Canaani

One breed of cat that stands out is the Canaani, which has a strong, muscular body and a wild appearance. This relatively new breed, created in Israel, embodies the beauty of a wild cat while remaining a devoted housemate.

The Canaani cat is distinguished by its sleek, spotted coat, which bears a striking resemblance to wild cats such as the African Wildcat. Its curious nature makes it an excellent pet for active households, even though it has a wild appearance. It is gregarious and playful.

The Canaani cat may be the ideal choice for you if you’re searching for a distinctive breed that combines beauty with a vibrant personality.

Characteristic	Description
Origin	Developed in Israel, bred from wild cats and domestic cats
Size	Medium to large, muscular and athletic build
Coat	Short, smooth, with various colors and patterns, often spotted or striped
Personality	Active, playful, independent, but can be affectionate with family
Health	Generally healthy, but regular vet checkups are important
Life Expectancy	About 12-15 years

A distinct breed of cat, the Canaani is renowned for its untamed appearance and lively, playful personality. The Canaani, which is descended from a hybrid of wild and domestic cats, combines the grace of its wild forebears with the companionability of a domestic cat. These cats are excellent companions for people who prefer interactive pets because they are intelligent, athletic, and very active. Despite their independence, they develop close relationships with their families. Canaani cats are known for their striking appearance and lively personalities, which add a touch of the wild into any home.

History of the development of the Canaani breed

The cat named Canaani was born in the country of Israel. The hybrid breed known as Kanaani takes its name from the Bible. The historical territories that are now Palestine, Syria, and Phoenicia are known as Canaan, or the "promised land."

Israeli Doris Polachek is the breed’s discoverer. She adored animals and worked as a sculptor. Numerous stray cats found refuge in her home. Before a wild Libyan steppe cat stumbled into her home, she had already castrated the cats because she didn’t want to breed them. Doris wanted to record his outrageous appearance in history as soon as she saw him.

Initially, Doris mated him with a domestic mongrel cat, but the first litter’s kittens inherited their father’s wild disposition. She started the "Ha Jeruschalmi" cattery in Jerusalem in 1990, where she crossed domestic mongrel cats with Libyan cats.

Fascinating! The first breed to be designated as an Israeli national treasure is the canaani.

Later, on the recommendation of felinologists, Doris started breeding not only wild cats but also purebred Bengals and Abyssinians. Consequently, the Canaani cat breed underwent modernization through breeding.

The breeding program continued for ten years. Crossbreeding outside the Canaani breed was outlawed once Doris was entirely happy with the outcome.

Cat breeding took place in Germany for many years, during which time a breed standard was created. In 2001, the FCI cat club formally recognized the Canaanite. The breed standard was officially registered with the World Cat Club (WCF) in 2009.

Fascinating! It is simple to understand the breed’s German-Israeli heritage. German by birthright, Doris Polachek had her own apartment in Germany. She did spend a lot of time working in Israel, though. Her actions therefore had an impact on the Canaani’s spread.

The breed is well-liked in Israel, where it originated, as well as in Germany, the United States, and several other European nations. In Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, there are no recognized catteries.

Pros and cons of the breed

Even before you buy a kitten, you should educate yourself about the breed’s advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and disadvantages show the traits of the Canaani breed as well as how well the cat gets along with its owner.

Pros of the breed

• affection for a person;
• exotic wild appearance;
• developed intelligence;
• cleanliness;
• unpretentiousness;
• independence, pets tolerate loneliness well;
• rarity of the breed.

Disadvantages of the breed

• high cost of kittens;
• lack of nurseries in the CIS countries;
• cats are vindictive;
• wild ancestors left the Canaani a legacy of independence and hyperactivity.

Breed standard

The Canaani cat’s appearance in the picture confirms that members of the breed resemble Bengal cats, Ocicats, and Savannahs on the outside. It will be easier to recognize the behavioral and physical differences between semi-wild individuals if you study the breed standard.

Height and weight

These animals are medium-sized; they are not usually large. They range in weight from 4 to 8 kg. 30 cm at the withers in height. Females exhibit sexual dysmorphism by being smaller than males.

Length and shape of the limbs

The neck and paws are long and lean. The limbs terminate in oval shapes. The fingers are long and widely spaced. The pads are colored darkly.

Because their hind legs are stronger and more muscular than their front ones, animals can jump to any height in the apartment. The tail is lengthy and gets thinner at the tip. The Canaani walks like a real, untamed leopard.

