All cats originate from Middle East

All cats originate from an area located in the Middle East, according to a study by the University of California.

The findings, which studied 11,000 cats, found that a region known as the Fertile Crescent is where the modern feline has its roots.

This is an area around the eastern end of the Mediterranean, stretching from Turkey to northern Africa and eastwards to Iraq and Iran.

The study, which was reported in the January issue of the journal Genomics, suggests that the modern day cat originated between 5,000 to 8,000 years ago.

Monika Lipinski, lead researcher, told the Science Daily magazine: "This study confirms earlier research suggesting that the domestication of the cat started in the Fertile Crescent region.

"It also provides a warning for modern cat fanciers to make sure they maintain a broad genetic base as they further develop their breeds."

Modern day cats, as admirers of our furry friends will know, come in many different shapes and sizes.

One of the most striking examples of a modern day breed is the Toygar, which has similar markings to a tiger.

'Celebrity' dogs taking over

A study in the UK for the popularity for 'toy-dogs' favoured by celebrities such as Paris Hilton is driving once-popular British canines to the brink of extinction.

That is the view of top breeders in the UK after the Kennel Club compiled an 'endangered list' of breeds that have had less than 300 puppies a year registered.

In 2007 the list included bloodhounds, of which only 100 were registered, 48 show greyhounds (racing greyhounds are registered separately) and 68 cardigan corgis, a breed closely related to the Pembrokeshire corgis owned by the Queen.

Other lesser-known breeds on the list include the obscure glen of imaal terrier, the sky terrier and otterhound.

Among the 'celebrity' dogs doing well are the chihuahuas, so in demand that they command up to £2,000 ($5000) a puppy, the pug, shi tzu and pomeranian.

A spokesman for the Kennel Club, said: "Celebrities seem to have a huge impact on which breeds are deemed popular each year."

It is not all bad news for British breeds as the ever-popular bulldog now has 4,000 registrations a year, mainly because it is considered a 'cool' animal to own.