The Neva Masquerade is a result of cross-breeding a Siamese with a Siberian. It has been discussed within the world of cat fanciers, whether the Neva Masquerade should count as its own breed.

The Siberian is pretty much identical to the Neva Masquerade. Except for a colourpoint in the newcomer’s face, which has some resemblance to a Masquerade mask. The breed always comes with blue eyes, and the coat is bright and brown.

Essentially, the Neva Masquerade has the look of a Siberian and the colours of a Siamese cat.

The reason for its name is that when it first was produced in Russia, St. Petersburg– Masquerade balls were a popular event. It commonly took place along the river, Neva, running through the capital.

The breed is a large-sized cat that takes up to five years to reach its full size. The fur is thick and bright, while the paws are either dark or white.

The Neva Masquerade’s ears are medium-sized and pointing upwards.

Its hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs, making it an agile and flexible cat.

The personality of the Neva Masquerade is strikingly similar to its Siberian relative. It is an energetic cat with a strong need to be social. It loves to hang out with people of all ages or pets of all kinds.

The breed is a brilliantly intelligent cat with a docile manner. It can learn to respond to its name, play fetch, and learn to do other simple tasks. However, it is a slow learner, so don’t be too hard on it.

The Neva Masquerade is a notoriously talkative cat with a broad vocabulary. They will meow, purr and chirp in many ways. Though, its volume usually remains low. So, for a human, it will only sound like the cat is constantly mumbling.

The Neva Masquerade is a social cat, it is recommended to introduce it to a home rich with people. Its intelligence makes it prone to feelings such as loneliness and depression. If you live in a home with few people, you should contemplate getting another cat to keep it company.

With that said, the cat won’t instantly become depressed if left alone. It can handle a few hours by itself, of course. The cat will even make mumbling demands for attention when its owner finally gets back from work.

The Neva Masquerade is equipped with a thick coat. This makes it tolerable against the harsh Russian winters, as it has inherited the fur of a Siberian.

The coat is divided into three layers. It is not hard to maintain, as its fur is similar to one of the forest cats. It is full of natural oils and therefore more resistant to tangling, and less absorbent to dirt.

Brush it once or twice a week to evenly distribute the oils. This will save you a lot of trouble, as it can be an effort to untangle it when left for too long.

Bathe the cat occasionally, and of course, take care of its dental hygiene and clean its ears, like with all other cats.

Make sure to find a serious breeder before purchasing one of these cats. A serious breeder takes good care of their cats, keeps them healthy, purebred and give them the time and attention they deserve.  

Brage Thobroe 

Neva Masquerade | A blue-eyed, fluffy and gorgeous cat breed with its roots in Russia - high intelligence and strong sociability | Breed finder (2022)

Neva Masquerade

The Norwegian forest cat is robust but majestic. Evolution has equipped it to survive the most extreme Norwegian weather conditions.

With a thick layered, silky fur, this cat thrives in both spectrums of the thermostat. Anything ranging between +25C and -25C during winter is an easy match.

The cat transforms its much lighter summer coat into a thick, warm and almost woolly fur coat as winter approaches. A potential owner should expect it to shed substantially as the seasons change.

The Norwegian forest cat is a part of the semi-longhaired cat family, such as the Main Coon and the Ragdoll.

They have a thick and fluffy undercoat, with a more practical usage than just looking glamourous. It insulates well against the rough Nordic winter while keeping the overwhelming warmth out during the summer.

Compared to other cat breeds, the Norwegian forest cat’s fur contains much more natural oils. As a result, they can handle water better than most other cats. The fur coat becomes water repellent as a result of the natural oils, which is why this breed doesn't mind the wetness of water, as many other cat breeds do.

In addition, the oils are advantageous for the cat itself and the owner. The cat’s fur maintains itself for a much longer time as it becomes resistant to tangles and dirt– so brushing and cleaning do not become a daily routine.

Brushing is recommended once or twice a week. Regular care will help distribute the natural oils so the fur is less prone to tangling. Bathing should be done occasionally, but won’t be necessary as often if brushing is done regularly.

As a family member, the Norwegian forest cat is calm and patient. It enjoys being around children, as long as they act accordingly. It also loves to play silly games when someone offers to play.

