General Information:

Height/Length: Medium Sized
Weight: 6-12 lbs.
Life Span: 9-16 years
Coloring: Golden Brown Mackerel Tabby
Area of Origin: China
Similar Breeds: Abyssinian, Burmese

Breed History and Origins:

The Dragon Li breed is a natural, self-domesticated breed whose origins trace back to the Xiang dynasty, around 1300 BC. It’s one of the oldest cat breeds native to China and also thought to be one of the earliest known domestic cats in the world. It’s usually thought that cats were domesticated in ancient Egypt, but recent archaeological discoveries have uncovered that their domesticated development actually began in China.

A report in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences hold that’s a study of cats living 5,300 years ago in the Chinese village of Quanhucun delivers the earliest known evidence of a commensal relationship between cats and humans, which basically means that they lived together in compatible ways to each other.

It is highly probable that these early cats are the ancestors of the Dragon Li. They descend directly from the wild Chinese mountain cats. It’s important to stress the fact that the Dragon Li is a natural breed, not the hybrid result of two different domestic breeds. Its development had very little to no human intervention, delivering a naturally evolved, fit and respectable cat breed.

Dragon Li cats are mentioned in ancient Chinese books and other written documents. Their primary job was to catch rats and to protect the crops and grain. This began their companionship with humans.

In modern times, Dragon Li cats are very revered in China. They are considered a point of pride for the country to the extent of actually holding weddings for them. This unofficial cat of China is so rare that there are only 4 individuals of the breed in the United States. As a matter of fact, the development of this breed as a pedigreed cat is fairly recent. The first showing of a Dragon Li was in Beijing in 2003, and was exhibited as an experimental breed at the Cat Aficionado Association show.

In February of 2010, they were accepted into the Cat Fanciers Association’s Miscellaneous Class. The Dragon Li then made its way to the United States in the fall of the same year. After this, the breed didn’t receive much attention, and was unfortunately no longer being accepted for championship status but still remains a recognized breed.

In popular culture, the Chinese literary legend “Li Mao Huan Tai Zi” (The Cat for Crown Prince Conspiracy) utilizes a Dragon Li as its central theme. The breed has also been the inspiration for a China-based television series.

The name Dragon Li is actually one of the most recent names used for the breed, but it also goes by China Li Hua, Li Hua, Li Hua Mau, Lu Hua Mao and Li Mao.

Size and Physical Characteristics:

The respectable Dragon Li cat is distinguished by many things, and one of them is its wide, diamond-shaped head that gives the impression of almost not having a neck. Their buff and built appearance is complemented by a wide, muscular and powerful body with strong legs. They are medium sized but really appear to be short and stocky at times only weighing up to 12 lbs. at the most.

These powerful looking cats also have very large, beautiful and hooded almond-shaped eyes that can be either green, brown or yellow. Their ears are medium in size, fairly spaced apart and rounded at the tips with distinctive tipping on the ends.

Dragon Li cats have rounded paws and a medium length tails that displays black rings and it may or may not be tipped black. These cats have a serious gaze and a wild appearance, especially thanks to their golden brown mackerel tabby coat that may or may not be broken in its pattern. This short coat strongly resembles the coat of their descendants, the Chinese mountain cats. Dragon Li cats mature slowly and may not reach their full size until they are 3 years old.

Personality and Temperament:

Dragon Li cats are highly revered for their intelligence and loyalty. Their strong reputation is also backed up by the fact that these are very independent cats and like to have more space than just four walls. Despite this, they have a friendly and gentle disposition, often adopting the role of the family caretaker, not only of their humans but also of other cats.

Analytical in nature, Dragon Li cats learn with ease and it’s possible to train them to do quite complex tasks, such as fetching the daily newspaper. They also have a very good memory and can figure things out quite well.

The breed is also known to be very active and playful, especially as kittens. They’re not a very affectionate breed and they’re also not very vocal, but these traits tend to vary between individuals. Don’t be broken hearted when your Dragon Li cat doesn’t curl up next to you because it isn’t a fan of snuggles. These high energy cats prefer to play and run around!

