Many people love cats. Many people also like ginger cats. You shouldn’t be surprised by this - this color of cat fur is pleasing to the eye and can even contribute to the owner’s good mood. Such animals can often be found just on the street, and the most beautiful ones are shown at exhibitions. Red, or rather “red” color is characteristic of many cat breeds, which will be discussed below.
Characteristic features of the “red” color
Pedigree red cats have a special beauty. Not many people know the fact that there are much fewer red cats than male cats. True, this can only be said about pure red animals. Much more often they are striped or with spots of other colors. Often the red stripes alternate with white or black. You can see this in the photo below.
Males, as a rule, have a pure red color, and these are mainly purebred animals. This phenomenon can be explained by the genetic characteristics of the cat family. At the same time, the red color is characterized by the following specific feature: it is a marbled shade and stripes. There are also breeds of red cats with a coat color that is called “coffee au lait.”
If a kitten that was recently born has red genes and so-called diluent genes from its parents, then the baby’s fur may not be brightly fiery, but acquire a pleasant creamy tint.
But be that as it may, the “red” color is considered special, since in most cases the colors of a cat’s fur come from genes with black pigment. The gene for red color can be called “individual”, possessing specific qualities.
Among the main features of cats with a red color, the following should be highlighted:
- First of all, it is worth understanding that most ginger cats are males. This is explained by the fact that pigment genes are concentrated on the sex X chromosome. And cats have only one such chromosome, which they receive from their mother. For this reason, males have a greater chance of being born with a red color. Cats have two such chromosomes. Therefore, a cat can be born red if it receives the genes for the “red” pigment from both mom and dad;
- secondly, you should know that there are practically no ginger cats that have no pattern on their fur. This can be explained by the fact that many animals have a gene called “non-agouti”. It does not allow the designs to appear in the offspring. But since red felines have the gene for their native color, the effect of “non-agouti” is neutralized in them, which leads to the appearance of patterns on the fur of kittens.
As a result, if you see a ginger cat without visible patterns on the fur in the form of stripes, spots or stains, then this is the so-called cinnamon color, which was obtained due to the influence of the black pigment gene.
The power to heal
According to legend, if a ginger cat is next to a sick person, even after surgery, that person will recover sooner. Even today, many owners of such animals can tell about the healing abilities of animals.
It is a generally accepted fact that a cat with a fiery coat color is a real charge of positivity and optimism. By creating an appropriate life-affirming mood, it literally works wonders, truly becoming an excellent medicine. It won’t be difficult for her to relieve her owner’s stress. And for those who suffer from migraine attacks and pressure changes, the benefits that fire cats can bring are priceless.
What eye color can ginger cats have?
By nature, all cats initially had green eyes. A little later, thanks to the efforts of specialist breeders, cats with blue, yellow and orange eyes were bred. In purebred animals, copper-colored eyes are much more common, although ordinary kittens also have yellow or blue eyes.
A certain eye color in small kittens can only be seen a few weeks after birth. For this reason, it is not possible to know in advance what the eyes of babies will be like. If a newborn's eyes appear brown at first, it is likely that they may later turn orange. The same applies to the initially yellow color scheme. Grayish can very possibly turn into blue.
Feeding
Cats are not allowed to give food prepared for humans. To provide adequate nutrition for your pet, you can purchase dry food or prepare food from natural ingredients. It is recommended to decide on the type of diet - alternating dry and natural food can lead to an eating disorder.
When purchasing store-bought products, the owner provides the cat with all the necessary vitamins and minerals, but the pet needs more water to absorb them. It is recommended to purchase premium and super-premium products to provide your cat with high quality food and not have to worry about possible digestive problems. The water in the bowl needs to be changed every morning. Do not fill the container from the tap.
If you decide to prepare food for your pet yourself, you need to take into account the age of the Briton. Kittens need to eat at least 4 times a day in small portions. Their diet should include the following ingredients:
- meat products – lean parts of beef, poultry;
- fermented milk products (milk is prohibited): cottage cheese, cream, kefir and sour cream;
- lean fish fillet only once a week;
- raw quail eggs;
- boiled chicken egg yolk;
- grated or boiled vegetables - cabbage, carrots, greens;
- cereal porridge.
Meat can be given to your pet in the form of raw minced meat or cut into boiled parts. To avoid infection by helminths, you must first freeze the product or disinfect it with boiling water. For a balanced diet, vitamins should be added to your pet's food. By-products in the form of skins, skins or paws are strictly prohibited.
From 6 to 8 months, you should limit the number of meals to 3 times a day. An adult Briton should eat 150-300 g of food 2 times a day. The basis of the diet should be meat, to which vegetables or grains are added as a side dish. Fermented milk products to replenish calcium are not prohibited.
During pregnancy, a cat needs more minerals. For this reason, the female consumes 2 times more fermented milk products.
