It’s a truth universally acknowledged that if you’re looking to impress with your choice of pets, breeds that haven’t been recognized by most pet associations are a good way to go. If you’re an Australian or a New Zealander, you might find yourself inexplicably drawn to a breed known as the Mandalay cat.
The Mandalay seems to be an extremely rare and largely unknown breed that appeared in New Zealand (and continued developing in Australia). And, as you might have guessed, the Mandalay hasn’t been officially recognized by any of the national and international cat organizations.
However, the breed does exist and has been recognized by two of its countries of origin. The New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF), the Australian Cat Federation (ACF), and the Co-Ordinating Cat Control Council of Australia (CCCCA) have accepted the Mandalay over the course of time.
What makes these curious creatures rare and remarkable, though? Mandalay cats are some of the most affectionate, appreciative, and absolutely adorable fluffers out there. With round, expressive eyes, and perky, wide-set ears, these beauties make for some of the most mesmerizing cats.
Not only that, but the story of how the Mandalay came to be might tickle your fancy. Not only did these mischievous monsters go through an extensive breeding process, but they had to compete (and still do) with other breeds that have similar characteristics. Without further ado, we present you the Mandalay cat!
1. History
Here’s the thing, the history of the Mandalay cat might be one of the worst troubles breeders have gone through to get what they wanted to get. Right off the bat, the whole process started around the 1980s in New Zealand.
The Kiwi breeders decided to cross a cream American Burmese cat with a red regular moggie cat. The kittens came out a stunning shade of deep red which made everyone sight with delight.
On the other side of the country (at the same time), breeders crossed an American Burmese with a black street cat. The kittens born were a combination of black and brown.
But, that was the moment that the breeders figured out they could come together and create a kitten of unbeknownst beauty. They kept breeding American Burmese cats with regular, neighborhood moggies until they created ones that were dark and solid – and, they called them Mandalay cats.
They fought hard and strong to get the Mandalay accepted, but they encountered a problem. The Mandalay cat they created was similar to the Bombay cat (which originated from the American Burmese, too).
And, to make matters even worse, the Bombay cat was accepted by pretty much every national and international cat organization. But, breeders continued breeding these wild cat lookalikes regardless of the problems aplenty they encountered on the way.
2. Appearance
Hmm, you would like to have a panther but you love your arms way too much? The Mandalay might be the breed for you because she looks like she came straight from the wilderness. With a dark, solid coat and warm, amber eyes, these kitties are a sight for sore eyes.
Now, there are two types of Mandalay cats that are slightly different from one another. The Australian Mandalay looks exactly like the New Zealand Mandalay, minus the tortoiseshell color (a mixture of red and black) and a brindle pattern. Other than that, both types share the same characteristics.
Therefore, the Mandalay has a strong, rounded chest, and a long, lean body. The breed barely has an undercoat but sports a glistening, short coat that’s dark and solid (for the most part).
The ears and the eyes seem to be what sets the breed apart from its ancestors. The ears are very, very wide set and the eyes are almost always amber or yellow. Not to mention the cheekbones that would make even Naomi Campbell scream with envy!
3. Purrsonality
The Mandalay cat appears to be the purrfect pet (even though the naysayers don’t recognize her breed!) These admirable creatures love people more than anything – other than treats, of course. They have certainly inherited the temperament of their ancestors, the American Burmese cats.
They love running around the backyard and chasing after butterflies (and other crawling creatures). And, they appreciate physical activity as much as you might think (considering the “wild” appearance).
They adore hanging out with humans and following them everywhere they go. They might even sleep on your chest – granted that you’re lucky enough.
For that reason, Mandalay cats are purrfect for humans who need affection. They’re the ones you turn to when you’re feeling like spending your Sunday morning snuggling and cuddling.
What are you waiting for, then? Contact an Aussie breeder, pack your stuff, and take a flight down under! Your pocket-sized panther’s waiting for you!