Head shape

The head is roughly triangular in shape, medium in size, and wide. It fits the body proportionately. The nose is erect. The forehead has a small convex shape. The chin has strength. It’s easy to see the cheekbones.

The ears are big and widely spaced. The ears have pointed tips. Tassels are an indication of purebred crosses.

Eyes

The big eyes are positioned obliquely, with the outer corner facing the ears. On the muzzle, they are highly noticeable. It has an almond-shaped form.

The distance between the eyes should be more than the width of one eye. Iris colors range from green to yellow-green.

Wool

The breed Canaani has short hair. The guard hair clings tightly to the skin and is hard and shiny. The undercoat has a low volume. Feels nice and soft on the fur.

Constitution

The body is dry and slender, with noticeable muscle relief. The bones are robust. The motions are remarkably graceful and fluid.

The Canaani is significantly more slender and lighter than the Ocicats. Since it was compelled to travel great distances in order to survive in the steppes, it has more traits from its wild ancestors.

Possible defects

Genetic mutations or incorrect crossings are always the cause of appearance abnormalities. Animals with flaws are therefore not allowed to be bred. Because of their qualities, they do not feel uncomfortable, and these animals make excellent pets.

• silver color, or the presence of cold shades in the color;
• strong external similarity to the oriental breed;
• deafness or strabismus;
• kinks in the tail area;
• pattern on the coat that does not meet the standard.

Life expectancy

Canaani breeds have 15–18 year lifespans. They live 13–15 years on average. The key to extending a pet’s life is to provide them with comfortable living quarters, a tidy home, prompt veterinary care, and a balanced diet.

Colors

The Canaani’s coloration comes from its wild forebears. Various tones of beige and brown shimmer on the fur. The fur’s spotted or marbled pattern is painted in a more vibrant shade of coffee.

The tail has a ring-like pattern surrounding it. The paws and neck are ringed in a similar pattern. Ticking is the term for the multiple color zones that separate each hair. The fur on the belly, chin, and neck is paler in color. Every Canaani cat has a pattern on its forehead that looks like the letter "M."

Crucial! Colors in silver are not appropriate.

Canaani comes in two color varieties:

While the colors in the photos are standard, the animals may have different patterns and sizes of spots in real life.

Features of temperament and habits

The Canaani cat has a strong desire for independence. A person only needs to provide food and shelter. However, reciprocal feelings arise when someone shows you care and affection. A character description aids in comprehending the essence of the breed.

Playfulness

The Canaani breed has carried over its steppe ancestors’ predatory tendencies. They have an excellent sense of smell and a strong hunting instinct. They require frequent, active games when in small spaces. For the kitten, it’s best to set aside a sizable area for play, along with places to climb, houses, and elevated scratching posts. The Canaani spend the majority of their lives moving around.

Crucial! From an early age, a kitten learns to read the traits of human behavior, which shapes its personality. Aggression and timidity are the results of hostility.

Compatibility with people, animals

The wild cat’s nature makes it difficult for small animals and children to coexist. The owner will be let down by the Canaani breed if he is hoping for a peaceful, laid-back cat. Canaani feels at ease with other dogs. When combined, these animals are even more fascinating as they all enjoy an active lifestyle.

Attachment to the owner

Canaanites love their owners despite having wild roots. A stubborn cat needs its owner’s love and affection to get through the morning. They dislike being by themselves. But kittens need to be socialized by their breeder from a young age. If not, the animals will continue to be gregarious and the blood will take control.

Crucial! Felines descended from wild Libyan cats are intolerant of attempts at dominance. Animals exact revenge on people who treat them badly.

Curiosity

The Canaani breed is highly inquisitive. Without a doubt, they will examine any open cabinets, drawers, or boxes. They may even test the sink’s stagnant water. To keep cats safe, owners need to be on the lookout.

Establishing a secure environment for the pet within the home is imperative. Avoid leaving windows wide open, shut the bathroom door, remove all sharp objects, toxic plants, and household chemicals.

Apart from its natural curiosity, Hanaani’s sharp intelligence enables animals to quickly adjust to the tray’s hygienic practices.

Care and maintenance

Routine medical attention. Kanaani adore open spaces and strolls in the countryside. Kanaani favors an apartment or a private home. They can be walked in cities while wearing a harness.

