Like the dog, the Domestic cat can take on many different appearances, especially in terms of coat color. There is something for everyone: black, white, redhead, grey, smooth, bicolor, tricolor, with drawings and effects… Of all possible coats, the Colourpoint is probably one of the most surprising, for some of its amazing features.
Content
Cat breeds “Colorpoint”
Colorpoint Longhair or Colourpoint Longhair (among other spellings) is a term in disuse for one of the many varieties of domestic cat, and can refer to:
Javanese cat, the long-haired variant of the widely accepted Colorpoint shorthair cat (which is essentially a Siamese cat with non-Siamese coloring); notice, However, that the World Cat Federation uses confusingly “Javanese” to refer to him Oriental Longhair cat, related but different.
Colourpoint, the name of the World Cat Federation for the long-haired version of its definition of Colorpoint shorthair (including both standard and non-standard Siamese coloring); it is a classification of the breed that encompasses what other registries call:
The Javanese cat (see above), that is to say, a long-haired cat with any of the colorations that are not standard for the Siamese cat and the Himalayan cat, but that are in the Colorpoint shorthair cat, no WCF.
Any long-haired, colored mongrel domestic cat (without capital letters and with several spellings, for example, “long hair colourpoint”, etc.)
Physical characteristics
The term Colourpoint refers to a coat pattern in cats in which the limbs (face, ears, underside of legs and tip of tail) are darker than the rest of the body. However, not limited to felines, as it is also found in some other mammals, like gerbils and rabbits.
The cats Colourpoint have several notable features:
are born with a smooth or very light coat;
they are cats with blue eyes, even as adults;
tend to darken over the years;
may temporarily change color in certain situations.
how is a cat Colourpoint?
A cat Colourpoint limbs are darker than the rest of the body. In particular, This translates into :
the face, with a mask that covers at least the forehead, nose and cheeks. Some also have lighter eye contours and, Therefore, they seem to wear some kind of glasses;
the back and the contour of the ears, that are dark;
legs and tail, that can be colored only at the tips or throughout their length.
The cats Colourpoint they rarely have a uniform mark, since the pattern fades in some parts to form a kind of gradient from the darkest to the lightest areas of the body. This color gradation is most noticeable on the legs and tail., especially in individuals with brown or even black tips. However, it is not systematic.
The different types of colors
There are different types of Colourpoint, depending on the color of the ends (or points):
Color point type
Final color
Blue point
Grey blue
Chocolate point
Chocolate Cafe
Cinnamon point
Cinnamon brown
Cream point
Light cream
Fawn point
Pink beige
Lilac point
Pinkish gray
Red point
Bright orange
Seal point
Dark brown to black
It also, the boss Colourpoint can also be used with a pattern: instead of smooth, ends can be brindle (this is called tabby point) or tortie / carey, that is to say, black and Red (this is called tortie point).
Whether the limbs are stamped or not, the rest of the body can be any color, which increases the number of possible combinations. However, the most sought after colors are usually those that offer a good contrast between the two shades and, Therefore, make the drawing stand out Colourpoint: are the bright or dark ends on a rather light body.
Are there many Colourpoint cats?
The boss Colourpoint can be quite distinctive, but it is by no means rare among cats. This is not surprising, since some very popular cat breeds, as the Siamese cat, have it as a standard feature.
The genetics of the coat Colourpoint
The boss Colourpoint in cats it is caused by a genetic alteration in the C gene, responsible for the production of an enzyme called tyrosinase. This enzyme is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, hair and eyes. You need a temperature of about 38-39°C, what is the normal body temperature of a cat.
However, certain genetic mutations in gene C cause the tyrosinase be more sensitive to heat. So it is unable to work at normal temperature, which reduces the production of melanin in the hair and eyes, thus limiting its coloration. The fur is not as colorful as it would be if the tyrosinase it could have worked, and the iris is still blue instead of darkening to a more classic shade (that is to say, yellow, green or orange).
Then, the only places where the tyrosinase can act correctly and in which, Therefore, the hair acquires its color “normal” are those in which the body temperature is lower, that is to say, the extremities: face, ears, underside of legs and tip of tail.
This genetic mutation explains why cats Colourpoint they have such a special fur and beautiful blue eyes.
Color changes in Colourpoint cats
Like the particular coat of cats Colourpoint is linked to the sensitivity of the enzyme tyrosinase heat, its coloration can change over time depending on various factors, including body temperature.
Changes in body temperature
When a cat has an abnormally high body temperature (for example, if you have a fever or hyperthermia), the tyrosinase does not work properly and there is not as much melanin: your body becomes clearer. This explains why a kitten comes into the world smooth or very little marked.: has stayed warm in his mother's womb and, Therefore, has a higher temperature than normal.
On the other hand, lower body temperature (for example, as a result of hypothermia or hair clipping) makes body hair darker. This is why cats Colourpoint tend to darken as they age: as they age, your metabolism slows down and your body temperature drops, which causes an increase in melanin production.
However, these color changes do not occur in a matter of hours or minutes, since melanin synthesis and hair growth are not immediate. They only occur if the change in body temperature lasts for at least several days, and very gradually. For example, a cat colourpoint sleeping next to a radiator doesn't suddenly become lighter.
Hormone-related changes
Regardless of the type of coat, the synthesis process melanin is influenced by the production of certain hormones. However, in colourpoint cats, this influence is multiplied by ten, giving rise to color variations that are easily appreciated in some particular cases.
For example, it is not uncommon to find that the fur of a cat Colourpoint that has just given birth gets progressively darker as the days go by, due to hormonal changes that occur. Next, will return to its normal color in a few days or weeks, once hormone levels have normalized.
how to get a cat Colourpoint?
The genetic mutation responsible for the coat Colourpoint in cats it is transmitted recessively. This means that both parents have to pass the mutation on to the kitten.. If one of the parents does not pass the mutation, but the standard version of the normal gene, the kitten will have a non-colored coat.
Therefore, the only way to get a kitten Colourpoint is to cross two individuals that are carriers of this genetic characteristic. If you both have two copies, Both are Colourpoint, and the 100% of their kittens will be Colourpoint.
More concretely, different combinations are possible:
of the cats Colourpoint give kittens 100% Colourpoint;
a cat Colourpoint and a cat no Colourpoint with the mutation they give an average of 50% Colourpoint kittens;
two cats without Colourpoint with the mutation they give an average of 25% of Colourpoint;
the marriage between a cat Colourpoint and a cat no Colorpoint does not give rise to offspring Colourpoint. On the other hand, the 100% the offspring inherits the genetic mutation and can in turn pass it on to their offspring;
a marriage between a cat no colorpoint with the mutation and a non-carrier cat does not give rise to any offspring Colourpoint. On the other hand, the 50% of the offspring (on average) inherits the genetic mutation and can pass it on to their offspring;
a marriage between two cats no Colourpoint who are not carriers of the mutation have no chance of producing a puppy Colourpoint or even a carrier of the mutation.
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Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Pixie-bob" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Joy
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Activity level
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Friendliness to other pets
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Friendliness to children
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Grooming requirements
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Vocality
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Need for attention
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Affection towards its owners
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Docility
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Intelligence
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Independence
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Hardiness
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History
The origins of the Pixie-bob they are dyed with fantasy. There is a legend that it is the result of the mating between female domestic cat and male bobcat. This is surely due to the fact that the Pixie-bob looks like “Lynx“, but it has no foundation.
What is known is that Carol Ann Brewer, a Washington state breeder, in the northwestern United States, was the creator of the race.
In 1985, through a newspaper ad, adopted and appointed Keba, a male kitten that resembled a bobcat: large, with spots and with a short tail. The owners told him that the father was a bobcat (Lynx rufus).
Carol Ann Brewer I already had a female, call Maggie, which had the same characteristics. Decided to pair them. In the resulting litter, a little kitten was born with features identical to those of her parents. He called Pixie.
Pixie looked like a wild cat, but he was tame and he was loving. Carol Ann Brewer was delighted with this original mix and decided to breed it.
He toured the Cascade Mountains and found 23 males with the same characteristics: short tail, spotted fur, short or long hair. Like this, had enough specimens to start breeding what he decided to call the Pixie-bob: Pixie in reference to the little cat from which all representatives of the breed descend, and Bob by “bobcat“, that means Lynx.
