A Word About Pronouns

      Many cat lovers feel that the pronoun “it” is not appropriate when referring to a beloved pet. For this reason, cats are referred to as “he” throughout this book unless the topic specifically relates to female cats. No gender bias is intended by this writing style.

      ©Copyright 2010, 2000 by Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.

      All rights reserved.

      No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner.

       All inquiries should be addressed to:

      Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.

      250 Wireless Boulevard

      Hauppauge, New York 11788

       www.barronseduc.com

      ISBN-13: 978-0-7641-4317-5

      ISBN-10: 0-7641-4317-4

       Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 2010923194

       About the Author

      Karen Leigh Davis has a background in journalism and business writing. She has written a pet care column and numerous books and feature articles on cats and other companion animals for national and regional magazines and newspapers. As a freelance writer with more than 25 years of experience, she has conducted extensive research on animal-related topics with veterinarians, breeders, and other experts. Davis comes from a cat-loving family and has a lifetime of experience living in the company of cats. A former breeder and cat show exhibitor, she finds all felines, purebred or mixed, domestic or wild, irresistibly charming and beautiful. She lives in Roanoke, Virginia, with four cats.

       Photo Credits

      Joan Balzarini: pages 23, 35, 38, 43, 46, 47, 49, 66, 77, 78, 80, 81, 90, 96, 103, 104, 107, 109, 111, 124, 129, 137, 161, 165, 183; Norvia Behling: pages 19, 39, 126, 172, 175, 190; Seth Casteel: pages 65, 95, 117, 149, 153, 186, 187; Kent Dannen: pages 14, 27, 48, 50, 52, 97, 99, 100, 115, 151; Shirley Fernandez: pages 61, 174; Isabelle Francais: pages 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 18, 24, 28, 30, 31, 41, 44, 51, 53, 54, 56, 59, 63, 67, 68, 73, 75, 83, 85, 86, 89, 92, 114, 118, 121, 122, 125, 128, 136, 139, 140, 143, 145, 146, 148, 156, 170, 171, 177, 179, 180, 184; Daniel Johnson: page 158; Paulette Johnson: pages 17, 57, 108, 130 131, 132, 134, 135, 155, 159, 163, 167, 173, 188, 189; Connie Summers: pages 32, 34, 42, 169.

       Cover Photos

      Shutterstock: front cover, back cover, inside front cover, inside back cover.

       Important Note

      When you handle cats, you may sometimes get scratched or bitten. If this happens, have a doctor treat the injuries immediately.

      Make sure your cat receives all the necessary shots and dewormings; otherwise serious danger to the animal and to human health may arise. A few diseases and parasites can be communicated to humans. If your cat shows any signs of illness, you should definitely consult a veterinarian. If you are worried about your own health, see your doctor and tell him or her that you have cats.

      Some people have allergic reactions to cats. If you think you might be allergic, see your doctor before you get a cat.

      It is possible for a cat to cause damage to someone else’s property and even to cause accidents. For your own protection you should make sure your insurance covers such eventualities, and you should definitely have liability insurance.

       Contents

       Preface

      1. A Brief History of Cats and Cat Breeds

       Where Cats Came From

       Coming to America

       How the Cat Fancy Began

       How Cat Breeds Get Recognized

       The Breeds

       Long-and Shorthaired Cats

       Mutations

       Colors and Patterns

      2. Acquiring a Cat

       What to Consider First

       Lifestyle Considerations

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