Tibetan
The Tibetan Cat is a successful cross between a Balinese (a semi-longhaired) and Burmese. It is a medium-sized cat and is new to Britain. Though this breed is rather young, it is already a recognised breed in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, South Africa, and just a few years ago in North America. However, Tibetan cat breeding is mainly concentrated in Europe. In the UK, the Tibetan cat is still slowly being introduced. Currently, a small group of Tibetan cat breeders are working to have the breed recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and The International Cat Association (TICA). Considering how its breed parents were successfully recognised, there is also a good chance that the Tibetan cats would be fully registered in the future. Naturally curious and playful, the Tibetan Cat loves to explore. It may be a bit of a challenge to keep it indoors. Some people consider it the long-haired version of the Tonkinese Cat, which is a Siamese and Burmese cross.
History Appearance and Grooming Temperament and Intelligence Nutrition and Feeding Health and Exercise Cost of Ownership Breed Highlights

Tibetan Breed Pictures

Vital Breed Stats

Weight: 3 - 5 kg M | 3 - 5 kg F
Life Expectancy: 9 - 12 years

Breed Characteristics

Size: 5
Grooming: 4
Trainability: 3
Good with Children: 4
Good with other pets: 4
Affectionate: 4
Active Level: 4
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More About the Breed

history

History

The Tibetan Cat was bred in the Netherlands by its first breeder Agnes Driessen in 1992. It is developed in Agnes’ cattery Anshira Waya from a cross between Balinese and Burmese cats. The crossing ventured to the Balinese and the Tonkinese which justifies the semi-longhaired Tonkinese-looking Tibetan cat. The original Balinese, Burmese, and Tonkinese are the only pedigrees permitted at the moment. However, there are also attempts in crossing it with other breeds such as Tiffanie/Burmese.

This feline may be a new breed but it already gained recognition from the Dutch Cat Breeders Association (the Dutch equivalent of the GCCF) in 1997. Once the Tibetan Cat becomes recognised by the GCCF, a breeding policy would then be set.

appearance_and_grooming

Appearance and Grooming

The Tibetan Cat and the Tonkinese cat are at times called “twins” with only the coat length and the Tibetan’s bushy tail as their difference. The Tibetan Cat has a sturdy built with well-developed muscles. As such, it is heavier than it looks. It is a medium length cat with slender legs and bushy tail. The very soft, silky and flowing coat gives the Tibetan Cat an elegant look. The Tibetan Cat has three basic coat markings with corresponding eye colours:
  • Mink From the blend of both the Balinese and the Burmese coat patterns with blue-green or aquamarine eyes.
  • Pointed pattern has a pale coat and coloured ears on the “points”, face, tail and legs. The eyes are blue like the Balinese.
  • Sepia Tibetan cats have a solid colour with a slight colour distinction between the coat and the points. Eyes are chartreuse or amber.
Despite having lush coats, it sheds just a little and has less chances of tangled hair because of the absence of an undercoat. It only needs a good brushing once or twice a week. It is best to introduce regular hygiene while it is still a kitten to get this independent cat accustomed to the routine.
temperament_and_intelligence

Temperament and Intelligence

The Tibetan Cat is an extrovert breed just like the Tonkinese. It is sociable, friendly, spontaneous, and communicative. It likes walking in front of your feet and lying on top of books.

The Tibetan Cat is best to be kept indoors. It needs company and plenty of toys to be kept entertained. It also loves to explore; therefore, walking around the entire house is to be expected. The cabinets and the forbidden areas are its favourites.

nutrition_and_feeding

Nutrition and Feeding

The Tibetan Cat should be provided with a diet according to its nutritional needs. It should be consistently given the same food following the same feeding schedule. If there are changes to its diet, those must be done gradually to prevent digestive problems. To avoid stomach upset, do not give it cow’s milk. Instead, a bowl of water should always be available.

The serving portions should depend on the cat’s weight, age, and activity level. Its diet must include at least 25% protein and just 5% carbohydrates.

health_and_exercise

Health and Exercise

As an indoor cat, its life expectancy ranges from 13 to 17 years. It does not have known breed-related health problems. Much like the other cats, it needs annual vaccination boosters against common feline diseases.

Further, ensure that this feline gets enough exercise and its diet managed well to prevent it from becoming overweight. Being an intelligent breed, it should be provided with toys and activities that will also challenge its mental abilities.

cost_of_ownership

Cost of Ownership

A Tibetan Cat for sale is hard to find in the UK because it is currently a breed under development. Food costs may range from £15-£20 each month. For vaccinations, boosters, annual checks and other veterinary costs, pet care costs may add up to more than £500 each year.

As this breed is uncommon in the UK, the monthly costs largely depend on the area and the needs of the said feline.

Tibetan Breed Highlights

  • This cat loves to communicate and take part in your daily activities.
  • The Tibetan is an extrovert and is friendly to other cats.
  • It does not like to be left alone.
  • It is best to be kept indoors and provided with plenty of toys as it is playful.
  • It does not have an undercoat, hence, it sheds lightly so less grooming is needed.
 

 

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