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Tag: color point
Ragdoll: The Most Laidback Cat You’ll Ever Meet
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One of the biggest, fluffiest cats is also the cuddliest and most relaxed. The Ragdoll is an easy-going snuggle bug known for going limp like a ragdoll when held. They are a consistently popular breed, despite being quite expensive and new to the cat fancy [4, 12]. Let’s meet these friendly giants.
The Cat from Space?
The Ragdoll’s origins are fairly mundane, although there are some creative conspiracy theories about them. A woman named Ann Baker developed the breed in Riverside, California in the early 1960s [4-9, 11, 12]. Baker began with a long-haired, white stray she-cat she found in her neighborhood and named Josephine [5-9, 11, 12]. Baker added other domestic longhairs that she owned or found to the breeding program, selecting for gentle temperaments, large size, and long colorpoint coats [4-8]. She recruited other breeders to help expand her new breed [1, 4, 11]. Persians, Birmans, and Burmese may have been added to the program [7, 8].
Ann Baker named her creation the Ragdoll for their tendency to relax limply when picked up [6, 7, 12]. However, she had increasingly eccentric ideas about why the cats behave this way. She claimed that Josephine only had “normal” kittens until she was hit by a car and had to be taken to a veterinary center where Baker said Josephine’s genes were altered [4, 11]. All the litters she bore afterwards, allegedly, had the Ragdoll temperament. The stories only got stranger, incorporating space alien involvement, CIA experiments, and human-to-cat gene splicing [2, 6].
We can’t say why Ann Baker said those things, or if she truly believed them. It is public knowledge that the other Ragdoll breeders she had recruited started to distance themselves from her and developed the breed to show quality without her [4, 6, 11].
Breed Characteristics
Appearance and Patterning
Ragdolls are big kitties, weighing 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kg) with females typically smaller than males [4-9, 11]. Ragdolls have long, heavy-boned bodies [1, 6, 11]. Their paws are tufted, and their tails are plumed [6]. Ragdolls all have blue eyes [1, 4-9, 11]. Their fur is semi-long, soft, and silky [4-7, 9, 11]. The fur is longest on their necks, creating a ruff [1, 6, 9].
Ragdoll cats come in four coat patterns: colorpoint, mitted, bicolor, and van [1, 4-8, 11, 12]. They can be any color and can also be lynx (tabby), tortoiseshell, or both [4-6, 8, 11, 12]. Colorpoint cats are darkest on their face, feet, tail, and ears. Mitted Ragdolls have a colorpoint pattern except their paws are white, giving the appearance that they’re wearing white mittens [1, 4-8, 11, 12]. Bicolors are white on all four paws, underbelly, chest, and an inverted V on their face [1, 4-6, 7, 11, 12]. Vans are mostly white with full color only on the ears, tail, top of the face mask, and sometimes scattered on the body [5, 12]. Not all cat associations recognize the Van pattern.
Personality
Ragdolls are very people-oriented and affectionate [4-6, 8, 11, 12]. They love to cuddle and spend time with their humans [4, 6, 8, 9, 11]. They are famously gentle and docile [2, 5-7, 11]. Though they’re reputation for flopping about like a plush toy may make them seem lazy, they actually aren’t. While it’s true that Ragdolls are not an active breed per se, they are quite playful [6, 11]. Some even enjoy learning tricks and games like fetch [4-6, 11, 12].
Ragdolls tend to be “floor cats,” in the words of the Cat Fanciers’ Association [4, 5]. They usually prefer being on or near the ground and aren’t much for climbing, high jumps, and feats of aerial acrobatics [4, 5, 6, 12]. That doesn’t mean they don’t need any space to themselves, though! It just means a Ragdoll will usually prefer something shorter like a scratching post or hideaway box.
Ragdoll Myths
1. Ragdolls are hypoallergenic.
Because their pelt lacks an undercoat, Ragdolls don’t shed as much as most cats [4-6, 9]. Because of this, there is a myth that they are hypoallergenic. However, it is cats’ saliva and dander that cause allergic reactions in people with cat allergies [9]. Less shedding may mean those allergens aren’t spread around the house quite so much, so some allergy sufferers might find Ragdolls easier to be around [9]. But there’s no guarantee. Therefore Ragdolls are not considered a hypoallergenic breed [4, 9].
2. All Ragdolls go limp every time you pick them up.
The breed’s name ensures that it’s reputation precedes it. Many people are under the impression that there is a special Ragdoll mutation affecting the nervous system that causes the Ragdoll flop [2]. However, the truth is that Ragdolls were simply bred to be so relaxed and friendly that they just melt when given affection [2]. Not all of these cats will ragdoll like that, though [2]. Every cat is an individual, and every interaction is unique.
