Geoffroy's cat: 25 photos, description, keeping in captivity

When the first boom in fashionable exotic Serval pets passed, lovers of expensive “toys” became interested in other representatives of the cat family. Geoffroy's cat is also included in this list, because the animal is not very large in size, no larger than an ordinary pet, but its wild appearance and unusual behavior guarantees people's interest.

By the way, did you know how much a serval costs? In our article about these cats there is a section on the price of servals.

Geoffroy: the cat is a pet

Geoffroy's cat has recently become very fashionable among cat lovers.
Indeed, this beauty is ideal for a pet. It can be freely kept both in a private house and in an apartment. When kept at home, the Geoffroy marmoset loves company, she is affectionate and funny. Petting such a pet is a pleasure! Geoffroy's "fur coat" is delicate, soft, pleasant to the touch. Kittens are easily tamed and get used to people; they can be trained in the same way as dogs. Although beautiful domestic predators are affectionate with their owners, when handling them it is necessary to adhere to certain rules. Cats have sharp teeth and sharp claws; during play, such a pet can seriously injure you.

You should not play with the kitten with your feet and hands. He can get used to this and, growing up, unconsciously cause more than one serious injury. For toys, it is better to use those that need to be chased, torn apart, or caught.

Geoffroy really does not like screaming and physical violence, even light spankings. For punishment, it is best to use a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer. Since in the wild they often climb to high places, they will automatically do this at home.

Geoffroy's diet should consist primarily of meat products. Fish and poultry are also suitable. Cats feel uncomfortable in cramped spaces. If possible, animals should be allowed to go for walks.

The most popular spotted breeds of domestic cats

The tabby color is also found in breeds bred without crossing with wild cats.

Ocicat

In appearance it resembles the brightest cat in the world, Ocelot, and got its name in honor of him. Although it has no relationship with a wild cat, but was obtained by crossing a Siamese and Siamese-Abyssinian mestizos.

By its temperament, the Ocicat is a cheerful and playful pet, loyal and affectionate, sociable and loving.

The colors vary in color, but always with spots.

Egyptian Mau

Descended from common street cats of Cairo. Exported to America in the fifties of the last century. One of the oldest natural breeds in the world.

The color of the short, dense coat can be different - silver, bronze, smoky, pewter. But always a tabby - and only a dark spot. A distinctive feature of his appearance is the “scarab” mark on his forehead and the black “eyeliner” of his expressive green eyes.

This small, muscular and very active cat has a balanced and independent character. She is attached to people, does not like loneliness, and is friends with all pets. Loves to talk with family members. The sounds that the Mau makes are not always like meowing, but resemble the “mumbling” of a person.

And you can learn more about this cat by reading the article about the Egyptian Mau on our portal.

Pixiebob

The Elf with the Short Tail was developed in the United States in 1985. The exact origin of the breed has not been determined; there is a version that wild cats participated in the selection, but this has not been confirmed by anything.

The pixie bob is characterized by the appearance of a lynx with tufted ears and a short tail. Polydactylism is common. The short or semi-long coat is always tabby in color - with spots or “rosettes”.

In their devotion to humans, these cats resemble dogs. Very calm, attentive and observant pets are friendly and love to play with children. They swim excellently, climb trees, hunt, “talk”, making beautiful curling and chirping sounds. They get along well with other pets, but are always leaders.

British Shorthair and Scottish Fold cats

The British and Scottish Fold are essentially different types of the same breed, although they are registered separately in feline systems. These are some of the most popular and oldest domestic breeds in the world.

By nature, these pets are self-sufficient, almost always phlegmatic. They like to sleep, but are not fans of active pastime. They are attached to people, love and do not offend children. Unpretentious and calm.

The colors of these cats are varied, spotted colors are very common.

American Shorthair (Kurzhaar)

This breed developed from its European relatives, who migrated with humans to America. A group of breeders began working on the approval of the variety at the beginning of the twentieth century.

The most famous color is the silver tabby - bright black, rather large spots on a light gray background.

The character of the American is called the “golden mean”, the cat is calm, does not require constant human attention, is moderately active and very devoted to the owner and all household members.

European Shorthair

The spotted color of this oldest breed is widely popular. The oldest European native variety was registered and presented to the public only in 1982.

A kind, energetic animal is deeply devoted to humans, willingly plays with children and at the same time never loses its hunting instincts.

Siberian

This natural oldest Russian breed most likely descended from Oriental cats brought to Siberia by merchants.

Animals with long hair and thick undercoat are excellent hunters and have an independent and calm character.

They are sincerely devoted to the owner and all household members, but do not like attention and affection imposed on them

Among the many colors of Siberians, tabby is common.

Maine Coon

The raccoon cat is the pride of Americans. This natural breed has long been in the lead as the largest. The size of an adult cat (length with tail) reaches one and a half meters and weighs sixteen kilograms.

This pet is calm and undemanding, friendly and devoted to humans. But at the same time, like its ancient wild ancestor, it is an excellent hunter.

The colors of the coon are varied, spotted is quite popular.

Life at home

Geoffroy's cat is quite suitable as a pet. She easily gets used to people, is tamed and trained. Has an affectionate, playful nature. Just like the fishing cat, it loves to frolic in the water. Can be kept in an apartment or in a country house.

The diet includes: meat, heart, liver, fish, mineral supplements and vitamins. The daily food intake is 350 - 800 grams of meat. The animal is vaccinated with all the vaccinations necessary for cats. In captivity, it lives up to 20 years.

Specialized nurseries breed the animal, where you can also buy a Geoffroy cat and receive all the necessary documents and recommendations. Despite the fact that the price of Geoffroy cats starts from several thousand dollars, they are very popular among lovers of exotic animals.

Habitat

Geoffroy's cats have a varied habitat and can be found at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters above sea level. They prefer open woodland or scrubland with plenty of vegetation, but are also found in grassland and marshy areas. Although cats can climb trees, they rarely do so except to mark their territory with feces.