Even for a feline, the Norwegian forest cat is an exceptionally great mouse catcher with reflexes fast as lightning. Be aware of its unusually strong claws when playing together. The breed has adapted to climbing mountains sides and tall trees for hunting. 

The sharp claws will be noticed when the cat sits in your lap.

The Norwegian forest cat is a natural habitant of Scandinavian soil. It has been introduced to the rest of the world throughout the past 30 years. Its popularity increased vastly after it won its first cat show.

According to the Norwegian forest cat union’s website, the race excelled at a widespread international level after one of the Norwegian contestants won the great world cat show with this breed in 1992.

Today it has become the fifth most popular breed in France. And they have a lot of cats.

Although it is now found on an international level, the Norwegian forest cat still thrives in a climate similar to a Norwegian one.

The price for a Norwegian Forest cat is usually aroun 

. If you want to buy a cat for competitions or breeding you will likely have to pay more for a cat with specified genes.

Norwegian forest cat 

The Norwegian forest cat is one of the most robust domesticated cat breeds. Equipped to withstand and survive the harsh Scandinavian climates – a true hunting machine. Read everything you need to know here.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Aesthetically the Cornish Rex is unique but beautiful. Its behaviour is describable as hyperactive with a colourful personality. Depicting it as one of the more dog-like cat breeds is not unusual due to its behaviour.

It has an outstanding, energetic drive and prominent intelligence. The Cornish Rex will quickly become a popular companion amongst potential owners.

The Cornish Rex forms strong bonds with its favourite human. Who usually becomes the person willing to invest the most time in the cat. That’s because the breed has a strong urge to be social. It will seek out its favourite human to hang out with almost constantly.

The Cornish Rex tends to alert people if they need something by meowing. They are quite expressive that way. But compared to the loud and raspy voice of the Sphynx, they seem like a mild breeze.

Another trait worth mentioning is the low docility of this breed. The Cornish Rex likes doing things on its terms. Despite its intelligence, it might not want to learn even though it understands.

The Cornish Rex cats are recognisable if you know what to look for. It has a long and slender body with a matching tail that makes for an agile feline. The curves and arches on its body, combined with the powerful and much wider hips. Combined it makes for a characteristic look. And once you know it, it becomes easy to familiarise yourself with.

The head is relatively small, with huge, on guard, triangular ears. The eyes are big, ovally shaped, with a colour depending on the pattern and colour of its fur. Which can come in all sorts of varieties. The coat is also known for being fluffy and soft.

Be aware that the Cornish Rex are prone to skin diseases like Hypotrichosis, leading to patches of fur falling off. It can grow back but there are no guarantees.

The Cornish Rex originated in Cornwall, England. Like with many cat breeds, this particular one was discovered by mere chance. A Cornish cat owner had the pleasure of receiving five kittens from her own cat’s litter.

One of the cats stood out with the softest fur she had ever felt on a cat. In fact, she used to breed rabbits. And she thought of one particular breed of the rabbit when she felt how soft the fur was. The Astrex rabbit. She kept further breeding the unusual kitten, which eventually gave name to the Cornish Rex.

. Make sure to find a serious breeder before deciding to buy a cat. Meet the whole litter beforehand to see that they are well taken care of and are used to socialising with people. 

Cornish Rex | Read everything about the acrobatic breed here! | Breed finder (2022)

Cornish Rex

Purchase a Maine Coon, and you will receive a lot of cat for your dollar. Sizes range from medium-sized to the world longest domesticated cat. The cat will quickly achieve its status as your neighbourhood’s most notorious feline. At least amongst the other cats.

With a mane like a lion, the Maine Coon struts around majestically. Amongst other cats, it might seem fierce, but when it is inside the house, it quickly becomes a different cat. It takes 3-4 years for the breed to reach its full size, and it loves to play like a kitten even in adult age.

The cat breed can be sceptical to newcomers of all kinds. Only if they spend enough time around the cat, it will trust them. But when it does, it will become the same kitty-like cat around them, as with their owners.

It is a great family cat, with lots of patience for children and other pets. It doesn’t mind playing games– but if water is involved– it loves to play.

This breed is fascinated by water. They are known to play in the sink or walk around in recently used showers and bathtubs to splash around. It is essential to keep your toilet seat closed at all times, or it will be likely to get its paws wet.