3. Ragdolls do not feel pain.
This is an odd but persistent myth that reportedly goes all the way back to Josephine. The theory goes that because she gave birth to the first Ragdoll kittens after being hit by a car, the kittens and their descendants do not feel pain [1]. Medically, that is ridiculous. I suspect the docile and tolerant temperament of the cats made people think they were insensitive to pain, and people made up a reason why that would be the case. This is completely false, however. Ragdolls may be willing to put up with a lot, but they feel pain and discomfort just as much as any other cat [1, 12].
Living with Ragdolls
Ragdolls are considered a low-maintenance breed. Their fur isn’t prone to matting, thus requires only regular combing [4-7, 9, 11, 12]. The lack of undercoat can cause some Ragdolls to build up grease in their fur, so they need occasional baths [4, 6]. There are professionals who do that if you’re feeling intimidated.
This is a breed that gets along with everybody. They love people, are patient with children, and get along with other animals, including dogs [4, 6, 9, 11, 12]. In short, Ragdolls are great family pets. Because they are calm, cuddly, and not super active, they can be good pets for seniors who need some company [4]. They are soft-spoken cats and not very talkative [6, 8]. This can make them a good option for apartment living where a loud cat might bother the neighbors [8].
Ragdolls do need a lot of attention and are prone to loneliness [4]. If you want an independent cat that won’t mind being left home alone a lot, this is not the breed for you. A Ragdoll is likely to meet you at the door, follow you around, and try to participate in everything you are doing [4, 5, 6, 8, 12]. They just want to be your best friend.
Health Concerns
Ragdolls are pretty healthy cats, probably due to their origins among random-bred cats, but there are a few problems they have a genetic predisposition to. Like other large breeds, they are prone to obesity, so their food intake needs to be monitored carefully [9]. They also have an elevated risk of developing Feline Infectious Peritonitis [6].
Ragdoll cats have a predisposition to urinary tract problems, especially bladder stones [4, 6, 9]. Making sure your Ragdoll stays well-hydrated is important for prevention [9]. Finally, Ragdolls have a unique risk for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common form of heart disease in cats [3, 4, 6, 9, 10]. There is a mutation of the myosin binding protein C3 gene prevalent only in the Ragdoll breed that makes them more likely to develop HCM [3, 10]. Cats with two copies of the mutation are at much greater risk [3]. Fortunately, there is now a genetic test for this mutation, called MYBPC3 R820W, that enables breeders to choose not to breed cats that carry it [3, 6, 9, 10].
If you are considering bringing a Ragdoll into your home, remember that even purebred cats end up in shelters and rescues. Look first at breed-specific rescues such as Ragdoll Rescue USA or Merlin’s Hope Ragdoll Rescue in Texas, as well as your local shelter.
Fun Facts
- One name considered for the breed early on was Cherubim. [7]
- Ragdoll cats are slow to mature. They take 4 years to finish growing! [1, 5, 6, 11, 12]
- A Ragdoll named Frank and Louie was the longest-living Janus cat, or two-faced cat. Despite his rare congenital deformity, Frank and Louie lived to be 15 years old. [8]
Works Cited
- Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley: London.
- Becker, M. & Spadafori, G. (2006). Do cats always land on their feet? 101 of the most perplexing questions answered about feline unfathomables, medical mysteries, & befuddling behaviors. Health Communications, Inc.: Deerfield Beach, FL.
- Borgeat, K., Casamian-Sorrosal, D., Helps, C., Fuentes, V. L., et al. (2014). Association of the myosin binding protein C3 mutation (MYBPC3 R820W) with cardiac death in a survey of 236 Ragdoll cats. Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 16(2), 73-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvc.2014.03.005
- Braaksma, H. & Guthrie, C. (2022, July 13). Ragdoll. DailyPaws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/ragdoll
- Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Ragdoll. https://cfa.org/ragdoll/
- Cattime. (n.d.). Ragdoll cats. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/ragdoll-cats#/slide/1
- Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
- Fawcett, K. (2022, May 5). 7 facts about Ragdoll cats. Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/78233/8-friendly-facts-about-ragdoll-cats
- Fratt, K. (2022, June 27). Ragdoll cat: Breed profile, characteristics, and care. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/ragdoll-cat-breed-profile-4583144
- Meurs, K. M., Norgard, M. M., Ederer, M. M., Hendrix, K. P., et al. (2007). A substitution mutation in the myosin binding protein C gene in ragdoll hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Genetics, 90(2), 61-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2007.04.007
- The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Ragdoll breed. https://tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=868:ragdoll-breed&catid=79
- Thornton, K. C. (2018, January 16). The Ragdoll cat: All about this fascinating cat breed. Catster. https://www.catster.com/cats-101/about-the-ragdoll-cat
Published September 11th, 2022
Updated June 14th, 2023
Tonkinese: The Best of Both Worlds
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Tonkinese cats, affectionately known as Tonks, are a crossbreed of two popular color-point cats. They were conceived as a breed that would be the best of both, and their fans say they are exactly that. With origins in Thailand, England, Canada, and New Jersey, these globetrotting cats like nothing more than a welcoming home and a warm lap.
