CATXDOG

The Bahraini Dilmun cats are slender, long bodied, elegant, street smart spotted tabbies. These spotted tabbies have beautiful short hair coats that are extremely sleek, comparable to the feel of a silken Persian carpet. The spotted Bahraini cats occur in all different colors from dark brown, bronze, cinnamon, lilac, ginger, silver, etc. and the cats occur in solid colors also. These cats have managed to adapt to the harsh climatic conditions of Bahrain . Due to the extreme summer temperatures in Bahrain the cats have large ears and short fur. In the summer they sleep all day and come out in the evening, and in the cooler months they are more active at day time. These cats are generally fond of water, unlike most other breeds. Recently the typical Bahraini cat has been called the 'Dilmun Cat' after the name of ancient Bahrain . Most of the cats in Bahrain live as streetwise cats in areas where there is a sufficient supply of food and enough shelter, and because of that are not much appreciated in their home land. Apart from their looks, the cats of Bahrain are particularly endearing creatures because of their great personalities. Even people that normally don't like cats end up with a soft spot for these cats. The cats of Bahrain are very adaptable creatures, and that has been the key to their survival. Unfortunately, nowadays there is so much development going on in Bahrain with shopping malls and high rise offices popping up, that the traditional home areas of the cats are being demolished. The next test of their survival is to see how they will survive in the modern towns and cities of Bahrain .

ORIGIN: Ten thousand years ago, when Bahrain separated from Saudi Arabia and formed an archipelago, its isolation caused differences, especially with mammalian wildlife. This unique history, its geographical location and the element of isolation contributed to the creation of the Dilmun cat, a rare breed found only on these islands. By many fanciers it is considered naturally occurred breed, but other fanciers just see it as adapted domestic cat and do not recognize it as a breed. But some of genes are similar to Egyptian Mau, having naturally evolved spotted tabby gene. It is still discussed if it is a same occurrence. The CCB is currently requesting official recognition to register and pedigree the Dilmun cats. It is also seeking help from zoologists in determining the genetic makeup of the cat.