Description

Geoffroy is a small wild cat, about the size of a large domestic cat. According to genetic studies, it is most closely related to the Chilean cat, or Kodkod (Leopardus guigna). Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, males are larger than females. The length of the body, including the head, ranges from 422-665 mm, and the tail adds an additional 240 - 365 mm to the total length. Body weight is 3-5 kg, although an individual weighing 7.8 kg has been recorded. The height at the withers is about 30 cm. The color of the coat varies from silver-gray to yellowish-brown. The color of the coat depends on the habitat; yellower coat is found in individuals from the northern part, and grayer coat is found in southern cats. There are dark brown or black spots on the animal's body. Like most members of the cat family (Felidae), the underbelly is paler, usually cream or even white. Two black stripes run from the eyes to the neck. The animal's ears are large and rounded, the back is black with white spots. Melanism is quite common in this species. There are dark stripes on the tail and limbs.

Geoffroy's cats have been observed engaging in unusual behavior - standing on their hind legs, using their tails as support, and observing their surroundings. Similar behavior is observed in weasels, meerkats and prairie dogs, but generally not in felines.

Based on current geographic distribution, five subspecies of Geoffroy's cat have been identified:

L.g. geoffroyi - central part of Argentina;

L.g. euxantha - northern Argentina, western Bolivia;

L.g. leucobapta - territory of Patagonia;

L.g. paraguae - Paraguay, southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, northern Argentina;

L.g. salinarum

- northwestern and central parts of Argentina.

Features of safari mating

As a rule, puberty occurs quite early in safari:

• in cats - at 6 months;
• in cats - at 8 months.

Under no circumstances should animals be bred at this age, since the body has not yet fully formed and become stronger. Early pregnancy will lead to weak offspring. Crossbreeding of safari dogs with related breeds (Bengals or wild cats) is allowed.

The basic rules for safari mating are the following requirements:

• animals must be healthy;
• The pet must look for a mate from professional breeders or in a breeding club;
• the use of any drugs, including hormonal ones, is prohibited;
• by the time of mating, both the male and female cats must be vaccinated against major feline diseases;
• on the day of mating, it is better to trim the animals’ claws so that they do not injure each other;
• mating occurs only in the cat's territory.

On average, the pregnancy of safari cats lasts 65–67 days, during this period it is necessary to carefully monitor the animal’s nutrition and gradually increase the diet.

Safari as a business

Being a breeder of a purebred animal is not as easy as it seems at first glance. On the one hand, the cost of a kitten of several thousand dollars is an excellent reason to start safari breeding, but on the other hand, you will need to follow all the nuances of breeding and invest considerable funds in the selection of the breed and its care.

Buying breeding stock is a very responsible process. Animals must have clear signs of their breed, as well as a passport and pedigree. However, a passport and other documents do not guarantee that the kitten will have good reproductive characteristics. Therefore, already at this stage there is a high risk of being left with nothing.

In addition, no one is insured against accidents or poor-quality food, as a result of which the cat may die. For purebred safaris, all standards of care and nutrition must be observed in order for them to grow into a healthy animal ready for breeding.

The cost of an individual largely depends on the color of the skin.

How to choose the right safari kitten

At the moment there are very few nurseries where you can buy safari. Most breeders live in the breed's homeland - the USA. Therefore, prices for kittens are very high: Safari is among the TOP 5 most expensive cats in the world.

The purchase of a purebred pet should be made only from a professional breeder or in a breeding club with a passport and pedigree. After all, this is the only way to guarantee compliance with breed standards and excellent health of the animal.

It is important to be able to distinguish a safari kitten from kittens of other “spotted” breeds. The future pet must have all the characteristics of its breed, without exception.

Not only the shape of the body deserves special attention, but also the length of the tail, the set of the ears and the shape of the eyes. If any sign is not visible, it is better not to rush into the purchase:

• short and very dense coat;
• the whole body is covered with spots and rosettes - albeit not clear, but traceable patterns;
• dark rings on the paws and end of the tail;
• triangular head shape;
• developed vibrissal pads;
• large ears set high on the head;
• long and straight nose - without humps or dents;
• oval or almond shaped eyes;
• The eye color is uniform and always matches the coat color.

As a rule, nurseries and professional breeders offer exclusively purebred safari kittens for sale, as they protect their reputation. Buying an exotic breed from private breeders is highly discouraged.

A small kitten is very expensive, since the breed is still small and exclusive

The safari cat is a direct descendant of wild cats, has a bright leopard-like appearance and a very gentle character. The breed does not require care, but there are important nuances of feeding and maintenance.

Habitat

The distribution area is limited to the southern and central territories of South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay. If you focus on the Andean Cordillera, Geoffroy's cat is found only to the east of them.

Habitat: bushy steppes, meadows, forests, mountainous or wetlands, semi-desert landscapes of the Gran Chaco. In southern Bolivia it is found at altitudes of up to 3.3 thousand meters.

The population size depends on the region where it lives and, despite environmental measures, it is declining from year to year. If in Bolivia the predator is in second place in number after the ocelot, then in the southern part of Chile it is practically exterminated. Beautiful and expensive animal fur is a tasty trophy for poachers. Even the ban on the sale of skins, introduced in 1988, does not stop them.

History of the discovery of the species

Among the wide variety of wild cats in South America, this species occupies a special place. Geoffroy's cat is the smallest known member of the family living in the wild.

Geoffroy's cat - the baby of the cat world

The outstanding French zoologist-evolutionist, Napoleon museum worker Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, after whom the animal was named, discovered and described 17 species and genera of mammals at the turn of the eighteenth-nineteenth centuries. This number included a small South American wild cat, officially named Oncifelis geoffroyi (or Leopardus geoffroyi).

Where does he live?

