Cats were among the first animals domesticated by humans. These graceful pets have lived alongside us for nearly 9,500 years. Some breeds have survived from ancient times to the present day. We'll tell you about breeds with centuries-old histories.
Turkish Angora
According to one theory, the breed's ancestor was the wild forest Pallas's cat, which inhabited the Ottoman Empire during the Middle Ages. Another theory holds that the breed descended from the Libyan steppe cat, native to Africa and the Middle East. The exact origin is difficult to determine, as the Angora cat originated several millennia ago. What is known for certain is that the cats were bred in the Turkish city of Angora, hence the breed's name.
The Turkish Angora has always been favored by aristocrats and rulers. These long-haired white cats attracted attention with their charm and extraordinary grace. In ancient times, those with different colored eyes were especially prized. Such pets were believed to bring wealth and prosperity to the home.
Persian cat
Persian cats are such an ancient breed that it is no longer possible to determine their exact origin. Their roots go back to ancient Persia, now part of Iran. It was from there that the explorer Pietro della Valle brought several Persian cats to Italy in 1622. The breed received official recognition in the 19th century in England. This country is considered the Persians' second homeland. It was here that painstaking breeding work began to improve the breed and develop new varieties.
From Europe, the Persian cat made its way to America, where work continued to refine and diversify its appearance. It was in the United States that the Exotic Shorthair variety of Persians was first developed.
Persian longhaired beauties only appeared in Russia at the end of the 20th century. These stunningly beautiful animals with their unusually shaped noses were brought to us by diplomats from Europe in the 1980s.
The Persian breed is distinguished by its snub nose and large, expressive eyes. Originally, only blue Persians were recognized. Currently, there are about a hundred varieties of the breed, differing in coat length, color, and body structure.
Siberian cat
The Siberian cat breed has ancient origins. These animals were developed in our country. The breed's ancestors are wild steppe cats that were crossed with domestic cats brought from other countries. The exact date of the appearance of these long-haired beauties is unknown. However, it is believed that all cats described in Russian folk tales are representatives of the Siberian type.
The breed's main characteristic is its thick, wiry coat with a double undercoat. These dogs are very strong and hardy, and they are also excellent hunters. Due to their luxurious appearance, Siberians were highly prized by noble families.
Although Siberian cats have lived alongside humans for several centuries, the International Standard for the breed was only registered in 1991. Today, the breed is widespread not only in Russia but throughout the world.
Siamese cats
The Siamese cat's homeland is considered to be what is now Thailand. In ancient times, this country was called Siam. It was here, several centuries ago, that these extraordinary cats with their striking coloring first appeared.
Siamese cats were long considered sacred animals, and exporting them outside the country was strictly prohibited. The breed was held in high esteem and protected by law. These blue-eyed beauties only appeared in Europe in the 19th century. The first Siamese were brought to England by Anne Crawford, the widow of a British officer. She served as a governess to the children of the King of Siam, and it was there that she first saw Siamese cats, which captivated her. Returning home after completing her service, Anne took several Siamese cats with her. The Siamese breed quickly became incredibly popular. In 1901, the Siamese Cat Club was founded in Britain, and in 1902, breed standards were first described and adopted.
Today, Siamese cats are prized worldwide for their striking appearance and excellent character. This ancient breed is currently one of the few that has retained its original appearance. The appearance of the modern Siamese cat almost completely matches descriptions of the Siamese from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Cats are very mysterious creatures, surrounded by many myths and legends. These pets combine affection for humans with a freedom-loving, independent nature inherited from their wild ancestors. Despite the centuries-old friendship between cats and humans, felines still harbor many mysteries.
