The Canaani cat is a distinctive and uncommon breed that draws interest with its striking features and wild, elegant look. With a fascinating history and a wild cat-like appearance, this Israeli breed is highly sought after by enthusiasts who value its exotic charm.
The Canaani is a wonderful companion for people who prefer an active and playful pet because, despite its untamed appearance, it is known for being affectionate and adaptable. They have a unique place in the hearts of cat lovers due to their muscular bodies, large ears, and short, spotted coats that set them apart from more popular breeds.
You may be wondering about the cost and availability of Canaanis if you’re interested in becoming their owner. Canaani cats are a rare breed, so their cost is usually higher; however, many people find that their unique appearance and beauty are worth the investment. We’ll go into further detail about their attributes, include images, and offer some pricing information in this post.
History of the breed
The Ha Jeruschalmi cattery in Jerusalem is most likely where the experimental hybrid cat breed known as Kanaani originated in the 1990s, when domestic cats and African wild cats were crossed.
The breed appears to have been deliberately bred to mimic the appearance of an African wild cat, but the objective was to provide it with a socialization and temperament fit for a domestic setting.
These cats were thus born in Israel, or more accurately, Jerusalem. The breed was given its name in honor of the ancient Canaanite settlement, which has biblical roots.
It was Doris Polachek who first discovered Canaani.
Representatives of domesticated and wild cats were the first experimental breeds to engage in the crossing. Later, the blood of Bengal, shorthaired, and Abyssinian cats was added to enhance the newly created species. The Kanaani of the modern world came about as a result of this crossing.
Presenting the final outcome to the felinological court took ten years. After a while, breeding Canaani cats with other breeds was outlawed.
Since it was bred in Germany for a considerable amount of time, this variety is actually only officially recognized there.
Mr. Cat recommends: characteristics and standard of the breed
The graceful Kanaani feline is extremely lovely. It is typically a slender, muscular, athletically built animal that ranges in size from medium to slightly large. The paw pads are oval, and the neck and legs are longer. The tail is also fairly lengthy and taper towards the tip.
The Kanaani’s ears are quite large and spaced widely apart on top of the head. The expressive, almond-shaped eyes, which can be green or yellow-green in color, are also spaced fairly widely apart.
The Kanaani breed has short hair, little undercoat, and hair that is close to the body in terms of length. The primary color and pattern of the fur typically have ticking, and the texture is coarse rather than soft.
This cat has spots on its coat that are arranged either horizontally or diagonally, and it has rings around its neck and on its limbs, giving the appearance that it is wearing a necklace.
Usually pale beige in color, the belly has black markings on it. Additionally white or light beige are the throat and chin.
Canaani cats are big and medium-sized, weighing four to eight kilograms each.
The WCF organization, which granted these cats official recognition, provides the following breed description based on its standards:
- The head is medium in size, triangular in shape, with clearly visible cheekbones. The forehead, compared to the muzzle, is slightly convex, the nose is absolutely straight, and the chin is strong.
- The ears are large, set far apart. The base is wide, the tips are pointed. Ideally, there should be tassels and a "false eye" on the back of the ears, like in servals or cheetahs.
- The eyes are large, almond-shaped. They have a slight tilt and are set wide. As for the eastern Canaani, their eyes do not always meet European standards, which recognize only green color. A deviation is acceptable if yellow is present on the iris along with emerald.
- The body is athletic, muscular, but elegant. The neck is proportional in length to the whole body.
- The legs, front and back, are long, with an oval-shaped pad. Due to the natural grace of their gait, they resemble wild cats.
- The tail is elongated, of good thickness, tapering towards the end.
- The coat is of medium coarseness, short in length. Fits fairly tightly, has a small undercoat. The length of each hair allows you to see the ticking of the main pattern. However, this does not affect the patterns in the form of spots, which should be as clear as possible.
Isomers of color are permitted. There are ticking-induced softer spots on the base color, which ranges from beige to cinnamon.
Patterns with spots and marbles are acceptable in the following format:
- spotted tabby;
- chocolate spotted;
- cinnamon spotted;
- marbled print;
- chocolate marbled;
- marble with cinnamon.
Colors in silver are prohibited.
