Suffolk Cat Breed Guide
Shiny | Chocolatey | Loyal. The Suffolk cat is one of the newest breeds of cat in the UK, only being officially recognised by the GCCF in 2014. However, they’ve quickly made their mark as one of the most beautiful cats, which exudes a purrsonality as infectious as its stunning good looks. Today we’re going to indulge in the chocolatey goodness of the Suffolk cat exploring its recent origins, its adaptable temperament and what food these kitties need to be eating to maintain their dazzling good looks.
Credit:@wafflecatandfriends
SUFFOLK CAT BASICS
Average Lifespan: 10 - 15 years
Average Weight: 3 - 5kg
Coat Length: Short
Colouring: Chocolate and lilac
Shedding: Low
WHAT IS THE ANCESTRY OF THE SUFFOLK CAT?
The Suffolk cat is a very new breed of floof that originated as the name suggests in Suffolk, UK in the early 2000s. The goal of breeding this cat was to create a beautiful chocolatey brown kitty that resembled the early Havana cats of the 1950s.
Havana cats were a popular breed in the UK, however they began to develop health complications which caused breeders of the time to diversify their gene pool by out-breeding them with a range of brown cats. This improved their general health however in doing so caused their appearance to stray away from what it originally intended to look like.
With this, the Havana was eventually grouped under the Oriental cat breed, which made way for breeders to begin to develop a new cat (the Suffolk) in the image of the original Havana in the early 2000s. The Suffolk is slowly gaining popularity in the UK, particularly since gaining new breed status from the GCCF in 2014.
WHAT DO SUFFOLK CATS LOOK LIKE?
Suffolk cats are undeniably beautiful. They have elegant slender bodies with a short coat that is most popular in a rich chocolate brown colour but can also be lilac. Other than being known for the colour of their coat, they are also renowned for exceptionally shiny fur that looks as though it’s been polished and buffed to purrfection. Their face is longer than it is wide, with large ears and emerald green eyes which light up any room that they treat with their presence.
PURRSONALITY OF THE SUFFOLK CAT
If you’ve always wanted a dog but don’t have a yard or maybe you’re even allergic to them, a Suffolk cat is a purrfect substitution. These guys have many dog-like qualities, easily being harness-trained and enjoying fetching games or simply following their owners around for fun. They’re devoted to their pawrents, giving dogs a run for their money as man’s best friend.
They’re known for being exceptionally gentle and rarely use their claws, purrfect for young families. They’re vocal and enjoy joining in on conversations or meowing when their hooman stops caressing them as they lay next to them on the sofa. Suffolk cats are very adaptable and do well as indoor cats particularly if their hooman works from home and doesn’t mind having their work buddy sit on their lap all day long.
DO SUFFOLK CATS HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS?
Suffolk cats aren’t linked to any hereditary cat diseases. Nevertheless, as they do share lineage with Oriental cats they may be more prone to developing progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic eye disease that can cause blindness in cats. More studies on this breed will have to be done to prove or disprove this link.
SUFFOLK CAT FEEDING REQUIREMENTS
Like all cats, Suffolk cats are obligate carnivores so need a diet high in good quality animal meat to provide them with the essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients and amino acids (including taurine and arginine) that they need to thrive. Animal meat is essential for providing them with energy as well as maintaining the health of their digestive system, immune system, vision, skin, coat, and strength of their organs, bones and muscles.
Look for recipes that list a named source of animal meat as the first ingredient with a meat content of at least 60% to ensure that your cat will be getting everything they need from their dinner bowl.
To help fight against eye diseases that Suffolk cats may have a predisposition to, look for a cat food with Omega 3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin E. Fatty fish like salmon provide high levels of these minerals. They also have the added bonus of keeping your Suffolk cat’s shiny coat extra glossy!
SCRUMBLES, THE PAWFECT FOOD FOR SUFFOLK CATS
Looking for a nutritious cat dinner for your Suffolk cat that delivers on taste as well as affordability? Then check out our extensive range of nutritious cat food!
All of our nutrient-dense cat food dinners contain:
- All-natural ingredients.
- At least 60% ethically sourced animal meat like fish and British poultry.
- No useless plant proteins or animal or meat derivatives.
- Hypoallergenic ingredients and no common allergens such as dairy, soy and egg.
- No artificial preservatives, additives or fillers.
- No unnecessary added salt and sugar which is unhealthy for cats.
Suffolk cats particularly love our Salmon Dry Cat Food which contains Vitamin E and Zinc to help keep their eyes healthy and maintain the sheen of their glossy coat.
At Scrumbles, we’re also crazy about gut health (and pretty poops). That’s why we use prebiotics or probiotics to improve digestibility, reduce tummy upsets and stinky farts and promote purrfect poops for an easy clean up at the litter tray.
So make the switch to Scrumbles today, and watch as your Suffolk cat shines from the inside out!
