Cat Fanciers’ Association Welcomes New Breeds
February 7, 2018
The Cat Fanciers’ Association expanded its list of registered breeds effective May 1, welcoming one new breed to Championship status, and two new breeds into Miscellaneous status.
The Bengal is a medium to large domestic cat most renowned for its richly colored, highly contrasted coat of vivid spots or distinctive marbling. The Bengal is the only domestic cat breed that can have rosettes like the markings on Leopards, Jaguars and Ocelots. They have been competing in the Miscellaneous class since 2016, and have been promoted to full Championship status, starting with the new show season on May 1. This change will allow the Bengals to compete against all the other recognized breeds for titles and year-end awards.
In addition, 2 new breeds were accepted for competition in the Miscellaneous class, beginning with the new show season on May 1. The Miscellaneous class is the starting point for breed recognition with CFA, and puts the breed on exhibition at the shows, allowing the judging panel a chance to examine the cats and discuss the proposed breed standard.
Considered a national treasure, the Khao Manee is an ancient breed originating from Thailand. It is referenced in “the Cat Book of Poems” written at least 700 years ago. The Khao Manee is a pure, glistening white cat with luminous, vibrant eye color. The jewel-like eyes can be any shade of blue, green, gold or odd. Mosaic eyes, while rare, are accepted. Built for hot weather, the Khao Manee is a lithe, muscular, athletic cat, but never bulky. They are devoted to their owners and are curious, intelligent cats. The “White Gem” cat is thought to bring good luck to those lucky enough to have one.
The Lykoi, which in greek, roughly translates to “wolf”, is a breed derived from a naturally occurring mutation found in the feral cat population. The Lykoi is a partially hairless breed of cat with a roan coat that is unique to them. The physical impression of the Lykoi is a striking cat with a mythical, werewolf-like appearance.
They have large, bright, walnut-shaped eyes and distinct partial hairlessness around the eyes, nose, muzzle and chin. The Lykoi coat is rough in appearance, but soft and silky to the touch. The high and erect ears, sitting atop a triangular head with rounded contours, paint an accurate picture of a very curious and inquisitive cat. The Lykoi, a very active cat, prefers hunting over cuddling, yet insists on human attention and interaction.
The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc.™
The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc., a not-for-profit association of member clubs and the world’s most influential registry of pedigreed cats has been preserving, celebrating and protecting cats since 1906. CFA’s mission is to preserve and promote the pedigreed breeds of cats and to enhance the well-being of ALL cats. CFA promotes education, responsible cat ownership and proper care to the owners of millions of cats worldwide. CFA and its affiliate clubs work nationally with local shelters to help humanely reduce homeless and feral cat populations and to encourage voluntary neuter/spay of pet cats. To learn more about the Cat Fanciers’ Association or to find the nearest CFA cat show, visit https://www.cfa.org.