Settling into a new home

A list of requirements for a kitten:

1. Bowls. They are washed daily, so it is better to choose enamel dishes.
2. Bed. It is placed on a small elevation, in the shade and silence.
3. Scratching post. It is better to choose vertical models. Cats like to stretch out when they sharpen their claws.
4. Litter tray. The most convenient are plastic trays with a double bottom. Mineral granules or compressed wood sawdust are used as filler. It is placed in the corridor, hallway or bathroom.
5. Harness. You can only walk with a canaani on a harness. Otherwise, the pet will easily hide in the nearest bushes.
6. Carrying case. Needed for a trip to the veterinarian.

Hygiene procedures

A cat requires consistent care in order to be both beautiful and healthy:

1. Grooming. For grooming short-haired individuals, a slicker brush is enough. You need to comb your pet once a week, and every day during shedding.
2. Claw trimming. Claws are trimmed with a claw cutter once a month.
3. Bathing. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times a year. Usually before exhibitions or in case of serious contamination. Use cosmetics that are intended for animals. After washing the pet, dry it thoroughly with a hairdryer.
4. Ears. They are cleaned 2-3 times a month. Use cotton pads and ear lotion.
5. Eyes. Check them daily, usually every 2-3 days, discharge accumulates in the corners. For cleaning, you need a cotton pad and lotion, or eye drops.
6. Parasites. Every quarter, pets are treated for fleas, ticks and helminths.
7. Teeth. It is recommended to brush your teeth weekly. This is an excellent prevention of tartar, inflammation and oral hygiene.

Diet

The most crucial requirement for cat ownership is a balanced diet. Pregnant cats’ diets receive extra consideration. A cat’s health is harmed by both an excess of food and food of poor quality.

An envoy for the feline family requires:

• Proteins – eggs, sea fish, lean meat (beef or chicken), offal.
• Complex carbohydrates – vegetables and greens.
• Fats – salmon oil, butter, kefir, cottage cheese, cheese.
• Minerals. Calcium, phosphorus, sodium, etc.d. To replenish the lack of minerals, vitamin complexes are added to natural food.
• Clean drinking water. It is updated daily.

Cats who are expecting require somewhat larger servings.

The easiest and best way to achieve optimal nutrition is to buy super-premium food. Cats are fed two or three times a day. Canaani rarely eat too much. Playing active games helps them burn off extra calories quickly, so obesity is not a concern for them.

Crucial! Table food, which includes flour, salt, frying, smoking, and sweet foods, needs to be kept away from animals.

Common diseases

The breed is known for its high level of health. On the other hand, Bengal cats, the ancestors of the Canaani, are known to have heart issues.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Cats with the heart condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy hardly ever live to old age. There are still distinct symptoms, but early detection of the disease is rare.

• asphyxiation attacks, shortness of breath;
• bluish color of the mucous membranes;
• decreased activity;

A chronic illness has no known cure. Supportive therapy and greater owner attention to their well-being are beneficial to animals.

Crucial! Ages 6-8 years old are the animals that are in danger.

Choosing a kitten, cost

You must get to know a kitten in person in order to select a healthy one:

1. Behavior. It is believed that a kitten is very dependent on its mother. This is true, but babies are distinguished by increased curiosity, playfulness, activity. They run with interest to guests, constantly want to play and extremely rarely scared new people.
2. Appearance. This is the following that you need to analyze. The kitten should be clean, without propelled wool.
3. Documents. The buyer should have enough data to make sure of the purity of pedigree crosses and the health of the kitten. Typically, the breeder provides metric, vaccination passport, contract of sale, international veterinary passport.

Caniani cats are a relatively new and uncommon breed. As a result, finding a kitten is challenging, even at international exhibits. Nonetheless, a Canian kitten can be obtained from certain nurseries that breed Savann and Osciete cats. Caniani’s starting price is eighty thousand rubles.

Crucial! Kittens hide in quiet corners during their early days in a new place. They experience less stress in enclosed areas. Allow the kitten to adjust on its own. This behavior typically disappears after three to five days.

Photos and videos

Watch video: Canaan cat

The Canaani is a rare breed of cat that combines the grace of the wild with the companionship of a domestic animal. They stand out due to their remarkable looks and athleticism, and any home is made happier by their playful demeanor.

Canaani cats enjoy bonding with their owners, establishing a healthy balance between freedom and affection, despite being independent and active cats. For people who value a loving and adventurous cat, they are ideal.

The Canaani may be the perfect cat companion for you if you’re searching for someone devoted and active. Just be ready to give this perceptive and intelligent breed lots of stimulation and care to keep them happy.

Videos on the topic

Canaani cats – a breed from Israel

Canaani cat

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