Carol Ann Brewer He then gathered around him other breeders who were passionate about the cat and who wanted to contribute to its development.. He exercised strict control over his breeding work, so that together they managed to maintain both the wild appearance of the cat and its domestic temperament.
In 1989 Carol Ann Brewer wrote the first rule for the Pixie-bob. She and her colleagues worked hard to get the International Cat Association (TICA) recognize the breed. One of the ways to do this was to silence the rumor that the animals were hybrids of the bobcat, that is to say, who descended from that species. They knew that it was highly unlikely that the official authorities would agree to register a hybrid cat. Thus, performed genetic tests on the different litters, who scientifically proved that there was no relationship between their cats and wild animals.
In 1993, the organization took a decisive first step in allowing the Pixie-bob will be presented in exhibitions organized under the aegis of the organization, although unable to compete. In 1996, officially granted the Pixie-bob new breed status, and in 1998 the breed received full recognition, allowing your representatives to participate in contests.
At the same time, the “Pixie-bob” began to spread internationally.
This was the case, in particular, from France: a first copy was presented in 1997 in the Festival of the Gato de Pontoise. The reference body of the country, the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF), recognized the breed barely 5 years later, in 2002.
Not everyone has done the same. For example, the request for recognition made to the Cat Fanciers’Association (CFA) still not successful to this day, contrary to what happened in 2005 with the one carried out at American Cat Fanciers’ Association. In general, few official bodies have accepted the breed. For example, not even Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé), neither him Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), not even Association Féline Canadienne (CCA), they have taken the step.
Distribution of "Pixie-bob"
Although the Pixie-bob began to be exported outside its country of origin in the years 90 (Canada, France, Italy, etc.), most of its population is still concentrated in the United States. It is still rare and little known abroad.
Even in america, its distribution remains limited, since the number of breeders does not exceed twenty. in Canada, there are less than a dozen.
In France, there are hardly more than a handful of breeders. The number of annual records of Pixie-bob in the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) around twenty between 2006 and 2008, and then drop to a dozen in the following years, before peaking again at 2018, with more than 30 births per year. In any case, whatever the time, records Pixie-bob shorthair are 2 to 3 times more than those of Pixie-bob longhair.
The breed is also present in Belgium, but there are only a few breeders there.
The Pixie-bob is a long and powerful cat with a wild look.
The body it is medium to large size, with strong bones and powerful muscles. The rib cage is broad and well developed. The shoulders are prominent and form a hole in the center, which gives the impression that the Pixie-bob roll when walking. Lower body has a belly pocket. The back forms a slight hollow that goes up to the hips, that are slightly taller than the shoulders.
The tail must have at least 5 cm length, but must not extend beyond the hock when the leg is fully extended.
The legs they are long and powerfully muscular, ending in feet large, wide and almost round. The latter have meaty fingers.
Some individuals have a normally long tail or feet polydactyls. In France, the Livre Officiel des Origines Félines (LOOF) authorizes its registration and reproduction, but they cannot participate in contests organized under the auspices of the organization. The International Cat Association accepts the Pixie-bob with long tail, as long as the queue does not exceed more than 2 cm from hock when leg is extended, as well as those who are polydactyls (7 fingers maximum).
The head of the Pixie-bob rests on a powerful and muscular neck. It is medium to large in size and has the original shape of an inverted pear.. The forehead is slightly rounded and ends in a slight stop.
The ears they are medium in size and wide at the base, with rounded tip. Subtly leaning out, have feather-shaped tufts of hair at the tip, which gives them an air of resemblance to the Lynx.
The eyes they are widely separated in the shape of a rectangular triangle and their color varies between gold and hazelnut. They are surrounded by a line of creamy white makeup that highlights their contours., and are topped by bushy eyebrows. The eyelids are quite heavy and cover a small part of the eyes, giving to Pixie-bob a slightly indolent and half-asleep appearance. It also, on each side, a black line runs from the outer corner of the eye to the cheek, which is prominent.
The nose it is quite big and wide. It is also slightly arched, forming a small hump, and ends with a brick-colored nose.
Last, the chin is well developed and covered with dense fur.
The Pixie-bob it comes in two varieties, that are differentiated by the length of their fur – all other physical and mental characteristics are identical. There are individuals of shorthair and Longhair. On this last case, However, hair does not exceed 5 cm length.
Both short-haired and long-haired cats have soft fur, woolly and dense, especially on the head, where it is thicker.
The Pixie-bob is a tabby cat whose coat can only have a spotted tabby pattern, that is to say, is stained with small round spots, randomly distributed throughout the body. Undercoat is mouse gray, and the upper one is brown, or of all its lighter or darker shades. The belly contrasts with the rest of the body, as it is creamy white. The same goes for the chin and lower neck, which are lighter in color. On the other hand, the back of the legs, the pads and the tip of the tail are brownish-black or black.
The fur mottled Pixie-bob changes with the seasons. In winter, the fur is very dense, allowing it to withstand very low temperatures. In summer, the coat is less dense and shorter, allowing the spot pattern to be seen. The molt takes place in spring and autumn.
Last, regardless of the variety, there is a certain sexual dimorphism: the male is not much larger than the female, but it's heavier.
The breed standards are documents produced by official bodies that list the conditions that a dog must meet. Pixie-bob to be fully recognized as belonging to the race:
The only difference between them is the length of the hair.: their other physical characteristics are identical, like his temperament. However, the Pixie Bob shorthair it is more common than the long-haired.
It also, although they are not considered varieties in the strict sense, there are both Pixie Bobs short-tailed (the majority) like those with a much longer tail. Both can be short or long hair.
Character and skills
Pixie-bob
The Pixie-bob it is a surprising and remarkable cat. In fact, its wild appearance could be misleading, but don't be fooled: this cat has an affectionate and docile character, which is even similar to that of a dog in many respects.
In fact, this outgoing animal, affectionate and easy to carry is ideal for a family. Not an individual cat, but wait - and offer- affection to everyone around him on a daily basis. They like to be the center of family activities and participate in some way. A little talkative, does not hesitate to communicate to demonstrate, for example, that he needs to be caressed.
You can even talk to strangers this way. In fact, the Pixie-bob he is not shy with strangers or guests who come into his house. On the other hand, he stays in the middle of all those people and wants to participate.
If this cuddly feline enjoys cuddling up on the couch with his humans, it is because it is calm and relaxed by nature. A bit addicted to the couch sometimes, he likes the tranquility of his home and being surrounded by his family.
They are able to cope with the excitement of the youngest: loving their company and showing infinite patience with them, without ever being aggressive, It is clearly a recommended breed of cat for children.
However, the fact that it is a good company should not make us forget that a small child and a cat - whatever the breed- they should never be alone together, without adult supervision.
The Pixie-bob is also sociable with other cats, dogs and even small animals like rodents and birds. In fact, tends to easily accept sharing their territory, especially if you have gotten used to it since childhood. However, if another animal enters the family circle when it is no longer a kitten, it is preferable to adapt gradually to minimize the risk of problems. In any case, if you are going to live under the same roof as a dog, it is better to choose a breed of dog that gets along well with cats and can live with them.
Without being destructive, the Pixie-bob is playful, and sometimes even exuberant. Therefore, need space. However, as long as it is a respectable size and its owners allow it to exercise, you can live both in a flat and in a house with a garden. On this last case, it is a good idea to install a cat flap, so you can come and go as you please, both inside and outside.
Regardless of where your cat lives, it is possible to teach him to walk on a leash, especially if you start early enough. This is an interesting option if letting your cat roam freely is not possible or is too dangerous.. The Pixie-bob he also enjoys car rides, but care must be taken to ensure your safety and that of the occupants of the vehicle by placing it in a cat carrier. Either way, He is very fond of family walks and curious, enjoying observing their surroundings.
When your owners can't take you with them, for example to work during the day, It's not too hard for him to face loneliness, as long as he feels safe at home and has interactive toys to keep him busy and stimulate his faculties. This prevents you from finding other objects to entertain yourself with., such as paper towels or toilet paper, that unwinds and grinds with infinite pleasure.
