The Asian Cat Traits: What Makes This Breed Stand Out?
The Asian Cat breed is known for being an easygoing and affectionate companion, making it a perfect addition to any home. These cats are not only beautiful but also thrive on human interaction.
The Asian cat is a medium-sized breed with a sleek, long, and lean build. Male Asian cats tend to be more solid and muscular, while females are often described as more delicate and dainty. With a moderate wedge-shaped head, medium-sized ears, and large expressive eyes, the Asian cat has a striking appearance. Their short, fine coat lies close to the skin, creating a beautiful, almost watercolor-like effect, especially in solid colors. The coat can also feature tabby patterns or white markings, adding to the breed's unique charm.
Quick facts
Life Span |
How long do Asian Cats live? 15 years. |
Average Weight |
3.5kg - 5.5kg |
Colours |
Asian cat coats come in a diverse array of colors and patterns. |
Essential Information
- Ideal for first-time cat owners.
- Requires high levels of enrichment.
- Likes simulated hunting games like Flying Bird Cat Toy.
- Also Interactive Cat Toys.
- Playful and curious by nature.
- Independent yet friendly.
- Asian cats are moderately vocal.
- Lean and elegant build.
- Needs weekly grooming.
- Benefits from being both indoor cat and outdoor spaces.
- Asian cats make excellent family pet
- Can be left alone for extended periods
- Perfect for a relaxed home environment
- Highly adaptable to different living environments
- Intelligent and easily trainable
Asian Cat Breed Health
The Asian cat breed may be susceptible to several health conditions:
- Hypokalemia: A condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, leading to weakness.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease: An inherited disorder where cysts form in the kidneys, affecting their function and potentially leading to kidney failure. It's important to note that the risk for this disease in Asian cats is lower compared to other cat breeds prone to this condition.
- Burmese Head Defect: A condition where the face and skull do not develop correctly.
Testing available:
- DNA testing for hypokalemia, polycystic kidney disease, and Burmese head defect to determine whether a cat has the potential to be affected by these conditions.
Personality of the Asian Cat.
Outgoing, friendly, and lively, the Asian cat breed is very much a 'people' cat. The Asian cat gets along well with other cats and household pets if raised together. This breed Asian cats are entertaining to play with and are talkative without being too loud, often chatting with owners when spoken to directly. They have medium-length coats that come in various colors, including blue and chocolate. In a calm or relaxed environment, they are easy-going companions. However, they are sensitive to stress, and in multi-cat households, this can lead to behavior problems such as fighting, marking, and inappropriate toileting.
Breed Rating
Family Friendly |
5/5 |
Playfulness |
3/5 |
Intelligence |
4/5 |
Likes Other Pets |
4/5 |
Grooming Needs |
3/5 |
Shedding |
2/5 |
History and Origins
The Asian cat is the result of an accidental mating between a Lilac-colored Burmese queen and a Chinchilla cross Persian male in the UK in the early 1980s. The resulting kittens were so attractive that it was decided to develop this crossing into a new breed in its own right. Effectively, the Asian cat has the body type of a Burmese but with a coat that comes in various colors and both short hair (Asian) and semi-long hair (Tiffanie) varieties. By 2003, all varieties of the Asian cat received GCCF Championship status.
Outdoors or Indoors
The Asian cat will enjoy having access to outdoor space, but its fine coat is not well-suited to wet, cold, or windy weather. Providing a secure and sheltered cat run with free access to the main house will be greatly appreciated by the Asian cat . However, this breed should not be given unsupervised outdoor access, as the Asian cat 's curious and bold nature can lead to trouble, and they are at a higher risk of theft due to their striking appearance.
Enrichment and Special Requirements
Easily entertained and enjoying play and interaction with their owners, the Asian cat breed will delight in playing games with 'things on strings,' balls, and cat toys that can be fetched and carried. They also enjoy climbing cat-trees and generally helping to supervise human activity. Providing them with food dispensing toys that help recreate hunting and prey capture behaviors can enrich their daily routine.
Nutrition and Feeding
While every Asian cat is unique, each has its own particular likes, dislikes, and nutritional needs. However, cats are carnivores and must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients varies depending on age, lifestyle, and overall health. Therefore, it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in its diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations include feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preferences regarding wet or dry food recipes.