The following scale is used to evaluate the animal:
| Parameter | Number of points | |
| Body | 30 | |
| Head | 25 | |
| Eyes | 10 | |
| Coat texture | 15 | |
| Color, pattern | 15 | |
| Condition | 5 | |
Temperament
Canaani is a clever, loving, and athletic breed that is also quick and playful. These animals are natural climbers and jumpers, so there should be lots of spaces in the house for them to exercise and be stimulated, like a tall "cat tree" and an assortment of toys.
Apart from ensuring sufficient room for the pet’s active movements, it is also important for household members to keep a close eye on the cat’s activities to prevent any injuries during play or environmental damage.
The owner must make sure he has enough time to dedicate to the pet’s upkeep because this breed is a hybrid with a wild personality of its own.
Cats with small children might not be the best fit for Canaani’s household. Furthermore, this breed is likely to disappoint prospective owners seeking a cat that is genuinely submissive and calm. Learn which cat breeds are ideal for kids.
Canaani are incredibly loving and compassionate cats, even with their erratic temperament. Their deep bond with their owners sets them apart. However, proud and stubborn animals can tolerate a little petting. Since the animals are highly intelligent, teaching them hygiene skills will never be a problem.
Because of their powerful hind legs, Canaani can jump very high and no height is too high for them. Since they are not the kind of lazy cats, intelligent animals live active lives for the majority of their lives. Owing to their intense innate curiosity, they are always trying to discover every area of the house.
They dislike being by themselves.
Their amiable nature makes them open to having a new neighbor, even if it is a dog. It is frequently very successful to have these two very different types of pets in a friendly tandem. The Canaani’s health will improve with the presence of another pet in the home. Because they are used to leading an active and sporting lifestyle, they will enjoy it much more with company. Learn how to get a dog and a cat to become friends in the house.
A rare and exotic breed of cat, the Canaani is distinguished by its graceful agility and striking wild appearance. This breed, which was first developed in Israel, is both a fascinating companion and a representation of feline beauty due to its distinctive mix of domestic and feral traits. Canaani cats have short, multicolored coats, sleek, muscular bodies, and playful, independent personalities. Canaani cats are usually pricey because of their rarity; the cost varies depending on the breeder and area. Those who enjoy cats and are searching for a unique and refined pet will find this breed appealing.
Care and maintenance
The Canaani’s short coat makes maintenance simple.
Other than the general instructions for any cat, there are no specific care instructions. You should wash the eyes, clean the mouth and ears, and comb the coat with a massage brush once or twice a week. A veterinarian visit on a regular basis is essential to owning any animal.
Health and diet
There is currently no information available regarding which diseases can be categorized as hereditary, given that the breed is still considered to be relatively young.
Standard diseases can affect a lot of cats. For instance, there is frequently a propensity for stomach and kidney disorders, regardless of the breed.
Remember that Canaani is descended from Bengalis, so they might also be more sensitive to stomach acid. There is no other information available from which assumptions about potential violations can be made.
Feeding should be done carefully to reduce the risk. Food from your table should never be given to cats, even if it appears harmless at first. Go through some natural nutrition literature. Any food that is sweet, fatty, or salty can have a bad effect on stomach health.
Ready-made cat food is an option (for more information, see the article on the best cat and kitten food). If you’re unsure which combination of mixes to pick, speak with a veterinarian; they can help you choose the right food for your cat by taking into account its unique needs.
Canaanites are not obese; rather, because of their high level of activity, they expend a lot of energy each day. When feeding them, this should be considered and a moderately calorie-dense diet should be selected.
| Characteristic | Details |
| Breed Name | Canaani |
| Origin | Israel |
| Size | Medium to large |
| Coat | Short, dense |
| Temperament | Active, independent |
| Price Range | $800 – $2,000 |
| Availability | Rare |
| Photo |
The Canaani cat breed is intriguing because it blends a wild look with a tamed personality. It stands out from other breeds with its striking appearance, providing its owners with both beauty and companionship. It is becoming more known for its distinctive qualities, even though it is still uncommon.
Canaani cats are renowned for their exuberance, playfulness, and independent nature as a breed. They make wonderful pets for people who lead active lifestyles because they thrive in homes where they can explore and remain active. They are excellent companions because of their loyalty and intelligence.
Owing to their scarcity, Canaani felines are more expensive. But for cat lovers seeking something truly unique, their unique charm and personality make them a worthwhile investment. Having a Canaani means having the comfort of a devoted pet in your house, along with a little piece of the wild.