History
It is often said that the Tonkinese was first recognized in The Cat Poems, or Tamra Maew, which may have first been composed as long ago as the 12th century, according to The International Maew Boran Association (TIMBA). However, TIMBA reports that the Tamra Maew does not feature a cat matching the characteristics of the Tonkinese [8]. Instead, the Tamra Maew shows the parent breeds of the Tonkinese: the Siamese and Burmese [8].
Tonkinese cats are a cross between a Siamese and a Burmese, and all of the above occurred naturally in Thailand to begin with [8]. Tonks were probably imported to Britain in the 1880s as “chocolate Siamese,” but they were not recognized as a separate breed [2, 3, 10, 11]. The first time Tonks were intentionally bred was during the 1950s and early 1960s [1-3, 6, 9, 10]. Cat fanciers Jane Barletta of New Jersey and Margaret Conroy of Ontario collaborated to establish the breed [2, 7, 10]. The Canadian Cat Association was the first to recognize the breed in 1971, using the standard written by Barletta [10].
Breed Characteristics
Appearance
Tonkinese cats have an appearance that is intermediate between the two parents breeds, although their traits vary along a spectrum from more Siamese-like to more Burmese-like. Tonks have a color-point pattern, like both parent breeds, but they can have three different variations of color-point patterning. This is because Siamese and Burmese cats have two different partial, temperature-sensitive albinism genes that both give them color-points [6]. Siamese cats have two copies of the recessive cs version of the gene which causes high-contrast color-points [6]. Burmese cats have two copies of the recessive cb version which causes low-contrast color-points, almost a solid-colored pelt [6].
Because Tonkinese cats are a cross between these two breeds, they can have three combinations: cs cs, cb cb, or cs cb [6]. If they have the cs cs genotype, their pattern will look like a Siamese cat’s, and this is called “point” in Tonks [6]. If they have cb cb, they will have the Burmese pattern which is called “solid,” although it isn’t quite a solid color [6]. The cs cb genotype produces a coloration called “mink,” which is the preferred coloration in Tonkinese [6]. It has a darker body color than a Siamese but lighter than a Burmese.
Eye color in Tonkinese is coordinated with their pattern. Point cats tend to have blue eyes like Siamese, and solids have chartreuse eyes inherited from the Burmese. Minks have striking aquamarine eyes. [2, 3, 7, 9] Coat color is even more variable. There are four traditional show colors: platinum/lilac, champagne/chocolate, natural/black, and blue [2, 3, 5, 6, 9]. However, the breed can also come in other colors and even have tabby and tortoiseshell points [1, 4, 7].
The Tonk body type is intermediate between the svelte, angular Siamese and the stocky Burmese. They are slim yet muscular, with a head that is gently wedge-shaped. [1, 4, 7] Their muzzle is short with an angle to the nose that comes from the Burmese side [1, 4]. Their fur is short, silky, and dense [1-4, 7, 9, 11]. Purrfect for petting!
Personality
The Tonkinese is a highly social and affectionate breed [1-3, 5, 7, 9, 10]. They are very playful but also love to snuggle [2, 3, 5, 7, 10]. They do not, however, like to be alone [2, 3, 5, 10]. Fortunately, Tonks tend to get along with everyone, including children and other animals, so if you have another pet to be their friend, they won’t be lonely while you’re away [2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11].
Like their Siamese forebears, Tonks are smart and curious, which can lead them into trouble, especially if they get bored [2, 3, 7, 11]. They are known for their knack for opening doors [11]. Keep these active cats occupied with puzzle toys, plenty of interactive playtime, and maybe even teaching them tricks [2, 5, 9, 11]. They also have some of the talkativeness of Siamese, so be ready for lots of lively conversations [2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11]!
Tonk Life
Perhaps the hardest thing about caring for a Tonkinese is making sure you catproof the house before you get one [3, 10]. You should do that for any cat, but as Tonks are both active and particularly inquisitive, just moving things to a high shelf may not be enough.
Tonks require very little grooming. Their coat is of a quality that they can pretty much take care of it themselves. However, their pelt can benefit from a weekly brushing to remove loose hair. [1-5, 9, 11] Your clothes and furniture will benefit, as well.