He also likes to chase an object, bring it back and thus interact with the people around you, like a dog would. This can be an easy way to play with him at home.. His intelligence also allows him to learn little tricks and exercise his skills.
like most of his peers, he also likes to climb, so a cat tree is also an essential investment. Last, to complete the package, a scratching post is essential so you can scratch all you want. You better meet this natural and compelling need in this item., than in the furniture or the curtains.
Last, the Pixie-bob it is one of those rare breeds of cats that love water. A leaky faucet is a real source of fun for him: enjoy not only observing the phenomenon, but also playing with the dripping water, even staining in the sink to get wet. He also likes to jump in the bathtub if there is a bottom to play.
The Pixie-bob It, in general, a healthy dog, which is a testament to the good work that breeders have been doing since the decade of 1980, especially to avoid inbreeding and the problems it causes.
It also, their fur, very dense and waterproof, allows it to withstand quite cold temperatures and bad weather. On the other hand, makes you suffer from the heat when the mercury rises. Therefore, it is more suitable for temperate or cold climates. In any case, if you live in a Mediterranean climate, for example, it is essential that you have an airy and shady place to rest in the cool of the sun, as well as fresh water at your disposal at all times.
Despite your overall good health, the Pixie-bob It, like all races, more prone to certain ailments. In this case, is about:
cryptorchidism, which corresponds to the fact that one or two testicles have remained in the abdomen instead of descending into the sac. The animal must then be operated, since the genital gland that is left in the abdomen can become cancerous with age. It also, this prevents the cat from behaving like a non-neutered cat, that is to say, to run away and fight more. However, this condition is still very rare;
Dystocia, what is the difficulty to give birth. This may be due to an abnormal position of the fetus., to an excessive weight of the same or to an insufficient dilation or diameter of the pelvic canal. If the cat has more than 12 hours with contractions and they are not effective and, Therefore, has not started to give birth, it is urgent to call the vet. In most cases, the vet performs a cesarean section and then advises neutering the animal, so as not to endanger her life again with another pregnancy.
It also, the Pixie-bob has a tendency to overweight, yes no to obesity. This has consequences for the state of the Pixie-bob: can both aggravate pre-existing health problems and cause new ones to appear.
In any case, the fact that this cat is generally in good health does not mean that you should not turn to a serious breeder of Pixie-bob to have the best chance of having a healthy and well-adapted feline. In effect, a professional worthy of the name goes out of his way not only to socialize kittens from their first weeks, but also to rule out any hereditary disease by having various genetic tests performed on the proposed reproducers and excluding those who present a risk. It also, does not hesitate to carry out several tests on the kittens to confirm their good health. Therefore, can provide the results of the various tests, in addition to a certificate of good health drawn up by a veterinarian and a list of the vaccinations received by the kitten, registered in your health or vaccination card.
Once the adoption is done, it is the owner's responsibility to take care of his partner's health throughout his life. As such, it is essential to carry out a complete health check-up at the vet at least once a year, and even more when the dog gets older. In this way, the professional has the opportunity to diagnose as soon as possible any problems that are not yet visible, to be able to treat it in the best conditions. These regular visits are also an opportunity to remember the cat's vaccinations..
So that the cat is always protected, the owner must make sure to renew the antiparasitic treatments throughout the year, whenever necessary. This applies even to indoor pets.: even if they are less exposed to the risk of parasites, they are not completely safe.
Grooming
"Pixie-bob"
Pixie-Bob Female puppy, long tail, short coat, active and very playful – Flickr
The maintenance needs of the Pixie-bob depend on the length of their dense, woolly fur, especially when molting in spring and fall.
In the case of a long-haired cat, brushing twice a week is necessary to remove dead hairs. during moulting periods, in spring and autumn, a quick daily brushing is necessary.
For the Pixie-bob shorthair, brushing once a week is enough, except during the molting period, when it is better to brush twice a week.
Regardless of the length of your hair, you also need to check and clean your ears weekly. This prevents moisture or dirt from accumulating and becoming infected.
You should also take the opportunity to examine the eyes. If required, a damp cloth should be rubbed in the corner of the eyes to remove dirt and prevent possible infection.
Neither should you neglect the maintenance of the cat's teeth, as it can cause the accumulation of dental plaque, which can cause more or less serious diseases if it turns into tartar. Brushing at least once a week with cat toothpaste is the best way to prevent plaque buildup., but it is best to brush more often, or even daily.
It is also a good idea to check your nails every month.. If you have access to the outside, natural wear and tear should be enough to file them down, but it is still essential to check that they are not too long. Yes they are, manual trimming is essential to prevent them from getting in the way, break or even injure the dog. For an individual living in a flat, this should generally be done once a month, even if it has a scratching post.
Maintaining a Pixie-bob not particularly complex. However, either its fur, his ears, his eyes, their teeth or claws, the different steps are not always easy to follow: do not hesitate to ask a specialist for help the first time. In effect, learning them from a veterinarian or professional cat groomer allows you to be effective and not risk harming your pet, or even injure her.
It also, as soon as the proper gestures are mastered, grooming sessions can be privileged moments between the master and his partner, especially because Pixie-bob loves to receive attention and caresses. The sooner you get used to it, more easily accept it and even ask for more.
feeding
Like all its fellow men, the Pixie-bob requires a diet perfectly adapted to your nutritional needs, both in terms of quality and quantity. The latter depend mainly on your age, activity level and health status.
Your daily rations must be rigorously defined, since he has an unfortunate tendency to be overweight. For this reason, unlike most cats, it is better to accustom him to fixed meals instead of leaving him food all day, since he is not able to regulate his own intake.
Good quality industrial food can be quite suitable to feed you. However, unless you are sure it meets your needs, you should avoid offering food intended for humans. Especially since giving leftovers can cause tension and damage the relationship with its owner. They may come to see this as a habit or even an obligation., and they will stubbornly demand it, meowing and expressing their discontent if they don't get it. It also, a cat needs a diet that varies little: any sudden change in your diet can alter your digestion. Last, remember that some foods that are very tasty for humans are toxic to cats.
The owner must always check the weight of his cat every month, but this is even more important for the Pixie-bob, given its tendency to obesity. In case a slip is confirmed or even accentuated in the following measurements, a visit to the vet is essential to see more clearly and know how to remedy the problem. In fact, only a professional can make a reliable diagnosis, as the weight gain may not be related to the diet or activity level of the animal: It can be, for example, a side effect of a medication or a symptom of a disease.
Last, as in the case of any other cat, it is important to keep fresh water available to your Pixie-bob at all times.
For sale "Pixie-bob"
The price of a kitten Pixie-bob usually oscillates between 900 and 1500 EUR.
In all countries, the amount required to adopt a Pixie-bob differs based on the reputation of the kennel, of the lineage from which the animal is descended and, of course, its intrinsic characteristics, especially physical. This last point explains why there are significant price differences within a litter..
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Fawn Point is a rare Siamese point. Only the traditional Cat Association recognizes it as an official color. – Photo by Hockeyben
Content
History
The Colorpoint shorthair cat is a variety of domestic cat. Depending on the cat registry, can be considered an independent breed of cats, or more often a variant of a pre-existing one, if it is accepted. These cats are distinguished by their conformity to a wide range of sixteen different colors, in addition to the four standard Siamese colors.
The Colorpoint shorthair shares the dot coloring pattern with the Siamese, but in the non-traditional colors of red, cream, tortoiseshell and lynx dots (striped), and in small variations of the same. Regarding body style, head shape and other features, may be intermediate between the two founding breeds, showing cats leaning towards Siamese features. Those who prefer the traditional look of the Siamese may also favor the Colorpoint shorthair of a more moderate type that resemble their ancestors of the American shorthair cat in terms of shape.
The Cat Fan Association (CFA) and the World Cat Federation (WCF) they are the only major registries that recognize them as an independent breed. In other records, they are part of the races siamesa u Oriental shorthair (and may not be accepted as show and breeding quality, depending on the colors that the registry allows in these breeds, and if they allow some type of crossing in the lineage). Since these cats are a cross, various registries are reluctant to accept them as races or as Siamese valid.
Origin
The effort to produce a dotted cat of style Siamese in colors other than the traditional four began in England and America in the decade of 1940, carried out by breeders who used crosses between the Siamese cat, the Abyssinian cat and the Red domestic shorthair cat. The American shorthair cat also became part of the matrix.
