Genetics of fiery color
Of course, there may also be cats with red fur. To begin with, it is worth saying that from a scientific point of view this type of color is called red. As is known, females and males are carriers of two sex chromosomes. For girls it is XX, and for boys it is XY. It is the X gene that is responsible for the red fur color in representatives of the cat family.
Are there red cats?
If we remember the basics of biology, then at conception a child receives one chromosome from each parent. From the mother it can only be X, and from the father either X or Y. As you can understand, at this stage the gender of the unborn child is determined, as well as further coloration.
It is worth considering that babies only get color in X, so boys take the shade only from their mother. Only girls can take on their father's color along with the resulting X chromosome.
Interesting! Tricolor pets are girls in 99% of cases. Males of this color are very rare. However, most often they are sterile from birth.
So it turns out that a red tint appears in kittens only if the parents had exactly the same color. In this case, a red cat and a black cat will produce red boys or tortoiseshell girls. If, on the contrary, the mother is black and the father is red, the girls will be tortoiseshell, and the boys will be black.
Abyssinian
The most recognizable breed with a pronounced red color. "Abiki" are distinguished by large almond-shaped eyes with black rims, a muscular body and large ears. Animals are medium in size, males are much larger than females.
These are very active pets that require a lot of play. The Abyssinians have a capricious, but easy-going character. They become attached to their owner and do not tolerate loneliness well.
Paw pads give away black color genes in ginger Sorrel cats.
Like the Scots, Abyssinians are genetically black in color, as can be seen by their paw pads. Thanks to selection, it was possible to obtain an almost uniform fiery color, which received the beautiful name sorrel. The darker skin is called “wild”.
Which breeds have more red cats?
If you answer the question whether there are red cats or only cats, the answer will be positive. Girls with red fur are found, but not as often as males. However, all this is only within the framework of natural crossing.
Cat love: how cats and cats show it
If we talk about purebred representatives of the cat family, then everything is a little more complicated. The thing is that breeders often artificially develop certain characteristics, including color.
However, in life there are pets of certain breeds for which the red color is natural. These include:
- Persians;
- Siberian forest cats;
- Maine Coons;
- British;
- Karelian bobtails;
- Scottish fold;
- Somalia.
Important! Among wild cats, only males can have a pure red color. Girls are distinguished by a paler shade, complemented by white or gray spots on the paws and chest.
How to care?
Caring for cats of different breeds is almost the same. Everyone needs to be given not only love and affection, but also proper food and hygiene procedures.
First of all, the cat must be toilet trained from the first days. In addition, the filler in it should be changed as often as possible so that the unpleasant odor does not spread throughout the apartment. It is also recommended to trim your pet's claws once a month. This must be done very carefully so as not to damage the vessels. If you have a scratching post, it is not necessary to trim your nails.
It is very important to take care of your pets' fur - it must be combed regularly. For short-haired cat breeds, it is enough to do this once a week, but those with long hair will have to be accustomed to daily grooming
Brush with a blunt-toothed brush to avoid causing irritation to the skin.
Many pets will need to be bathed. The number of such procedures depends on the breed of cat. Most often they are done 2 times every 6 months or when soiled. In addition, you must take care of proper feeding of your pets. Their diet should contain the following products:
- boiled sea fish;
- boiled chicken or beef meat;
- any cereal porridge;
- boiled vegetables, such as red beets or peppers;
- some greenery;
- boiled yolks.
Are there differences in character and behavior?
Science does not recognize such a fact as behavioral characteristics or manifestations of character associated with the color of an animal’s coat. However, orange cat owners may disagree. Many breeders say that red pets differ in their behavior from other brothers.
Ridiculous positions in which cats sleep - only they can do it
Such animals are characterized by:
- Have high intellectual qualities. Many cats with red fur are trainable and easy to raise.
- Be sociable and playful. Such animals love to play with children, run after toys and sunbeams.
- Independence - they do not require constant attention from a person.
- Activity and some mischief.
- Cunning.
Important! Don't just rely on the shade of the fur. A kitten inherits many character traits from its parents. Upbringing and the atmosphere in the home also have a great influence.
They have an unusual character
Scottish
The breed standard allows for red coloration. Green-eyed Scottish Folds with golden fur are especially beautiful. There are ticked colors - they are valued more than others.
Red lop-eared Scots are not uncommon.
Unlike the British cat, the Scottish cat is more sociable, kind and loving. You need to be careful when buying a fold-eared pet, check the pedigree to avoid genetic diseases.
Interesting fact: Golden Scottish cats have a dominant gene for black color. This can be seen from the paw pads and the tip of the tail. But geneticists have achieved an almost uniform red color. All thanks to the oxidation of various pigments and the achievements of felinology.
Interesting facts about “sunny” cats
The main advantage of red pets is that they have a beneficial effect on humans. It's no secret that colors and shades affect the human psyche and mood. It has been proven that people who keep saffron milk caps are more sociable and positive.
