It was while he was on a trip to Africa in 1971 that Paul Casey (animal advocate, writer and seemingly all-round good guy) discovered that one of the last breeding leopards in the region he was visiting had recently been killed by poachers. Paul immediately decided something had to be done.

After discussing ways of raising awareness about the plight of big cats in the wild, Paul realised that people would have a far stronger emotional reaction to the cause if they could see a wild cat reflected in their beloved domestic pet. Paul’s reasoning was that (unless they had a Cruella De Ville/Monty Burns-like fascination with wearing the skins of domestic animals), people would be less inclined to lust after a fur coat that resembled their pet. Paul set about creating a more manageable version of his much-loved leopard by combining the Abyssinian, Manx, American Shorthair, traditional Siamese, Angora and British Shorthair breeds.

After establishing a stable line, Paul added an Egyptian Spotted Cat and a Malayan domestic cat for the ‘wild’ physical attributes they could bring to the mix.  Once Paul was happy with the result, he called on a group of breeders to help with his cause and established the California Spangled Cat Association (CSCA International) to further promote the breed. When the cats were first advertised to the public in the 1980s, there was a fair bit of controversy surrounding their deliberately engineered development, yet the publicity received ensured that Paul was inundated with orders for this new breed.

Appearance
With its lean, muscular body, spotty coat and hunter’s gate, the California Spangled really does resemble a mini-leopard – one that can’t maul you and eat you for dinner, which is a plus in any pet-choice. The coat of the California Spangled comes in a wide variety of shades and colours due to the mixed bag of breeds used in its creation, although the spots are always well defined and remain the most striking physical attribute of the breed.
Temperament

Don’t let the ‘wild’ physicality fool you… the California Spangled makes an affectionate and devoted pet. Contrary to rumour, there were never any big cat genes included in its creation so there is no need to worry about having a relentless predator or lightning-fast beast out of Africa on your hands. Having said this, the California Spangled does love to play and hunt, and will especially love active games with its human.

It is somewhat ironic that while the breed was established to focus attention on the dwindling of leopards in the wild, the California Spangled is today quite a rare breed itself.

Images sourced from: Dkimages.com and pictures-of-cats.org

Each kitten’s hair appears to be standing on end, and at first, assuming the kittens must be scared out of their wits at the intrusion the famer decides to leave them to their mother’s care for a while until they are more comfortable.

When he returns a while later, the farmer discovers that each kitten’s hair is still in the same, upright position, and realises that it isn’t fright that’s got the babies’ hair on end, but a distinctive type of coat that won’t seem to lie flat!

After calling his next door neighbour to come and see for herself, the farmer brings the neighbour, Joan O’Shea, into the barn. O’Shea, who, according to the Cat Fancier’s Association website was ‘the local ‘‘cat-lady’’’, decided that this unusual coat was worth trying to replicate, and thus the American Wirehair breed began.

A spontaneous mutation (like the one that started this breed) is quite uncommon, and the breed itself has remained a rare breed since its first litter, described as the rarest breed of the 41 breeds in the Cat Fancier’s Association.

Appearance
A medium to larger-sized cat, the American Wirehairs are hardy, resilient creatures with well-muscled bodies and a strong resistance to disease. Of course their most distinguishing feature is their ‘wire’ hair, which in fact derives its name from the fact that each individual hair in the coat is crimped, curled or bent in a different direction, making the coat stand stiffly on end as if made of wire. The coat is course and springy, and comes in a range of different colours.

Temperament
Pet-owners have long delighted in the loving, loyal and affectionate nature of American Wirehairs. Craving human attention, the Wirehair is a very sociable cat and will spend much of its time looking for cuddles. There is no inherited genetic defect found in Wirehairs, and they are an incredibly rewarding as a household pet.

Grooming
In regards to grooming, many people are surprised to discover that their wiry coat does need brushing, and that due to the oiliness of their fur a bath is occasionally necessary. The easy-going nature of the Wirehair makes this an easier task than it may appear though! Another thing to watch out for is waxy build-up in the ears.