Luckily, if such a situation occurs, you don’t have to wrestle it to get in the bathtub. As it would probably enjoy the wetness.

A thick and fluffy, long-haired, double-layered coat means you will have to groom your Maine Coon often.

The fur is soft and silky. If you don’t maintain it often enough, you will encounter tangles, and it might become matt. Combing it a couple of times a week should be enough. This will evenly distribute its natural oils, making tangling less likely to occur.

The more commonly you groom it, the easier the maintenance will be.

Regular baths are necessary, but the more often you groom it, the less frequently you will have to bathe it.

The breed originated in Maine, USA, where they are considered native.

Huge ship’s cats are believed to have arrived at the docs of New England, Maine. Either they ran off or was there just long enough to breed with the local cats.

The litter of those cats adapted to the extreme climate of Maine. Through evolution, they grew bigger and furrier. In the end, they reached the spectacular size of a racoon.

Another theory is that Vikings brought Norwegian Forest cats to Maine. The two breeds look similar, aside from the clear size difference.

Some people have also suggested that a feline and racoon did the Humpty Dumpty. However, an offspring would be genetically impossible.

. Then again, you do get a lot of cat for your dollar. Remember to find a serious breeder to ensure the cat's wellbeing and health is good.  


Maine Coon

Maine Coon – the worlds largest domestic cat – among the other cats in the neighbourhood, the breed quickly becomes the boss cat. But as it enters your home – it will behave as a gentle giant. Read everything about the breed here!

The Somali cat is a rare breed with a big personality. They are known to be among the more intelligent cats to exist, which will get noticed if you share a household with one.

The Somali has a lot in common with the Abyssinian breed; in fact, they are the same cat but with different lengths to their coat. Abyssinia is the prehistoric name for Ethiopia, located next to Somalia.

The Somali cat has an urge to be active and social at most times of the day, which means it prefers to live in a household where someone is almost always home. The more, the merrier when hanging out with people, be it adults, children or even other pets.

If the Somali is left alone for too long, it will become depressed, lonely and restless to the point where you should expect to come home to a messier house compared to how it was when you left. A good measure could be to get another cat of the same calibre to entertain each other.

When people are home, they Somali wants to witness everything that happens from the sideline. They want to be around their owners at all times but do not enjoy snuggling in their lap as they will feel trapped.

The Somali breed is docile to the point where it can learn a range of different tricks if trained the right way.

Often the Somali is compared to a European red fox, not only in its lurking, mischievous nature, but they look strikingly similar. Big triangular ears, always alert and pointing upwards, a bushy tail, and they also commonly, but not always, share the same colour of red fur.

The Somali got a need for attention that exceeds their own need for stimuli and social bonding. Their fur needs daily brushing to avoid tangles, remove dead hairs to prevent spreading hairs all over the house as it sheds a lot.

Grooming needs to be done regularly, so the cat sees it as a part of its routine. The nature of its restlessness can make it hard to make the Somali sit still while grooming. It will gradually become more accepted by the cat as time goes by if it becomes a routine.

Somali cat | an inventive cat breed of the rare kind – intelligent and social – looks like a fox! | Breed finder (2022)

Somali cat

The British shorthair cat has a robust and bulky body. It has even been compared to the feline version of the iconic dog breed: the Bulldog. With pointy upright ears placed far apart. Its commonly distinctive bronze-brown eyes filled with expression. The somewhat lazy sofa-cat makes for a perfect companion in a family home.

Most commonly associated with the British Shorthair is its bulky shape and grey colour. This particular grey is known as blue in the feline community. It is important to understand that this colour is not the only accepted colour for this breed. The blue colour is more of a preferable fashion. In total, there are over 30 other accepted colours and patterns for this breed, all with equally lovable personalities.

The British short hair is a calm and easy-going breed that enjoys long walks to the food bowl and snuggles on the sofa. By nature, it is not needy and will not pester its owners for attention and belly strokes. Instead, it will do fine by itself for a long time, but will usually find snuggles to be receivable at any time of the day.

Typically, the breed enjoys sitting next to its owners, as opposed to sitting on top of them or being carried. If you were to pick up a British shorthair, it would wiggle its way out of your arms in a matter of seconds. But not aggressively. Therefore, the breed is counted as one of the more ideal breeds to keep in a house alongside children and other pets.

