Group II Cats: Classification Of Breeds According To FIFe
The International Feline Federation (FIFe) is in charge of identifying and grouping these animals according to their characteristics. In the following article, we will tell you which cats are in group II in the FIFe classification. Don’t miss it!
What are group II cats?
In all, there are 9 races that belong to this group, of which we can highlight:
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American Curl
FIFe separates them between long and short hairs. The differences between them only have to do with the coat. So we’ll put them together. One of the main characteristics of the American Curl is the shape of its ears, as they are folded back. The cartilaginous tissue is very fragile, and a peculiarity is that puppies are born with straight ears, but after 10 days, they “deform”.
It is a medium-sized cat, with a strong build and almost no genetic defect that might be common in purebred felines. The tail is as long as the body, and can weigh up to 5 kg. The eyes are yellow or green, and well apart.
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LaPerm
They are also divided between long-haired and short-haired cats. Perm refers to “permanent” (hair). It is of North American origin and has a curly coat, which is why it takes its name. Curls are most visible at the base of the ears, throat and belly. The mantle is of different colors and patterns.
This group II cat breed is very affectionate and does not relate to almost any other, with the exception of the Rex. With an elegant and athletic composition, it is very active, extroverted, and does not cause allergies like other pussies. The creators of LaPerm are from Oregon, United States, and the first copy was called “Curly”. Their offspring is very similar to our first one, the difference is in the color and length of the hair.
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Maine Coon
It also originates in the United States and may be known by other similar names: Mancoon and Maine Coon. According to legend, when Marie Antoinette wanted to flee France, she embarked for North America with her Turkish Angora cats. Even though the Queen didn’t achieve her goal, her pets did. They landed in the city of Wiscasset, Maine (northeast of the country). Grumete Tom Coon adopted them and, after breeding them with local cats, created the breed as we know it today.
It is a large cat, as males can weigh up to 11 kg and females 8 kg. The head is medium, the cheekbones are prominent, the ears are long and pointed, the eyes large and oval, the muscular body and the hair are resistant to water and can be of any color.
Regarding its temperament, the Maine Coon is very affectionate, a little lazy, but at the same time, agile in hunting rats and other prey. They like to be outdoors and in the company of other pussies. They can meow in different tones. They eat a lot and, in some cases, they may suffer from obesity. It is very popular in its home country and in beauty contests.
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Turkish Angora
It is one of the oldest cat breeds in existence and originated in the Turkish region of Ankara (the capital). As it is a rarity outside its country of origin, it helped so that the breed was not crossed with others and that it did not change over time. The symbol of purity par excellence is the white robe and eyes of different colors. There are also several shades of coat: blue, red, brown, silver, cream and brindle.
The temperament of this Angora, another cat in group II, is characterized by intelligence, curiosity, agility and hyperactivity. He tends to meow a lot, prefers houses where one or two people live, is very peaceful and dedicated to his owners (follows them with his eyes all the time). They love to be the center of attention, they are very affectionate, polite and perfect for an apartment in the city.
- Siberian
Another of the cats in this group is native to northern Russia and was bred by crossing a wild Siberian woodland cat with a European cat. Its abundant coat allows it to withstand the region’s extreme temperatures (which can reach -30°C). Up to 3 months, they have short fur. All have a brindle cloak and change their fur during the summer.
It is very friendly and playful, can weigh 9 kg, is agile and fast, and is often used for hunting rodents. Remarkably intelligent and affectionate. When they are domestic, the male stays with the female during parturition and the first days of the offspring.
