Birman cat

	Breed:	Birman
	Country of Origin:	Burma
	Coat Length:	Long
	Age Expectancy:	14yrs
	Weight/Height Range:	Between 4-7kgs
	Shedding:	Intermediate
	Energy Level:	Low

Characteristics:

The Birman is an attractive cat and very photogenic. It is a long cat and can become quite large. They are heavily boned cats and can appear somewhat stocky in every feature. Looks like a pointed cat with four white feet (mitted) and deep blue eyes. The head is actually triangular, but the Birman has such a broad skull that the face can appear almost rounded. The Birman has a Roman nose and medium sized ears.

The fur of the Birman is medium long, and soft and silky.
Birman colours include Seal, Blue, Lilac, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Seal Torti (female only breed), Seal Tortie Tabby, Blue Tabby, Seal Tabby.

The Birman is a private breed and tends to attach itself to one person. Some Birmans can show a bit of jealousy if their guardian does not pay attention to them. While they are territorial, they are not aggressive. Birmans do not like being left alone, so if you have long working hours, it would be a good idea to get a playmate for your Birman.

The coat needs quite a lot of care with two or three brushes a week. A bath at the end of every season is enough to rid the coat of old hair. It is also important to watch the type of kitty litter used. Some cheaper products will stain the light coloured body hair. Ungroomed cats can finish up with knotted coats that require veterinary attention.

Himalayan cat

	Breed:	Himalayan
	Country of Origin:	USA
	Coat Length:	Long
	Age Expectancy:	12-15yrs
	Weight/Height Range:	4-6kg
	Shedding:	High
	Energy Level:	Medium

Characteristics:

The Himalayan is an extreme looking breed. Usually a medium sized cat although it is massive and heavily boned. The coat on a Himalayan is thick, full, and long. It is very fine, but should be lustrous and glossy.

The fur on the body of a Himalayan is white or cream, but the points come in many different colours: seal (or black), blue, lilac, chocolate, red (flame), and cream. The points can also be tabby or tortoiseshell-patterned. The chocolate and lilac point Himalayans are the most difficult to produce.

Himalayans are friendly and docile cats that will get along with children and other pets, but prefer life in a quiet household. Usually very quiet cats, they rarely vocalize but when they do it is quite loud.

The Himalayan coat requires daily attention. He must be brushed and combed in order to keep the coat from tangling. In addition, the flat face must be carefully cleaned as tear stains can deposit themselves on the face.

Persian Longhair cat

	Breed:	Persian Longhair
	Country of Origin:	Turkey & Persian
	Coat Length:	Long
	Age Expectancy:	10-12yrs
	Weight/Height Range:	4-8kg
	Shedding:	Heavy
	Energy Level:	Low

Characteristics:

A Persian has an extremely long and thick coat, short legs, a wide head with the ears set far apart, large eyes, and an extremely shortened muzzle.

The breed was originally established with a short muzzle, but over time, this characteristic has become extremely exaggerated, particularly in North America. Persian cats can have any colour or markings including pointed, golden, tortoiseshell, blue, and tabby.

The coat of the Persian is luxurious, long, dense, and very soft. There are more than fifty colours in this breed and the eye colour will depend on the coat colour.

Under all this fur the Persian is well-muscled with thick, short legs. The head is large and round, with a short nose and rounded eyes and ears.

They are calm and affectionate, they do not mind living on their own and are quite content to be an only cat. They are ideal for those who want an indoor cat, as they are quite content to sit and look pretty, they are not very verbal cat.

Persians require daily grooming. They are dependent on their owners to keep them comfortable and happy. The coat will matt easily if grooming is neglected. This cat is high maintenance, as it sheds all year round and heavily twice a year. Monthly bathing may also be necessary.

Siberian Forest cat

	Breed:	Siberian Forest
	Country of Origin:	Russia
	Coat Length:	Long
	Age Expectancy:	Mid teens
	Weight/Height Range:	4-7kg
	Shedding:	Minimal
	Energy Level:	High

Characteristics:

The Siberian is a large, strong cat which can take up to five years to mature. They are noted for being very agile and can leap great distances. Their muscles are outstanding and powerful.

The back is long and very slightly curved but appears horizontal in motion. The compact rounded belly develops with age. The overall appearance should be a cat of great strength and size with an excellent physical tone.

The facial expression is alert but sweet. The general impression of the cat is one of circles and roundness rather than angular as in some of the other breeds.

Siberian colours vary and are genetically possible, such as tabby, solid colours tortoiseshell colours and colour point varieties.

Siberian cats have gentle, loving nature and well-rounded personality. They adore children, readily accept the other household pets and get along great with the whole family. Giving them the ability to blend in and adapt to almost any family situation.

Siberians have a Dog-like devotion and personality. They are referred to as ‘the cat for dog people’. Siberians enjoy being with their human companions. It is not in their nature to be a standoffish or aloof with their families.

Coming when called, following the household members around and some more social cats even greet guests. Because they are social, if left alone too often they can become quite lonely. An animal companion, such as another cat or a friendly dog can help relieve the loneliness and curb undesirable activities.

Siberian does not require much grooming although they do appreciate the attention that comes with it.