The habitat of Geoffrey's cat is relatively small and occupies the southern part of the continent east of the Andean Cordillera. The animal can be found in Bolivia, Brazil, Patagonia - mainly in the forest and forest-steppe zones. The wild cat is equally willing to settle in swampy, desert areas, and in the mountains at an altitude of up to three kilometers; It tolerates both heat and frost very well.

A male of a large subspecies can weigh up to seven kilograms

The population of the small predator is heterogeneous; five subspecies can be distinguished, differing phenotypically. In the north of the range, in the tropical region of the Gran Chaco plain, the smallest individuals with rather dark fur live. As the habitat moves south, the size of the “local” wild cat increases somewhat, and the color of the coat becomes lighter. The largest representatives of the species live on the southern tip of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, where males weighing up to eight kilograms are found.

Under guard

A beautiful, elegant skin did a disservice to the fate of a small wild cat. Delicate silky fur, bright natural leopard print - for all this, small cats were exterminated in huge numbers to satisfy the whims of human fashionistas. And if you consider that to sew a medium-sized fur coat, at least 25 cats had to be killed, then it becomes clear how many sacrifices the beauty of this animal requires.

Geoffroy cat fur coats are widely offered on the Internet

In the last couple of decades, the Washington CITES Convention has strictly limited the trade in Geoffroy cat fur at the level of international law. Nevertheless, on the Internet it is not difficult to find a lot of offers for finished products made from it - which means that poaching of animals continues.

Zoologists believe that the critical threshold for the abundance of the species has not yet been passed - it cannot be considered rare, be included in the Red Books or be included in large-scale conservation programs. But in general, the number of animals is small - zoologists estimate it at about forty thousand individuals. And this cannot but be alarming, given the sharply increased interest in them. The human factor generally creates great risks for the population of this wild cat - people are actively developing its permanent habitat for their own economic needs, displacing the small animal from there and creating more and more new problems for it.

Man is not Geoffroy's cat's friend, and she knows it

Video: Geoffroy's cat in the wild

Lifestyle and nutrition

Geoffroy's cat spends most of its life alone and comes into contact with individuals of its own species only during the mating season. It is often found in wooded areas, although it is reluctant to climb trees. It marks its territory with urine, does not really like it when strangers invade it and enters into fierce battles with them. The hunting grounds of the male cover an area of ​​up to 12 km2, females are limited to a zone of 2 - 6 km2.

The predator sleeps during the day and goes out hunting at night. It is not particularly selective and grabs everything that comes along the way: hares, small rodents, lizards, frogs, insects. On occasion, it hunts birds and guinea pigs. Does not disdain carrion. Relative food competition for the subspecies living in Chile and Patagonia is the Chilean cat, a big fan of the same delicacies.

In addition to the usual hunting techniques - stalking, sneaking, surprise attack, it can look around for a long time, standing on its hind legs like a real meerkat, using its tail as a support. Not afraid of water, just as good as a fishing cat, it swims, catches fish, and escapes from pursuit by water.

Nutrition

These felines are not very picky eaters. Their diet includes a wide variety of animals, but the brown hare is their preferred food. However, Geoffroy cats will eat almost any type of meat they can get their hands on. They hunt in trees and on the ground, and also fish.

Their diet includes: birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, rodents, wild guinea pigs, small agoutis, hares and other small mammals.

Behavior

Geoffreys are primarily nocturnal, but have been observed hunting at dawn and dusk. They love water and are avid swimmers. Secretive and solitary, cats spend most of their time in trees. Geoffroy's cats are known to sleep and breed in trees. They are quite flexible and can even walk on lower branches. Males and females do not interact with each other except during the breeding season. The home ranges of females occupy about 2.5 square kilometers. Males' territories can be three times larger than females'. The ranges of females may overlap with other females as well as males. Although males overlap the ranges of females, they do not overlap the territories of other males. The density of cats per ten square kilometers is about 1.2 individuals. Most people are not afraid of this little cat, but they should be because it is a very aggressive animal that has never been truly domesticated.

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Geoffroy's cat has good camouflage due to its coat color, but this is believed to be primarily used for hunting (i.e., to hide the cat from prey rather than from predators).

History of the origin of the breed

The homeland of the Havana Brown breed is England. Her ancestors were Siamese cats with a uniform coat color. But after the introduction of standards, according to which only colorpoint colors with blue eyes were available, this breed lost its popularity and was partially lost.

However, in 1950, thanks to Baroness Miranda von Ullmann, work began on developing the Havana breed. For these purposes, Siamese cats were crossed with black shorthairs and already in 1959 they achieved success. In the same year, the breed standard was adopted and it was given a name. Previously, Havanas were referred to as “brown shorthairs.” Graceful cats were presented at the English exhibition.

In the 1960s, experiments were already underway in England with crossbreeding with colored Oriental cats, which gave rise to another breed called “Chocolate Oriental cats.”

At the same time, Havanas were brought to the United States, where the breed was preserved and continued to be bred.

Subspecies

Five subspecies of this predator are known, living in different regions of South America. They differ somewhat in size and color, but lead the same lifestyle, similar in behavior and taste preferences.

If you look at photos of Geoffroy's cats of different subspecies, you will notice that the inhabitants of the southern part of the range are larger than their northern relatives and have a gray coat color. The fur color of the northern subspecies is brownish-yellow.

The smallest of the subspecies lives in western and central Argentina - Leopardus geoffroyi salinarum. The largest subspecies lives in central Argentina - Leopardus geoffroyi geoffroyi.

Education and physical activity

The Elf cat breed is distinguished by high intelligence and cleanliness. These hairless pets easily learn the rules of behavior in the house and quickly get used to the tray and scratching post.

True, elven sphinxes are very vindictive and do not forgive insults. Therefore, it is necessary to raise a pet of this breed without rudeness or the use of physical force.

