Bahrain is a small island just off the east coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. The local cats of Bahrain have a very distinctive 'look' about them - they are slender, elegant, street smart spotted tabbies. These spotted tabbies have beautiful short hair coats that are extremely sleek, comparable to the feel of a silken persian carpet. The spotted Bahraini cats occur in all different clours from dark brown, bronze, cinnamon, lillac, ginger, silver, etc. and the cats occur in solid colours also. Recently the typical Bahraini cat has been called the 'Dilmun Cat' after the name of ancient Bahrain. These cats have managed to adapt to the harsh climatic conditions of Bahrain. Due to the extreme summer temperatures in Bahrain the cats have large ears and short fur. In the summer they sleep all day and come out in the evening, and in the cooler months they are more active at day time. These cats are generally fond of water, unlike most other breeds.

Generally these cats are not much appreciated in their home land. Most of the cats in Bahrain live as streetwise cats in areas where there is a sufficient supply of food and enough shelter. Apart from their looks, the cats of Bahrain are particualary endearing creatures because of their great personalities. Even people that normally don't like cats end up with a soft spot for these cats.

The cats of Bahrain are very adaptable creatures, and that has been the key to their survival. Unfortunately, nowadays there is so much development going on in Bahrain with shopping malls and high rise offices popping up, that the traditional home areas of the cats are being demolished. The next test of their survival is to see how they will survive in the modern towns and cities of Bahrain.