At the beginning, the breeders of Colorpoint suffered setbacks and failures; in the effort to get the right colors in the right places, body type was often sacrificed Siamese. The breeding was further complicated by the difficulty of working with the red coloration because it is a sex-linked color..
Physical characteristics
“Colorpoint shorthair cat” is the name that the Cat Lovers Association (CFA), an association of the breed in the United States, used to refer to dotted cats of Siamese descent and of type in colors other than the four Siamese colors “traditional” (seal, chocolate, azul y lilac point). This name is also given to cats of Siamese descent in all four recognized colors whose eight-generation pedigree shows ancestors with other colors. In records of other countries, However, “Colorpoint” (or “Colourpoint“) It is the name given to cats of the Persian type and dotted coloration, as in the Himalayan cat.
At the CFA, a Colorpoint shorthair cat It can also be any of the four traditional colors of the Siamese cat; However, can only be displayed at the red dot (also called flame point, in the Persian Family) or cream point, or any of the above colors in tabby point (also called lynx point) or tortoiseshell point.
In most records, in addition to the CFA, the Colorpoint shorthair cat not considered a separate breed, but simply a color class within the Siamese race.
The Colorpoint shorthair cat is a very intelligent breed, playful and that gets along with people. They are extremely affectionate and outgoing and enjoy lazing around and playing with people., which makes them also described as “extroverts”. They can also be very sensitive with nervous temperaments., who do not adapt well to changes in the environment or strangers.
Like the Siamese, can be extremely vocal and demanding of attention, feeling the need for human company. They have more than 100 vocal sounds, much more than other races, so they emit very unusual meows. Males are sometimes overly aggressive towards other animals and will fight with other cats when they feel that their territory has been invaded or simply to express their dominance..
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Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "RagaMuffin cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Joy
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Activity level
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Friendliness to other pets
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Friendliness to children
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Grooming requirements
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Vocality
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Need for attention
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Affection towards its owners
Rated 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Docility
Rated 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Intelligence
Rated 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Independence
Rated 2 out of 5
2 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Hardiness
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History
The history of RagaMuffin cat is closely linked to that of the Ragdoll.
It all started in 1963, When Ann Baker, a breeder of persian cats Of California, adopted the kittens of a semi-wild, semi-long-haired stray cat named Josephine. Josephine suffered a car accident that dramatically affected his character, making her calmer, friendly and loving. Pass on these behavioral qualities to your litter, to the amazement of Ann Baker, I didn't expect to get such obedient kittens from an originally wild stray cat. So he decided to start breeding a new breed called Ragdoll, in reference to the amazing propensity of these cats to go limp, extremely relaxed and even inert, as soon as they are caught.
However, Ann Baker He is quite an eccentric person and wants to keep control over the evolution of “their” race. By refusing to register the Ragdoll in official feline standardization bodies (like TICA), created his own association, the International Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA), intended to regulate development, the establishment of norms and the control of the different breeds of Ragdoll. It imposes very strict rules on breeders who want to market to the Ragdoll cat, which caused a first division in the community of breeders in 1975. This division led to the development of Ragdoll and its inclusion in the official international standards of organizations such as FIFé (Fédération Internationale Féline) and Cat Fancier Association (CFA).
In 1994, four breeders who disapproved of the practices of Ann Baker they also left the IRCA and developed a new breed similar to Ragdoll: the Ragamuffin, a Ragdoll Nameless. Favoring the preservation of the health and personality of the breed above its aesthetic appearance, they crossed to Ragdoll cat with the Persian, the Himalayan cat and semi-long haired stray cats, until reaching the current form of the Ragamuffin. The crossing of Ragamuffins with Ragdolls was allowed until 2010, before being banned, so as not to create confusion for potential buyers.
However, today, the RagaMuffin cat is only recognized by a limited number of feline associations. It is the case of the World Cat Federation (WCF) from 2009, and of the American Cat Fancier Association (ACFA) from 2010, but with stricter acceptance criteria. The Cat Fancier Association (CFA) also recognizes the breed from 2003, and allows your horses to compete from 2011.
However, the lack of acceptance by larger organizations such as the TICA or the LOOF does not yet allow breeders of Ragamuffin certify the pedigree (lineage) of a litter of kittens Ragamuffin.
Last, the Ragamuffin is present today mainly in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Physical characteristics
Ragamuffin
The Ragamuffin It is a breed of cat with semi-long hair whose physique is still very similar to that of its ancestor., the Ragdoll.
Bigger than the average cat, the body of the Ragamuffin is rectangular, quite muscular, with a broad chest and powerful shoulders, but a rather short neck. In general, the Ragamuffin is perceived as rounder than the Ragdoll.
The head is triangular, with good cheeks, round whisker pads and a skull well rounded. Ears tilt slightly forward. The eyes they are walnut-shaped, which gives the dog a very soft look. The Ragamuffin may sometimes have heterochromia iridis (one eye of each color), a characteristic that is not accepted in its cousin.
The fur it is dense and very soft, similar to a rabbit. Hair is longer around the head, the neck and under the belly, but not as long as a Ragdoll. All are accepted colors coat and pattern variations, with the exception of colourpoint.
Size and weight
Male size: Of 23 to 25 cm.
female size: 22-24 cm.
Male weight: 6-9 kg
female weight: 4-6 kg
Breed standard
The breed standards are documents established by official organizations that list the conditions that a Ragamuffin to be fully recognized as belonging to the race:
The Ragamuffin is a perfect indoor cat. He is known to be very docile, extremely affectionate and calm. Not a great athlete, but he loves to play and climb between naps. You can even learn to retrieve items, if its owner is very patient in cat training.
To the Ragamuffin likes to spend time with other people in the house and follow them to participate in the activities of the day, what sometimes makes his owners say he behaves like a dog. Patient with children and particularly eager to be petted, loves to be the center of attention, sometimes to the point of being intrusive.
self-confident and fearless, will be the first to greet strangers who visit home and rub his knees. It also does not show any animosity towards other animals in the house. (dogs, cats, birds and even rodents), provided they are gradually introduced.
This excess of kindness even leads some owners to say that their partner should stay indoors for their own safety., since it has very few reflexes to protect itself against aggression or danger.
It also, nothing disturbs this quiet force, not even a move or a family change.
The Ragamuffin is a big cat with a slow growth rate. Like this, representatives of this breed reach their physical and behavioral maturity at the age of three or four years.
Like his ancestor the Ragdoll, Ragamuffin may have a similar predisposition to certain feline diseases, as the periodontal disease, the polycystic kidney disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an inherited syndrome that is more common in cats of Persian ancestry. It is recommended to use the available DNA tests for these last two diseases, and ask the breeder if he has had the kitten's parents tested.
It also, the Ragamuffin it is also prone to feline obesity, due to its not very athletic nature.
Last, and this is rare enough to be mentioned, crossing with other breeds is allowed (mainly Persians and himalayan) every five generations, in order to reduce the effects of inbreeding on the general health of the Ragamuffin.
Life expectancy
12 to 18 years
Grooming
Regular brushing of the dog's coat RagaMuffin cat necessary to remove tangles from the coat and help prevent shedding throughout the house.
It is also recommended to trim the cat's nails every fortnight if he does not use them enough on a scratching post..
Last, daily brushing of the cat's teeth is recommended to prevent periodontal disease (periodontosis). However, if the cat is not really docile, weekly brushing may be enough.
Food
The Ragamuffin is known to be a healthy cat. However, your laziness and greed can quickly lead to weight problems in the cat. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the amount of your food, as well as its quality.
For sale "RagaMuffin cat"
The average price to adopt a kitten Ragamuffin is of some 300 EUR.
This rather low price is explained by the fact that, due to lack of recognition by the main international feline organizations, a breeder's Ragamuffin you are unable to provide a pedigree for the kittens you are trying to sell. In fact, due to the lack of tangible and irrefutable evidence that it is true Ragamuffins And not from Ragdolls that do not meet the standards (or even kittens from another cross), negotiating the price of a kitten Ragamuffin is essentially based on trust between the breeder and the future owner.
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The Desert lynx cat is called many times Caracal. This is wrong, since the Caracal does not belong to the genus Lynx nor is it closely related to lynxes. In fact, is more related to the serval, with which it is often crossed while in captivity.