As children, Elf cats are very energetic and playful. And although the activity of pets decreases slightly with age, this does not mean that they will refuse to run after a ball or a laser pointer. Therefore, elven sphinxes should have several interactive toys and a corner with multi-level shelves.

Life in captivity

Information about the animal is known mainly from observations of them in zoos, but there is still very little information about the life of a cat in its natural environment. WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) has taken the initiative in developing and implementing programs for the conservation and reproduction of these animals in captivity.

Geoffroy's cat has become comfortable in zoos and sometimes gives birth here. Cases have been recorded where, under such conditions, the life expectancy of animals was 20 years.

It is difficult to see Geoffroy's cat in a zoo, as it is nocturnal.

In zoos, animals are fed the following foods, which are based on raw meat and fresh fish:

• lean young veal;
• beef;
• homemade chicken;
• rabbit;
• offal: hearts;
• stomachs;
• kidneys;
• liver;

A cat should eat 600–800 g of protein foods per day, which it chews along with bones. Zookeepers improve the animal's digestion by feeding wool and feathers, which should be included in the animal's diet every day.

Video: Geoffroy's cat at the Novosibirsk Zoo

Geoffroy's cat is a wild animal, little studied in its natural environment and accustomed to living in zoos. Here he breeds well and gets along well with people. The animal is under protection, whereas previously fur coats were made from its fur. But people came to their senses in time - fortunately, the cat is not endangered, which means there is every chance that this species will not disappear.

Characteristics

Cats are very sociable and require human attention. They get along well with other animals and get along with children. Animals are somewhat shy with strangers.

Some cats behave reservedly, but most representatives of the breed are playful and moderately active. By the way, a distinctive feature is the behavior characteristic of dogs in games: “catch and fetch”

Cats happily fetch a thrown ball, enjoying the game and attention from humans. After playing or eating, cats prefer to take a nap, not alone, but in the company of another cat or owner.

Havana is not suitable for too busy people, because

It is important to have contact with animals and devote a lot of time to them. Cats will not sit quietly next to you, they prefer to climb on your lap and even pester you a little, which can be annoying if the owner is tired after work.

However, their pestering is touching; they attract attention by gently touching their hands and faces with their paws.

Purebred kittens should only be purchased from nurseries with trusted breeders. The largest number of nurseries is in the USA, but they also exist in Russia, Europe and the CIS countries. The initial cost is about thirty thousand rubles. Depends on the gender, color intensity and class of the cat.

The price becomes higher if you purchase a pet with a good pedigree and a show career. If these indicators are important to you, be prepared to pay from sixty to one hundred thousand rubles.

As a rule, kittens begin to be sold in the fifth month after birth. By this time, they are already absolutely independent and vaccinated. Remember that at the moment there are just over a hundred purebred individuals registered, so be careful when choosing a breeder and adequately assess the cost of the kitten.

Havana Brown breed

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The Havana Brown is a very affectionate and loving animal. Human society is simply vital for a cat. The kitten gets used to its new family very quickly, it is moderately playful and active. As a cat grows up, it becomes more sociable and talkative. However, the Havana is not annoying; if she sees that the owner is busy, then the cat will not disturb him.

Animals of this breed are very fond of heights; they can master any heights. Often, a cat finds a cozy place higher off the floor. With children and other animals, the Havana Brown is friendly and calm. The cat will never let out its claws or show aggression, even in a critical situation. Thanks to its balanced character, it is an ideal animal for large families.

This breed is rare in Russia today. Basically, representatives of the oriental breed of Havana color are popular, with which browns are confused out of ignorance. You can buy a Havana Brown kitten in Novosibirsk, at the Elvenkingdom cattery.

The cost of a kitten is clarified by the breeder and depends on the purpose of the purchase. Even as a pet, a Havana Brown will cost a considerable amount of money.

Threats

The fur trade had a significant impact on the decline of Geoffroy's cat population. Their skins rank second in sales on the international market (red lynx fur takes first place).

In central Argentina, human-related mortality of this species accounted for 62% of total fatalities, including poaching, killing by domestic dogs and collisions with vehicles. Cats were also killed for meat and poultry hunting.

There is a huge demand for exotic pet species, with Geoffroy cats being illegally captured and crossed with domestic cats to create hybrid pets known as "Safari cats".

The deterioration of the cats' habitat is associated with deforestation. However, recent studies in Argentina have shown that this species can live in the resulting open areas.

Kitten from the street: precautions

If the kitten was simply picked up on the street, then it needs to be put in a box or bag and taken not home, but to the veterinary clinic. You can't wash it now. If there are too many fleas and they are clearly bothering the baby, then you can use drops on the withers or a spray. The veterinarian will examine the pet, conduct the necessary examinations (for ringworm, infectious diseases, etc.) and after weighing, advise how and how to clean it of parasites (worms, fleas).

A street kitten must be shown to a veterinarian, who will examine it and take the necessary tests.

If there are other pets at home (dogs, cats, etc.), the foundling is kept in quarantine in a closed and isolated room (bathtub, pantry, balcony, etc.), excluding any contact between animals. If the kitten does not show any suspicious or alarming symptoms, it looks cheerful and healthy, then after two weeks it is released into the common space. Then, following the recommendations of the veterinarian, the necessary vaccination is carried out.

If the selected baby is emaciated and very thin, then you need to feed him extremely carefully. You should not give cow's milk, it is better to use special cat milk substitutes

If the poor thing can already eat solid food, then little by little wet food for kittens is given.

Very small kittens will have to be fed with special formulas

If the kitten has injuries (dog bites, paw dislocations, etc.), only a veterinarian can help. At the clinic, the bite sites will be treated and, if necessary, stitches will be placed, and the necessary medications (antibiotics) and wound treatment products will be prescribed. You will have to treat the wounds daily for several weeks, since bites usually take a long time to heal. A foundling that is limping and dragging its paw should be immediately shown to a veterinarian, who will correct the dislocation or perform the necessary surgical operation. Only after applying a fixing bandage can the pet be taken home for rehabilitation.

