Klahz Korats & Tonkinese

John Ypma

Dryden, Ontario

klahz@drytel.net

The Tonkinese breed, (although originally bred in both the U.S. and Canada) was first accredited by CCA in southern Ontario and as such is generally considered a Canadian breed. The breed was first recognised in Canada in the late 1960's and later also by other registries throughout North America. Tonks are first and foremost "people cats". That is to say, they are very friendly and affectionate and love to be with their people. They are shoulder riders, often climbing or leaping up on people, so as to be in the thick of things. They seldom use their claws when performing this feat however, since they are generally very gentle cats by nature. In this respect they are excellent pet and show cats, since they do not get overly stressed out by new people or situations. This is not to say that the Tonk is a lackadaisical cat, however. Indeed, they are very playful and in a word, fun - fun to watch, fun to be around and fun to snuggle with. They can sometimes be quite mischievous, with little nips and bites, especially as kittens. (A word to the wise - keep your sock drawer locked!!)

Physically, Tonks come in a variety of types and colours. In ACFA and CFA there are four colours; platinum, champagne, natural and blue, and three coat patterns; pointed (most like Siamese), mink (the halfway point) and solid (most like Burmese). Tonkinese cats with a mink patterned coat are especially known for their aquamarine coloured eyes - this exotic colour is one that few other breeds share. Tonks are of moderate size, weighing approximately 7 lbs for females and 9 lbs for males, as adults. Although, some breeders still use the original foundation breeds, (Siamese and Burmese) in their breeding program, here at Klahz cattery we breed a minimum of fifth generation Tonkinese to Tonkinese only, in order to obtain a more consistent look and temperament.

"A small, warm, satin-coated heating pad" is the way the Singapura is described by the breed's originator Tommy Meadow.

The breed was based on several small, brown-ticked tabbies reportedly discovered living on the streets of Singapore. Wild Abyssinian and Burmese type cats are to be found in Singapore and it is probably from these cats that the original Singapuras developed.

Singapuras seem to thrive on human company and often become deeply attached to their owners. They are busy cats - if you are looking for an inactive cat that will sit around to be admired, don't choose the Singapura. Most Singapuras are vocally quiet cats and rarely use their voices. They enjoy high places in the house where their large eyes can take in everything that is going on around them. They can often be found "helping" with the cooking of dinner, the folding of laundry, the reading of books and newspapers, and the using of computers. Singapuras usually get along well with other animals and seem to prefer living with some kind of company, not thriving when left alone all day. The kittens mature more slowly than some breeds, and most breeders prefer not to let kittens go to new homes before they are at least 16 weeks old. They come in only one color, sepia agouti.

Household Pet (HHP)

Household pets are seperated into two groups, longhairs and shorthairs. Each cat in each group is judged without regard to sex, age, or color. Each household pet reflecting good health and vitality receives a firtst place ribbon as well as best of color. At the end of the judging the best Household Pets from these two groups are introduced in a final. The finals group consist of both longhair and shorthair cats. There is no written standard for Household Pets, although if they are over eight(8) months of age they must be neutered or spayed. They are judged instead for their uniqueness, pleasing appearance, unusual markings, and sweet dispositions.

If you have a show-stopping, mixed breed charmer at home and are interested in joining the cat lovers who partake in the good fellowship of exhibiting at cat shows, join a local Cat Club or Sociey and learn more about showing.

Silkenthunder

Connie McIver

Japanese Bobtail Cat

Even though it is known by an English name, the Japanese Neko is really an ancient breed. Manuscripts, paintings, and other art give evidence that it has existed as an identifiable breed in Japan for at least 1,000 years. As with all ancient breeds, there are legends and traditions surrounding the cat and its origin. One that this breed originated when a cat was sleeping near a hearth and a spark flew out, igniting its tail. The cat sped through the streets of the Imperial City, setting all the houses on fire as it ran. The city was destroyed and the emperor was furious. In his anger, he decreed that all cats must have their tails cut short, thus the bobtail came into being.

There are sketches of it in ancient ruins and documents, sitting next to geishas. In the times of Gotokuju, in Tokyo, the walls were decorated with paintings of one of these cats, whose name was Maneki-Neko, which means "Welcoming Cat." They used to say it brought good luck.  Many Japanese and Chinese shops in North America display a small statue or "piggybank" of  Maneki-Neko next to their cash register.  Long popular in Japan as house pets, JBT's made their way to the USA in 1968 when an American breeder, Judy Crawford, sent the first pair to the United States.  Later, she brought 38 of these cats with her when she returned home.

Ragdolls are a large, semi-longhaired, pointed cat with captivating blue eyes.  As pointed cats (darker color on their faces, ears, legs and tail) they come in a variety of colors and patterns. One pattern, the colorpoint has no white. The other patterns, mitted, bicolor and van, have white. The mitted pattern has  white on the chin, belly stripe, front paws and back legs. The bicolor pattern has more white with all four paws, underbodies, chest and an inverted V on the face. The van pattern has the most white with the color showing on the ears, top of the mask, tail  and possibly a few spots on the body. The Ragdoll coat is medium longhair with no undercoat which results in less shedding and matting. Their coats tend to be plush, silky and very soft and  require minimal combing to look nice.  Ragdolls come in seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream colors.

