Asian

The Asian mixed cat breed originated in Great Britain in 1981 when a Lilac Burmese was bred with a Chinchilla Persian–a combination that is rumored to have come about by accident. The breeder behind the Asian was the grandiosely-named Baroness Miranda von Kirchberg.

Since then, the Asian has become a very popular cat breed with many cat parents charmed by their friendly and easy-going nature. The Asian was officially recognized and given championship status by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in 2003. These days, you may find the Asian in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!

The Asian is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.

Most Asian cats weigh around ten pounds.

When it comes to personality, you’ll almost instantly notice that the Asian is a very outgoing and friendly cat. They love to be around humans and have a wonderfully affectionate side. At times, these cats will follow their humans around. They’re happy snuggling and napping with people on the couch or hanging around in the kitchen or another busy spot in the home. Many Asian cats are also quite vocal, so be ready to engage in some lovable cat chat with your feline!

Beyond the Asian cat’s super social side, they are intelligent and active felines. You’ll need to commit to proper play sessions and also provide smart toys and cat furniture for those times when you’re not around. That being said, the Asian cat needs company, so make sure you or the other members of your household aren’t away from the homestead all day long.

Asian cats are generally considered to be healthy; although, they can be predisposed to the same conditions that the Lilac Burmese and the Chinchilla Persian breeds face. As always, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet. Some of the more common health problems Asians suffer from include:

• Retinal Atrophy: Retinal atrophy in cats refers to the degeneration or deterioration of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue located at the back of the eye. The retina is crucial for vision, as it captures and processes light, sending signals to the brain to create visual images. Retinal atrophy can lead to vision impairment or even blindness in cats. There are different types of retinal atrophy, and the condition can be inherited or acquired.
• Hypokalaemia: Hypokalemia in cats refers to a condition where the blood potassium levels are abnormally low. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, including nerve and muscle function, maintenance of normal heart rhythm, and fluid balance.
• Polycystic Kidney Disease: Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder that affects the kidneys in cats. It is characterized by the development of fluid-filled cysts within the kidney tissue, leading to an enlargement of the kidneys and potential impairment of their function over time. PKD is primarily a genetic condition, and certain cat breeds are predisposed to this disorder.

As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Asian’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy.

Beyond scheduling yearly wellness visits with your vet, make sure that you pick up a scratching post for your Asian cat’s living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition, which is important for an active mixed breed like the Asian.

Additionally, the Asian’s ears should be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection. Talk to your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Asian. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques. Finally, the Asian cat will appreciate a cat tree to play and interact with, so definitely make sure you have the space to add one to your home!

The Asian cat can come in almost every cat color you could imagine, with black, white, tabby, and smoke being popular colors. When it comes to grooming, brushing the kitty once or twice a week should suffice. This will help keep the feline’s coat in good condition and also ward off the chances of mats forming. Use the grooming time as an opportunity to bond with your Asian feline.

Also, note that if you adopt an Asian cat with Tiffanie in their ancestry, then your feline may have inherited a semi-long coat. It will need brushing more times each week than a short coat. Ask your vet to recommend a grooming schedule. In terms of climate, most Asian cats are fairly adaptable. Just remember to always make sure that there’s enough shade and fresh water available during the hotter months.

There’s no doubt about it: The Asian is an excellent cat for households with kids. Just make sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides. Always supervise playtime between young children and cats.

When it comes to other household pets, the Asian cat breed can get along with many other domestic animals including dogs. Always make sure to supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets. Sometimes these relationships are very much dependent on the individual pets’ personalities. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Asian for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Asian cats because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try breed specific rescues that care for Burmese or Persian cats, as they sometimes care for breed mixes, too. You may also try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Asian cats, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:

• Hope For Paws
• Best Friends Animal Society
• National Alliance of Burmese Breeders
• Nashville Cat Rescue