Geoffroy's cat - who is it?

Several centuries ago, zoologist Etienne Geoffroy was the first to become acquainted with a wild cat and describe it. When exactly this happened is unknown. However, the zoologist himself lived at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries, which means that Geoffroy’s cat became known around this period. Now the animal's population is approximately 50 thousand individuals. The cat is considered rare and is protected by the Washington Convention for the Protection of Nature. Before the new law came into force, about 5 thousand individuals of this species entered the market. The fur of Geoffroy cats was highly valued and was used in the production of fur coats. Today, any trade related to animals and products made from them is prohibited.

For many years the cat was considered a relative of the ocelot, and only recently has a different evolution of this species been confirmed. As a result, the animal began to belong to the genus of South American cats.

Geoffroy cat classification table

The rarest spotted cats

Leopard-colored cats are also among the new experimental breeds that have not yet found recognition.

Australian Smoke (Mist)

Breeder Labor Street from Sydney carried out enormous selection work, which involved simple and purebred cats - Abyssinian, Siamese, Burmese. Among the many colors, tabby is one of the most common.

Mist inherited excellent health from the barn cats, and extraordinary grace and dignity from the elite. Gets along well with any pet, is devoted to people, loves children, is active and energetic. Approved by a limited number of felinological organizations, it is not widely distributed.

California radiant

Despite its wild appearance, this is not a hybrid breed, but a mixture of many varieties of cats - British Shorthair, Manx, Siamese, Angora, Abyssinian.

Created by American screenwriter Paul Casey as a symbol of wild African cats, mercilessly destroyed by humans. Very smart, friendly, silent and undemanding pets are still very rare and are registered only in the TICA felinological system (USA).

There are eight colors - black, brown, blue, bronze, charkoal (smoky anthracite), red, gold and silver. Always tabby.

Ussuri cat

This natural breed was noticed relatively recently. Most likely, it came from crossing Amur and Siberian cats.

It has been registered as experimental since 1994, but so far its representatives are very rare in the world.

The main color is from golden to fawn, always tabby. A very independent, self-sufficient and proud pet has all the habits of a predator. Temperamentally, he is more like the latter. Doesn't get along well with other animals, is a loner by nature and an excellent hunter.

Soukok or Sokoke (Kenyan Forest Cat)

It is believed that the ancestors of this very rare breed are wild kazonzo and secondarily feral domestic cats.

Through the efforts of the English breeder Jenny Slator, the breed was approved in 1992 in Denmark.

These slender and lithe cats are small in size, but strong and muscular. The dense and short coat can be of different colors, but always tabby, usually merle.

Playful and very intelligent animals are quite willful and independent. At the same time, they get along well with both humans and other pets. Wonderful hunters.

Reproduction

Geoffroy is a cat that does not like company; she prefers, like any other representative of this species, to walk on her own. Only during the mating season do these beauties come together to procreate.

Cats mate in trees, after mating games the male leaves, and the female makes herself a “house” for childbirth. Geoffrey's lair can be made in a hollow tree, in a rock crevice, or simply in a thicket of bushes. A wild cat has up to two litters per year. There are cases when the litter dies, then after 7-8 days the female can again look for a mate for mating.

The female Geoffroy bears kittens for 70-80 days. There are 2-3 cubs in one litter. Babies grow and develop very quickly; already 14-18 days after birth, small predators begin to leave the den for walks.

Features of caring for domestic cats

A loving owner cares about the health of his pet. Spotted felines are active and curious, so they sometimes get injured. You need to carefully monitor their behavior and, if possible, prevent trouble.

All pets must be vaccinated against infections. This will protect your furry pets from many deadly diseases. In general, spotted cats do not require any specific care. They need to be cared for just like any other furry pet.

Grooming

Almost all spotted cats are short-haired, so brushing them once every 1-2 weeks is sufficient. Cats are very clean animals, so they only need to be washed if the pet gets dirty in something.

Cats keep their fur perfectly clean

Food for spotted cats

These animals are very active and spend a lot of energy, so they need a balanced, nutritious diet, like all other cats. It is advisable to feed them the best premium food that contains all the necessary nutrients.

Your cat's diet should be balanced

The spotted cat is a source of joy in the home. You can admire her endlessly. Motley beauties need care and love.

Cat breeds that look like tigers look very attractive and unusual. These days, such pets are no longer uncommon, but this was not always the case.

The American geneticist P. Casey was involved in crossing wild and domestic animals with a spotted coat. The result is that spotted cats have become suitable for living with humans.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

At night, Geoffroy's cat goes in search of food. Long, elastic, very sensitive whiskers help the animal navigate and hunt in the dark, and thanks to soft paw pads and retractable claws, the cat moves absolutely silently. Geoffroy's cat feeds mainly on small mammals and birds, but from time to time it also hunts frogs and lizards. If a cat lives near a pond, it often fishes.

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The cat waits for prey, sitting in ambush. This predator reveals its presence only when the prey can no longer escape. The cat moves deftly through trees, so prey only in some cases manages to escape its claws. Thanks to its protective coloring, this predator is completely invisible in the twilight against the background of branches and leaves. Geoffroy's cat has excellent hearing. With its help, she determines the location of the prey.

If a cat manages to catch a rodent on the ground, it kills it with one bite and immediately eats it. It tears large prey into pieces and only then swallows each piece separately. Unlike big cats, which often manage to catch prey weighing a third of their body weight (they feed on it for a week), Geoffroy's cat must go hunting sometimes twice a day in order to get enough food.

Lifestyle and character

Geoffroys are wild South American cats. They prefer to live alone. They only come into contact with their own kind during the mating season. These cats are not fans of climbing trees. They mark their territories and engage in fierce battles with strangers. Geoffroy hunts at night and sleeps during the day.

