Himalayan, ragdoll or birman

[Catmom1234567890]

She has single coat, doesn’t mat easily. About 8 lbs, medium sized. She’s blue pointed, paws mitted, white belly and white chin. She doesn’t like to be held for long time and doesn’t go limp when held. So is she a ragdoll, Birman, or Himalayan. She’s a rescue so don’t know her history.

 

[di and bob]

Himalayan is a little more flat-faced like she is, I love her face! since there are no papers she will be known as a Blue Pointed Domestic Longhair. She is gorgeous!

 

[Catmom1234567890]

We were told she’s a Himalayan though, but some say she’s a Birman.

 

[Maurey]

What a lovely cat! I'd describe her as a blue point mitted domestic longhair.

Unlike dogs, most cats will be moggies, or of no distinct breed, descended from other cats that have not been bred for specific traits. Due to the short time humans have been developing cat breeds, there is relatively little diversity between many breed of cats. Without papers, it's impossible to claim or even determine if a cat is of a specific breed, more often than not, at least in breeds without extremely distinct features, like sphinxes, for example. Crosses are nearly non-existant in the cat world, as well, as they're generally indicative of irresponsible or backyard breeders.

The colourpoint gene is fairly wide spread in the moggie population at this point -- it's recessive, but many cats are carriers, so it's not unusual for domestics to have the gene. It's fairly common practice for shelters to pin a breed on cats to make them more adoptable, especially with longhairs. Any largeish non-pointed longhair, regardless of it's traits? Maine coon. Any pointed longhair? Ragdoll or Birman, depending on what's more popular/common in the area.

 

[lutece]

She's lovely!

Did they know something specific about her ancestry?

With her short, broad muzzle, it's quite possible that she has some ancestry from a short-faced breed. Just from looking at her picture, we can't tell exactly how much breed ancestry she has, or which breed(s) might be in her family tree, although we can make guesses.

She's not likely to be a Birman. Although Birmans do have relatively short and broad heads like your cat, it would be unlikely for a Birman to have white markings on the face, chin and belly. White markings on Birmans are caused by a recessive gene called "gloving" that affects only the feet. Your cat's white markings are more likely to be caused by the usual white spotting gene. Birmans are also much more uncommon than Ragdolls and Himalayans (Persians). I think you can probably cross that breed off the list.

Of the breeds on your list, in my opinion she appears more similar to a Ragdoll. Himalayans don't typically have white markings at all, but your cat's pattern of white markings (mitted with white chin and blaze) is seen on many Ragdolls. Ragdolls have a short, broad head, similar to your cat, but do not have as flat of a face as a typical Himalayan / Persian. Your description of her coat type (single coat, non matting) also sounds more like a Ragdoll than a Himalayan. You can see some examples of pedigreed Ragdolls here: Ragdoll Top Cats – The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc

She could also be a mix with some Persian / Himalayan ancestry. (Ragdolls also have Persians in their ancestry, farther back.) Because of her white markings and non-matting coat type, it's not likely that she would be a purebred Himalayan, but it's theoretically possible.

It's also theoretically possible that she could be a domestic longhair without any pedigree background, but with her head type, I think it's not likely.

 

[Catmom1234567890]

She’s perfect to me. Cute baby face and non matting silky coat. Not to mention, puppy cat personality.

 

[di and bob]

That is my favorite face, a baby face!