Find out more about cat nutrition with our article.
Grooming Asian Cat
Groom your Asian cat's coat once a week as an opportunity to bond and maintain healthy skin, as this breed is not prone to matting or tangling. A greasy coat may indicate that your cat is not self-grooming adequately, which could signal poor health.
As with all cats, it's important to ensure regular vaccination and parasite control.
Family Life Compatibility
The Asian cat can make an excellent addition to your family, particularly in households with children who are old enough to respect a cat’s space and handle them sensitively. These cats thrive best in environments where people are present for most of the day, ideally in quiet or relaxed homes with minimal hustle and bustle.
Consider dedicating time each day to play and interact with your Asian cat to ensure they receive the exercise and mental stimulation they need. Providing them with attention and companionship will not only strengthen your bond but also contribute to their overall well-being and happiness. With proper care and attention, the Asian cat can become a cherished member of your family for years to come.
FAQ
Where can i find an Asian Leopard Cat for sale?
You typically cannot find Asian Leopard Cats (ALCs) for sale as they are wild animals protected in many countries. However, Bengal cats, which are domestic breeds descended from ALCs, can be found through reputable Bengal breeders, rescue organizations, and online marketplaces.
What cat breeds are related to Asian cats?
Asian cats are closely related to the Burmese breed, as they were initially developed from Burmese cats. Additionally, Persians, Chinchillas, and Abyssinians contributed to the breed, influencing the variety of coat colors and patterns seen in Asian cats today. These breeds helped shape the Asian cat's distinct appearance and temperament, making it a versatile and elegant breed.
What are the best Asian Cat names?
- Miko - Japanese for "shrine maiden"
- Kai - Japanese for "ocean" or "shell"
- Mei - Chinese for "beautiful"
- Jiro - Japanese for "second son"
- Sakura - Japanese for "cherry blossom"
- Aiko - Japanese for "beloved child"
- Hoshi - Japanese for "star"
- Yuki - Japanese for "snow"
- Luna - Latin name meaning "moon," but often associated with Asian culture
- Suki - Japanese for "beloved
Why are Asian cats just cuter ?
Asian cats are often seen as cuter due to their unique physical traits, such as large, expressive eyes, sleek bodies, and graceful postures, which align with popular aesthetics of cuteness. Breeds like the Siamese, Burmese, and Japanese Bobtail are known for their elegant and refined appearances, making them visually appealing. Additionally, cultural factors and the popularity of these breeds in media and art contribute to the perception of their charm and cuteness.
What do Asian cats look like?
Asian cats typically have a sleek, elegant appearance with a medium build, often featuring a graceful and balanced body. Their eyes are usually large and almond-shaped, giving them an expressive, alert look. The coat of an Asian cat is short and smooth, with a glossy texture, and can come in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid to tabby. They have a rounded head, with well-proportioned ears, and their overall appearance exudes both refinement and athleticism. Their unique blend of beauty and poise makes them stand out among cat breeds.
How can I find a reputable breeder for an Asian cat?
Asian cats are known for their affectionate, playful, and friendly temperament. They enjoy human interaction and often form strong bonds with their owners, making them loyal companions. While they are social and love attention, they are also independent enough to entertain themselves, making them well-suited for various home environments. Asian cats are intelligent, curious, and enjoy mental stimulation through interactive play or puzzle feeders. Their balanced nature of being both energetic and gentle makes them great pets for families, as well as for first-time cat owners.
What is the temperament of Asian cats?
Look for breeders registered with respected cat associations like TICA or CFA, who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards.
What are some popular myths about Asian cats?
Myths include misconceptions about Siamese cats being overly vocal (they communicate effectively) or Bengals being aggressive (they are typically friendly and playful).
Are Asian leopard cats and Bengal cats the same?
Asian Leopard Cats and Bengal cats are not the same, but they are closely related. The Bengal cat is a domestic breed created by crossing the wild Asian Leopard Cat with domestic cats, such as Egyptian Mau or Abyssinians, to combine the wild cat’s exotic appearance with a more domesticated temperament. Asian Leopard Cats are wild, small, and native to parts of Asia, with a shy and independent nature not suitable for typical domestic life. In contrast, Bengal cats inherit the leopard-like coat patterns but have a friendly, playful personality ideal for domestic environments.