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Ussuri Cat

The Ussuri Cat is a breed of naturally-occurring, semi-wild cats that originated in the banks of the river Amur in Russia. It is a cat with a wild look, a well-boned, athletic, and graceful body. The medium-size head is rounded, and the chin is well-shaped, though not prominent. The legs are strong and muscled, and are of medium length, while the feet are sturdy and somewhat rounded. They have a dark-tipped tapering tail, which is rounded at the tip.

They are an extremely rare breed, and their population is not stable since they are being made to interbreed with the domestic cats. The Ussuri cat breed might disappear very soon if no breeding programs are conducted in order to preserve them.

Quick Information

Physical Appearance & Size

Body TypeMedium
Weight (Size)Minimum 12 pounds

Colors & Patterns

Coat TypeDouble, short, dense, glossy
ColorsTabby, striped tabby, spotted (adult male/female and kittens)
PatternsThere is a dark dorsal stripe, while the flank pattern is made up of spots, strips, or rings on goldish-fawn to golden-brown background. The stomach area is lighter and has bronzed buttons

Other Characteristics

CharacteristicsSkillful, athletic, intelligent, instinctive, independent, playful
Lap CatNo
SheddingLess, seasonal
Good with ChildrenNot good with very young children
VocalizationQuiet
HypoallergenicYes
Country of OriginRussia
Competitive Registration/Qualification InformationNot registered

History and Development

The history of the origination of the Ussuri cat is obscure, and not much is known about its development. The Ussuri cat is said to have developed by natural cross breeding between a breed of small wild cats called the ‘Amur Forest Cat’, and a subspecies of the Asian Leopard Cat, known as the ‘Amur Leopard Cat’. The Ussuris originated in the Amur River region in Russia.

Another theory suggests that, Ussuris were born from the cross between a locally domesticated cat and the Amur Leopards (which is the cat that was used to develop the Bengal Cat).

Later, the Ussuri cat was also made to breed with the Domestic Shorthair and the Siberian Cat. However, no official breeding program was initiated for the development of the Ussuris, as yet. This indicates that, these semi-wild felines will continue to remain as one of the rarest and relatively unknown cat breeds for the time being.

In the mid 1990s, a translated breed standard for this breed had been published though, but since then, nothing was heard since then, and its breed status is yet unclear. The breed is rare even in its homeland. The Ussuri cat has not yet been recognized by the TICA, or the CFA.

Temperament and Personality

These are adroit cats that are marked by smartness and intelligence. Because of their inherent wildness, they have a natural talent in hunting. This virtue makes your house free of rats, mice, lizards, or any such intruders. However, they love being outdoors, and care should be taken so that their passion for staying outside doesn’t implore them to run after squirrels, chipmunks, or chameleons, and disappear in the wild.

They are affectionate, and love its family members, however, they are one-man cats, and would make a strong bond with only one person in its family. However, they are not lap cats, but are rather playful. Though, they are not good for houses with very young children.

These semi-wild feline is independent-natured, and is rather quite. They love attention but do not long for it like many other cat breeds. They will not follow you from room to room, meowing and begging for food or a cuddle.

Care

Vigorous grooming is not essential. They have a glossy, short, close-lying coat, with a thick undercoat, and shed seasonally. Only occasional brushing (twice or thrice a week) is enough.

Ussuris are naturally healthy breeds, and are not prone to frequent health problems. General feline issue might appear though, however, no more than usual. But do not skip to fix an appointment with your vet annually.

Diet/Feeding

Give your Ussuri general cat foods like kibbles. However, do not compromise with the quality. Ussuris are not voracious eaters, and can play all day alone soon after they finish breakfast.

Interesting Facts

  • Rarely, some individuals show lynx-like tufts on the tips of their ears, something which is often seen in some wild varieties.

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