such as aggression and marking. They are also prone to health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and pyruvate kinase deficiency (PK-Def).
The breeding and ownership of Savannah cats are regulated in some places due to their wild ancestry. In the United States, many states require that Savannah cats be at least four generations removed from their wild African serval ancestors before they can be kept as pets. The Australian federal government has banned the importation of Savannah cats to protect native wildlife.
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Egyptian Mau: the only naturally spotted breed of domestic cat
The Egyptian Mau is a naturally spotted breed of domestic cat, with a striking appearance that resembles miniature cheetahs or leopards. They are the only naturally spotted breed recognised by the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA). With a distinctive "M" or scarab shape on their forehead, their coats come in six colours: silver, bronze, smoke, black, caramel and blue/pewter. The last three are the rarest. The spots occur only on the tips of the hairs of its coat.
The Egyptian Mau is a small to medium-sized, short to medium-haired cat breed. They are a relatively rare breed, with a unique shiny, spotted coat and gooseberry green eyes. They are known for their athleticism and are the fastest of domestic cats, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. They are also incredible jumpers, capable of jumping up to 6 feet straight up. Their longer hind legs and unique flap of skin extending from the flank to the back knee, allow for greater agility and length of stride.
The Egyptian Mau is an intelligent, playful and active cat. They are loyal and affectionate, often forming a strong bond with one particular person. They are good with children and other pets, but can be a little shy with strangers. They are also known for their unusual vocalisations, including meows, chirps, whistles and chortles.
The Egyptian Mau is a healthy breed, but due to their limited genetic background in the US, they may be prone to certain health issues such as kidney disease, bladder stones and lower urinary tract disease. They may also be prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that can shorten their lifespan.
The Egyptian Mau is an expensive cat, costing anywhere from $800 to nearly $2,000. They are not commonly found for adoption due to their rarity.
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American Bobtail: resembles a smaller version of the North American Bobcat
The American Bobtail is a breed of domestic cat that resembles a smaller version of the North American Bobcat. It was developed in the 1960s and is known for its stubby, "bobbed" tail, which is about one-third to one-half the length of a typical cat's tail. This unique tail is the result of a genetic mutation affecting tail development, similar to that of a Manx cat.
American Bobtails have a sturdy build with both short and long-haired coats. Their coat is typically shaggy and can come in a variety of colours and patterns, including black, brown, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac, fawn, red, and cream, often with wild" tabby markings. They have a broad head, wide eyes, and alert ears, contributing to their wildcat appearance.
Despite their resemblance to wildcats, American Bobtails are known for their affectionate and docile personalities. They are highly adaptable and get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers, making them ideal therapy cats. They are intelligent, playful, and energetic, enjoying games like fetch and hide-and-seek, and can even be leash-trained.
American Bobtails are considered to be one of the most "`dog-like`" cat breeds due to their bold and social nature. They are devoted companion cats that fit well into family life and are always ready for play, exploration, or socialisation. Overall, the American Bobtail combines the appearance of a wildcat with the affectionate and adaptable personality of a domestic cat.
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Toyger: a miniature tiger, created by crossing a mackerel tabby and a Bengal cat
The Toyger is a domestic cat breed that looks like a miniature tiger. It was created by crossing a mackerel tabby and a Bengal cat. Toygers typically weigh between 7 and 15 pounds and are 100% domestic. They have orange and black stripes, with short hair, and physically resemble tiny tigers.
Toygers are intelligent, affectionate, relaxed, and sociable. They are also active cats that can be leash-trained and enjoy spending time outdoors, making them ideal pets for homes with gardens. They are also known to be playful and get along well with their owners. With a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years, they are a great option for those seeking a unique-looking feline companion without the challenges of caring for a wild cat.
Toygers were first bred in the 1980s by Judy Sugden, who aimed to bring attention to wild tiger conservation efforts. While Toygers may resemble baby tigers, they are purely domestic and do not possess the wild traits of their larger cousins. This makes them excellent house cats and ideal for owners who want an exotic-looking cat without the complexities of caring for a hybrid breed.
Toygers are a cross between Bengal cats and domestic tabby cats. Bengal cats, in turn, are a hybrid breed created by crossing Asian leopard cats with various domestic cats, especially the Egyptian Mau. This crossbreeding results in the Bengal's distinctive wild-looking spots and marbling, along with a playful and intelligent temperament.
The Toyger's stripes, on the other hand, are the result of careful breeding by Sugden, who aimed to create a domestic cat that visually resembled a tiger. While Toygers may not have the exact stripe pattern of a tiger, they come remarkably close, earning them their name, which is a portmanteau of "toy" and "tiger".
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Frequently asked questions
Some domestic cat breeds that resemble wild cats include the Toyger, the Bengal, the Savannah, the Abyssinian, the Bombay, the American Bobtail, the Egyptian Mau, the Ocicat, and the Serengeti.
The Toyger cat breed was created by crossing a mackerel tabby and a Bengal cat. They physically resemble miniature tigers but are 100% domestic. They are affectionate, relaxed, sociable, calm, intelligent, and active. They can be leash-trained and enjoy spending time outdoors.
The Bengal cat breed was created by crossing wild Asian leopard cats with domestic short-haired cats. They are curious, playful, active, and intelligent. They get along well with people, dogs, and other animals. They can be leash-trained and enjoy playing outdoors.
The Savannah cat breed was created by crossing an African serval with a domestic cat. They are very active, intelligent, devoted to their family, and cautious with strangers. They are quite large for domestic cats and are often likened to dogs due to their adventurous and affectionate nature.