Have you ever heard of the Ceylon cat breed? If not, you’re not alone. This rare and exotic breed is one of the best-kept secrets in the cat world. Originating from the island of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, these cats have a unique appearance and personality that make them stand out from the crowd. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Ceylon cat breed, from its history and origin to its size, personality, coat, grooming, health, and care. Whether you’re looking for a new feline friend or just curious about this fascinating breed, read on to discover what makes the Ceylon such a special cat.
History of the Ceylon Cat
The Ceylon cat breed traces its roots back to Sri Lanka, a tropical island in southeast Asia. The native cats of Sri Lanka have a distinctive tabby pattern on their heads, necks, legs, and tails that caught the eye of an Italian veterinarian named Paolo Pellegatta in 1984. He was so impressed by these cats that he brought six of them back to his home in Milan, Italy, where he started a breeding program. He named the breed after the former name of Sri Lanka, Ceylon.
In 1988, he founded the Club de Amigos del Gatto di Celylon (Friends of the Ceylon Cat Club), and in 1993, he received experimental recognition for the breed from The International Cat Association (TICA). However, the breed remains quite rare and unknown outside of Italy and France, where most of the existing Ceylon cats live today.
Size
The Ceylon cat is a medium-sized cat with a semi-cobby body type. This means that they have a compact and robust body with a round and wide head. They have fine bones but powerful muscles. Their tail is thin and tapers to a point. Their front legs are slightly shorter than their hind legs, which gives them a unique posture. The average height of a Ceylon cat is 10 to 14 inches, and the average weight is 6.6 to 13 pounds. Females are usually smaller than males. The Ceylon cat reaches its adult size around one year of age.
Personality
The Ceylon cat has a personality that matches its exotic origin. They are active, intelligent, affectionate, and playful cats that love to explore and interact with their surroundings. They are not shy or timid but rather curious and confident. They enjoy being around people and other animals and can adapt well to different homes and lifestyles. They are especially good with children who can keep up with their energy and enthusiasm.
The Ceylon cat is not a lap cat but rather a companion cat that likes to be near you and participate in whatever you’re doing. They are also very vocal and will communicate with you through various sounds and gestures. One of their most distinctive traits is their love for coconut pulp, which is a delicacy in their native land. If you want to make your Ceylon cat happy, offer them some coconut pulp as a treat or mix it with their food.
Coat Appearance
The Ceylon cat has a short, fine, and silky coat that hugs their body tightly. They have very little undercoat and shed minimally. Their coat comes in various colors such as ash, gold, black, red, or tortoise. However, what makes their coat unique is their tabby pattern that appears on certain areas such as their forehead, tail, legs, and back. The tip of their tail is also slightly darker than the rest of their fur. Their ears are large and rounded at the tips and are lighter in color than their body. Their eyes are almond-shaped and match the color of their coat, usually green or yellow.
Grooming
The Ceylon cat does not require much grooming as their coat is naturally clean and shiny. However, it is recommended to brush them once a week to remove any loose hair and dirt and to distribute their natural oils evenly. This will also help prevent hairballs and keep their skin healthy. Bathing is not necessary unless they get very dirty or have a medical condition that requires it.
Other grooming needs include trimming their nails every two weeks or as needed, cleaning their ears once a week or as needed with a cotton ball moistened with water or ear cleaner (never use cotton swabs), and brushing their teeth daily or at least weekly with a vet-approved toothpaste (never use human toothpaste).
Common Health Issues
The Ceylon cat is a strong and healthy breed that does not have any known hereditary diseases or specific health problems. However, like any cat, they can be susceptible to common feline ailments such as parasites, infections, allergies, dental issues, or obesity. Therefore, it is important to provide them with preventive care such as regular vet visits, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. These measures will help ensure their well-being and longevity.
Diet and Nutrition
Ceylon cats have a moderate to high activity level and need a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and supports their metabolism. They should be fed high-quality cat food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. The amount and frequency of feeding will depend on their individual factors and can be discussed with the vet. They should also have access to fresh water at all times. Treats can be given occasionally but should not exceed 10% of their daily calorie intake. Coconut pulp can be a great treat for them as long as it is given in moderation and does not cause any digestive issues.
Exercise
The Ceylon cat also needs adequate exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are very playful and curious cats that enjoy a variety of toys, games, and puzzles that challenge their physical and mental abilities. They also like to climb, jump, and explore their environment, so they will appreciate having access to cat trees, scratching posts, shelves, windowsills, or other elevated places where they can perch and observe. They also enjoy interactive play with their owners or other pets and will appreciate having some quality time with them every day.
Where to Buy a Ceylon Cat
If you are interested in buying a Ceylon cat, you will need to do some research and find a reputable breeder that specializes in this rare breed. You can start by contacting the Club de Amigos del Gatto di Celylon or The International Cat Association (TICA) for referrals or recommendations. Most likely, you will be hard-pressed to find any outside of Italy and possibly France, as this is an extremely rare breed.
Conclusion
The Ceylon cat is a rare and exotic breed that has a lot to offer to anyone looking for a loyal, playful, intelligent, and affectionate companion. They have a unique appearance and personality that make them stand out from the crowd. They are adaptable to different homes and lifestyles and get along well with children and other pets. They are easy to groom and care for and have few health issues. However, they are not very common or easy to find outside of Italy or France, where most of them live today. If you are interested in buying a Ceylon cat kitten, you will need to do some research and find a reputable breeder that specializes in this breed.
We hope you enjoyed this article about the Ceylon cat breed profile. If you have any questions or comments about this breed, or if you own one yourself, please feel free to share them with us below. We would love to hear from you!
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FAQ
Q: Where does the Ceylon cat breed come from?
A: The Ceylon cat breed originates from Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, where they have a distinctive tabby pattern on their heads, necks, legs, and tails.
Q: How big is the Ceylon cat breed?
A: The Ceylon cat breed is a medium-sized cat with a semi-cobby body type. They have a height of 10 to 14 inches and a weight of 6.6 to 13 pounds.
Q: What is the personality of the Ceylon cat breed?
A: The Ceylon cat breed is an active, intelligent, affectionate, and playful cat that loves to explore and interact with its surroundings. They are sociable, confident, vocal, and adaptable cats that get along well with children and other pets.
Q: How do I groom and care for the Ceylon cat breed?
A: The Ceylon cat breed has a short, fine, and silky coat that sheds minimally and requires little grooming. You should brush them once a week to remove any loose hair and dirt and keep their skin healthy. You should also trim their nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth regularly. You should also provide them with a balanced diet, adequate exercise, and mental stimulation.
Q: Are Ceylon cats rare?
A: The Ceylon cat breed is very rare and hard to find outside of Italy and France, where most of them live today. You will need to do some research and find a reputable breeder that specializes in this breed.
