In relation to romance between people, it’s usually stated that opposites entice. Within the animal kingdom, we discover some examples of “opposites” or totally different species mating, equivalent to horses and donkeys. Whereas it’s thought that cats and raccoons can mate primarily based on anecdotal proof, there’s not a whole lot of scientific affirmation of it occurring.
On this article, we’ll talk about why cats and raccoons mating is feasible in concept and whether or not they might reproduce collectively. We’ll additionally handle a longstanding fable relating to raccoons and the origins of a well-liked cat breed. Lastly, we’ll let you know why cats and raccoons interacting is extra prone to lead to hazard than romance.
Might Cats and Raccoons Mate?
Cats and raccoons are each a part of the order Carnivora however are from totally different household, genus, and species classifications. The animals are normally shut in dimension, however raccoons run larger than cats on common. Typically, cats are domesticated animals, and raccoons dwell within the wild.
Feral cats and raccoons have repeatedly been noticed consuming from the identical meals bowls. Feminine cats have additionally been identified to just accept and nurse orphan raccoon infants. It’s attainable that raccoons raised by cats could be comfy sufficient to attempt to mate with them when grown.
Reportedly, tame and wild male raccoons will try and mate with cats. Nonetheless, scientific observations and stories to help this occurring should not but out there.
Might Cats and Racoons Reproduce?
The offspring of two totally different species reproducing are often known as hybrids; examples embody mules (a donkey-horse hybrid) and ligers (lion-tiger hybrid). Hybrid animals are sometimes infertile. Generally the father or mother animals are from the identical genus however not all the time. Goats and sheep can reproduce though they aren’t from the identical genus.
A analysis research revealed in 1993 discovered that cats and raccoons have the identical variety of chromosomes.1 It additionally discovered similarities within the karyotypes or traits of those chromosomes.
Traditionally, quite a few newspapers, journals, and letters reference animals considered cat-raccoon hybrids. Some claimed that the animals resulted from breeding of cats and raccoons.2 Nonetheless, all these parentage assumptions are primarily based on the supposed bodily resemblance of the cats in query to a raccoon.
To substantiate that cats and raccoons can reproduce would require genetic research of the supposed hybrids, which haven’t been carried out but. So, whereas cats and raccoons can most likely mate, it’s not formally identified whether or not they can reproduce.
However What About Maine Coon Cats?
As one of many world’s hottest breeds, Maine Coon cats originated in america within the nineteenth century. The early historical past of this breed is considerably cloudy, which has allowed a number of origin myths to come up. One is that the Maine Coon is the results of raccoons and cats mating.
Some tales recommend that Maine Coons additionally could possibly be the results of bobcats and home cats mating. Each most definitely stem from related bodily traits noticed in raccoons or bobcats and Maine Coons. For instance, Maine Coons have ear tufts like bobcats and fluffy, ringed tails like a raccoon.
With out genetic analysis to know for certain, we are able to’t say that Maine Coons descended from raccoon-cat hybrids. Nonetheless, the extra believable story is that Maine Coons developed from long-haired cats that sailed to America onboard ships after which mated with native kitties.
Early breeders most likely inspired the fluffy coats, ear tufts, and fuzzy ft to guard the brand new cats from the chilly winters of Maine, they usually grew to become customary for the Maine Coon.
Cats and Raccoons: Tragedy or Romance?
Whereas we don’t know with certainty that cats and raccoons can mate, we are able to affirm that the 2 species regularly have destructive or harmful impacts on one another. Raccoons carry quite a lot of ailments and parasites that may infect cats, equivalent to rabies and worms.
They’ve additionally been identified to hunt small cats if different meals is scarce. Feral cats can take a toll on native wildlife by searching, presumably together with younger raccoons. Basically, it’s not a good suggestion for cats and raccoons to work together because of the potential hazard to each species.
Raccoons may also be harmful, and a few ailments they carry additionally infect people. It’s greatest not to encourage raccoons to keep coming around your house even when your cat enjoys taking a look at them.
Conclusion
Though we don’t have conclusive proof that cats and raccoons can mate, anecdotal proof suggests it’s attainable. We additionally don’t know that the 2 species can’t reproduce, however they most likely didn’t make the Maine Coon cat even when they might. As a result of raccoons can pose a danger to your cat and residential, your pet ought to keep away from shut encounters of the romantic form or in any other case.
Featured Picture Credit score: Joanne, Flickr
