Different Breeds of Cat
The house cat is the most common breed of cat in the world and there are millions of domesticated house cats in every country. There is a lot of natural variation in this breed though, through years of inter-species breeding, but there are a few members of feline institutions that maintain strict breeding patterns for selected cats. Breeds are only established when particular traits of cat breed true for several generations, much like dogs, this creates a breed with a proper pedigree.
Cat Institutions
Feline institutions establish the standards, pedigrees, and conduct the cat shows to display the breeds created by members of the association. There is one these breeding associations in Great Britain. The two main variations of cats found in these associations can be classed as the 'long-haired' and 'short-haired' breeds.
Types of Cat Breed
Long-haired breeds include the Persian and Himalayan. Persians are most often black, or white, but through breeding can be found in nearly any colour including calico, tortoiseshell, tabby and cameo (which is cream with red shadings). The Himalayan breed mentioned above actually came about from the crossing of two other breeds, the Siamese and the original Persian. They tend to have the stocky body shape of the Persians, but the colour attirbutes of the Himalayan.
Mythology About Cats
The cat, in ancient Egypt, was a revered animal, sacred and respected by everyone. It was in ancient Egypt that the cat was first domesticated over 4000 years ago as the Egyptians found them extremely interesting and even created Gods in their image. There is plenty of evidence to support the fact that there were felines around the banks of Egypt long before this time, but it was not actually until 2000BC that cats were introduced into the temples of Egypt.
Mafdet was the first Egyptian feline deity, sometimes depicted as a lynx, but the most famous cat goddesses in the world, first revered by the ancient Egyptians were Bastet (also known as Bast, Pasch, Ubasti) and the lion-headed Sekhmet.
Veterinary Care for Cats
Kittens should be vaccinated around 9 weeks of age, with the most important second dose to be given around the 12 week mark, or 3 weeks after the first dose is given. A booster vaccination must then be given annually to maintain, or further enhance the immunity of the kitten. Having regular boosters throughout a cats life (typically annually) maintain a good level of protection at all times.
The other important aspect of maintaining a cats health is ensuring they are wormed and flead very regularly. Most flea drops last a month and worming tablets or powder usually last 3-4 months. Ask your vet for more detailed information