Tonkinese are a generally healthy breed, but there are some health problems that crop up from time to time. Tonks are prone to gingivitis, so it is a good idea to start brushing their teeth as kittens so it doesn’t become a necessary but horrible battle later in life [2, 5, 9]. This breed can also be sensitive to anesthesia [9]. Irritable Bowel Disease is more common in Tonks as well [2, 5]. If you have concerns about your cat’s health, always consult your veterinarian.
Remember, even purebred cats end up in shelters and rescues, so adopt, don’t shop, for your new best friend! If you are in the U.S., this Facebook group is specifically for people looking to rescue a Tonkinese.
Fun Facts
- The Tonkinese was named after either the Tonkin region or the Bay of Tonkin in Vietnam. It has nothing to do with the cat, but the choice of name may have been related to the Vietnam War. [2, 9, 10]
- The largest litter of kittens ever born was to a Tonkinese cat–19 kittens! The average for a queen is 5. [2]
- According to J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World website, the 2nd most popular Patronus is a Tonkinese Cat. This may indicate that the witch or wizard is “a curious and loving person.” [12]
Works Cited
- Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley: London.
- Braaksma, H. (n.d.). Tonkinese. DailyPaws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/tonkinese
- Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). About the Tonkinese. CFA. https://cfa.org/tonkinese/
- Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
- Fratt, K. (2019, July 23). Tonkinese: Cat breed profile. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/tonkinese-cat-full-profile-history-and-care-4694353
- Martino, L. (n.d.). Tonkinese genetics: Color, coat pattern, and eye color. Tonkinese Breed Association. https://www.tonkinesebreedassociation.org/tonkgenetics.html
- The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Tonkinese breed. TICA. https://www.tica.org/breeds/browse-all-breeds?view=article&id=884:tonkinese-breed&catid=79
- The International Maew Boran Association. (n.d.). Thai Tonkinese. TIMBA. http://www.timba.org/thaitonkinese.html
- Thornton, K. C. (2017, August 14). Let’s talk about the Tonkinese cat. Catster. https://www.catster.com/cats-101/lets-talk-about-the-tonkinese-cat
- Tonkinese. (n.d.). PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/breeds/c_ct_tonkinese
- Tonkinese. (n.d.). VCAHospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-breeds/tonkinese
- Wizarding World Team. (2019, November 25). What your Patronus says about you. Wizarding World. https://www.wizardingworld.com/features/what-your-patronus-says-about-you
Published November 14, 2021
Snowshoe: Special Snowflakes of Cat Fancy
Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!
There’s a winter storm coming across half the United States this week, so now seemed like the perfect time to talk about the Snowshoe. No, not the things for your feet, although you might want some of those. I’m referring to an uncommon breed of cat whose paws look like they just took a stroll through the snow.
A Happy Accident
White paws cropped up occasionally as a “flaw” in Siamese cats for a long time (5). There is evidence of this is a Victorian photograph of a litter of purebred Siamese kittens in which one kitten has four white paws (2-4). The modern breed is fairly new, however. The first attempt to breed a color-point cat with white socks took place in the 1950s (2, 4). The nascent breed was called Silver Laces, but the breeding program was short-lived (2, 4). They got a second chance in the ’60s.
Dorothy Hinds-Daugherty, a Siamese breeder in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, discovered three kittens with white paws in one of her cattery’s litters (3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10). She thought the trait had potential. Hinds-Daugherty began by breeding the white-footed Siamese to a tuxedo Domestic Shorthair (3, 4, 6, 7, 10). This introduced white facial markings (3, 6, 10). She then bred those offspring back to Siamese cats to bring back the color-point pattern, which is recessive and must be inherited from both parents (7, 9). The resulting breed type was not quite like either parent breed. Hinds-Daugherty coined it the Snowshoe in honor of the white paws that started it all and applied (2, 3).
The Snowshoe faced an uphill battle, however. Some cat fanciers opposed the breed because they feared it might cause white markings to become a widespread problem in Siamese breeding stock (1). Snowshoes are also just difficult to breed. Their pattern relies on a combination of recessive traits and other genetic factors (2, 9). Breeders were discouraged by the inconsistency of the white markings (10). By 1977, only four Snowshoes were registered (2, 3). Just in time, breeders started to seriously take interest in Snowshoes. Nevertheless, the breed is still rare and difficulties remain in conforming these cats to type (2, 4, 9).
Breed Characteristics
Straight to the Points
The hallmark of Snowshoes is their unique markings. They have a color-point pattern like their Siamese ancestors, meaning they have light-colored bodies with darker coloration on their legs, tails, ears, and faces (1-10). Although color-points can be any color and even come in patterns like tabby or tortoiseshell, Snowshoes are almost always seal (black/dark brown) or blue (gray) point (2-6, 9, 10). Lighter point colors make the Snowshoe’s white markings difficult to distinguish, and some may be difficult to breed (2, 4, 10).