The British shorthair maintenance requirements are not excessive at all. The ears need some occasional inside cleaning. Teeth need occasional brushing, and the claws need occasional clipping. The fur does not require a lot of attention.

However, brushing the otherwise lazy cat might help stimulate blood circulation. So a couple of times a week with a soft rubber brush is recommended.

The British Shorthair is the world’s third most popular domestic cat. Which makes it easy to find a breeder. The breed has been a popular choice since the 1870s.

For decades, serious breeders have put a lot of effort into breeding healthy cats. And with much success. With that said, paying a little more for your British Shorthair will probably be better than buying the cheapest option. Serious breeders tend to have the best intentions for the cat. A healthy British Shorthair can live between 12 and 20 years.

The price for a British shorthair varies between 

. Cats made for breeding and competitions can reach prices up to 

The British shorthair is the perfect sofa companion and one of the worlds most popular breeds! | Breed finder (2022) 

British shorthair

Cat facts

The Russian blue has a personality that many would expect from a cat. Silently lurking, a little shy, with a tendency to ignore strangers as if it is a superior being with no need for humans. 

The latter might be true, but it has become accustomed to a life of luxury which is hard to maintain without the help of a human. 

This probably is why the Russian Blue, despite its hatred for the general public, still decides to choose one human as its favourite.

However, the owner of a Russian Blue might see it differently. The breed usually forms affectionate bonds with its chosen human, who’s the only person who gets to see the loving and caring cat it can be.

The Russian Blue is a cautious cat with a low volume a rare need to vocalise. It will sneak around the house to exercise its stalking instincts before running out of the blue to hunt its owner playfully.

When it is not hunting, it is a loving cat that will run to the front door to greet its favourite human at the door after a long day spent alone.

If you know what to look for, the Russian Blue has a distinct look. In many ways, it is similar to the British Shorthair and Chartreuse, as they have the same colour and even share a peculiar Mona Lisa-like smile with the Chartreuse. Though, the facial structure of the Russian Blue is slenderer and got distinctive cheekbones and green oval eyes.

At first glance, a stranger to the Russian Blue might think it looks like a friendly cat but will shortly realise that it is not interested in associating with plebs from outside the household.

When its owners have guests over, it will quietly retreat into a quiet corner of the house, where it will lay in silence until the guests leave.

The Russian Blue is, despite everything, a social creature that does require some loving. Its favourite human is the preferred candidate, but if it shares a house with several people, the Russian Blue will also grant other humans within the household the honour of petting it.

The Russian Blue has a fairly descriptive name to the way it looks. It is a Russian breed and there is only one accepted colour for its breed: the silver/grey known as blue in the world of cat fanciers.

The fur coat is double-layered, short-haired and has a silky touch. It does not require a lot of maintenance and is not too allergenic as it does not shed a lot, nor does it produce a lot of glycoproteins, which are the real cause for allergenic reactions.

Even though grooming isn’t required to do often, the owner should do it regularly, so the cat sees it as a part of its routine. The breed does not like changes in its schedule and will therefore cooperate more willingly if done regularly.

The facial structure has a triangular shape. The ears point Outwards, it has oval green eyes, a slender jaw and distinctive cheekbones comparable to Putin himself.

The Russian Blue isn't too fond of children and other pets

The Russian Blue can be a bit of a recluse that does enjoy the quiet calm life. If there are children and pets in the household, it will expect respect and prefer it if the other pets have a naturally calm matter too.

Russian blue | Reserved and shy until it feels secure around people | Breed finder (2022)

Russian Blue

The Siberian cat is a longhaired, fluffy, medium-to-large cat with a thick coat bracing it for some of the most extreme weather conditions on earth.

Underneath the robust coat, it is equipped with an athletic body, having evolved for the sole purpose of hunting in trees and mountainsides during both summer and winter.

In a modern-day neighbourhood, the Siberian would quickly achieve its status as a ‘top dog’ amongst the other cats, with only a few breeds able to challenge it.

It is believed that Russian immigrants brought the Siberian cat to Siberia. Before that time, the cat was referred to as the Russian forest cat, as cats fitting its description have been mentioned in Russian folklore for over a thousand years.

