Have you ever heard of the Cheetoh cat breed? If not, don’t worry – you’re certainly not alone. These cute kitties are fairly new to the domestic cat breed scene. However, they are already winning hearts! A Unionville veterinarian discusses the Cheetoh cat below.
Origins
The Cheetoh cat was originally introduced in 2003 by a woman named Carol Drymon. She wanted a kitty that had the appearance of a spotted wild cat, but the lovable temperament of a typical housecat. The new breed is currently listed as ‘experimental’ by the International Cat Association, but it may not be long before Fluffy officially receives her papers.
Lineage
Cheetohs are actually a cross between the Ociciat and the Bengal, which is itself a mix of the Asian Leopard cat and domestic shorthair. It’s worth mentioning that Fluffy is actually larger in size than both of her parents. This may seem a bit unusual in the animal world, but it’s actually not a complete anomaly. The same thing happens when lions and tigers mate: ligers, the resulting cross, are larger in size than their parents as well.
Cost
Not surprisingly, Cheetohs are typically more expensive than your average housecat. Kittens can average around $800, but can cost up to $1500. You may be able to find a retired adult cat for less, however.
Coat
Cheetohs look more or less like small cheetahs. Fluffy’s beautiful fur definitely makes her stand out! Most Cheetoh cats have black spots against tan coats, though there are some variations, including an eye-catching black and silver. Cheetohs don’t shed much, so they’re an ideal option for people with allergies.
Temperament
Cheetohs make excellent pets. They are intelligent, active, and curious, and they love cuddling. Like Bengals, they are fairly vocal, and have no qualms about speaking their minds! Many like high places, and some actually enjoy water. (This is also true of many Bengals.)
One thing to note: the Cheetoh can be extremely frisky. You may find your kitty gets so impatient that she wakes you up when she’s ready for playtime! These adorable furballs are also super affectionate, and tend to be lap cats. In fact, they’re so gentle that some catteries actually guarantee a tame, friendly nature. They’re very sociable, however, and because of this, they can sometimes get distressed if left alone for too long.
Food
A good diet is crucial for a healthy Cheetoh. Ask your Unionville vet for specific advice. Hopefully, this goes without saying, but we may as well mention it just in case: never feed your cat Cheetos!
Do you have questions or concerns about cat care? Contact us today!
!Social Media Icons