Expert: Norman Auspitz - 1/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Norman, i was hoping you could help me learn more about my newest cat.   We got him from a shelter 5 months ago so i am sure he is probably a mixed breed.  However i thought you might be able to recognize some characteristics from other breeds and tell me what you might think he is.  He is currently 10 months old and he is very high energy.  He can sometimes be a lap cat but most times i wish we had more than a 700 sq ft apt because he loves to run around and climb.  He jumps high and is very long from nose to tail.  his coat has dark brown roots and the stripes and spots are only at the tips of his coat.  between the roots and the tips the hair is a light brown color like on his belly.  You might be able to see on the pics i have attached.  If you have any questions please ask and thanks for your help!  -Jason

ANSWER: Jason,

Do you have a shot from the side or the top?  I would like to see moe then just Boots' belly.

My guess is either an Ocicat or Bengal mix of some kind, maybe.

Best regards... Norm.





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes here is another shot.  This one was taken a few months ago with our older black and white cat Rascal.  This is probably the best shot i have right now showing his coat.  We thought ocicat might be what he is but were just not sure.  Thanks again!

Answer
Jason,

Boots is a brown mackereal tabby domestic shorthair.  Although he is a handsome fellow, he is not a specific breed.  

As to providing more space, floor to ceiling exercise posts provide vertical space for your cats, especially if they have shelves and cubbyholes for the cats to play on and in.  They are not inexpensive and the best place to get one is from a cat show (See www.cfa.org for cat shows in your area).  I like the ones which use a 4" x 4" center post on a large solid base covered by closed loop carpet and/or sisal. Cats will utilize all 3 dimensions of a room for territory, if they can.  So you can multiply your 700 square feet by the height of the ceiling to get an idea of the potential territory the cat could use.

Best regards... Norm.