Despite looking like a little longhaired mountain lion, the Siberian is an affectionate and talkative cat. It loves communicating using meows, chirps, and purrs, but it tends to keep a low volume so it rarely feels intrusive or needy.

As a family cat, this breed scores high. It quickly forms strong bonds with its owners and other housemates, such as other pets and children.

The Siberian is a reasonably independent cat that will be able to keep itself entertained for several hours, but it does love attention and will need someone to play and snuggle with eventually.

Similar to the Norwegian forest cat, the Siberian has an everlasting fascination with water. The breed finds wet spots highly amusing and will often be seen exploring recently used showers and bathtubs. A rule of thumb for the owners of water-loving cats is to keep the toilet seat shut at all times unless they want stinky paw prints on their furniture.

Luckily, if someone were to find their Siberian cat with their paws in the toilet, the cat would not resist bath time for the same reason they were found splashing around in the toilet.

Because the Siberian has such a thick coat, which also contains natural oils, they become somewhat water repellent. When bathing one, it can be a bit of an effort to wet its fur enough for the water to reach its skin. In situations like these, it is helpful that the cat is willing to cooperate due to its fondness for water.

If done regularly, the coat of the Siberian is easy to maintain. Brush it twice a week to avoid tangles, and make sure you spread the natural oils in its fur, which will make it less prone to absorbing dirt.

If brushing isn’t done regularly, tangling will happen, and it will become an effort to resolve this issue during bathing time. Regular care will save you a lot of time in the long run. 

Siberian | A robust cat breed able to handle ekstreme weather conditions – it has exceptional hunting skills, an athletic body and is a skilled climber with self-cleansing fur | Breed finder (20212) 

Everything you need to know about the breed

Siberian cat

The Bengal cat is an exciting breed to have at home. It is highly intelligent and got a strong urge to be active which makes it an entertaining creature.

It stands genetically close to its feral ancestor, the Asian leopard cat.

The breed was created by mere chance. A woman purchased a feral forest cat in a pet store in 1965 in the USA. Later she decided to buy a domesticated cat, to keep the feral one from being lonely.

The two got along well. To the owners’ surprise, the cats produced a litter healthy enough to reproduce. From there on, the breed became a trend and has since become an acknowledged breed in cat societies worldwide.

With intelligence comes curiosity. And that is confirmed by the Bengals’ behaviour. It will scale anything it manages in an attempt to reach the highest point in the house. From there it will have control of everything that happens.

In other words, you can take the cat out of the jungle, but you can’t take the jungle out of the cat.

If you are thinking of buying a Bengal, you are being advised to secure your finest Chinese ceramics. Anything loosely sitting will be in danger of a sudden gravitational pull. Other investments worth contemplating are cat-centric toys big enough to climb. Like an inside cat-jungle. Just make sure it is the highest point the cat can reach.

The Bengal isn’t just hyperactive. It is also known to be an athletic feline with a compulsive need for attention. As a family member, it got a reputation for forming strong bonds with its owners. Its athletic features will naturally make it a strong cat too. Therefore, it might be a bit rough to play with for a toddler. Though, it is a kind creature by nature– and does not have any intention of being mean.

The resemblance it has to the Asian leopard cat, not only in the behaviour but also in the way it looks, is striking. With an amber yellowy-brown fur coat and its distinctive brown dots, almost like a cheetah. The Bengal looks feral enough to raise eyebrows from guests and neighbours. The more prevalent sceptic might even ask from which zoo it has been stolen?

The Bengal does not require a lot of maintenance. It needs brushing once-twice a week and needs an occasional bath. Though, there are many advantages in regularly brushing its teeth, as that will keep its dental health in balance. It can save you a lot of money as they are prone to tooth rot and gum infections.

The Bengal is rumoured to be great at seeking out water with the sole purpose of splashing it around. In other words, keep sealed any water containers such as aquariums and toilets.

It is essential to do make a careful decision if you are planning to buy a Bengal. The Bengal cat is an expensive breed, which means there are a lot of breeders who will be in this business only for the money. If you ever find a Bengal cat kitten for less than 

The breed is expensive to raise and to care for, which is partly why they are so expensive to buy. They require a lot of care and attention from a young age, so raising a litter quickly become a full time job. 

it could mean the cat has exeptional genes and are suitable for competitions and whatnot. So unless you plan on partaking in competitions, then there is no point paying more than that.