Images sourced from Animal Pictures Archive and Arjuna Zbycho

We all think our cats are special – and now’s your opportunity to share just how special they are on national television!

Advocate, one of the sponsors of Cat Diaries, is running a fantastic competition designed to put your cat in the spotlight. Called ‘Four Legged Stars’, the promotion is searching for Australia’s most talented animals. The winners will not only receive a $150 pet hamper and their very own trophy, but they will also appear on the new season of the popular show, Talk to the Animals.

Entering couldn’t be easier. Simply visit the Four Legged Stars website and upload images and/or a video of your talented cat doing what he or she does best. Good luck!

To enter this fantastic competition and give your cat the chance to shine, click here.

Is it a rabbit? Is it a dog? No, wait, it’s a Manx! Easily identifiable due to their short stumpy tail (or complete lack thereof) and hind legs that are visibly longer than their front legs, the Manx is a skilled hunter and was originally sought after by farmers with a rodent problem. However, its affectionate and loving nature – as well as an inclination to be involved in all family activities – soon marked the Manx out as an excellent family pet.

Originating on the Isle of Mann in the United Kingdom before the 1700s, the tailless trait and height difference between the hind and front legs is a naturally occurring genetic mutation of the spine. While often born with no tail at all, Manx cats can also be born with a small stub or a very short tail. Because of the length of their hind legs, Manx cats move with more of a hop than a stride, which has prompted many a folklore tale about a mythic hybrid between a cat and rabbit.

Appearance and temperament
The Manx is a stocky, short cat with a wide chest and a double-coat. The Manx comes in a variety of colours, although the white Manx is supposedly the rarest of the breed and can be quite valuable.

In temperament, the Manx is often called the ‘dog cat’ due to its tendency to follow its owner around the house trying to be involved with whatever task it can. Quiet for its size, the Manx has a unique ‘trill’ sound that it emits most commonly when talking to its offspring, but also as a response to communication from its human, leading many to suggest that these cats actually talk back!

Manxes are also known for their ability to be trained like a dog, and many can learn to play fetch with ease and walk happily on a leash. Another ‘dog-like’ trait embodied by the Manx is an attraction to water seldom seen in many cat breeds. While they may not volunteer to swim in a lake, most Manxes willingly submit to a soak in the bath!

Manx cats are sociable and adaptable with all members of their human families, although they often tend to choose a ‘special person’ and devote a great deal of love and loyalty to them. For this reason, people living alone would find a wonderful companion in this unique feline friend.

Images sourced from Wikipedia

Last month is was Munchkins, and we’re keeping the fantasy theme going at Cat Diaries by profiling the newly established breed, the Elf cat. Combining the distinctive features of the Sphynx and the American Curl, Elf cats are instantly recognisable, and the breed is rapidly growing in popularity.

History
The origins of the Elf cat can be traced back to the US. Some Sphynx breeders dreamed of combining the physical and temperamental characteristics of their beloved Sphynx with those of the American Curl, in order to create a hairless, curly-eared puss with a beautiful personality. According to one of the initial breeders, Karen Nelson, ‘extensive research went into [the Elf’s] health and viability’. She also says approval was also obtained from The International Cat Association geneticists.

Photo courtesy of Karen Nelson

Appearance
The Elf cat appears hairless; however, there may sometimes be a soft coating of hair on the ears and whiskers. The adorable ears of the Elf are primarily what give this breed its name, and are large, pointed and curled.

Sturdy and muscular, the Elf cat has a slightly rounded tummy, as if it has just finished a meal, and because of the inherited hardy nature of its foundation cat, the American Curl, the Elf is a healthy and robust animal with no biological problems resulting from the genetic mutation of the ears and hairlessness.

Personality
Playful, affectionate and very active, the Elf certainly lives up to its mischievous namesake. ‘The Elf is full of energy and is docile and outgoing,’ says another initial breeder, Kristen Leedom, on her website. ‘[It’s] a perfect mix of its two foundation breeds.’