Content
History
The cat Desert lynx is originally from the United States and is the result of crosses between the American shorttail lynx (bobcat) with domestic cats.
The races used to create the Desert lynx at first are the Maine Coon cat, the Manx cat, Pixie Bob cat and the Bobcat (Lynx rufus).
You do not need a license to own a Desert lynx cat.
Crossbreeds with unregistered or purebred cats are allowed until 1 in January of 2013. However, such crosses must be chosen carefully to complement the general type of the breed group Desert Lynx, It includes Desert Lynx, Highland Lynx, Mohave Bobs and Alpine Lynx. After the 1 in January of 2013, external crossings are not allowed, except with cats listed in the breeding book or in the foundation book of the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry (REFR) or from another record.
All the white kittens (including straight and curly hairs and straight or curly ears) are recorded as Alpine Lynx.
All non-white kittens with curly fur are recorded as Mohave Bobs.
All non-white kittens with straight hair and straight ears are registered as Desert Lynx.
All non-white kittens with straight fur and curly ears are recorded as Highland Lynx.
The curly ears of the Highland Lynx are due to a dominant gene that curls the ears and reduces their size. When these races interbreed, the resulting smooth-eared kittens do not carry any curly-eared genes.
Non-white kittens do not carry the gene for the color white. Therefore, breeders who wish to work only with Desert Lynx they wouldn't have to worry about getting recessive curly-eared genes in Desert Lynx have a cat Highlander cat in his ancestry. Breeders who do not wish to work with Alpine lynx would not have to worry about white kittens as long as neither parent is an Alpine lynx. Alpine Lynx.
Curly coat is caused by a dominant gene. Breeders who do not wish to work with him Mohave Bobs they don't have to worry about this as long as neither parent has curly fur.
These breeds are identical in body type.
*There are several breeds of cats whose origins are speculated to be intertwined with the European wildcat (Felis silvestris). The most common are gato Pixie Bob and the races of the group of Desert Lynx (Desert Lynx, Highlander cat, Mohave Bobs and Alpine Lynx). It is important to note that DNA testing of these cats has not yielded positive results for the presence of DNA from European wildcat. There is no evidence that these cats have feral ancestry.
Physical characteristics
It is a big cat, strong and muscular. The head it's big and round, the males have the jaws more developed and wide. The snout It is square and the nose is wide. The ears are large, with tufts of hair long in the tips and along the inner edge. The eyes they are large, almond-shaped, its color varies between green and gold (they can be blue in the color of “snow”). The neck he is thick and muscular, strong and muscular body, straight and with a very powerful lower train. The legs they are strong and straight, the feet large with tufts of hair between the fingers. The tail is short or may not be.
They can be short or long hair, its fur is soft to the touch. You can have three types of patterns in the drawing of his fur:
Marble: just like the previous ones are but the pattern with rosettes instead of spots.
Clouded leopard: stains can become very large and in different ways.
Character and skills
They have a calm temperament, they are playful, affectionate and very loyal to their owners. They are intelligent and love to family life, they are also very social with other animals.
Although the Desert Lynx it is a cross between domestic and wild cat breeds, some owners say it behaves more like a domestic dog than a cat. While some cat breeds are distant, this cat loves spending time with his humans.
Evidence shows that the Desert Lynx it is a good option if you have children, since it adores its humans and is a loving race. However, it is vital that socialization begins early so that boundaries are established by both parties. It is important to keep in mind that each cat is an individual, so not everyone will react in the same way with children.
For sale "Desert lynx cat"
If you are looking for a Desert lynx cat, ask the breeder that cat or kitten is registered in the IPCBA.
If not and the cat is registered with REFR or other record, then what you are buying is probably a Highlander cat.
Videos "Desert lynx cat"
A wild Desert Lynx CAT
Desert Lynx
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The word Rex is generally used to refer to curly-haired cat breeds, while the first term is simply the name of your stepfather. The Selkirk Rex It, Therefore, the only breed in the world named after a person.
Photo Wilkipedia
Content
Characteristics "Selkirk Rex cat"
Coexistence is important that you have with your new friend. Before considering the acquisition of a cat of the breed "Selkirk Rex cat" you know certain factors. You must take into account their character, their need for exercise, their interaction with other pets, their care and if you have small children, their level of tolerance towards them.
Joy
Rated 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Activity level
Rated 3 out of 5
3 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to other pets
Rated 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Friendliness to children
Rated 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Grooming requirements
Rated 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Vocality
Rated 1 out of 5
1 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Need for attention
Rated 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Affection towards its owners
Rated 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Docility
Rated 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Intelligence
Rated 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Independence
Rated 2 out of 5
2 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
Hardiness
Rated 3 out of 5
3 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
History
In 1987, a litter of kittens, whose mother was straight-haired and whose father was unknown, was abandoned in a Wyoming shelter, United States. Among them was a small curly-haired cat. It was adopted by Jerri Newman, a Persian breeder from Montana who was drawn to the unusual-looking felines and was immediately fascinated by the small, curly-haired animal. He called the little blue and white cat with alert green eyes that looked like a little lamb Miss Pesto of NoFace . When he reached sexual maturity, decided to cross it with Photo Finish of Deekay, one of his black persians.
From this mating six cubs were born, three of which had curly fur. After studying the genetics of cats, Jerri Newman realized that his cats' curly hair was the result of a spontaneous genetic mutation (that is to say, without human intervention, randomly and naturally), and that the gene for curly hair is dominant. In other words, it is enough for an individual to inherit the mutated version of the gene from only one of their parents for them to also have this particularity.
In this first litter, one of the kittens was long-haired, which meant that the lady Pesto of Noface she was also a carrier of the recessive gene for long hair; in other words, was heterozygous for the short hair gene.
Jerri Newman decided to create a breed of curly hair (short or long) who you called Selkirk Rex. The word Rex is generally used to refer to curly-haired cat breeds, while the first term is simply the name of your stepfather. The Selkirk Rex It, Therefore, the only breed in the world named after a person.
To fix the characteristics of this cat, and in particular the hair that gives it the appearance of a sheep, Jerri Newman decided to mate the lady Pesto of NoFace with one of her children with curly white fur. He also used this son to write the breed standard. Three of the four pups that were born from this union met the desired criteria.: a solid body, but also and above all a curly coat, either short or long.
So he surrounded himself with other breeders who shared his passion for the herding cat and worked with them to further develop the breed.. To expand the breed's gene pool and avoid inbreeding problems, that could lead to health problems, but also to obtain graceful looking cats, they decided to cross the Selkirk Rex with the American shorthair cat, the British Shorthair cat, the Persian and the Exotic Shorthair. The first two are very similar breeds, short-haired and balanced character. The Exotic Shorthair is a cross between the Persian and the British Shorthair cat (among others). As he exotic as the Persian they are long-haired and have a friendly and homely character.
In the following years, Jerri Newman and other breeders developed the breed and quickly began the process for it to be recognized by feline organizations.
The recognition of “Selkirk Rex”
The Selkirk Rex it is a recent breed of cats, but the quality work done by Jerry Newman and his collaborators has allowed it to be recognized very quickly around the world.
Already in 1990, the International Cat Association (TICA) was the first official body that took the step of recognizing the Selkirk Rex with a provisional status reserved for new breeds. Just four years later, in 1994, granted to Selkirk Rex full recognition, thus opening the doors to the feline exhibitions organized under its auspices.
The Canadian Cat Association (CCA) followed him in 1997, and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) did the same in 2000.
The import of Selkirk Rex to Europe in the years 90 it also allowed him to gain the support of local organizations. In France, where it was introduced in 1991, the Official Book of Feline Origins (LOOF) recognized her in 2003. El Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) did the same in 2004.
In 2017 it was the turn of the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFé), that coordinates organizations of no less than 40 countries -including Felis Belgica in Belgium and the Fédération Féline Helvétique in Switzerland-.
If we add to this that it is also recognized by the World Cat Federation, we can see that the Selkirk Rex is now recognized by all major international and national feline organizations.
Popularity of “Selkirk Rex”
Selkirk Rex
The Selkirk Rex is a relatively new breed. However, is already well established, especially in North America and Europe.