Another interesting fact is that the eye color of cats with red fur can be absolutely any, but most often there are representatives with yellow irises of different shades. The rarest color is blue.
The gender of ginger cats can be determined by color saturation. Males have a bright orange hue. Girls' fur is paler and most often with additional white spots.
Persian
The oldest and still one of the most popular breeds. The red Persian cat resembles a small fire due to its long hair up to 12 cm. The cat has small ears, deep-set eyes, and a short and very fluffy tail. Colors from bright red to delicate cream are recognized as the standard. In total, Persians have 100 shades of coat.
The colors of Persian cats come in different intensities.
These are friendly and leisurely animals, good companions, loving pets. The breed has a number of characteristics and congenital heart and kidney diseases that can appear over time. The brachycephalic structure of the muzzle forces the owner to carefully monitor the hygiene of the pet. However, if you find a good breeder, health problems can be avoided.
Popular myths about red cats
Of course, the most famous myth is that only boys can have red fur. As stated earlier, this is nothing more than pure fiction. The bottom line is that girls with this shade are less common because they have more genetic options.
The second myth concerns the character of such an animal. Some claim that red cats are capricious, aggressive and too rebellious. As already mentioned, the shade of fur does not affect behavior as much as genetic predisposition and upbringing.
Red cat and female cat: different shades of fur
Proper education
If, nevertheless, your British cat has bad habits, most likely this is the result of improper upbringing. The character of animals is formed before the age of one; later it is much more difficult to re-educate your pets.
What habits should kittens be weaned off immediately? British cats aged 3-6 months are terrible lovers of mischief.
They may knock objects off tall furniture. To wean a kitten from this, you need to treat the surface of the furniture with something unpleasant for it, for example, citrus juice or special means. Another bad habit, perhaps, of all cats is scratching and biting human hands. It appears at about 4 months, when teeth change. To get rid of this habit, you should purchase a scratching post and special toys that your pet can scratch its fangs on.
But the main thing is to accustom your pet to going to the toilet from the first days. If a kitten grows up next to its mother, then it learns this on its own. Otherwise, it's your job to train him to use the tray.
British cats, and especially ginger cats, can be quite playful and mischievous when they are children. But when your pet grows up, he will become serious and sedate and will bring you a lot of pleasant moments.
Green eyes have always been considered a cat color, regardless of what eye shape they had. Poems and songs were dedicated to green eyes, since this eye color is considered the most beautiful and at the same time insidious, especially if the owner is a beautiful cat.
Signs and superstitions associated with red cats
Since there have always been red cats, over time they acquired a whole set of very different signs, so that they could compete with the same black cats. In addition, how great these fluffies looked in the sun had a big influence.
In ancient times, people believed that red cats were magical animals, and that they also served the forces of good. Other equally well-known signs said that:
- If the cat left home, then he took with him all the secrets and troubles of the owner. At the same time, settling with a new family, the pet brings with it joy and peace.
- A red street cat walking towards the house indicates that its inhabitants should soon expect an improvement in their financial condition.
- Red cats and cats choose their owners themselves and only if they feel a kindred spirit.
- Red-haired pets are the personification of the brownie, so they do not fit in with families that move too often.
- All red-colored animals are unsurpassed healers. In particular, they help a person calm down.
- Red pets sense bad people. It is recommended to pay attention to the animal's behavior when someone new comes to the house.
The magic of red cats
Regardless of signs and different opinions, orange pets are beautiful and bright creatures. If you take such an animal into your home, you definitely won’t be bored. In addition, it will be possible to actually verify the veracity of certain rumors.
Red kittens in your home
They say that it is not the owners who choose ginger cats, but the ginger cats of the owners. Indeed, ginger cats are very independent. They prefer to do what they want, and not what the owner demands of them. This is true not only for adult cats, but also for kittens.
If the kitten likes you, he will come to you. If he does not want to make contact, most likely this is not your pet. But if you have a little red lump, then it will bring happiness and joy to all family members.
Even adult saffron milk caps require extra attention, let alone kittens! Not only are they in a good mood and therefore very playful and mischievous. Kids can be real mischief-makers, and the owner should keep an eye out for this. Otherwise, knocked over flower pots and torn curtains can turn into a daily nightmare.
It is very important to pay more attention to the kitten, even to accommodate the whims. If you care for your pet as it requires, then it will respond with love and devotion.
Optimistic and curious ginger kittens will happily play with toys purchased for them and entertain children. They will bring warmth and comfort, and with it a good mood.
In Russia, ginger kittens are especially in demand, as ginger cats are considered symbols of the sun and good luck. And little red pets can melt any heart. Kids are very positive and friendly and love human interaction. They make their owners very bright people by giving them their fire. And, of course, such a pet cannot get bored!
To make sure your signs are faithful, get yourself a red pet. He will warm you with his warmth if you are alone. Will give a lot of joy and positivity to family people. The little red-haired miracle can transform and put any person in a positive mood.