They feed on everything they can catch - rodents, insects, frogs, etc. The diet often includes hares, guinea pigs and birds. Geoffreys can even eat carrion. They hunt according to the standard pattern - tracking and sneaking up on the prey. Geoffroy is distinguished by one feature.

Sometimes, in order to look around, they stand up, like marmots, on their hind legs and lean on their tail. These cats are excellent swimmers. They are excellent fishermen, and are even able to evade pursuit in the water.

Reproduction

Geoffroy is a cat with a long breeding season - from October to March. Mating occurs in trees, rocky and inaccessible places. After a cat becomes pregnant, she leaves the male and chooses a place for a den.

This is done very carefully and with great care.

Kittens are born in late February - early May. Gestation period is from 72 to 78 days. Typically, only 1-2 kittens appear in a litter, very rarely 3-4 cubs. They are born blind and weigh no more than one hundred grams. At 2-3 weeks, kittens' eyes open. For the first three months of their life, they are fed with their mother's milk.

Solid foods are started after the sixth week. At 8 months, kittens are already quite independent. Some are just starting to hunt, while many are already leaving their mother and starting an independent life. Sexual maturity in males occurs after a year, in females - after 18 months. Life expectancy is up to 14 years.

Appearance

Geoffroy's cat is built very proportionally, looks graceful and elegant:

• The length of the body including the tail is no more than a meter.
• The male's body is 55 - 75 cm in length, the female's - 39 - 51 cm.
• The tail of animals is of medium length - 20 - 35 cm, thick, fluffy.
• The male weighs 3.5 - 6 kg, the female - 2.5 - 3 kg.
• The head is round in shape with an elongated muzzle.
• The eyes are large, swamp-colored, with vertical, lentil-like pupils.
• The nose has a wide bridge, pink with black edging around the periphery.
• The ears are rounded at the ends, erect, 4.5 - 5 cm high, with a white edge inside, black behind and with a white spot.
• The paws are the same length as those of an ordinary domestic cat, although somewhat more massive and with wider feet. Retractable claws.
• The whiskered predator, like any other South American cat, has a spotted color. The main color of the coat is gray or yellowish-brown. The coat is short, medium fluffy, soft. The spotted pattern consists of multiple black spots with a diameter of 1.5 - 2 cm and short stripes. The spots in the center of the back are located in pairs, on the sides and paws - in single elements. Black stripes on the muzzle in the forehead area are located vertically and horizontally near the eyes. From three to seven longitudinal stripes run along the back of the neck and the back of the head. Stripes are also visible on the legs and tail. The very tip of the tail is black. The belly and lower part of the neck are cream colored.

Breed standard

Cymrik is a medium or large cat (from 3.5 to 6 kg), recognized as a separate breed by the CFA and WCF organizations. Standard:

1. The cat's body is dense and rounded with a short back, a rounded sacrum, strong and slightly sunken sides, strong and muscular thighs.
2. The forelimbs are set wide apart and the bones are massive. The hind legs are longer than the front ones.
3. The back arches from the shoulders to the sacrum.
4. The paws are round and neat.
5. The head is large and round, the cheekbones protrude.
6. The neck is thick and the chin is strong. The nose is medium, graceful bridge.
7. The vibrissae pads are round in shape, with a clearly visible depression at the base of each vibrissae.
8. The ears are large and wide, slightly narrowing and pointed at the tips, set high on the head, and have tassels at the ends.
9. The coat is double, medium or long.
10. The undercoat is thick and soft.
11. The coat is very silky and shiny.
12. Many colors are allowed, as well as their combinations, for example, white and tabby. But chocolate, lilac and Siamese colors are not allowed by the standard, as well as their combinations with white.
13. The tail is completely absent, there is a depression at the end of the spine. A residual tail is a defect.
14. The eyes are large, round in shape and very expressive, located at an angle to the nose (the inner corner of the eye is slightly lower than the outer).

The main difference between the Kimra cat participating in exhibitions is the complete absence of a tail. The cat should be shaped like a hare, it has a short back, long hind legs, and its paws form a square with its body.

Cymrik can be any color except color point, lilac and chocolate

Types of tailings

In total, the Cymric has four types of tail:

• rampi - complete absence of a tail, in its place there is a small hole, such cats are the most valuable;
• riser - 1–3 vertebrae, a length of no more than 2 cm is considered acceptable, for a longer length the cat will be disqualified;
• Stumpy - tail from 4 to 13 vertebrae, can be twisted, broken or with knots;
• Longies are a common cat's tail, but slightly shorter than those of the tailed breeds.

Stumpy and Long cats do not participate in exhibitions, but are used in breeding.

Photo gallery: types of Cymric tailings

The rampie type involves the complete absence of a tail

The Stumpy's tail is very similar to that of the Bobtail.

The longi tail is not much shorter than a regular cat tail. The riser tail type is almost invisible under the fur.

Lifestyle in the natural environment

Geoffroy's cat is a nocturnal predator; it leads an active nocturnal lifestyle. Hunts in trees, on the ground and near water bodies. Prefers to sleep in trees.

The menu of these carnivorous beauties consists of rats, guinea pigs, birds, agouti, and reptiles. A cat can also happily feast on bird eggs, while destroying nests.

Geoffroy, like a simple cat, loves fish very much. Nature rewarded her with the ability to swim and fish perfectly. In South America they called it the fishing cat. If you are lucky enough to watch how she gets this delicacy from the water, and this is a very funny spectacle, then it is impossible to resist smiling.

Rules of conduct with Geoffroy's cat

From the first days, a small kitten must be taught to take food from hands. This will help your cat know that it is safe to be around you.

You should never play with your hand or foot with a predatory kitten. While he is small, this does not threaten you in any way, but an adult cat, trained by you to grab limbs, will cause you a lot of trouble - injuries will be inevitable. Use toys for this, thus protecting yourself and all family members.