Sometimes described as ‘the thief of hearts’, this fantasy feline is fast securing a place in the hearts of cat-lovers the world over: ‘It is often said that Elf kittens are one part cat, one part dog, one part monkey and one part child – and most people who have had the good fortune to meet one of these individuals are quick to agree,’ says Kristen.

‘The Elf is a very loving and loyal member of the household and has a strong tendency to bond with his or her choice in humans or the pet dog. They will follow that individual around faithfully, winding around legs and wagging their tails happily. The Elf will also greet you with a happy chirp when he sees you get out of bed, or arrive back home from a long day at work.’

The other-worldly Elf is quietly casting its spell over the feline-fanciers’ world, and if you can appreciate their unusual appearance and look past those wrinkles into its big innocent eyes, life with an Elf cat may just turn out to be a fairytale ending for you and your family!

Article image sourced from elfcats.com and Cat Breed Info

While there are a few historical accounts and sightings of cats with short legs, the Munchkin was officially named in 1983, when Sarah Hochenedel, a music teacher from Louisiana in the US, found two ‘normal sized’ cats with extremely short legs and decided that ‘Munchkin’ fitted them just perfectly.

Both of the cats were pregnant, and Ms Hochenedel named one Blackberry and the other Blueberry, and while Blueberry went to live with another family she kept Blackberry for her own. When the litter of kittens was born (some with short legs, some with regular-sized legs) she gave one of the short-legged kittens to a friend who named him Toulouse. To this day, all registered Munchkins can be traced back to either Toulouse or Blackberry.

Good thing, small package
Initially, there was some concern and debate over whether or not the Munchkin would suffer the same health problems that occurred in short-legged dogs such as the Dachshund, but after a seven-year study into ‘Munchkin genetics’, it was found that the only mutation occurring in the Munchkin cat was a distinctly shortened leg bone, which did not inhibit or pain the cat at all. In fact, Munchkins can run just as well and jump just as high as any ‘regular’ cat.

The Munchkin cat owes its distinctive appearance to a dominant autosomal gene, which means only one parent needs to have the dominant gene in order for the offspring to be affected. Munchkins can have any type of colour or hair-length, and in addition to the novelty of their tiny legs (the front legs are always shorter than the rear), they are loving, intelligent and outgoing, and make wonderful family pets. It is often noted by Munchkin owners that they don’t seem to notice that they are shorter than other cats, and that their bold and adventurous natures seem more appropriate to a jungle cat than a domestic moggy!

Health issues
Controversy has always surrounded the Munchkin, and some registries and national bodies do not recognise the breed even today. However, unlike with short-legged dogs, there has been absolutely no human manipulation in its distinctive appearance. And because the feline backbone is different to that of a dog, Munchkins do not suffer from the same spinal problems associates with the likes of Dachshunds and Welsh Corgis.

The playful Munchkin can be expected to live to 15 years, and while a number of rare health issues have been associated with the breed, including lordosis and pectus excavatum, it should be pointed that these issues have also been found in other breeds.

•    Is there a breed you’d like Cat Diaries to feature? Let us know using the Comment facility below…

Images by bullwrinkle, Wikipedia and Agent Pepper

Some scientists believe that cats exhibit supernatural abilities, while others aren’t so sure…

According to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine, Oscar, the resident cat in a nursing home in Rhode Island, USA, could predict the deaths of patients. The report (which inspired an episode of the popular medical drama House) reveals that Oscar would sit down by the beds of certain patients, who would die within a few hours. The nursing home staff were so impressed by Oscar’s ability that they would immediately alert the family of whichever patient Oscar settled alongside.

Oscar’s particular story may be new, but it is far from unique. Cats have long been thought to possess a sixth sense – it’s one of the reasons why so many superstitions exist about them. They are said, for example, to be able to predict earthquakes and other natural disasters. In fact, rescuers commented on how few cats (and other animals) were killed during the 2004 Asian tsunami, with witnesses reporting seeing many animals fleeing the scene in the minutes before the killer waves struck.

