Kashmir cat
The Kashmir type of cat is not recognized as its own breed by many cat fancier and breeder organizations, being usually more of a label of a coat type: semi-long-haired to long-haired, and grey or brown. The variety is essentially a solid-colored Himalayan, and has been the subject of much disagreement. They were originally born in litters of Himalayans and have been bred to each other to create pure coats with rich lilac to chocolate colors.
Classification by fancier organizations
The Kashmir is recognized as a formal breed by both the United States-based but internationally open Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), and the national Canadian Cat Association (CCA). These organizations specify the color possibilities for Kashmirs as lilac and chocolate. The cats are classified as Himalayans (the parent formal breed) in some other North America-headquartered organizations such as The International Cat Association (TICA), but some groups feel that all Himalayans must have point coloration, and thus disqualify Kashmirs.The British consider the Himalayan a form of the Persian, so Kashmirs are also considered Persians in the UK, when recognized at all. Organizations that do not recognize the variety as valid under any conformation rules may simply consider it a colour-point domestic long-haired cat (not a formal breed).
References
- Siegal, Mordecai (1983). Guide to Cats. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0671491709.