Never yell at or hit a cat. If, for example, she climbed onto the dining table, then shoo her away with an air pump. Directing a stream of air at the prankster, say: “You can’t.” After several lessons, the cat will listen to this command.

These cats need to be fed mostly raw meat, of course. An adult cat requires 300-800 g of meat per day. Include chicken thighs, wings, and necks in your pet’s diet so that the cat can chew the bones. Her favorite delicacies are liver and heart, so it is recommended to pamper them with such dishes. Vitamins with calcium supplements must be added to the main food. Well, don’t forget that Geoffroy loves fish very much.

If the price for a Geoffroy kitten were not so high, then there would be much more of these beauties in private possessions. These wild cats are very beautiful!

Purchasing a Geoffroy kitten

You can try to buy a Geoffroy kitten in specialized nurseries, but they are very rare.

You should not buy a smuggled animal without a full set of documents; government authorities can simply seize the animal and fine the owner.

The cost of such an exotic pet is 7-10 thousand dollars.

Sometimes hybrid individuals are sold; girls are more valued here, so there is still some hope of getting offspring from them. Males of any offspring of interspecific crosses are sterile until at least the 4th-5th generation. In any case, do not forget about veterinary passports and certificates or pedigrees.

All animals should, like any pet, be regularly treated for worms and external parasites, and vaccinated against all known feline infections and rabies every year.

External description

One of the most graceful and graceful animals is Geoffroy's cat. The description of its external data is very similar to its domesticated counterparts. The length of the body with tail does not exceed one meter. Males grow from 55 to 75 centimeters in length, females from 39 to 51 cm. The tails are fluffy and very thick.

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Males weigh from 3.5 to 6 kilograms, females - from 2.5 to 3 kg. The head of the animal is rounded, the muzzle is extended forward. The eyes are marsh-colored, large, with vertical pupils. Geoffroys are distinguished by wide bridges of their noses, they are pink with black edging. The ears are erect, with rounded tips, black and white.

The paws are slightly wider and more massive than those of ordinary domestic cats. Geoffroy has a mottled yellowish or gray-brown color. The coat is soft, fluffy and short. Sometimes individuals are found only black or silver-gray.

Self-study criteria

You can determine the breed of a cat yourself

To do this, you need to pay attention to the external distinctive features and compare them with the characteristic features of certain breeds

- I'm so typical...

If, after lengthy examinations and manipulations, it was not possible to identify the variety, the pet can be shown to a professional breeder or veterinarian. As an alternative, you can chat with cat lovers on specialized forums by showing them a photo of your pet.

You can distinguish an ordinary cat from a purebred one by the following characteristics:

Color. The color and length of the coat, the degree of coloring and pattern are some of the determining factors indicating belonging to a particular breed. Many purebred cats are characterized by the following colors: color point, smoky, blue, cream.

Body type

Attention is paid not only to the size and structure of the body, but also to the length of the legs and tail, and the location of the ears. Head shape

Most purebred animals have an elongated and graceful head shape.

Head shape. Most purebred animals have an elongated and graceful head shape.

This sign indicates possible belonging to Siamese, Oriental, Bengal cats. If the pet's face is flattened, this indicates that it belongs to exotics, Pallas's cats or British cats.

Ear shape. Drop ears are found in Scottishfold animals. Curved forward - in Scottish shorthair cats. Ears turned in the opposite direction are a feature of American Curls.

Eye shape and iris color. Some breeds only have one eye color. For example, Siamese cats can only have blue eyes, while Nibelung cats can only have green eyes.

Animal paws. If the limbs seem too short compared to the body, this indicates that the dog is a Munchkin or Minskin. Thin and long paws are a feature of the Savannah, Asher and Abyssinian cats.

Tail. A tail that is too short or, conversely, long and fluffy, can indicate “blue blood.”

A fluffy tail is one of the characteristics of the breed

It is worth considering that it is impossible to determine the breed of a cat only by the color of the animal’s coat and physique, since some varieties have a similar color and body structure.

Among purebred cats, the most popular colors are:

1. Blue. It is characterized by a gray-blue tint, without spots, stripes or inclusions of other colors. This coloring is typical of the Russian Blue, Scottish, British Shorthair and Nibelung cats.
2. Siamese. It is characterized by a darker muzzle, ears, tail and paws. The fur coat on the body must be several tones lighter. This color is found in Thai, Himalayan, Balinese and Neva masquerade cats.
3. Sandy and creamy. One of the rarest colors, which is characteristic of the Abyssinian and Somali cats.
4. Chocolate. It is more common among the British and Scots.
5. Tabby (striped). This color indicates belonging to a particular breed only if it is symmetrical. The most popular breeds with this coat color are the British, Siberians, Kuril Bobtails and Scots.

To increase the chance of correctly identifying the breed by color, you must also take into account the length and thickness of the coat.

Symmetrical stripes also indicate thoroughbred

On a note! The easiest way to determine the breed of a kitten is to take a photo of it and use the “search by image” function on the Internet.

Description of Geoffroy's cat

Despite its standard size, Geoffroy's cat has its own characteristics of appearance. It is easy to distinguish it from other felines just by looking at the animal’s face.

External features

The cat is similar in size to its domestic relative. Its length is 45–75 cm, and its weight is 4–5 kg. The largest individuals live in Patagonia, and the smallest live on the Gran Chaco plain. The animal's eyes are large and low-set, which makes it look unusual. The cat's ears are rounded - this shape makes the face of the wild animal quite good-natured. The cat's strong and thick tail can reach 35 cm in length. It serves as a balancer for the animal, because the predator has to jump a lot and climb trees.

The animal's fur is quite short and soft, and its color is golden, with dark spots located throughout the body. However, it varies depending on the range of the animal:

• in the server areas it is a rich ocher;
• in the south - silver-gray tones.