Like all color-point cats, Snowshoes are born completely white and begin to develop their pattern with age. It may take up to two years for a Snowshoe’s pattern to come in (1)! Only once the color-points begin to appear and the body to darken will the other markings become apparent.
Snowshoes must have four white paws, but they can have other white markings as well (1-10). Snowshoes may or may not have white patches on their chins, chests, and stomachs (2, 4, 6-8). They can also have white on their faces. The breed standard prefers an inverted, symmetrical V in the center of the face (2-4, 9). Of course, the actual patterns of bicolor cats vary widely, which is just one of the difficulties in breeding Snowshoes.
The Snowshoe is not just a Siamese cat with white feet. Snowshoes have a blend of traits from both Siamese and Domestic Shorthairs. They are a medium-sized cat, moderately long like a Siamese but also muscular and athletic like a Domestic Shorthair (1-5, 7, 9, 10). The head is roughly shaped like an equilateral triangle (1-3, 9, 10). Inset in that face are the Siamese’s striking blue eyes (1-10). The eyes are considered “walnut shaped,” rounder than a Siamese’s almond eyes but narrower than a Domestic Shorthair’s (2-4, 9). They have short to medium fur with a smooth texture (4, 7, 9, 10).
Personality
Like everything else about them, the Snowshoe’s personality is a little bit Siamese, a little bit Domestic Shorthair. Like the Siamese, they are very “talkative” cats, although Snowshoes have a quieter voice with a melodic sound (4, 6-10). They’re intelligent, active cats who often enjoy learning tricks and games (3, 4, 8, 9). Snowshoes can be quite good at feline agility courses (4, 8)! Curiously, Snowshoes also enjoy playing and even sometimes swimming in water, a trait that doesn’t seem to come from either side of the family (3, 4, 6-9).
Snowshoes are highly social cats. They tend to bond most strongly to one person and want to spend a whole lot of time together (3, 4, 8-10). They’re usually pretty outgoing, however, and will be friendly to any trusted person–or pet. Snowshoes do well with children, dogs, and other cats, and in fact typically prefer to have some company when the humans are away (3, 4, 6, 8, 9).
Care and Keeping of Snowshoes
There are no known breed-associated health concerns with Snowshoes. Part of this is likely due to the newness of the breed. The Domestic Shorthair background may play a role as well. Domestic Shorthairs are just regular cats couched in fancy language, and they have the most genetic diversity in the cat world with occasional exceptions. Snowshoes can sometimes have kinked tails or crossed eyes like Siamese cats, but these idiosyncrasies don’t cause the cats any harm (4, 6, 9).
Because they are so social, Snowshoes can be prone to separation anxiety or simply boredom when left home alone (3, 6, 9). Fortunately, these cats’ ability to play well with other animals means that people who can’t be home all day, which is to say most of us, can have a Snowshoe as long as they have other pets to keep them company. Plenty of toys and places to climb is also recommended to keep these active cats out of trouble.
Snowshoes are really pretty low-maintenance as purebred cats go. Their short, single-layer coat requires only the most basic of grooming. No bathing required.
If you would like a Snowshoe of your own, Siamese cat rescues sometimes take them in, like Austin Siamese Rescue. SOS Cat Rescue and Rehoming, also in Texas, USA, rescues Siamese, Oriental Shorthairs, and Snowshoes. You can also check at your local shelter. Even purebred cats are surrendered and waiting for a forever home.
Fun Facts
- Tardar Sauce, the world-famous Grumpy Cat, was a mixed-breed thought to have had Snowshoe in her gene pool, maybe. Her mother was a calico and her father was suspected to be a certain blue-and-white tabby but no one can say for sure. (3, 9)
- A Snowshoe from California named Dusty earned the nickname Klepto Kitty due to his habit of stealing the neighbors’ belongings. Not just once or twice. Dusty was feature on The Late Show with David Letterman in February 2011, by which time he had stolen over 600 items! Dish towels, socks, gloves, and balls were frequent targets, but nothing–not even bikinis–was safe. (3, 8, 9)
- A purebred Snowshoe kitten can cost between $750 and $1800. (3)
Works Cited
- Alderton, D. (1992). Cats: The visual guide to more than 250 types of cats from around the world. Dorling Kindersley Limited: London.
