Green eyes are a primary indicator distinguishing a superior Chinese Li Hua cat (also known as the Dragon Li). Generally, Li Hua cats with green eyes are considered exceptionally beautiful. Typically, these green-eyed felines also sport distinct eyeliner markings and possess a brick-red, dark brown, or black nose, often with a defined nose line. This combination of features is why green-eyed Li Hua cats are highly valued and referred to as top-tier specimens.
The eyes of a Li Hua cat are typically almond-shaped, with colors primarily falling into three categories: yellow, gold, and green. Eye color plays a critical role in assessing the quality of a Li Hua cat. Generally, the clearer, purer, deeper, and more gem-like the eyes, the better. Moreover, Li Hua cats usually have natural eyeliner markings. Their noses are brick-red, dark brown, or black, and they have long nose lines. Furthermore, superior Li Hua cats often have round heads, bright eyes, strong paws, short, coarse fur, and black nails and paw pads. The eye color is a reliable indicator of the cat's breed purity.
How to Identify a Superior Li Hua Cat
1. Pedigree Certificate:
Purebred Li Hua cats usually come with pedigree certificates. You can verify the authenticity of the certificate by checking its code on the CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) website. This method was a primary way to determine if a cat was truly purebred. However, in recent years, the CFA has removed the Li Hua cat from its list of recognized breeds, thus ceasing to issue certificates. This has unfortunately made it more difficult to verify the purity of Li Hua cats.
2. Physical Characteristics:
A purebred Li Hua cat should exhibit the breed's key characteristics. When selecting a Li Hua cat, assess the head and ears. They should form a pointed triangle. The Li Hua cat's muzzle is relatively small, the ear tips are pointed, and there are noticeable stripes. The length of the nose is approximately equal to the width of one eye. The coat is short and dense without a thick undercoat. The limbs are strong, agile, powerful, and of moderate length. These features are essential for a true Li Hua cat.
3. Parentage:
The parents of a superior Li Hua cat should also be purebred Li Hua cats. This is a crucial factor influencing the kitten's overall quality. If a Li Hua cat mates with another breed, the resulting offspring would be considered a mixed-breed cat, making it difficult to classify them as purebred. Therefore, tracing the parentage is vital to ensure the cat's pure lineage. The presence of green eyes and these key characteristics combined indicates a truly superior Chinese Li Hua cat, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts.