You may know the difference between a Maine Coon and a Norwegian Forest Cat, but do you know where these cat breeds originated?
This infographic by animal supply company PetCareRx explains the origins of favorite cat breeds. Tracing ancestry back to the father of all cat breeds, Felis sylvestris (the Middle Eastern wildcat), the infographic explains how some pets were bred to express certain desired characteristics over time (Oriental cats were bred for their sleek body). Others are simply the result of natural genetic mutations or random reproduction.
Not all 70 cat breeds are depicted, but origins of several cat breed mainstays like the British Shorthair and the Abyssinian are included.
If you’re like me and love mixed breed cats, the American Domestic’s in there too!
Written by Karen
