Description: Asian
The Asian cat is a breed that originated in the United Kingdom during the 1980s. Highly valued for its affectionate nature and striking good looks, the Asian is closely related to the Burmese, sharing similar traits such as a muscular body, rounded head, and expressive, large eyes. The Asian breed encompasses various coat types and colors, including tabby, smoke, and solid patterns. These cats are known for their sociable and playful personalities, forming strong bonds with their human families. Friendly toward children and other pets, the Asian is also noted for its adaptability, making it a good fit for both apartments and houses. Their short, fine fur is easy to care for, requiring minimal grooming. Asians are vocal and enjoy interaction, often seeking involvement in family activities. This breed is ideal for owners looking for an engaging and loyal feline companion.
Asian ratings
Properties
The Asian cat, sometimes referred to as the 'Malayan' in some countries, is a breed known for its elegant appearance, affectionate temperament, and social nature. Developed in the United Kingdom, the breed originated from the crossing of the Burmese cat with other domestic cat breeds, resulting in a distinctly attractive and people-oriented feline. The Asian is medium-sized and well-muscled, sharing a similar body type to the Burmese with a slender yet robust frame. The coat is short, fine, and can come in a wide array of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, smoke, and even burmilla (shaded) patterns.
The personality traits of the Asian cat make it a delightful companion for both families and individuals. These cats are highly intelligent, inquisitive, and thrive on mental stimulation, making them quick to learn tricks and interactive games. They enjoy being the center of attention and are known for their ability to communicate with their owners through a variety of vocalizations. Their sociable nature means that they often bond closely not only with their owner but also with other pets in the household, including other cats and even dogs. Unlike some independent breeds, the Asian cat does not like being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation anxiety if left without company.
Grooming requirements for the Asian cat are minimal due to its short coat, which requires little more than weekly brushing to remove loose hairs and keep the coat glossy. Despite their elegance, Asians are generally healthy cats but can be predisposed to genetic conditions found in the Burmese line, such as hypokalaemia (a low blood potassium condition) and occasional dental problems. Even so, with regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet, the Asian cat often enjoys a long life, frequently living into its mid-to-late teens.
In summary, the Asian cat is an ideal breed for those seeking an affectionate, playful, and sociable companion. Their intelligence, adaptability, and low grooming needs make them well-suited to a variety of households, provided they have plenty of social interaction and mental engagement.
Appearance
The Asian cat, also known as the Asian Shorthair, is a breed originating from the United Kingdom and is closely related to the Burmese cat. This breed is notable for its strikingly elegant and graceful appearance, demonstrating a harmonious balance between musculature and finesse. The body of an Asian cat is of medium size, with a lithe and athletic build. It is neither overly cobby nor slender, striking a balance that enables the cat to be both agile and robust. The chest tends to be rounded, with well-developed shoulders and a gently tapering back.
One of the distinguishing features of the Asian breed is its head shape. The head is rounded, with a broad skull, gently curved top, and a well-defined jawline. The muzzle is short and slightly blunt, giving the face a gentle expression. Their profile typically shows a distinct nose break, contributing to their charming, alert appearance. The ears are medium-sized, set well apart, and slightly flared at the base, with rounded tips that complement the head’s contours.
The eyes of the Asian cat are another captivating aspect, being large, expressive, and set wide apart. The eye shape is rounded, and the color can vary depending on the coat variety but is most commonly a striking yellow or green. The gaze of this breed is particularly noted for its intelligence and curiosity.
As for the coat, the Asian has a short, fine, and satin-like fur that lies close to the body. The texture is smooth, soft, and has a beautiful, glossy sheen. Coat colors and patterns are remarkably diverse in this breed. The Asian can be solid, shaded, smoke, or exhibit tabby patterns. Popular colors include black, chocolate, blue, lilac, and caramel, among others.
The tail of the Asian breed is medium in length, slightly tapering, and ends in a rounded tip. Its body proportions and conformation closely resemble those of the Burmese, but with the key difference being the wider palette of coat colors and patterns available.
Overall, the Asian cat presents as a sophisticated and attractive companion, exuding both poise and vigor, with an appearance that delights cat fanciers and families alike.
History
The Asian cat breed, also known as the Asian Shorthair, is a relatively recent addition to the world of pedigree cats and is often grouped with the closely related Burmese. The history of the Asian breed begins in the United Kingdom during the 1980s, thanks to the efforts of breeder Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg. She sought to create a type of cat with the personality and body structure of the Burmese but with a wider variety of coat colors and patterns. The Asian breed was essentially developed by crossing Burmese cats with other breeds, particularly the Chinchilla Persian, which contributed to the breed’s wide palette of coat colors and patterns.
The first recognized Asian kittens were born in 1981, the result of an accidental mating between a Burmese and a Chinchilla Persian. Rather than dismissing these kittens as mere crossbreeds, breeders realized the potential for a new breed that could combine the affectionate and lively nature of the Burmese with luxurious and varied coats. Breeders established dedicated programs, selectively breeding subsequent generations to stabilize the breed’s features and temperament. Over time, varieties within the Asian group became recognized in their own right, including the Asian Tabby, Asian Smoke, and Asian Self, each denoting different pattern or color choices.
The breed was eventually granted formal recognition by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the UK, allowing Asian cats to be shown competitively under their own name. The Asian breed is not yet as widely recognized by American cat registries; however, it enjoys stable popularity in the UK and continental Europe. Today, Asian cats are prized for their intelligence, playful spirit, sociability, and adaptability, traits inherited from their Burmese lineage alongside a striking variety of coat types. The breed continues to be refined, but breeders aim to maintain the Asian’s distinct blend of appearance and character.
In summary, the Asian cat breed has its origins in late 20th-century Britain, inspired by a desire to expand upon the best features of the Burmese and introduce new colors and patterns to cat fancy. The breed’s carefully managed pedigree and rich history make it a unique and cherished member among modern companion cats.