Genetta

Overall description of the breed

The Genetta cat is a rare and fascinating cat breed, renowned for its exotic appearance and charming personality. This breed is a cross between the domestic cat and the Genet, a small wild mammal native to Africa.

The Genetta's history dates back to the 1990s, when Patrick and Shannon Kelley, two passionate breeders, began crossing the domestic cat and the Genet to create a unique and distinctive breed. Successive generations of these crosses culminated in the birth of the Genetta in 2006.

Its ancestors are the domestic cat and the Genet, a wild animal belonging to the Viverridae family. These crosses have produced a breed with a striking appearance, combining the characteristics of the domestic cat with the elegance of the Genet.

The Genetta's morphology is marked by its slender, muscular body, rounded head with large, expressive eyes and pointed ears. Its tail is long and tapered, adding to its graceful appearance. The Genetta has a short, soft coat with a mottled or marbled pattern, reminiscent of that of the wild Genet.

In terms of colour, the Genetta can be found in a wide variety of patterns and shades, ranging from mottled to marbled to leopard. Its colours can include brown, black, chocolate, grey, white and many others, adding to its aesthetic diversity.

The average weight of the Genetta is usually between 2.5kg and 5kg (5.5lb to 11lb), making it a medium to small breed. In terms of height, they average between 25 and 35 cm (10 to 14 inches) at the withers.

The Genetta's founding breed club is the Exotic Feline Registry (EFR). The breed standard was established in the 1990s, and finally completed in 2008, this distinctive feline was officially recognised as a distinct cat breed by the Exotic Feline Registry (EFR). Although the breed is not yet widespread, it is gaining in popularity with breeders and exotic cat lovers alike.

Its character is described as gentle, affectionate and playful. These cats are reputed to be social and generally get on well with children and other pets. They are also intelligent and inquisitive, making them particularly suited to indoor life.

In conclusion, the Genetta is a unique and exotic cat breed, the result of a cross between the domestic cat and the wild Genet. Its elegant appearance and charming character make it a popular companion cat for those looking for a different cat experience. With its recognition by the Exotic Feline Registry (EFR), this breed continues to gain notoriety and capture the attention of exotic cat lovers around the world.