The Templecat is now one of the many breeds of cat registered with the New Zealand Cat Fancy and was accepted in this organisation in 2019. The breed was developed in New Zealand as a shorthair version of the long-established Birman breed. The Birman was first shown in France in the 1920s and was recognised in both the United Kingdom and the United States in the mid-1960s. Birmans were imported into New Zealand in the 1970s and soon gained acceptance by the NZCF. A number of outcrosses have been carried out to bring new colours and patterns into the Birman breed and one of these in New Zealand in the 1990s resulted in shorthair off-spring which became the forebears of the Templecat breed. The Templecat was first recognised by Catz Inc in the 2000s. Like the Birman the Templecat displays the Himalayan coat pattern (pointed) and blue eyes. The paws are large and round but with distinctive pure white 'gloves' on the front paws and 'gauntlets' on the rear paws. The body is long and muscular but quite stocky with thickset, strongly boned legs. The head has wide cheek bones and wide set ears. Templecats are known for a keen intelligence, loving natures, and soft voices. Some grooming is required. Photo: Helmi Flick