In United States, your country of origin, appears around the stalls 20 and 25 of the classification established by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) depending on the number of annual registrations in the organization.
in Canada, the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) registers an average of about 70 births per year, which places the Selkirk Rex around the tenth place among the other breeds recognized by the organization.
In France, the number of registrations Selkirk Rex in the Official Book of Feline Origins (LOOF) has increased considerably since 2006. Although until then he had not exceeded twenty per year, suddenly rose to about sixty, and then to a hundred at the end of the decade. It continued to increase throughout the decade of 2010, up to the 200, but this evolution is mainly due to the long-haired variety, which represents three-quarters of births, whereas before it was a minority. The curves crossed at 2013, and from then on the Selkirk Rex Shorthair continued to decline both in relative and absolute terms, having peaked in the early 1990s 2010 With almost 100 births per year only.
It also, organization statistics also show some 60 annual inscriptions of copies of non-curly hair, that cannot be shown in exhibitions but can be used as reproducers. If they are also taken into account, The total number of births per year is between 250 and 300.
In Switzerland, was not up 2015 when the first Selkirk Rex shorthair on Fédération Féline Helvétique (FFH). The long-haired one followed in 2017, but in total they barely exceed a dozen annual registrations. Therefore, the breed has made its entrance into the country, but it is still very little established there.
In Great Britain, it's even in clear decline. In fact, the number of annual registrations in the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) was around the 70 at the end of the Decade of 2010, while only 10 years before it was 3 to 4 times greater. The explosion of the race between 2004 and 2008, less than 50 registrations per year to almost 300, it's clearly a thing of the past.
Physical characteristics
Selkirk Rex
Its curly coat gives the Selkirk Rex an atypical and very recognizable appearance. The Selkirk Rex it is a medium to large size cat, stocky and semi-thick.
Its body solid and rectangular is built on well-developed musculature and strong bones. The shoulders and hips are of equal width. The legs are size medium, good muscular, and end in feet wide and round that give a good base.
The tail it is thick and of medium length, tapering to a rounded tip. In short-haired individuals, has fluffy curls that cover it completely. On the other hand, in semi-long hair, hair is feathered.
The head of the Selkirk Rex rests on a neck short and thick. The head it is well rounded and wide, with a well-rounded skull that continues in a slightly concave curve.
This appearance is enhanced by the fact that the ears are well separated in the skull. Medium-sized, broad at the base and rounded at the tips.
The eyes they are very separated, large, round and open, which gives this cat a very soft and soulful look. All colors are possible, but the most appreciated are the intense and bright.
Inherited from Persian, the nose is short, wide and straight. A slight stop is allowed.
Tame well-filled whisker pads, which gives the appearance of a snout slightly square. The chin is in line with the tip of the nose and well defined.
The Selkirk Rex has a undercoat dense and comes in two varieties, depending on the length of the top layer: individuals of shorthair and semi-long-hair. Apart from this aspect, share the same characteristics, both physical and behavioral.
In both cases, the fur is dense, soft and curly all over the body. The length of the curls can vary depending on the season, but they are more prominent on the neck, the throat, belly and tail. Mustaches and eyebrows are also curly, but often fragile.
In individuals of shorthair, the coat is fluffy and the curls are regular all over the body. In those of semi-long-hair, they grow in all directions. The ruffled curls are especially long and frame the head well..
Regardless of the length of the coat, the kitties Selkirk Rex they are born with a curly coat, but this can become smooth at 2 or 3 months of age, and then curls are formed again at the 8 or 10 months. Next, keep growing, and the cat has its final coat around two years of age.
It also, the different standards accept all colors and coat combinations.
Last, there is no sexual dimorphism real in this breed. In particular, males and females are very similar in size and build.
A physical characteristic due to a dominant gene
In the Selkirk Rex, the genetic mutation that causes curly hair is linked to a dominant gene. For an individual to have this characteristic, it is enough that he inherits the corresponding gene from only one of his parents. In other words, Yes it is Heterozygosity in the gene associated with the appearance of hair, that is to say, carries a gene of “normal hair” and another from “curly hair”, it is necessarily the latter that imposes itself and expresses itself. Of course, Yes it is homozygous, that is to say, if you are a version carrier “curly hair” of the gene twice, will also have this particularity.
In this sense, the Selkirk Rex differs from most other curly-haired cat breeds, in which this characteristic is due to a recessive gene. In the Devon Rex, the Cornish Rex, the German Rex or the Ural Rex, both parents must have transmitted the genetic mutation in question and, therefore, the individual must be the carrier of two copies of the version “curly hair” of the gen (that is to say, ser homozygous for this gene), to really have that fur. If he is heterozygous, that is to say, if you have a gene for “curly hair” and another from “normal hair”, inevitably it is the latter that prevails and, Therefore, the fur is not curly.
Having a dominant gene allows, Obviously, that the population of Selkirk Rex grow much faster. If an individual is crossed homozygous with another Heterozygosity, all kittens have curly hair. It also, the mating of two heterozygous results in a litter in which an average of three-quarters of the kittens have curly hair. A mating between a Heterozygosity and a straight-haired cat will give rise to an offspring with half the curly-haired kittens.
Size and weight
Size: 30 cm.
Weight: Of 3 to 5 kg
Breed standard
The breed standards are documents established by official bodies that list the conditions that a dog must meet. Selkirk Rex to be fully recognized as belonging to the race:
One selkirk rex à poil long à l’exposition féline d’Helsinki – Heikki Siltala, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Selkirk Rex it comes in two varieties:
The Selkirk Rex shorthair;
The Selkirk Rex semi-long hair.
The length of the coat is the only thing that differentiates them: for the rest, their physical characteristics and character traits are identical regardless of the length of their fur. It also, the official organisms that recognize the race accept both varieties.
Both kittens Selkirk Rex shorthair Like the ones of semi-long-hair they can be born in the same litter. It also, even though both parents are Selkirk Rex and, Therefore, have curly hair, they can be heterozygous for the genetic mutation associated with this trait: in this case, a quarter of their offspring are straight-haired.
Therefore, These Selkirk Rex “straight” they can have a short or semi-long coat and are accepted as breeding aids, that is to say, are allowed to breed and can give birth to kittens of curly hair. However, they are not allowed to participate in the various championships.
Crossings allowed
Considering that the breed's population is still relatively limited, and in order to expand their gene pool to avoid health problems that inbreeding could cause, the International Cat Association (TICA) authorizes the crossing of Selkirk Rex with :
in Canada, the Canadian Cat Association (CCA) only accepts matings with him Himalayan cat. Until 2015, also allowed to cross the Selkirk Rex with the British shorthair cat, the Exotic Shorthair shorthair, the Exotic Shorthair longhair and the Persian cat. However, with the development of the breed, these crosses were no longer necessary or desirable.
The Selkirk Rex it's a cat that looks like a little curly stuffed animal, but do not confuse it. It has a balanced character that gives it both the calm and cuddly side of the Persian or British Shorthair cat, but he's also playful and mischievous.
He especially likes being around humans and interacting with them, which makes it an ideal companion for the whole family. They are especially good with children.: they are playful enough to have fun with and be a good playmate, while being patient and tolerant of them. However, This does not mean that they should not be taught to be respectful and gentle, since they can lose patience if they are mistreated. In any case, for the safety of both parties, a cat - whatever its breed- should never be left alone in the company of a small child without the slightest adult supervision.
Although they are attached to all members of their family, the Selkirk Rex they tend to have a special affection for the person who cares the most for them. They enjoy sleeping with them, sitting with them on the couch or spending long periods snuggled on their lap.
Extremely cuddly and loving, He loves to be caressed and asked for pampering, but he does not stop giving it to them in return. During these moments of affection, does not hesitate to express his satisfaction by purring. He also knows how to make himself heard if his requests for sweetness go unheeded., meowing softly until he gets his way.
The proximity of Selkirk Rex your family also means that you are always willing to participate in family activities, and hates to stay out. It also bothers him that he is left out of the family for long periods of time..
Letting him live with a partner or a dog is a great way to avoid loneliness.. As long as acclimatization is done gradually (especially if the two protagonists are already a certain age), that coexistence usually goes well, and both are usually delighted to have a partner to play with or relax with. However, if he Selkirk Rex you have to share your home with a canine representative, of course it is better to choose a breed of dog that is compatible with a cat.