But is this really evidence of supernatural ability, or is there a more rational explanation?

Scientists divided

Some scientists, including Dr Rupert Sheldrake of England’s world-renowned and respected Cambridge University, believe that cats are clairvoyant and telepathic, citing even everyday examples such as cats apparently sensing when a loved one is on the phone before it rings (not to mention their unerring homing instinct) as proof.

For other boffins, though, the reasons for cats’ remarkable behaviour can be explained by their regular five senses rather than a sixth one.

In the case of Oscar, for example, it has been suggested that he is simply copying the behaviour of the nursing staff who obviously spend more time with terminally ill patients. Other scientists believe Oscar’s heightened sense of smell is responsible – he is literally able to detect vital organs shutting down. Which is remarkable, but far from supernatural.
As for ‘predicting’ natural disasters, scientists believe animals’ acute sense of hearing give them early warning, and also add the possibility that they may be able to detect subtle vibrations or even changes in the air or in electromagnetic fields.

•    Has your cat ever shown signs of having a sixth sense? Let us know…

Image by: quizilla

For a country with a relatively small population, Australia has many internationally famous exports. Don Bradman, Edna Everage, Rupert Murdoch, Vegemite… the list is high-powered and impressive. But maybe, just maybe, in the next couple of decades all of those luminaries will be overshadowed by small Australian cat.

The Australian Mist was developed by Dr Truda Straede in 1976, the first locally bred pedigree cat. Dr Straede crossed the Burmese, Abyssinian and Domestic shorthair cats to create a shorthaired cat with a spotted coat. Originally called the Spotted Mist, the breed name was changed in 1998 when marbled cats were accepted as part of the breed.

Spotted and marbled remain the patterns for the Australian Mist, which can come in seven colours: brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, caramel, gold and peach. Medium-sized, with expressive eyes, a round head and a glossy short coat, the Aussie Mist is fast gaining international popularity, particularly among first-time pedigree owners.

Misty moments
The key reason for the Mist’s burgeoning popularity is that it takes the best attributes from all its predecessor breeds – the Burmese’s loving personality, the Abyssinian’s intelligence and the Domestic’s genetic vigour. As a result, the Mist is the perfect cat for families with young children. Tolerant of being held and not inclined to scratch, they make lively play pals as kittens, yet become more sober as they grow up.

Australian Mists thrive on human contact – they like nothing more than to sneak into and curl up on the nearest lap, often uninvited! – and are perfectly content to be kept indoors constantly. However, they are also quite trainable and can be taught to walk on a lead.

The Mist’s coat pattern has three levels of definition:
•    Ground colour, paler than pattern;
•    Pattern, delicate though distinct from ground colour;
•    A ‘misty veil’ appearance, caused by random ticking in solid colour areas.
The legs and tail are ringed or barred, and the face and neck also have delicate lines of colour.
The Australian Mist always performs well in Shows (regularly winning Best in Show and Top 10 in Show awards). Another reason for its international appeal is that, after over 20 years as a Championship breed in Australia, it has also been given Championship status by the World Cat Federation.
Australian Mists are generally expected to live to their mid- to late-teens, making them a wonderful long-term companion for their owners. And so their fame spreads!

• If you’d like to request a Breed of the Month, or have any breed-related questions you’d like answered, feel free to let us know…

Images by dogster

Cat lovers have always been drawn to the beauty and grace of wild cats. And now they can have the look of a wild cat, but with the predictable personality of the pussy-cat!

Surprisingly, perhaps, given its appearance, there is no wild blood in the Ocicat pedigree. Instead, the Ocicat is a breed of cat descended exclusively from pedigreed domestic ancestors that were selectively bred to closely resemble a jungle cat. This breed continues to gain worldwide acceptance and popularity simply because this spotted feline is a successful mimic of its jungle cousins in appearance, while possessing a temperament and adaptability that make it a welcome addition to many households.