Character

The character of Geoffroy's cat is as docile as possible for a wild animal. She prefers not to contact a person, avoiding his home. In general, this animal is not malicious, and even in adulthood it remains playful. At the same time, these cats are smart and funny - they are interesting to watch.

Habitat

The Geoffrey cat's range is quite large. This:

• Argentina;
• Bolivia (most of the animals);
• Brazil;
• Chile (the species is almost lost);
• Paraguay;
• Patagonia.

The most comfortable habitats for Geoffroy's cat are steppes and forest-steppes. However, the animal was also seen in the following places:

• pampas;
• alpine deserts;
• near the swamps;
• in the highlands;
• on steep stone cliffs 3 m high.

Geoffroy's cat is unpretentious to weather conditions

Once, an acquaintance of mine was on business in Bolivia. There he lived with one family. The husband and wife said that many local residents domesticate Geoffroy's cats, despite the fact that the government does not approve of this, because it is not known for what purpose the animals will be used. So, according to the people who sheltered my friend, Geoffroy’s adult cats are not tamed at all and try to hide from people. But one time it happened that the mother cat died (the reason for this is unknown). She was left with two cubs who were still breastfed. When their mother died, they came out of their shelter, and people saw them and came out. As a result, the kittens got used to living in captivity. They behaved quite peacefully with their new owners. It turns out that these animals can adapt to living in captivity. This means that their population will remain for many, many years.

Video: Geoffroy in his natural habitat

Nutrition

The basis of the diet of Geoffroy cats is:

• small rodents;
• small birds;
• insects;
• fish.

These animals love to hunt. They can do this for future use by storing up prey. In addition, Geoffroy's cats are excellent fishermen and can swim well. Animals bury excess food and then mark the hiding places. The cat grabs its prey with its claws, not letting go of the prey after catching.

Sometimes a cat considers animals larger than it in size as prey. Snakes, whose meat she loves to feast on, are also dangerous rivals for her.

Reproduction

The mating season in Geoffroy cats does not have a specific time of year - it occurs at the moment when the female begins to heat. A cat and a cat mate repeatedly, spending a lot of time together. During this period, animals perform loud serenades. The reproduction process itself takes place on trees. After mating, the male leaves his companion, who begins to prepare for motherhood.

Gestation of kittens takes about two months. All this time, the female is arranging housing for the “babies”. It may be located:

• in the rock of a cave;
• in the hollow of a tree;
• in a dense thicket of bushes.

A female Geoffroy usually gives birth to 2-3 “babies”

Typically, a mother cat gives birth to 2–3 kittens. The weight of each of them is no more than 100 g. Up to three months, the kittens feed on their mother’s milk, but from the age of one month the female “introduces complementary foods” to them, regurgitating semi-digested meat. The independent life of “babies” begins at 7 months. Females become sexually mature at 1.5 years, and males at 2 years.

Geoffroy's cats are prone to hybridization - in captivity and in the wild they mate with ocelots. Recently, felinologists have obtained a hybrid of Geoffroy with a domestic cat.

Character of outbred cats

Outbred cats, both domestic and outdoor, can have very different personalities. If you can expect some (very conditional) predictability of character and behavior from purebred pets, then nothing concrete and definite can be expected from their brothers who are deprived of regalia and titles.

Street mongrel kittens can have different personalities

A little sufferer picked up on the street will spend the rest of his life faithfully looking into the eyes of the owner who sometimes saved him from imminent death and following on his heels. And at the same time, a mouse cat donated by a neighbor in the country will behave completely aristocratically and independently, appearing in the house only when the population of rodents in the neighboring areas does not allow him to get enough. Some wild individuals just shy away from humans, despite all the affection and care they show. But still, for the most part, outbred cats are sweet and docile, they love to cuddle and purr. Their playfulness and restlessness make them excellent companions.

Mongrel cats are excellent at catching mice

It is extremely rare for such animals to show aggression, vindictiveness or malice, which is often observed in spoiled and pampered purebred cats. Many cat lovers prefer to keep non-pedigreed pets at home because of their simplicity, docileness and unpretentiousness. The plebeians of the cat world understand much more quickly the boundaries of what is permitted and are afraid to violate them unless absolutely necessary.

Outbred cats are distinguished by their intelligence and intelligence

Unborn cats are loyal to other inhabitants of the house and get along with them easily, although sometimes not without conflicts. The arrival of people they do not know is often perceived with caution, since they are prudently wary of everything unknown and incomprehensible. But they won’t sit in a corner or under the sofa for a long time, having realized that there is no threat, they will definitely come out to get acquainted.

Yuri Kuklachev works more with outbred cats

Our deaf cat, picked up under the fence, faithfully and faithfully tried to serve all the inhabitants of the house. Not only did he patiently and resignedly endure all the children's squeezing and tail-pulling, but in his free time from these amusements he caught mice. Considering his deafness, these actions can be equated to a feat.

Reproduction

The female's estrus repeats every twenty days and lasts from two to six days. The mating system of this species is unknown. However, the home ranges of adult males overlap with several mature females, but do not overlap between males. This, combined with the larger size of the males, indicates some level of competition between males, and therefore polygyny.

The breeding season for cats occurs from December to May. Females can produce one litter per year, with one to four young. Geoffreys often mate in trees.

In females, the gestational period (pregnancy) lasts 67-78 days. Cubs are born in dens, rock crevices, and sometimes even in secluded corners of trees. Kittens weigh 65-123 g at birth. They are born blind, but open their eyes within 8-12 days. Geoffroy cat cubs develop quickly. They stand on their paws in four days, begin to walk at two to three weeks, and already at six weeks, the kittens are fearless climbers. These cats are weaned from their mother's milk at 8-10 weeks, and at eight months they become completely independent from their mother. Puberty occurs between 14 and 24 months of age.

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