- American Cat Fanciers’ Association. (n.d.). Snowshoe breed synopsis. http://www.acfacat.com/snowshoe_synopsis.htm
- Baines, L. (2020, December 11). Introducing a puss in boots: The Snowshoe cat breed. CertaPet. https://breed.certapet.com/snowshoe-cat/
- Cattime. (n.d.). Snowshoe. TotallyPets. https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/snowshoe-cats#/slide/1
- Edwards, A. (2006). The ultimate encyclopedia of cat, cat breeds, and cat care. Hermes House: London.
- Johnstone, G. (2019, September 23). Snowshoe cat: Breed profile. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/snowshoe-cat-breed-profile-4769066
- Petfinder. (n.d.). Showshoe. https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/snowshoe/
- Sorocco, E. (2019, January 10). 11 reasons to love the Snowshoe cat. Catster. Retrieved from https://www.catster.com/cats-101/facts-about-the-snowshoe-cat
- Taylor, C. (2020, September 4). Snowshoe cat. Daily Paws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-breeds/snowshoe
- The International Cat Association. (2018, August 13). Snowshoe breed. https://tica.org/snowshoe-breeders?view=article&id=880:snowshoe-breed&catid=79
Published February 14, 2021
Coat Pattern Genetics
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A few weeks ago I wrote about the genetics of coat color in domestic cats. Now, to follow up, I am going to dive into the wild world of pattern genetics. If you would like a review of basic genetic principles, click the link to the previous article. There is a quick rundown in the beginning.
In genetics, the “wild type” is the genetic profile of an organism that is most common under natural conditions. The wild type ancestral cat was a mackerel tabby with black stripes, short fur, and no white spots [1]. Today, of course, cats come in a wide variety of patterns, even those who live feral and are subject to natural selection. Both human intervention and spontaneous mutations are to credit for this diversity.
Tabby
Let’s start with tabbies, the original cat pattern. Many other cat species share the tabby pattern with domestic cats, usually in the form of rows of spots–spots and stripes are closely related genetically in cats [2, 3]. In order to have a tabby pattern, a cat must first have at least one dominant allele at the agouti locus. The dominant agouti allele causes each individual hair to have bands of darker and lighter pigmentation. This is required for tabby coats and several other patterns which we will come to later.
The wild type mackerel tabby pattern is characterized by thin, parallel stripes darker than the background color. Mackerel tabby is the dominant allele at the Tabby, or Ta, locus, so only one TaM allele is required for the mackerel tabby pattern. The “blotched” or “classic” tabby has large, marbled stripes. This pattern occurs at the same Ta locus. The blotched allele is recessive to the mackerel.
At least two other alleles are involved in tabby patterning, although it was previously thought that there was only one [4]. The Ticked locus has been definitively identified as influencing the type of tabby pattern a cat’s coat has, but another unknown locus or loci may effect how the patterns present [4].
The Ticked locus is epistatic to the Tabby locus, meaning that the genotype at the Ticked locus has an impact on the phenotype coded for by the Tabby locus. If a TiA allele is present at the Ticked locus, the cat will have ticked/agouti fur all over the body, as the TiA allele masks the effect of the Tabby locus. This is usually called an Abyssinian Tabby because the ticked coat is characteristic of the Abyssinian breed. If there are two Ti+ alleles, the cat will not be an Abyssinian tabby, and whatever genotype is at the Tabby locus will show through. Cats with one TiA and one Ti+ allele tend to have some striping on their faces, legs, and tails despite being Abyssinian tabbies.
Tired of talking about tabbies? I hope not, because we still have to go over the special cases! Spotted tabbies have stripes that are broken into spots of varying size. An unknown modifier gene or genes are believed to alter the expression of mackerel tabby stripes to create spotted tabbies [4]. The charcoal Bengal/Savannah patterns are a variety of tabby caused by an agouti gene inherited from the Asian Leopard Cat. Charcoal tabbies have decreased red tones in their coats, giving them a cooler, grayer appearance. They also have a dark nose and “Zorro” mask on the face and a dark cape down the back. There are a shocking number of other types of modified tabby, but the genetics behind them are hazy. I will leave you with a handy infographic showing you what they look like and move on to the next pattern.
Silver and Gold
Agouti hairs would normally have alternating bands of light and dark pigment corresponding to the cat’s coloring, but there are a couple genes, or possibly gene families, which can change the way pigment is deposited on agouti fur. A dominant mutation of the Silver/Inhibitor gene inhibits production of phaeomelanin, the yellow or red pigment in cat hair. This causes the light portions of agouti bands to be very pale or colorless rather than yellow. This mutation, by itself, causes tabbies to be silvery and solid-colored cats to have a pattern known as smoke, where there is a pale/colorless band at the bottom of their hair shafts. Their white undercoats give them a “smoky” appearance when their fur is ruffled.
