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Kanaani

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Home

Kanaani

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Kanaani

The Kanaani is an experimental cat breed from Israel that is based on the native wild steppe cat. It is a domestic cat that retains phenotypic similarity to the Israeli wild steppe cat. The Kanaani can have colors ranging from beige to brown, with the mandatory inclusion of contrasting dark and black stripes or spots (tabby color). The breed was developed in Israel in 2000 and was officially registered with the World Cat Federation (WCF) in 2008. It is the first national cat breed created in Israel. The name "Kanaani" is derived from Canaan, the ancient name of the Jewish lands, which now includes the territories of Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon, as well as parts of other countries.

Parent breeds:

Domestic short-haired cat

life span

12-15 years

Fur Length:

Short

Breed origin:

Hybrid

Recognized by: 1 registers

ACFA

CCCOFA

CCA-AFC

ACA

GCCF

LOOF

TSACC

CFSA

ACF

FIFE

WCF

NZCF

TICA

CFA

Appearance

The Kanaani is a medium to large cat with an athletic yet slender and elegant body. It has long and slender paws with oval paw pads, and its gait is reminiscent of a large wildcat. The ears of the Kanaani are wide at the base, large, and pointed at the tips. Some Kanaani cats may have ear tufts with a pattern resembling a print on the backside. Their eyes are large and almond-shaped, always green in adult cats but can also be yellow-green. The coat of the Kanaani is short, with a small undercoat, and coarse in texture rather than soft. The breed standard permits colors ranging from beige to chocolate, with slightly blurred spots due to ticking. The coat pattern can be either spotted or marbled, resulting in colors such as spotted seal, chocolate-spotted seal, cinnamon-spotted seal, marbled seal, chocolate-marbled seal, and cinnamon-marbled seal. All Kanaani cats should have at least three rings at the tip of their tail, with the very end of the tail and paw pads being black like those of a true forest cat. Additionally, there is usually a 'necklace' of fur around the neck, which may have a break in the pattern, as well as a distinctive 'M' shape visible on the forehead.

Coat type

Eye colour

Fur colour

Body type

Coat type

Eye colour

Fur colour

Body type

Origin

The Kanaani breed originated in Jerusalem, Israel, and its name is associated with the historical biblical area of Canaan. These cats were first bred in the “Ha Jerusalem” cattery in the 1990s by the sculptor and artist Doris Polachek. Initially, wild and domestic cats were crossed, but later the blood of Oriental Shorthair, Abyssinian, and Bengal cats was added to the breeding program. In August 2000, the Kanaani was recognized as an independent cat breed by the World Cat Federation.

Parent animals

African Wildcat

Breed origin

Hybrid

Parent breeds

Domestic short-haired cat

Temperament

The Kanaani is a very people-oriented breed. Despite being temperamental, they are easily trainable to follow the rules of your house. However, be prepared to deal with their stubbornness and overconfidence. While Kanaani cats may initially sit in your lap and purr, their affection may not last long. Their strong hind legs make them agile climbers who can reach any height. They are energetic and athletic, requiring ample space for movement and a scratching post. Their curiosity drives them to constantly climb and explore. Kanaani cats prefer not to be alone and would welcome the company of another cat or dog.

Behavior:

Friendly toward other pets

Friendly toward humans

Activity Level:

Very active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

Kanaani cats do not have specific dietary requirements, although some individuals may require additional calories due to their high activity levels. They may necessitate a larger quantity of food compared to a fully domesticated cat of the same size. Moreover, Kanaani cats may have delicate stomachs, so it is vital to be cautious about their diet. Avoid offering them food from your own meals, particularly dishes that are high in fat, salt, or sugar. Opt for a well-balanced diet that is abundant in protein and carbohydrates. While these felines are not particularly prone to obesity, it is still important not to overfeed them. Provide your Kanaani with high-quality cat food that is rich in protein, and make sure they have continual access to fresh and clean water.

The Kanaani breed is relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming. To keep their coat in good condition and minimize shedding, it is recommended to brush them at least once a week. Instead of frequent bathing, occasional wiping will suffice to keep them clean. Additionally, regular cleaning of their teeth, ears, and eyes is important for their overall health and well-being. Don't forget to schedule regular visits to the vet to ensure their health is in check.

Since the Kanaani breed is relatively young, there is currently limited information available on any hereditary diseases that may be characteristic to this breed. However, due to its mix with Bengal cat blood, there could be a potential risk of inheriting a predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition involves the thickening of the heart's muscle tissues without a clear cause, leading to reduced effectiveness in pumping blood.