The Selkirk Rex it can also live under the same roof as a bird or even a small rodent, as long as each one has their respective corner. The Selkirk Rex does not have a true hunting instinct and, therefore, he is quite placid with them.
He is also usually placid when he meets strangers., since he is not a bellicose guy. Therefore, if there is a confrontation, the other cat is likely to be the cause.
The Selkirk Rex feels very comfortable with all family members, both humans and animals, and can become just as comfortable with strangers, since it is a sociable cat. In any case, not one of those who freaks out as soon as a new person crosses the threshold of home.
Having said that, like any feline worth its salt, be grateful to have a high place (for example, a tree for cats) from which you can scan your environment at any time. In fact, although he is cuddly and playful, it is not overly intrusive either; he also likes his moments of independence and isolation while observing what happens.
It also, like all cats, has an irrepressible need to fix its claws, so you must have a scratching post that you can indulge in, especially if you live indoors. Otherwise, furniture or curtains are equally acceptable solutions for him.
Whether short or long, the curly hair of the Selkirk Rex is dense and requires special care, especially since it breaks easily. To prevent it from being damaged and to take proper care of it, it is important to invest in a comb with wide and fine teeth.
An individual from Longhair should be combed every two days to avoid knots and remove dead hair. During the shedding periods in autumn and spring, the cat loses a lot of hair, and a daily brushing is necessary.
for a shorthair cat, two brushing sessions a week are usually sufficient. During the moulting season, brushing should be done every other day.
In any case, brushing prevents the cat from ingesting too much hair when licking, which then regurgitates in the form of hairballs. Once the brushing is finished, Running your hands through your cat's fur will serve both to freshen the fur and put him in a good mood for the rest of the day and the next session, since at Selkirk Rex loves pampering.
However, their fur tends to get greasy, as sebum stays at the base of the coat and makes the skin oily. Therefore, it is necessary to bathe him from time to time, making sure to use a moisturizing shampoo specially designed for felines and to proceed gently, so as not to damage the fur. Next, let the hair air dry, since the use of the dryer will make the hair frizzy.
Like any cat, the ears of the Selkirk Rex they should also be cared for regularly. Therefore, it is essential to check them once a week and clean the dirt with a damp cloth to avoid infections (otitis, etc.).
This is also an opportunity to check the eyes and, if required, wipe the corners with a damp cloth to remove dirt. This will also reduce the risk of infection..
Keeping your cat's teeth clean is also important, as it helps prevent plaque build-up, that can not only cause bad breath, but also more or less serious diseases. Brushing once a week with a special toothpaste for felines is essential, but the ideal is to do it more often, even daily.
It is also important to ensure that its claws are not too long: they could not only annoy you, or even break and hurt you, but also hurt his owner when he jumps on him, how much you like to do. For a cat with free access to the outdoors, natural wear and tear will work, but it's not always enough: it is better to check once a month and cut them manually when needed. For an indoor cat, this is usually how often it needs to be trimmed. In any case, whether the animal has access to the outside or not, a scratching post is essential: otherwise, it is very likely that it will fall back on the furniture to make its claws.
coat care, the ears, the eyes, teeth and claws is not complicated. However, to carry out maintenance of a Selkirk Rex in the best conditions, it is better to master the different gestures perfectly, in order not only to be effective, but also to avoid injuring or even traumatizing your cat. So that the maintenance sessions are moments of tenderness and complicity instead of a torture feared by each of the protagonists, it is therefore useful to learn these gestures from a professional veterinarian or groomer the first time.
These deals become privileged moments that reinforce the bond between the owner and his animal., since at Selkirk Rex likes to be paid attention to and handled tenderly. The more used the Selkirk Rex grooming from an early age, more likely it will go well.
Indoor or outdoor cat?
As long as the area is large enough for you to stretch your legs, the Selkirk Rex you can live both in a flat and in a house with a garden. On this last case, the ideal is to install a cat flap, so you can come and go as you please.
It also, generally better adapted to a change in environment than peers. This flexibility is also illustrated by the fact that she does not mind traveling with her family and is well tolerant of car trips..
How much activity does he need? "Selkirk Rex cat"?
Sweet and endearing, he is also playful, curious and intelligent. This makes him very fond of interactive toys to develop his skills. He is also a good student for anyone who wants to teach their cat tricks., and he is also perfectly capable of learning certain things on his own, how to open doors or cabinets. It also, has a bit of insanity that often leads him to jump on the back of the person he is playing with without warning. To avoid this being a problem, it is best to check the length of your claws every month.
Health and nutrition
One selkirk rex à poil long à l’exposition féline d’Helsinki – Heikki Siltala, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Selkirk Rex is generally in robust health.
It also, regardless of the length of its coat, its dense undercoat helps it withstand cold temperatures well. However, it is short enough to prevent you from suffering too much in the heat. However, they don't feel comfortable when it's hot, and it is essential that they have permanent access to a shaded and ventilated area.
As all cats, are especially prone to certain diseases. In this case, the top three threats to your health are inherited from your ancestors:
The Hip Dysplasia, a deformation of the joint that causes movement difficulties and often leads to osteoarthritis as the animal ages;
The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which also especially affects British shorthairs and Persians. This disease corresponds to a thickening of the heart muscle, which can cause breathing difficulties, fatigue and intolerance to exertion. A genetic mutation may be the cause of the problem, and a DNA test can detect it. However, this does not predict when symptoms will appear or how severe they will be;
The poliquistosis renal, an inherited disease to which Persian and British Shorthair are also susceptible. It manifests as cysts in one or both kidneys and leads to chronic kidney failure. There's no cure, but certain treatments and changes in the cat's diet will allow it to maintain a better quality of life for longer.
On the other hand, the Selkirk Rex he is a greedy cat, so it tends to be overweight or even Obesity if nothing is done to prevent it. Not a problem to be taken lightly, given the number of health problems that being overweight can cause or worsen.
Using a serious and competent breeder is the best way to adopt a Selkirk Rex which is probably healthy and balanced. A professional breeder not only makes sure that kittens are well socialized and have good living conditions from the first weeks of life, but also wants them to be born and raised in good health. As such, ensures genetic testing is performed on future breeders, in order to rule out any hereditary conditions that they can transmit to their offspring. Therefore, must be able to present the results of the various tests carried out to the parents (or even the young animal), in addition to a certificate of good health drawn up by a veterinarian and the details of the vaccinations received by the young animal, registered in your health or vaccination card.
Once the adoption is done, it is the owner's responsibility to do everything possible to keep the cat in good health for as long as possible. One way to do this is to get into the habit of taking your cat to the vet for a complete checkup at least once a year., and even more as he gets older. These appointments can help diagnose any problems as soon as possible., to be able to treat it in the best possible way. They also offer the opportunity to carry out the necessary booster vaccines.
At the same time, to ensure that your pet is always protected against parasite-borne diseases, you should try to repeat antiparasitic treatments throughout the year. This is true even for an indoor pet.: may have less risk, but not totally safe from infestation.
Food
"Selkirk Rex cat"
This is a picture of my cinnamon tabby Selkirk Rex Pollo – Wikipedia
Like any other cat, the Selkirk Rex you need a diet perfectly adapted to your nutritional needs. I.e., both in terms of quality and quantity. Must be age appropriate, the health and activity level of the cat.
A good quality industrial food can perfectly satisfy your needs. On the other hand, unless they are carefully selected, it is better to avoid giving them food intended for humans. For example, give your cat a habit of picking up a small portion of the owner's food, or even eat leftovers, or have a free hand to rummage through the garbage, it is not a service for him, especially since some of the foods in question can be really toxic to cats.
This is true of any cat., but even more with him Selkirk Rex, given their greed and tendency to be overweight. The latter explains why, unlike most cats, it is better not to leave food out all day, as it may not be able to regulate. Fixed meal times are a better way to feed him.
Regular weight control, weighing himself once a month, it is also essential to protect yourself from obesity. In case of an increase that is confirmed in several consecutive measurements, it is necessary to seek professional advice. Only a veterinarian can make a reliable diagnosis to determine if the problem is due to an inadequate diet, to lack of activity, to a reaction to the medication, to a disease, etc. Once this is done, tell you how to remedy the problem.