On the other hand is the Wide-Banding trait, only present in agouti cats. It is thought to be caused by a group of related genes, but this is still unclear, and no one quite knows how they work. Whatever the root cause, wide-banding causes the agouti bands on the hair shaft to be larger and/or more numerous. There is a high degree of variation in the way this can present, lending credence to the idea that there is more than one gene involved.
When Wide-Banding occurs alone, the cats are sometimes referred to as “golden” due to the higher degree of yellow pigment in their coats. However, the Silver and Wide-Banding traits can occur together to create other patterns. In either case, cats with Wide-Banding that leaves only the very tip of the hair shaft to show their normal pigmentation are said to be tipped. Those with more of the darker pigment on the end of the shaft are called shaded. There are even more names among cat fanciers for the many different combinations of these phenotypes, but we have more to cover.
Color-point
We touched on color-pointing in the Siamese breed profile, and we will probably circle back to it with other breeds. It is a popular pattern which has been deliberately bred into quite a few breeds. Color-pointing is a kind of partial albinism. These cats have a mutation in tyrosinase, an enzyme required for the production of melanin. The mutated enzyme will only activate below 33 degrees Celsius. As such, the mutation causes temperature-sensitive pigmentation, with the most color deposited on the coolest extremities of the body. There are actually two color-point alleles that result in three somewhat different phenotypes. Both alleles are recessive to the wild type allele but are codominant to each other.
The Himalayan phenotype has the strongest color restriction. It is seen in cats with two cs alleles. These cats have blue eyes and a very light-colored torso, typically cream or ivory. The color-pointing is very high-contrast. The intermediate phenotype is known as Mink and is typical of the Tonkinese breed. They have one cs allele and one cb allele. The eyes are aqua and the torso color is more similar to the points.
The Sepia color-points are not all sepia but are named for the brown Burmese cats wherein the pattern was first identified. This phenotype has copper eyes and is quite low-contrast, with the points and the torso being fairly similar in color. Sepia color-points have two cb alleles. All color-point cats can have points of any color, and the points can also be patterned. Sometimes color-point and white spot patterns can be combined to form new patterns, such as white mittens (characteristic of Birmans) or bicolor. For more on white spots, see the coat color article.
There are a LOT of miscellaneous mutations that I could talk about which are not so widespread or well-documented as the ones I have covered here today. If you would like me to go over them in the future, please let me know. I would be glad to do so. You can also tell me if you never want me to do this again. Feedback is always welcome. :3
Works Cited
- Hampton, N. (1998, March 4). Coat color and pattern genetics of the domestic cat (Felis catus) [PowerPoint slides]. The University of Texas at Austin. https://facultystaff.richmond.edu/~lrunyenj/bio554/cat/index.htm.
- Thomas, E.M. (1994). The tribe of tiger: Cats and their culture. Simon and Schuster.
- Zielinksi, S. (2012, September 20). Same gene guides cheetah and tabby cat coat patterns. Smithsonian Magazine. Link here.
- Eizirik, E., et al. (2010). Defining and mapping mammalian coat pattern genes: Multiple genomic regions implicated in domestic cat stripes and spots. Genetics, 184(1), 267-75. DOI: 10.1534/genetics.109.109629
Published April 10th, 2020
Updated June 14th, 2023
Siamese: Thai Temple Cats
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Siamese cats may be one of the most recognizable breeds today, but for centuries they were one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. They stalked the halls of Thai palaces and temples at a time when the country was still known as Siam, hence their name. Siamese cats are believed to have occurred naturally in Thailand and later been selectively bred for certain traits. Though Siamese cats only began to spread outside Thailand during the late 1800s, they have quickly become one of the most popular breeds of cats in the world.
Siamese cats are easily recognized by their long, lithe, and angular bodies, as well as their color-point patterning which arose in the Thai cat population as a genetic mutation. It causes cats to have a light background color, ranging from white to tan, with darker coloration on the ears, face, paws, and tail. Kittens are born white and their points darken as they age. Many cat show organizations, including the Cat Fanciers Association, only recognize seal (dark brown-black), chocolate, blue, and lilac points, but almost any color of point is possible, including patterned points, i.e. tabby.
Siamese cats have long, slim bodies with wedge-shaped heads and large, triangular ears. Their hind legs are longer than their forelegs, and they have small, dainty, oval-shaped paws. Their almond-shaped eyes are a vibrant blue, one of their most alluring and unusual traits. They occasionally have crossed eyes or kinked tails. These are harmless deformities that were once very prominent in the breed but which breeders have tried to eliminate, with only partial success.
