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A harlequin cat has a particular coat coloration that units them other than different felines. They’re primarily white, with solely round 25% of one other colour. They have a tendency to have massive, irregular patches of one other colour, although this different colour may be something in any respect. Generally, harlequin cats even have tabby markings of their coloured patches.
This coloration solely refers to a cat’s coat colour. It’s not a specific breed, although this colour does solely happen in sure breeds.
As a result of harlequin cats don’t belong to a particular breed, their dimension, and temperament are utterly up within the air. You can’t inform how massive a cat will develop or what they’ll act like primarily based on their coloration. Fortunately, in contrast to harlequin canines, these cats don’t have extra well being issues than different felines. Moreover, harlequin cats are rather more frequent than harlequin canines.
Let’s study extra about this distinctive cat colour.
Earliest Data of the Harlequin Cat in Historical past
Cats have had an honest quantity of white of their coat because the starting of their domestication. We don’t know precisely when these felines appeared, as folks didn’t hold data of cat coloration 1000’s of years in the past.
You possibly can typically discover cats with over 50% of their coat white in your native shelter, although not all breeds will exhibit this coat coloration. In some particular breeds, it might even be uncommon. It largely depends upon the precise breed we’re discussing.
We do have photos of cats with over 50% of their coats white, courting to the tenth century in Europe. Due to this fact, these cats have existed since a minimum of then. That mentioned, they had been most likely round a lot sooner than that.
How the Harlequin Cat Gained Reputation
The harlequin cat is a putting, distinctive sample that many individuals are drawn to. Nevertheless, it isn’t extra frequent than different coat varieties.
These cats most likely developed fairly naturally all through the years. As a result of these cats aren’t uncommon, it’s doubtless that they didn’t should be notably chosen by people. They weren’t selectively bred for his or her traits like sure cat breeds. As an alternative, harlequin cats most likely simply turn into extra frequent over time by way of pure breeding.
Formal Recognition of Harlequin Cats
Harlequin cats are acknowledged by virtually each cat fancy membership on the market. Nevertheless, the precise specification and identify used to establish this coloration varies.
As an illustration, the Governing Council of Cat Fancy defines harlequin cats as having extra white than bi-colored cats however not as a lot white because the van sample. As you would possibly guess, there’s lots of private desire at play right here, and the strains can get smudged. You can’t measure the precise proportion of white on a cat’s coat very efficiently, in any case.
That mentioned, they do say that the cat needs to be predominately white. In different phrases, a cat needs to be a minimum of 60% white to be thought-about on this class. These requirements solely acknowledge sure cats as coming on this coloration, as effectively. Snowshoe and oriental shorthairs are two of the breeds that do.
High 3 Distinctive Info About Harlequin Cats
These cats might not be very uncommon, however there are some information that you could be not find out about them:
1. These cats are all distinctive.
No two Harlequin cats are the identical. They every have a distinct sample, which may differ fairly a bit. Ideally, every spot needs to be bigger than a thumbprint, however that’s all that the usual says about this coloration’s particular sample.
2. The genetics behind this colour aren’t absolutely understood.
Every cat is exclusive largely as a result of there are many genetics at play. We don’t perceive precisely how these genes work, so breeders can’t breed for particular patterns. The piebald gene that results in this sample has a number of variations in itself, and there are a number of further genes that play a task, too. Due to this fact, the depth and sample vary extensively from cat to cat.
3. What counts as a harlequin cat depends upon who you ask.
Sometimes, a harlequin cat is between a bicolor cat (which is a feline with about 50% white) and a van cat (which is a cat that’s virtually utterly white). Nevertheless, these particular proportions are exhausting to measure on a cat, which results in some cats being recognized as having a number of completely different colorations. In lots of circumstances, it might rely upon who you ask.
Does a Harlequin Cat Make a Good Pet?
We don’t advocate basing your adoption determination on a cat’s coat colour. Regardless of some frequent misconceptions, coat colours don’t sometimes impact a cat’s temperament or well being. Harlequin cats might look distinctive, however that doesn’t essentially imply that each harlequin cat is appropriate in your dwelling. The cat’s well being and temperament are far larger elements than what the cat seems to be like.
When you’re adopting from a shelter, take time to get to know the cat and ask those that work there in regards to the feline’s temperament. If attainable, get details about the cat’s previous life and well being data, too. Most rescue organizations will give the feline all of the healthcare they want, however it’s at all times good to verify!
When you’re buying a kitten, make sure that the breeder isn’t marking up their cats because of the “rarity” of the harlequin coloration. Even when the breeder doesn’t mark up their kittens, be sure that they breed for temperament and well being—not simply coat colour. Carry out all the ordinary steps you’ll take to ensure that a breeder is producing quality kittens.
Conclusion
Harlequin cats aren’t a specific breed, and precisely what counts as a harlequin cat can differ.
Fortunately, these cats don’t appear to have additional well being issues, as is true for harlequin canines. You possibly can count on a harlequin cat to be simply as wholesome as some other cat with none added probability of deafness or vision problems.
Whereas we don’t sometimes advocate harlequin canines to the typical proprietor, we will advocate harlequin cats wholeheartedly.
Featured Picture Credit score: doypui, Shutterstock
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