THE MOGMANAY

Originally bred in Scotland, these kitties are frequently seen around the New Year season when they hold huge all night parties, with much socialising, singing of Auld Lang Syne and general cavorting. Traditionally they should be the first kitty over the threshold in the New Year and should always be offered a dram of Whisky in milk to ensure good luck for the household. While lucky coal-color is the preferred color, they can also be found in a variety of clan tartans (Stuart, Anderson etc) and plaids. Non-clan affiliated Mogmanays wear regimental tartans such as the Black Watch. Like chameleons, they change from Dress tartan to Hunting tartan when stalking prey. Unlike Scottish McCats, they rarely have sporrans or skein dhus, nor are they particularly warlike, preferring partying to conflict.

The second major gathering time for Mogmanays is on Burns Night, during the height of the Haggis season. Although Mogmanays have been around for centuries in one form or another, all registered Mogmanays must be able to trace their ancestry back to founding feline Mog Roy to ensure the purity of the breed. Some authorities are working with the older type, Mogmanays which they term 'Traditional Mogmanays' or 'Wild Mogmanays' to differentiate them from the 'Classic or Contemporary Mogmanay'. Outcrossings to other cats closely resembling the Mogmanay may be made in order to introduce a new authentically Scottish Tartan pattern into the breed or to maintain type; but the progeny are not full-register Mogmanays until the F3 generation away from the non-pedigree parent.

THE EASTER KITTY

Seen only in the Springtime, these brightly colored kitties are harbingers of Spring. They are found in all recognised colours and have an exceptionally glossy coat with a metallic sheen. As well as standard patterns they are found in azure, emerald, scarlet, primrose-yellow and in silver and gold versions of all colors. As well as all recognised patterns - tabby, spotted, rosetted, marbled, brindled, bi- and tri-colors, colorpoint etc - they are found in patterns specific to the breed: zig zags, patchwork, quadri-colors and patterns incorporating several colors and patterns simultaneously on silver or gold backgrounds. Whatever the color, they are genetically all chocolate cats (in plain, milk and white versions, the best coming from Belgium or Switzerland)

Favorite foods are Simnel Cake, chicks, Easter bunnies and chocolate eggs. Although they generally dislike water, these cats have the ability to walk on water if the need arises and owners have been perturbed by these felines' ability to literally rise from the dead (eight times only), something which has confused vets no end.

It is believed that these cats moult their distinctive metallic, patterned fur after Easter and for the remainder of the year they appear to be ordinary household pets apart from their self-resurrecting abilities. We do not suggest that you use this factor test your household pet to see if it is an Easter Kitty since it could lead to grave disappointment.

WITCH'S CAT

This breed of cat is exclusively black though a sprinkling of white hairs on individual cats is permissible. There should be three white hairs at the end of the tail. Fur should be short to semi-long, perfectly straight and stand on end without the application of starch or hair-spray. Eyes may be green, pumpkin-yellow or copper and have a wild, fixed staring expression. The facial expression is best described as 'maniacal'. Ears are slightly backswept due to long hours flying about on a broomstick. Teeth are long, pointed and frequently bared. Claws are well developed and non-retractile to give the cat extra purchase on the broomstick when cornering into a cross-wind at high speed. The tail resembles a bottlebrush and there is an especially prominent ridge of hair along the back, which has earned these cats the nickname 'Rides Easy Ridgecat'.

These cats are considered lucky in parts of Europe, but unlucky some other parts of the world. It is especially lucky to pluck the three white hairs (the 'Devil's hairs) from the cats' tails as these have the power to cure many ills - if you don't get your arm bitten off in the attempt. Sadly, in Britain, many of these cats were burned on bonfires both at Halloween and on Guy Fawkes Night ('Fireworks Night' , 5th November). Other colors are accepted in some countries and in Japan, the Witches Cat must have a double tail.

Favorite food is pumpkin and anything from a trick-or-treat bag. These cats are prone to warts, cross eyes and have a cackling cry. They frequently mount broomsticks - this is not a sexual perversion but is part of their natural broomstick-riding behavior.

NB: They should not be confused with the Wiccat, which is the nature loving feline companion of White Witches and nature worshippers. Due to a Sphynx-like muatation, many Wiccats go sky-clad.

THE SANTA CLAWS

This breed is generally red and white in a tuxedo pattern, sometimes with black 'gloves' and 'boots' and a black belt around the middle. Shorthaired with a prominent white ruff, long white whiskers, bushy white eyebrows, red nose and cheeks, pale blue eyes and distinctive 'ho-ho-ho' call, these amiable cats can be seen frequenting large department stores, community centers, shopping malls and schools during the Christmas shopping season (i.e. any time from July till February). They tend to be very cobby in build, more so than a Persian or Exotic, and they have a tendency to run to fat during the mince pie season.

The Santa Claws favors venison (pref Reindeer or Caribou) on the hoof, plum pudding, Dundee Cake, turkey with chestnut stuffing and Stollen. These cats are very fond of toys and candies; they usually have sacks of assorted toys and candies. They also have a natural affinity for children and enjoy entertaining youngsters with their 'ho-ho-ho' calls. They are also highly curious and care should be taken if you have a chimney as they seem strangely attracted to them.

This cat goes by a variety of names, depending on country. For example in parts of Europe it is called the St Nicholcat, in Britain it may be called Father Christcat and in a good many countries it is not recognised at all. (In Israel, there is an equivalent breed called the Hanukat). Contrary to folklore, these cats are not found at the North Pole, but may have originated as Reindeer-herding cats from Norway or Lapland and may originally have occurred in a longhaired form. Other authorities believe that the Santa Claws is descended from ancient Yule Mogs and may be a furred form of the Wiccat.