The Dragon Li Cat Breed

dragon li cat breed lying down

The Dragon Li is a relatively new Chinese domestic cat breed that is also known as Chinese Li Hua or China Li Hua as a standardized breed. Pinyin, a widespread landrace of cats in China, was used to create it. In China, the Dragon Li is regarded to be a natural self-domesticating breed descended from the Chinese mountain cat, a wildcat subspecies.

In 2003, a relatively new breed known as the ‘Li Hua Mao’ was born in China for the first time, with no known ancestors. These cats used to be found all over China, and their main task was to protect crops and grains by hunting stray rats and mice. Their references can be found in numerous antique books and written materials. As a result of the Chinese character translation being based on a legendary narrative rather than a truly accurate contemporaneous portrayal of the Dragon Li, the breed has been confused with the wild fox.

Dragon Li cat sitting down

The Dragon Li was officially recognized in the United States by the CFA in February 2010, but was classified in the miscellaneous class and was not approved for championship status. However, outside of China, these felines are still extremely rare in North America and Europe. Currently, the name ‘Li Hua Mao’ is more popular in China for this cat. However, the names Chinese Li Hua and Dragon Li have been used internationally to represent the fabled Chinese dragon’s metaphorical essence.

Body Description

The Dragon Li has a remarkable golden-brown, broken-mackerel tabby pattern, as well as characteristic ear tips, large round almond-shaped luminescent yellow/green eyes, and a robust full-bodied stature suggestive of its untamed nature. The ear tips stand out. It’s a medium-sized creature, but its muscular, stout appearance betrays its feral character. The outer corners of its eyes are slightly higher than the inner corner of its spherical face, which is studded.

Dragon li with good body structure

Behaviour

They are outgoing and pleasant, and they enjoy meeting new people and strangers because it is one of their natural instincts to engage with people. However, some people do not get along well with little children and become worried when they are around them. The Dragon Li cats are very active and enthusiastic, and they will never tire of playing with you.

They also get along well with other animals. The Dragon Li cats aren’t particularly demanding or cuddly, and they don’t spend much time tangling and resting on the bed. They are dedicated and devoted. They would sit alongside you rather than on top of you.

Dragon li displaying its behaviour

Train your dragon li kittens to become acclimated to the fundamentals early on, such as socializing, the conduct you expect from them, and how to deal with your children, among other things. Because the Dragon Li is smarter and more cunning than other breeds, you should expect good results with some moderate housetraining on your part.

Care

They are ideally suited to large homes and flats, but they can adapt to practically any environment and rarely change their personalities after moving. These felines are natural hunters of birds and small rodents due to their drive. They don’t make a lot of noise.

Combing and brushing are required at least once a week to keep their coat smooth and appealing and to aid in the removal of dead hairs. Bathe them only when they are dirty, and only when it is hot outside. Once a week, they should have their nails trimmed.

Bathe them only when they are dirty, and only when it is hot outside. Once a week, they should have their nails trimmed. The Dragon Lis has a short coat that is easy to groom. They are, however, sensitive to cold temperatures because they do not have an undercoat.

Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.