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【Learn Chinese】Cat Breeds in Chinese
 
Are you a cat or dog lover? It’s a heated debate. However, not many people can deny the playfulness and cuteness of cats, especially when they’re purring, rubbing against their owners, and curling up on their laps.
The soothing presence of a cat, coupled with its gentle purring, can have a calming effect on people. Interacting with feline companions has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
Whether you’re already a cat owner or considering becoming one, knowing about different cat breeds can enhance the bond you share with these adorable creatures.
In this post, we’ll show you how to refer to five beloved cat breeds in Chinese.
 
Orange cat 橘猫
Orange cats are translated to橘猫 (jú māo). The first character, 橘, means “orange” or “tangerine,” and the second character, 貓/猫, means “cat.”
It’s worth noting that the term doesn’t refer to a specific breed but rather a coat color or pattern found in various cat breeds, such as the American Shorthair. So, when you hear the term either in Chinese or English, think of them as cats with orange-ish fur.
 
Persian cat 波斯猫
The first two characters, 波斯, are a loanword from the English word “Persian,” and you have already learned that 猫 means cat. Together, 波斯猫 (bō sī māo) is the Chinese name for “Persian cat.”
This breed, one of the oldest and most popular worldwide, is renowned for its long, luxurious, and dense coats, which require regular grooming to prevent matting and keep them in good condition.
Another hallmark of this breed is their flat and pushed-in facial structure.
 
Ragdoll 布偶猫
The Chinese term 布偶猫 (bù ǒu māo) literally translates to “cloth idol cat,” mirroring the English name’s connotation of a “rag” and “doll.” True to their name, Ragdolls are famous for their unique characteristic of going limp when picked up, just like a ragdoll.
Due to their gentle, docile, and playful nature, Ragdolls are cherished and adored by cat lovers worldwide. They are sociable and tend to get along well with families and other pets, making them an excellent choice for households.
 
Scottish Fold 折耳猫
Based on its name, you might be able to guess the country of origin of this breed!
Their Chinese name 折耳猫 (zhé ěr māo) emphasizes this distinctive physical feature. 折 means “to fold, to bend” or “curved,” and 耳 means “ear.” So, the Chinese name literally translates to “curved ear cat” without any mention of “Scotland” or “Scottish.”
Interestingly, despite their name, not all Scottish Folds have folded ears – some have straight ears but still carry the gene for folded ears.
 
Maine Coon 缅因猫
Like the Scottish Fold, the Maine Coon breed derives its name from its place of origin. “Maine” refers to a state in the northeastern region of the United States.
In Chinese, the breed is known as 缅因猫 (miǎn yīn māo), which only emphasizes its place of origin 缅因, a phonetic transliteration of “Maine.” Interestingly, the Chinese term does not include a translation for “Coon.”
They are distinctive for their large, tufted ears, thick, water-resistant fur, and bushy tails. Often referred to as “gentle giants,” they are known for their gentle, affectionate nature, as well as their intelligence and playful personality.
Although their thick coat might seem high-maintenance, it is surprisingly easy to care for and requires regular but not overly frequent grooming.

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