In other words, you should expect the price for a bengal cat to be somewhere between 

The Bengal cat is one of the wildest domesticated cat breeds! Read everything you need to know here! | Breed finder (2022)

Bengal cat

The Oriental is a result of an attempt to save another breed

The oriental cat is a result of an attempt to save the Siamese breed after its population plummeted due to World War 2. Desperate attempts were made to save the breed, and the cat fanatics eventually managed to save the Siamese. But along the way, they also created a brand-new cat: the Oriental.

Initially, the Siamese breed has a colourpoint facemask. It has blue eyes and an otherwise genetically predetermined bright colour. The different variations of the bright brown is the only colour accepted for this breed.

The Oriental, however, is almost exactly the same cat as the Siamese. But it has a wide range of colours and a slightly different facial structure. They are still strikingly alike in their behaviour!

There are two different types of Oriental cats. They are the same but with different lengths to their coats.

The Oriental Shorthairs's fur is easy to maintain due to its shortness. The Longhair does require slightly more maintenance to avoid tangles. Still, its one-layered coat is easy to maintain.

Brushing is recommended once or twice a week, while normal cat hygiene should be applied otherwise.

The Oriental cat has a somewhat peculiar look. The Shorthair facial structure is comparable to Dobby from Harry Potter. Wide, big ears, with huge oval eyes that usually come in the colour green. A big nose, for a cat, and a triangular-shaped face with striking cheekbones.

The Longhair looks less like Dobby because of the long hair. It does have the same, slender body with athletic features and matching long legs and tail.

The Oriental breed's personality is strikingly similar to the Siamese cat. They are highly intelligent felines with a distinctive need to socialise. They do require a lot of attention. However, they also have a reputation for alerting its owners if it feels unfairly treated. This is done by clear and loud vocalising.

The Oriental cats are notorious for their loud raspy, screeching voices. It will be impossible not to notice if you are under the same roof.

It is a needy and demanding little bugger that can sometimes seem a bit strict. Especially if it does not get the attention it feels like it deserves. The oriental loves being the centre of attention. And it will demand your focus.

The Oriental is not just a demanding protagonist. It is also an affectionate creature that forms strong ties to its owner. It has a reputation for following them around the house and wanting to witness everything.

When the owners need a break, it will be there to play or snuggle up in their lap. It will do these activities for the duration of the day. And when night falls, it will follow its owner into bed, curl up, and sleep there.

With intelligence comes curiosity. Which is clearly reflected in the Oriental breed. It loves to play and can be taught a series of different tricks if done right.

It loves to hunt moving toys and climb anything climbable. A potential owner should make sure to have enough toys to stimulate its active brain. Maybe even contemplate getting a high-point inside cat jungle to climb on as it will seek out the highest points of the room. 

In terms of children and other pets, the Oriental is a firm believer of– the more, the merrier.

The Oriental Shorthair is a relatively rare cat to own and potential owners must expect to pay somewhere between 

. Specially bred cats made for competitions and further breeding can cost up to 

Oriental Cat | A breed created by a mistake – hyper-social and talkative! | Breed finder (2022)

Oriental shorthair

The Birman cat is a medium-large sized cat. It has a stocky body, short feet, and fluffy silk-like fur. The breed is easily recognisable. It has iconic traits such as sapphire-blue eyes, a colourpoint face mask, and natural white paws.

The breed comes in more than 40 different colours. However, the eyes are always sapphire-blue, and the paws are always white.

When born, the Birman cat is entirely white before its true colour starts developing. This happens within the first few weeks. Though, it won’t reach its full colour before it is at least two years of age.

The ears are always alert as they point upwards and is placed far apart. The fur looks like a delicate piece of Chinese silk. It requires a lot of attention. However, it consists only of one layer, and won’t need special attendance other than consistent brushing and an occasional bath. 

Be aware that a bright-coloured coat will be more absorbent towards dust and dirt. Especially from an unkempt cat box. Make sure to change the sand often.

By nature, the Birman cat is a social creature, with a constant need to be around someone. It will quickly become depressed and lonely if left alone for too long.