 Ragdolls are laid back, people friendly and make affectionate companions.   Ragdolls were developed in the 1960's by Ann Baker, a breeder in California. The original cats were bred from free roaming cats or other cats she owned, with the first being a long haired domestic white cat named Josephine. The kittens Josephine produced had very nice personalities with unique laid back temperaments and were large in size. By working with these offspring, the Ragdoll breed was born. Today's Ragdoll males are large cats often weighing 15- 20 pounds. They are  well balanced, heavy boned and give the air of subdued power.  Females are proportionately smaller and usually weigh in at 10-15 pounds. Kittens are born all white and develop color in the days and weeks following their birth. Ragdolls are slow maturing, reaching their full size and weight after 4 years of age. They continue developing coat color for up to two years.

 Ragdoll popularity has been on the increase due to their friendly nature. It is not unusual for them to greet you at the door, follow you from room to room, or even play fetch. Ragdolls are strictly indoor cats and do well with early spay or neuter techniques. They are also quick to learn to use scratching posts and rarely extend their claws during play time. They do well with children and adapt to other pets in the home.

Household Pet (HHP)

American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is an excellent example of breed development through natural selection. The foundation stock of this breed were found feral cats possessing a natural bobtail. Although the Bobtail cat has been in existence in America for many generations, the breed began its true development in the late 1960's.

A young couple discovered a bobtailed brown tabby male kitten on an Indian reservation in Southern Arizona. The kitten was rumored to be the product of a love tryst between a wild Bobcat and a domestic farm cat. The Sanders fell in love with this unique cat and subsequently bred him to a long tail female. The resulting offspring were born with bobtails. Thus the American Bobtail breed was born.

Breeders have since found other feral cats possessing natural bobtails to use as foundation stock. Conscientious breeders use only cats that sufficiently meet the American Bobtail standard in type. Today's American Bobtails still possess the same characteristics of their feral ancestors. They are often said to have dog-like personalities and enjoy interactions with members of the family. Their unique loving, playful, outgoing personalities, intelligence and adaptability is what makes the American Bobtail the ultimate family companion. The American Bobtail is of above average intelligence as they were developed by Mother Nature to survive feral environments.

American Bobtails are a medium to large cat with a substantial rectangular body and should resemble a wild bobtailed cat. The tail is to be clearly visible above the back when the cat is alert and not to exceed the hock in length. The optimum tail is articulate and nearly straight with the slightest of curves. All of their combined physical characteristics provides them with the look of a bobtailed wildcat. This is a slow maturing breed taking 2 - 3 years to reach full adult type.

The American Bobtail comes in all colors and patterns both in long haired versions and short hairs. They are noted for their dog like personalities and their devotion to their owners. The American Bobtail easily adapts to any environment, whether it be busy or quiet

The American Bobtail is fearless, yet not aggressive, and is excellent around other pets, and dogs, and small children. Their wild appearance can make them look very menacing, but this is only a disguise. They are always loving and friendly to humans. Males are very mellow and laid back, and are very assure of themselves. Males will allow females and kittens to eat first and are very protective of kittens.

An American Bobtail queen's make wonderful mothers and will readily adopt another queen's kittens as her own. The American Bobtail is truly a breed that once you have been properly introduced, you will never forget. Any other cat just won't do! Even people who are not cat lovers, often fall under the spell of the American Bobtail.

American Shorthair

The American Shortahir breeders like to say their breed started in 1620 when the first domesticated cats reached North America aboard the Mayflower. As pioneer families trekked inland, their cats accompanied them as part of their stock, and in this way the domestic cat gradually spread across the whole continent. The tough conditions under which the cats lived, resulted in equally tough cats. This was the beginning of the American Shorthair. As a result, the American is exceptionally strong and hardy. In the beginning, this breed was originally known as the Shorthair, but it soon came to be called the Domestic Shorthair. The domestic shorthair was upgraded by the infusion of pedigree shorthair blood from animals imported from Britian at the turn of the century. The breed was renamed the American Shorthair in 1966. The physical aspects of the American Shorthair should compliment each other to present a perfect picture. The breed ranges in size from medium to large. The overall body is well knit and powerful with a hard, short coat. The American is less square in shape than the British Shorthair. It also has an oblong rather than round head, larger ears and longer legs.

 This breed has no extremes in either conformation or temperament. Apart from their renowned hardiness, American Shorthairs are noted for their good disposition, intelligence and hunting ability. Its placid nature makes it an ideal pet and companion for small children and dogs. This is a very adaptable breed. The American is always one of the top recommendations for todays' busy households. COLORS:

Household Pet (HHP)

Household Pet (HHP)