Their independent nature makes them best suited for homes where they have space to move around and be active. Since they’re mostly outdoor cats, having descended that way, they require a closed outdoor area where they can climb, exercise and lay out in the sun. They are also very good hunters so do not be surprised to see them catch all sorts of small vermin, including birds and lizards.

Dragon Li cats are very adaptable creatures with an uncanny awareness of its surroundings and great ability to interact with humans. They like attention and respect and generally tolerate children, but it should be best suited to educate small children on respectful ways of handling these cats. It’s recommended to teach them to pet the cat when they’re sitting on the floor or another surface, instead of holding it. They also get along well with other dogs when they’re introduced properly.

Nutritional and Exercise needs:

Diet is very important for cats for it will determine overall health. A healthy coat, teeth, body weight and energy level will depend almost completely on what they are fed. Cats generally are carnivores, so a protein based diet is always preferential. The type of food depends on the owner but make sure to provide quality and enough water if dry kibble is your choice. If their food is canned verify that only a few fillers are added.

As mentioned before, Dragon Li cats are very active and need plenty of indoor and outdoor space to run, climb and exercise. You may be able to set up an area especially for your cat to climb and play around. Cat trees and scratching posts can also be used for this purpose, as well as interactive toys. Cat jungle gyms can be bought at a local pet store or you could build one yourself!

Grooming and Upkeep:

The Dragon Li cats have a short, smooth and thick coat. They do not have an undercoat which makes the grooming process easier but they are sensitive to cold temperatures. You will often see them looking for a patch of sunlight. Weekly brushing of their coat is recommended to remove dead hair and to prevent them from getting hairballs. It also helps stimulate circulation and removes debris. If provided with proper nutrition, occasional grooming, and keeping a small area for shedding, like a pet bed, shedding will be minimized and manageable, although for Dragon Li cats, shedding is mostly seasonal.

Nail trimming and ear cleaning is required regularly. Often teeth brushing at home with an appropriate pet toothpaste, and scheduling veterinary dental cleanings is sometimes necessary. The earlier you began to brush, trim its nails and brush its teeth, the better your kitten will start to accept these activities.

Characteristics unique to the breed:

The attractive Dragon Li cats make great pets for people who like to play with their cats rather than having a cat that lounges around and demands attention. The breed is very independent and likes its space. It is a perfect cat for people who work and leave home for long periods of time.

Dragon Li cats are high energy creatures that love the outdoors but it’s best to be careful to not let them roam since they are a very very rare breed. Despite their wild and sometimes serious or fierce appearance, these cats are very gentle and friendly and their extreme intelligence is a trait to be proud of and taken to their owner’s advantage.

Health and Wellness:

All cats have potential and common health problems, but there are currently no breed-related diseases that can affect the Dragon Li. It’s a relatively healthy and robust breed that hasn’t acquired and diseases thanks to its natural development.

Annual exams, vaccinations, heartworm prevention and flea and tick preventions are recommended. Initially make sure to deworm your cat and run basic blood tests as early diagnosis. Being a pet, it is somewhat common for them to suffer some types of eye problems, tapeworms, feline lower urinary tract disease, and fleas. Keep in mind that a good diet and regular exercise is always the best prevention.

Allergic reactions are not common, but they may affect some people with cat allergies that come in contact with Dragon Li cats.

It’s also always a good idea to seek out a breeder who offers a health guarantee on kittens and who raises them in the home so they are well socialized and protected from diseases that could be picked up from free-roaming cats.

Remember that as a pet owner, you have the power to protect your cat from one of the most common of feline health problems: obesity. Keeping a Dragon Li at an appropriate weight is one of the easier ways to protect his overall health.

Interesting Facts about the breed:

• Considered the most ancient domestic breed of cats in the world.
• Dragon Li cats are a natural breed, developing without any human intervention.
• They descend directly from wild Chinese mountain cats.
• One individual of this breed was actually taught to fetch the morning paper.