The breed quickly gets attached to its owner. It prefers to hang out with its favourite human above anything else.

However, some company is better than no company. So getting another Birman cat can be a good option, if you work long hours at the time. They are better off keeping each other company.

The cat is also known to be of the forgiving kind if you were to leave it alone for too long. Though it is not recommended.

The Birman isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Its intelligence is moderate. It can activate itself if restless but loves when someone offers to play.

Other than that, it usually keeps quiet and doesn’t mind being inside all day.

There are great legends linked to ‘The sacred Cat of Burma'. The breed derives from the ancient Burmese temples in modern Myanmar.

Before it arrived in France in the 1920s through the help of traders. The legend says the souls of Burmese priests got reincarnated in Birman cats. Hence, their holiness.

 for a Birman cat. They are expensive but beauty and delicacy rarely come cheap. Make sure you find a serious breeder before purchasing one of these cats. Their expensive price attracts a lot of poor breeders who don't care about the cat or the wellbeing of the breed. 


Birman | The Sacred Cat of Birma | The temple cat with Safire-blue eyes, white paws and a longhaired, fluffy, silky soft fur coat | Breed finder (2022) 

Birman - The Sacred Cat of Burma 


There is a Scandinavian saying that goes something like this. 'A beloved child has many names'. That is particularly true when the original name is in French.

The Chartreux, pronounced Chartreuse, has been given a rare status because there are few left. There are strict rules regarding what is an acceptable standard for this breed. Only one colour is allowed. The dark silver-grey, known by cat fanciers as blue. This colour is typical for other cat breeds such as the British Long- and Shorthair, the Persian and Russian Blue.

With many cat breeds, you can achieve a particular breed by mixing other similar ones. However, the Chartreuse can only be bred through the use of other cats of its kind.

In moments of disparity, there have been attempts to cross-breed the Chartreux with other breeds. Such as the British Shorthair, because they look very much the same except just a few apparent differences.

The result will be much the same. However, the litter produced by this ordeal will have a personality unlike the Chartreuse. As well as a few minor physical changes. And therefore, it would not be accepted as a pure breed.

Because the Chartreuse is considered a rare breed, it is essential to be cautious when researching breeders. Many of them do their job with an economic incentive. Others have an interest in producing healthy pure breeds.

Most Chartreuse breeders are now found either in France or in the USA.

There are specific traits to look for in a Chartreuse. The most obvious is the colour of its coat. It is one-layered in the colour blue, with short hair. The next is the intense stare from the usually dark bronze-orange, round and open eyes. From across the room, they can practically penetrate your soul.

The ears are triangular, placed far apart and pointing upwards. The body is bulky with short legs with a long and robust tail.

These traits all look similar to the one of the British Shorthair. But if you are ever in doubt, take a look at the cat's mouth. Chartreuse has a Mona Lisa-like smile, which looks quite different to the rounder mouth of the British Shorthair.

Though a smile can be deceiving. The Chartreuse isn’t known to be either particularly eccentric or grumpy either. The breed enjoys calm environments but got impressive patience and rarely gets mad.

It is an intelligent breed. With the right bond between the cat and owner, the Chartreuse can be trained to do simple tasks. These include fetching, walking on a leash, pushing buttons, etc.

In general, cats are notorious for their fast reflexes. However, the Chartreuse is fast even for a cat. They are highly acknowledged as ratters and mousers.

Another trait of the Chartreuse is its quiet voice. The breed is known to be a silent feline that never miaows. They might purr. But if the Chartreuse is distressed or needs something, they might not be able to notify their owners. Which can be a challenge in certain situations.

The legend of the Chartreuse's explains the reason behind its quick reflexes and mute voice.

When this particular feline got introduced to France around 1600's. The breed hunted mice and lived together in packs. Eventually, the Chartreux monks took them in and started breeding them to become ratters in the monastery.

The reason this breed is mute is that they used to live with Chartreux

monks. The monks were under a 'vow of silence', and they would only let the silent cats breed, leading to silent kittens too, as they adapted the behaviour of the silent cats and monks. 


No one can prove that is why. However, it is also worth mentioning the Chartreuse monks are famous for distilling liqueurs. So, exactly how silent they were is ponderable.

The Chartreux | Read everything about the 'mute' cat breed here! | Breed finder (2022)

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