• Submitted by: manso
• Society
• 05 / 24 / 2011

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2011.05.23 - 18:32:06 / radiorebelde.icrt.cu. New Cat Breed Found in Cuba. Havana, Cuba.- A new cat breed called Azul Cubana (Cuban Blue) and recognized for the silver-gray shade of its fur was reported by the Cuban Association for Cats (ACAG) as the sixth of its type in the world.

Veterinary doctor Angel de Uriarte, ACAG national president told ACN Cuban Blue is a natural breed that emerged spontaneously, with limited human intervention aimed mostly at selecting the best animals and fostering target crossing.

Dr. De Uriarte added that the advantage of this type of crossing lied in the diversity of its genetic potential, which doesn’t imply in-breeding or mating between cats of the same family, which ensures minimum congenital and fertility problems.

De Uriarte explained that the Genetics Commission of the Society described the Cuban Blue as a mid- to large-size strong cat, with short to semi-long blue grayish hair with silver shades.

ACAG vice president Fernando Dominguez Dieppa the new Cuban breed can be easily identified because of strength, elegance and sturdiness of the animals.

Dominguez Dieppa added that the ACAG will work now in the training of breeders to encourage the safe breeding of Cuban Blue to obtain healthy animals and perpetuate the breed.

ACAG emerged with the purpose of promoting the breeding and care of cats, introducing new breeds in the country and offering advice and training of those felines.

In Cuba, nine cat breeds have been recognized among them the Cuban varieties of short and semi-long hair, the Persians, Bengal, Siamese, and the recently recognized Cuban Blue. (ACN)