Last, like all cats, the Selkirk Rex you need fresh water at all times, especially since it is prone to renal polyquistosis.
For sale "Selkirk Rex cat"
The price of a kitten Selkirk Rex usually oscillates between 800 and 1300 EUR.
In all countries, the asking price varies depending on the reputation of the kennel and the lineage of the animal, as well as its intrinsic characteristics, especially the physical ones. This last aspect justifies the fact that within a litter there can sometimes be significant price differences..
Videos "Selkirk Rex cat"
▷ The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
The Ojos Azules cat still one of the rarest feline breeds in the world, and the number of breeders remains confidential.
Photo: elblogdegatos.com
Content
History
The history of Ojos Azules cat started on 1984 in New Mexico ((UNITED STATES)UU.), when a family discovered a colony of stray cats, some of whose members had intense blue eyes. Their attention focused on a tortoiseshell cat that they took in and called Cornflower.
She was bred with other unrelated cats and gave birth to kittens, some with the same eyes. More intense than the Siamese cat, this blue color is not linked to the color of the cat's fur, and the gene responsible for it does not cause strabismus or deafness, unlike other blue-eyed cats.
In fact, regardless of race, it is the absence of melanin in the iris that makes the cat's eye blue. However, the cause of this absence is not the same; in the case of Ojos Azules, it is a hitherto unknown gene that is in the origin.
It was the discovery of this new gene, that allowed to have cats with dark fur and blue eyes, without being affected by strabismus or deafness, which led to the International Cat Association (TICA) to recognize this breed in 1991 and to set a standard, although at that time it was still very rare. In fact, in 1992 they only registered 10 specimens.
However, Later research showed that the gene responsible for blue eyes was also responsible for a life-threatening cranial deformity. A subsequent investigation by the DRA. Solveig Pflueger, judge and president of the TICA Genetics Committee since its creation in 1979, confirmed the link. However, at the same time he discovered that the gene is Heterozygosity, so these dangerous cranial deformities can be avoided by crossing a blue-eyed individual with a standard-eyed individual. This led to prohibiting the breeding of two Ojos Azules cats together.
At the same time, a Ojos Azules in Australia, although no specimen had been imported there. This led breeders to believe that this mutation could occur spontaneously in the domestic cat population..
In France, the LOOF (Livre Officiel des Origines Francaises) established a standard for Blue Eyes in 2004.
However, contrary to what is usually observed, recognition of the breed by reference bodies did not lead to its expansion: the Ojos Azules still one of the rarest feline breeds in the world, and the number of breeders remains confidential. In fact, in 2019, both the TICA and the LOOF eliminated the Ojos Azules from the list of recognized breeds.
The main feature of the Ojos Azules cat It, as its name suggests, her magnificent deep blue eyes.
Otherwise, the standards describe a body rectangular with a fine and solid bone structure, well proportioned and flexible: it is about, because, of a semi-linear cat. The legs hind legs are slightly longer than front and legs, round or oval, they are rather small and delicate. The tail is of medium length and tapers to the tip.
The head it is triangular seen from the front, with prominent cheekbones and a slightly rounded forehead in profile, followed by a slight stop at the beginning of the nose. The ears medians are rounded, while the muzzle is rather square. The eyes they are almost round and as big as possible. Different colored eyes are tolerated, being one of them blue and the other green, gold or copper.
The fur it can be short or medium long and has a silky smooth texture. All colors and patterns are accepted, except for the White, to distinguish this breed from the usual white cats with blue eyes.
The gene responsible for blue eyes also usually gives white markings on the tips of the legs, ears and tail.
Size and weight
Size: 30 cm.
Weight: Of 4 to 6 kg
Varieties
By recognizing the Ojos Azules in 1991, the TICA (International Cat Association) distinguished between two different varieties in the first published standard: the Ojos Azules Shorthair and the Ojos Azules Longhair, having a medium length coat.
Character and skills
The rarity of Ojos Azules cats makes it difficult - even dangerous- draw conclusions about their character. However, owners of this breed describe them as affectionate, loyal, smart and playful.
Health
The population of the Ojos Azules cats it is not large enough to have reliable information on possible health problems specific to this breed.
However, in the early days of the breed, some individuals were affected by a cranial deformity that was sometimes fatal.
A study carried out later on the specific gene of this breed that is at the origin of the color of its eyes made it possible to establish that it was enough not to breed two individuals with blue eyes.: being the gene Heterozygosity, kittens born from the union between a Blue Eyes and another cat that does not have blue eyes are protected from this risk of cranial deformation. In fact, this risk has already been eliminated: current specimens no longer suffer from this life-threatening malformation.
The Ojos Azules cat It is an easy-care breed of cats: one brushing a week is enough to remove dead hair.
The teeth, the eyes and ears should also be checked once a week to avoid any risk of infection.
Last, if the claws are too long because they do not wear out naturally, it is necessary to trim them from time to time.
Food
The Ojos Azules can be commercially fed, either with kibble or cat food. Quality industrial products provide all the nutrients and vitamins necessary for good health.
For sale "Ojos Azules cat"
The rarity of Ojos Azules cats makes it very difficult to get one of these cats. The few specimens that exist are, Obviously, in the hands of breeders, and no kittens are officially available for sale.
▷ The world of Pets: Dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, amphibians
The American Ringtail It is one of the newer breeds of cats existing without registering, It is at this time as a race in a pilot phase.
3rd Generation American Ringtail cat Chunky Monkey – Suemanley1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Content
History
The cat American Ringtail originated a few years ago, When in 1998 a male stray cat was rescued in Fremont, California. When the cat grew up, it was found that he tended to keep his tail in a hunched position on his back. There was no deformity or physical defects in the animal, the cat did not seem to have any kind of discomfort while holding its tail in that particular way.
Soon, other cats in the locality were observed with a similar “ring” in the queue. After the genetic consultation, the final decision was made to develop these cats as the only formal breed. The original ring-tailed male was crossed with a short-haired female cat. Since then, several litters are born with the features that show the “Ring-tailed cat”. Originally called “Ringtail Sing-a-ling” these felines were called American Ringtail and they are currently on the road towards the full recognition of the bodies of registration of the feline breeds.
Physical characteristics
A relatively large size, the RingTail it is a long and muscular animal. Both sexes can reach a weight of 5 to 7 Kg. in adulthood. have a back long and strong. The skin is soft and silky and can come in any color or pattern. The color of the eyes is also not strictly defined at the moment. The tail it's straight with curls at the tip that fall down the back. The legs are medium-sized fingers linked by membranes.
"American Ringtail"
Spunky American Ringtail
The famous ring tail is due to two different genes that produce the ‘upright’ appearance’ and 'curved’ the tail. It is seen in certain wild cats and domestic, and even in purebred dogs. They are not associated with any health problem. Its own tail is muscular and broad at the base, well-developed bones are not fused. Cats have tails ring position when it is calm. It serves not only to balance the cats in movement, but also to slow down during a Chase at high speed.
Character and skills
The American Ringtail he is very kind and loving by nature. They interact well with children and other family members, They even developed a strong attachment with one person in particular, however they are a bit shy in the presence of strangers.
curious by nature, explore everything what they see in their surroundings and are particularly fascinated by water sources, perhaps a relic of his wild days when he used to quench his thirst by drinking from the backwaters in the wild.
Another “Wild” attribute, It is their habit of its food storage, hiding in different places of the House for food at a later time. For its unique design and beauty, these fascinating safe cats win the attention and fame to prosper as a distinct breed, widely recognized for years to come.
Health
Although their ringed tail does not cause any specific health problems, the American Ringtail you may experience some problems as you age.
Grooming
Grooming your cat is a great way to spend time alone with him.. The American Ringtail usually has a short to medium coat length. Their coat is usually easy to maintain and tends to stay clean..
Brush your cat about twice a week to remove any stains or tangles, or just spend some time bonding with him and develop your relationship. They don't shed much, but brushing helps keep their coat soft and shiny.
What is the price of a "American Ringtail"?
The American Ringtail can be challenging to find, as they are still thought to be a rare breed. However, if you can find a breeder of these kittens, you can expect to pay between 500 and 1.000 $. They are currently only recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA), but with the status of “Registration only”.
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