Bahraini Dilmun Cats: Characteristics and Legacy

Rare Bahraini or Dilmun cats have evolved over the centuries as a native feline of Bahrain (1): In the Arabian Gulf a small island just of the east coast of Saudi Arabia. Unique features of the Dilmun cats are distinct from other breeds of cats, and live in severe climate changes. The cats of Bahran historically are good home family felines for adults and children. In Bahrain most Dilman cats live in the streets, but fortunately get food from cat lovers and find enough shelter. 2 Members of the Cat Club of Bahrain (CCB) developed recognition for this breed of feline. Unfortunately fewer purebred Dilmun cats are born because of interbreeding among abandoned pet Persians. 4

Bahraini cats over time have become genetically a hybrid of other cats including the tabby (Referred to as "spotted tabbies" 1) for the inherited color (brown, bronze, lillac, ginger, silver or cinnamon) spots or in solid colors. 2 However, the Cat Club of Bahrain claim the feline is a natural spotted tabby cat. 1 "These spotted tabbies (six group types 3) have beautiful short hair coats that are extremely sleek, I compare their coats to the feel of a beautiful silk Persian carpet." 2 Dating back to the 1400 BC, ancient Egyptian paintings depicted comparable Bahraini cats.1

Characteristics of Bahraini cats: Diameter of the head is wedged-shaped, Ears are medium or large, "Large eyes, almond shaped (oriental looking), and slanted toward ears." (Besides eyes are green or gold coloured. (1) One tone coloured or blue for white born Dilmun's 3), long - back muscle legs and small rounded front paws, "Tails are very long and thick at the base" and soft meows & babble when hungry. Also, breed trainable to hunt and perform tricks. 3 The short fur on Bahraini cats is suitable for the breed during extreme summer temperatures. "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." 2 Unlike other breed of felines, Bahraini cats are generally attracted to water. 6

Owner of a rescued Dilmun cat (two years old) describes the personality of her cat named Ally: Loves to sleep on a patch of sun on the bed while she is working, feline hunts around the home to play with her fluffy balls as if she has "killed' them and presents them to her owner proudly, attracted to mouse pointer on the computer screen, and loves to snuggle next to her family members when they watch television. 5

The current status and longevity existence of Dilmun cats living in the open spaces of Bahrain is jeopardized by the modern homes, high rise buildings and shopping malls being developed. 2 The Cat Club of Bahrain seeks to officially establish pedigree recognition for the Dilmun feline breed. Also, the CCB seeks the help of zoologists to determine the authentic genetic makeup Bahraini cats 1

References:

1.) Dilmun cats - a rare Bahraini breed - http://www.gulfweeklyworldwide.com/article.asp?Sn=4545&Article=16085

2.) Cats - Bahraini Dilmun Cat - http://www.animalloverworld.com/cats/Bahraini_Dilmun_Cat.html

3.) Demun Cat Standard - http://www.csbpa.com/pages.php?page_id=7

4.) List of Cat Breeds - http://www.petdirect.com.au/articles_cat_detail.php?RecID=152

5.) Cat of the Day - http://catoftheday.com/archive/2003/August/14.html

6.) BAHRAINI DILMUN CAT - http://www.catxdog.com/cbahrdil.htm