Asian Semi-Longhair vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison

It is thought that the cat was brought to America by the Spanish to keep the rat population down.

The name KEUDA stands for Kitten Evaluation Under Direct Assessment which is actually the name of a program that was running in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico and was for investigating the kinds of cats that survived as barn cats.

Today the Keuda isn’t registered and it’s not a well-known cat either, being looked upon as being similar to the Egyptian Mau breed as it shares some physical similarities with the Mau.

Similar to the Asian Shorthair, the Asian Semi-Longhair with its semi-long fur was developed in the UK in the 1980s and isn’t recognized by any U.S. registries.

It is believed that the cat breed goes back to matings between the Chinchilla and Burmilla cats. This cat may not be recognized by any of the U.S. registries but it has recognition in the GCCF.

You can’t really pin-point what the American Keuda looks like as it looks a lot like the Maus but it can also look like a Siamese cat or even others.

It is a medium-sized cat and can weigh up to 5 or 6kg while being very lithe and athletic. The head of the cat is medium-sized, the ears medium-large, the eyes almond-shaped, and the tail is slightly tapered.

An unusual aspect with this cat is its belly flap – loose skin that flaps at each elbow. The head is wedge-shaped, it has almond-shaped eyes, large ears and the fur is soft and silky and in a variety of patterns as well as solid colors. The coat is short to medium in length and there is no undercoat.

Temperament:

American Keudas are just your regular cat in personality - active, adaptable, inquisitive, and intelligent while being strong and agile.

They are also adaptable and social, getting along well with children as well as other pets in the home. It is also quite unusual in that it likes playing with water. They are also playful and love running, jumping and climbing and indoors it will want a climbing cat tree.

This beautiful cat is medium to large in size and can weigh up to 6 or 7kg. The body is compact, the face and eyes round with a slightly blunt snout. The ears are fairly small and pointed.

The luxurious silky coat comes in different colors and patterns such as black, brown, chocolate, blue and lilac, which happen to be the five main colors of this beautiful cat with his shiny green eyes.

Temperament:

The Asia Semi-Longhair is a gentle cat but curious and active. These are cats that become attached to their human owers and don’t like to share their humans with other cats.

They’re very talkative and they are therefore not the best breed to keep in an apartment. It’s also a cat that doesn’t like to be left on its own for long periods of time and will make a friend of children and other pets such as dogs if it means some companionship.

The beauty of American Keuda cats is that they are no-fuss cats and they are energetic, amicable, social, and playful and they make wonderful companions.

They are also fond of water and can even strike up a friendship with your dog. By bringing a Keuda into your home you can rely on a steady, loving friendship with your feline friend.

The Asian Semi-longhair is such a sociable, friendly cat and he loves his human family so much that he can’t bear to be separated from them. It is often referred to as being a dependent cat, as it absolutely hates being alone and does not want to be separated from the people he loves.

It’s not the type of cat to get if you work long hours and there is nobody else at home. It's the kind of cat that also gets on well with kids and dogs.

He is such a playful cat that even a yarn of wool will keep him amused for ages and he loves toys. For so much friendship coming from your feline friend, he deserves plenty of love and attention - after all, he is prepared to give you that.

Thes cats enjoy good health and live to be 15 years of age or older even. You just have to watch out for him as they have no undercoats and it’s not a cat to do well in the cold.

Whenever you buy a cat for the first time, try and find out about vaccines and previous conditions that might require special treatment.

Healthy kittens and cats are always alert and energetic with shiny coats and clear eyes.

Dental disease is quite common in cats, and it is always a good idea to have your pet’s teeth checked by your vet. Signs of pain with dental problems can include lethargy, pawing at the mouth, facial swelling, and reduced appetite. Get your cat immediately to the vet if you suspect problems with his teeth.

Neutering and spaying are imperative if you don’t want your pet to have kittens. It’s a simple operation for your pet and it comes with many health benefits for your cat. You don’t want your female cat having kittens as there are just already so many stray cats in shelters. Spaying and neutering mellows a cat too, makes them less prone to wandering, spraying, and fighting.

Make sure you have your American Keuda vaccinated against the many cat diseases that there are. Vaccinations are available against feline infectious enteritis or feline parvovirus, cat flu and feline leukemia virus, a disease that damages the cat’s immune system. Kittens require their first vaccine at around 8 weeks of age.

The Asian Semi-longhair is a robust cat, not prone to lots of health issues and he can reach up to 15 years of age.

It doesn’t have any particular breed-specific diseases, but as with any cat, you want to be looking out for heart and periodontal diseases.

Also, hypokalaemic polymyopathy is a condition that results in muscle weakness and pain in your cat. The cause is low potassium and your pet's entire body can have muscle weakness.

Some other symptoms include being stiff, slow walking and an actual reluctance to walk. Some of the common causes of this illness include chronic kidney disease and poor diet.

Every cat needs to be fed a complete, balanced high-in-protein food. There are heaps of different brands of cat food on the market - wet and dry. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommended amounts. If in any doubt about what to feed your cat, speak to your vet. Every cat needs a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise and play:

Both young and older cats love to play so ensure you provide your cat with stimulating toys as well as things such as climbing trees and a scratching post. Cats enjoy a high-up place where they can feel safe and view their surroundings from a height.

Sleeping area:

Cats spend many hours a day sleeping and you need to provide your cat with a warm, dry, comfortable, quiet place to rest. There are many cat beds available, but if you don’t have one, a cardboard box with one side removed and a soft cushion or blanket will do.

Litter box:

Invest in a litter box for your cat to do his business in and keep it in a safe, quiet place where your cat can ‘toilet’ in peace and quiet. These should be placed away from the food and water bowls. Make sure to keep a small plastic rake close by and rake up the cat droppings regularly to ensure the litter tray is nice and clean.

Grooming:

Your American Keuda is a short-haired cat but you want to brush the fur gently at least once a week. Grooming also provides you and your cat with some valuable bonding time.

Microchipping:

Provide your cat with a collar to show everyone that he is yours. Also, have your cat microchipped – a tiny chip that carries your pet’s unique ID number and which is inserted safely and gently under the cat's skin.

Parasites:

Have your cat treated and free from parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms. Speak to your vet about this.

Your Asian Semi-Longhair will require regular deworming.

Keep your cat’s vaccines up to date.

The Asian Semi-longhair has moderate to long hair, and it’s a cat that sheds quite a bit so use a soft brush to brush the coat gently twice a week.

Have your cat spayed or neutered as this can prevent unwanted kittens. Not only this, doing this for your cat can be beneficial for your cat and bring out better characteristics in them. They no longer want to roam and mark territory. In the female cat it's the removal of the cat’s ovaries and uterus, and with the male cat, neutering is the removal of the cat’s testicles.

After this op, your vet will explain to you how to look after your recovering pet.