Kurilian Bobtail
Quite a rare breed, especially with a fiery color. Cats are quite large and come in short-haired and long-haired varieties. It is distinguished by a very short bushy tail and longer hind legs.
Bobtails are almost tailless cats that adore water.
Bobtails are clean, highly intelligent and have a good disposition. Cats are very playful and curious. They do not have any serious congenital diseases.
Striped merry fellows
Another common color of domestic cats is tabby or tabby. It is noted that a pet that has this color brings positive energy and optimism, good luck, lightness and carefreeness. Usually, the owners of such cats treat any difficult situations easily and cheerfully; they are always full of humor and enthusiasm and can charge those around them with their energy.
Turkish van
The skin of this cat is decorated with large red spots on the head and tail. The shade is not bright, rather creamy. However, this cat cannot be called white.
Turkish van.
The Turkish Van is as playful as a kitten. He is ready to play catch-up even with a candy wrapper, and will always support active entertainment with the owner. The first symptom of health problems is precisely refusal to play.
British
With this phrase, a gray cat with coarse hair comes to mind, but there are many golden-colored pets among the British. The charming round face, plump figure and short neck will win the heart of any cat lover. The wool is densely stuffed and elastic.
British ginger cat is adorable
There are about 250 variations of red color in British cats. Mainly solid colors are valued. Short coats with good undercoat are often evenly colored. There are also white and red representatives of the breed.
British cats have good intelligence. They are calm and even slightly phlegmatic, so they can tolerate the regular absence of a working owner without any problems.
Napoleon
This breed got its name due to the small height and weight of the animal. Everyone knows that Napoleon was short. The color of this breed can be very diverse: red, peach, white, gray. There are two varieties of the breed: classic, with long legs, and extreme, with short legs.
Representatives of this breed are very peaceful and get along well with other pets. They require increased attention and often suffer from loneliness.
Note: Napoleons are very patient with small children and may well become their friend.
This is interesting: Where is the cat’s withers?
Oriental
"Talkative" cats with large ears and a strong build. It comes in different colors, ranging from red to cream. The coat is short and does not cause any problems in grooming.
Large oriental cats look unusual.
Orientals are very active, yet elegant and graceful. They become strongly attached to their owner and love to play with him. Can share a home with other pets and children, but introductions need to be done carefully and gradually.
Somali
A relative of the Abyssinian has longer hair. A luxurious ticked fur coat requires regular care, but it looks charming.
The color of the Somali cat is similar to that of the Abyssinian, but the coat is longer.
The character of the Somali is similar to the Abyssinian: it requires a lot of play and attention. They also have beautiful colors - sorrel and wild. “Native” cats are characterized by good health.
Signs about a visiting animal
How can we interpret the case when the red cat got killed? This case may promise that you will experience incredible luck. Even in the most hopeless situations. You just need to remember that simply adopting a kitten is not enough. You must complete several points in order for it to truly protect your apartment or house from negativity.
First, you need to give the kitten a nickname. The unnamed animal has no magical powers for its owner.
Secondly, it is required to provide him with all the amenities in the house. Make sure that the cat has its own corner in the house, food, drink, and all comfortable living conditions.
Thirdly, you must give him affection and good attitude. If the animal sees that it is not being treated the way it would like, it will leave your home.
There are situations when a person simply does not have the opportunity to shelter a kitten
At such times, it is important to think about which of your friends needs a pet. First of all, you need to feed the baby, and only after that take him home or to a friend’s apartment
American Curl
There are many reds among American Curls, but mostly all are white and red. These small cats are distinguished by their ears turned outward, which makes the whole appearance of the animal very funny.
The breed has an interesting ear structure.
Curls have good and strong health. But they become very attached to their owner, almost like dogs. By nature, they are non-conflict, sociable animals that get along well with other pets. Pay attention to caring for the ears - you need to be very careful when cleaning them due to their unusual anatomy. The American Curl is prone to obesity, and poor nutrition is costly for this breed.
Silver colors
The group of silver colors is characterized by lightening a certain area of each hair to white. Lightening is due to the influence of the dominant silver gene I.
- Smoky (smoke) - approximately half the length of each hair is colored, and the rest is white. Smoky cats are non-agoutis, that is, owners of the recessive gene a, which excludes the pattern. Residual stripes - "moire" - for smoky cats are considered a color defect. There are 5 types of smoke (based on the color of the tip of the hair): black, blue, chocolate smoke, purple, red.
Colors of cats that carry the silver gene and are carriers of the agouti A gene, which allows the appearance of the pattern:
- Silver tabby - pattern on a completely white background. Each hair is colored zonally: lighter stripes are lightened to white, darker stripes retain their original color.
- Shaded - 1/3 of the tip of the hair is colored, the rest is white.
- Chinchilla - 1/8 of the tip of the hair is colored, the rest is white.
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