It is the only spotted domestic breed especially bred to emulate the wild cats, yet the Ocicat remains rare in Australia. The breed stems from a chance mating between an Abyssinian and a Siamese in the USA in the 1960s. After much breeding and refining (with an American Shorthair added to the mix), the result is today’s exquisite Ocicat, with its stunning spotted coat mimicking the wild Ocelot. Hence, the name Ocicat (pronounced Ossi-cat).

Breed characteristics
The aim behind the breeding of the Ocicat was to create an entirely domestic cat that offered the spotted beauty of the wild cats, while maintaining the pleasant, predictable disposition of the domestic cat.

Ocicats have muscular, medium to long leg and a distinctive tabby ‘M’ on the forehead. This mark extends over the head, breaking into small spots when it reaches the lower neck and shoulders. Distinctive round spots run in rows along the spine from shoulder blades to tail, with the spots also evident on the belly.

The pedigreed Ocicat always has spots –the bigger they are, the better! – but comes in a number of colour varieties. Chocolate spotted is the most popular, but the other combinations are:
•    tawny spotted;
•    cinnamon spotted;
•    blue spotted;
•    lavender spotted;
•    fawn spotted;
•    chocolate spotted silver;
•    cinnamon spotted silver;
•    blue spotted silver;
•    lavender spotted silver;
•    black spotted silver;
•    fawn spotted silver.

Large and athletic
The Ocicat is a large, active cat with an athletic appearance. It has a solid body, is well muscled and has a beautiful sheen on its short, tight coat to show off its spots. The coat is silky soft to the touch.

Like wild cats, it also radiates elegance in its form and movements. The female adult weighs between 3.5 and 5kg, while the male can weigh up to eight kilos.

The head of the Ocicat is square-shaped with an average-length nose. The ears are relatively big and they generally have striking yellow or green eyes. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs and their tail is relatively long and darker at the tip.

The Ocicat has been exported from USA to other countries around the world where its popularity is increasing rapidly.

Although it is still a very rare breed in Australia, those cat fanciers ‘in the know’ seek it for its natural beauty, its unique strong genetic composition and its lovable character and behaviour.

The Ocicat personality
Although Ocicats look wild, they make wonderful companions, becoming very devoted to their owners, often following them like shadows. They are active and lively, but also love a cuddle, are loyal, playful, curious, companionable and sociable.

Ocicats satisfy the desire for an exotic-looking cat, but pose no special problems with regard to their temperament, diet, grooming or health. They eat the same as every domestic cat and their coats need only very occasional grooming to keep them sparkling!

Ocicats make excellent pets for families, as they love people, children, other cats and dogs.

Images by: Australian Ocicats

It’s a lazy day in the office for Cornelius. So what could possibly go wrong? Complete our story for your chance to win $300 worth of Cat Food!

Cornelius, the Cat Diaries cat, was sunning himself on the balcony outside the Cat Diaries office. He liked keeping an eye on things, just to make sure his pet humans were carrying out their work properly.

They were well-trained and knew they could always come to him for advice, and as a respected member of the cat community he felt duty-bound to spread the word among his fellow felines of the importance of receiving regular monthly doses of Advocate – his complete parasite protection.

Cornelius stretched and yawned. With the sun warm on his fur, his eyes started to close. After a busy morning answering emails and proofreading the latest online posts, he reckoned he’d earned a nice little catnap.

He was just dozing off when he heard the front door to the office push open and excited voices proclaim, ‘It’s a great pleasure to have you here. Come and meet Cornelius – he’ll be so excited…’

HELP, Cat Diarists! The office computer has suffered a meltdown and we don’t know how the story ends. Who – or what – was at the door, and what crazy events happened next? We need you to complete the story in 50 words or less. The best entry will win $300 worth of cat food and will be published on the site. To enter, simply fill out the info below.

This competition is now closed. Thank you for entering.