intelligent breed of shorthaired cat known for its observant nature and adaptability to many situations; chicly elegant body always in half-crouch, making it look like it is ready to pounce at any time; coat is fine and glossy and may be any of several luxuriant, solid colors, including cameo, chocolate, cinnamon, smoke, tortoiseshell, ebony, chestnut, and lavender; ears are large and pointed; tail is long, thin, and tapering; eyes are either vivid green or blue, depending on variety; affectionate and impish and quite vocal; bears 5 kittens per litter; offspring of Siamese, bred until solid colors emerged; first called foreign shorthair until it gained wider popularity in 1970s.