It is commonly believed that Siamese cats have been bred to have a more thin, angular, and generally extreme shape in more recent years, and that the original breed that arose in Thailand had a more moderate body plan and rounder face. There are still Siamese cats being bred to this form today. Sometimes they are recognized as a separate breed, called the Thai. Other times they are referred to as “traditional” or “applehead” Siamese cats.
Siamese cats have a rich history in their native Thailand. They are thought to be a very old breed, but exactly how old is uncertain. The Tamra Maew manuscript, called The Cat Poems in English, was discovered in a royal Buddhist temple and depicts lucky and unlucky cats (1). One of the lucky cats has a white body and dark or black tail, ears, paws, and mask (1). Manuscripts such as these were handwritten on palm-leaves or bark, which would become fragile with age and need to be painstakingly copied periodically.
The Cat Poems originated in Ayutthaya, a city which was later destroyed, but some of the manuscripts from its temple survived and were taken to Bangkok, including The Cat Poems (1). The copy of the Tamra Maew which was discovered has been dated to between 1840 and 1850 by The International Maew Boran Association (TIMBA) but research suggests that it may date to the Khmer Empire (802 to 1432), making Siamese cats a very old breed indeed (1).
Thai legends account for the crooked tails and crossed eyes that used to be so common to the breed (2). One tells of a princess who was bathing in a river. She feared that her rings would be lost in the swift current, but her favorite cat was close at hand, as usual, so she placed her rings on its tail for safekeeping (2). The loyal cat made sure to keep the rings on its tail, but it had a little kink in its tail forever after (2). In another tale, pun intended, a royal guard cat is tasked with watching over a gold goblet (2). The cat wraps its tail tightly around the stem of the goblet so it can’t let its charge out of its sight (2). The determined guard proceeds to watch the goblet so long and with such fierce focus that it goes cross-eyed (2).
These stories also allude to the personality of Siamese cats which are a very people-oriented and loyal breed. Highly social and intelligent, this is one breed that does not like to be left alone and does best if they have a similarly playful friend to keep them occupied while their human is at work. Siamese cats get along well with other cats as well as dogs and children. They just want to be friends. And they want someone to talk to. Siamese are well known for being “talkers,” with a loud, unique meow that they use all the time to tell you about everything.
These cats are very affectionate. They like to follow their people around to see what they’re doing or just cuddle and tell you about their day. Because they are so intelligent, Siamese cats can get bored, and therefore get into trouble. Giving them puzzle toys or taking them on walks to give their brains as well as their bodies something to do is a good idea.
Siamese cats have a short, fine-textured coat that requires very little grooming, only a weekly combing. As they are attention sponges, they usually enjoy being groomed. Dental care may need to be more intensive. The wedge shape of their heads makes Siamese cats prone to periodontal disease, so daily brushing is recommended. This is easiest when begun as a kitten. Weekly brushing or other dental care options are less effective but may still do the trick. Consult a vet to see what your cat needs. The shape of their heads also increases the risk of respiratory problems. The breed carries a risk of developing eye problems, such as retinal atrophy or glaucoma, heart problems, and bladder stones. These conditions are more likely later in life.
The enduring popularity of Siamese cats makes a lot of sense. They are a friendly and beautiful breed with a lot to say for themselves. They make excellent family pets because they get along so well with other pets and children. While a chatty cat isn’t for everyone, its clear that many people, including Thai royalty, love this special feline.
Fun Facts
- The Siamese was one of the original breeds recognized by the CFA when it was founded in 1906.
- Siamese cats first arrived in the United States in 1878 when one was gifted to President Rutherford B. Hayes’s wife, Lucy, by a diplomat. The cat was named, very creatively, “Siam.”
- The Siamese may have been displayed at the first major cat show in 1871 at London’s Crystal Palace. A journalist with Harper’s Weekly described the breed as “an unnatural, nightmare kind of cat.”
- A pair of Siamese cats alerted their owner to the presence of Russian espionage in the 1960s (3). Dutch ambassador Henri Heib was woken up by his yowling cats scratching at the wall in the middle of the night as he slept in the embassy in Moscow, possibly when the 30 hidden microphones turned on and made a noise only the cats could hear (3). The ambassador chose to leave the bugs in his apartment, and he and his wife used them to manipulate their eavesdroppers into doing favors for them such as getting packages unstuck from customs (3).
- The Thai name for the native Siamese breed is “wichienmaat,” which means “gold diamond.”
Works Cited
- The International Maew Boran Association. (2020). http://www.timba.org/
- Geyer, G.A. (2004). When cats reigned like kings: On the trail of the sacred cats. Andrews McMeel Publishing.
- Reuter. (1964, May 26). Microphone revealed by cats: Ambassador made use of it. The Glasgow Herald, p. 9.
Published January 30, 2020
Updated June 4, 2021