Personality of cats with red coat color
It is impossible to describe the future character of red cats and cats in a few phrases. Some breeds behave very calmly, others can be unapproachable, and still others can even become “fighters.” The behavior of pets with a red color is completely unpredictable, and over time the character of the animal can change. As children, they are playful, like all little kittens. They cannot sit still, constantly looking for entertainment and “toys.” But with age, they can turn into an affectionate pet or a “defender of the territory”, not allowing “strangers” into the house. They can hiss at strangers and even lunge at them with their claws.
Please note that ginger cats quite often get along peacefully with other pets living in a house or apartment.
Next, let's look at the cat breeds in which red color is most common.
Mr. Cat advises: breeds not included in the TOP
There are equally beautiful cat breeds that are not included in the TOP:
- British Shorthair: Comes in a variety of colors. Their muzzle is rounded with large cheeks. The eye tone is light blue. Cats are strong and muscular, and have large dimensions. They prefer to walk rather than climb.
- Scottish Fold: Scottish Folds have varied coat colors. The iris can be a different blue tone. It acquires its final color by the age of one year.
- White Persians: This fluffy breed (with blue eyes) is very rare, prized and worth a lot of money. Often cats of this species are born deaf.
- Devon Rex: Has soft, curly fur, large ears, and a long muzzle with high cheekbones. The animal is characterized by rapid mood changes.
- Russian White: has a silky coat of medium length. The animal's physique is fragile. Temperament is calm. Eyes can be blue, amber, green.
- White Sphynx: the animal is hypoallergenic due to the lack of hair. A sign of the purebred breed is light pink skin and blue eyes. Cats of this species require careful care. They feel comfortable only at home, next to their owner.
- Kao Mani: the breed is young, unstable. Geneticists are working on this. The animal loves people and trusts everyone without exception. His fur is short and shiny. The undercoat is weak or absent.
Each cat has its own characteristics and temperament.
Choosing a pet must be taken seriously. Understand what responsibility will be placed on your shoulders. Any pet needs to be given enough attention, especially purebred ones.
American shorthair cat
Animals of this breed often have strong bones and a muscular, large figure. They have a beautiful head with a neat, regular shape. As a rule, such pets are very friendly, have excellent health and have all the habits of ordinary cats, because the ancestors of the American Shorthair are ordinary street cats that lived in the United States of America for more than several hundred years. Nowadays, many Americans...
Norwegian redheads
These cats are characteristically distinguished from other similar breeds by the presence of peculiar tassels on the tips of their ears. In this way they are somewhat reminiscent of small lynxes. Such animals can have different fur colors, but if you find a Norwegian red pet, then you are in luck. You can breed them and make good money from it.
As for the nature of such animals, they are quite affectionate, gentle, and sometimes very playful. Pets are very attached to their owners, love small children and do not show any aggression towards them, even if children pull their tail or ears. These are true friends of a person who will never change their home.
American Curl
A distinctive feature of cats of this breed are their upturned ears. There is little else that distinguishes them from the average cat. Their build and height are average. Health is usually normal. Curls have a playful, friendly nature, despite the fact that they are descendants of the only cat that was born in America in 1981.
British (shorthair and longhair)
British cats can have either short or long, plush-like fur. The color can be very different, but the red “British” breeds are of particular interest to cat fans. They have a strong build, and the muzzle is distinguished by large cheeks and round eyes, the color of which most often has an orange tint.
Representatives of Persian cats were involved in the selection process of this breed. This is why “British” kittens can be born with long hair.
British cats are considered one of the oldest breeds. They can be called calm, and they look attractive and proud, like true British. The appearance of red kittens causes a lot of excitement, since animals with this color are the most popular among cat lovers of this breed.
Although the appearance of pure red offspring is rare. As a rule, smooth-haired “British” cats are born red. Most often, they have a uniform, very rich coat color and orange eyes. However, there are also babies with spots on their paws or heads, which does not make them any less attractive for exhibitions.
Knitting features
The British merle color is one of the most difficult to breed due to the high degree of moire among the offspring. Felinologists still cannot track the pattern of appearance of vague patterns. The most common reason is the crossing of a merle parent with a solid-colored Briton.
British marbled cats can only be knitted with each other
Everything is explained by the genetics of color - the gene responsible for the merle pattern is recessive, and the gene for uniform color easily overlaps it. Therefore, in order to preserve breed characteristics, it is important to breed only between British Marbleds. In exceptional cases, crossing with representatives of the breed that have a tiger (mackerel) color is allowed.
Don Sphynx and St. Petersburg Sphynx (Peterbald)
Sphynxes are cats that are hairless. But this fact does not prevent animals from having their own special color. Peterbalds and Donchaks have the same origin. This breed came from one mother, who was born in the 80s of the last century in Rostov-on-Don. These pets are distinguished by the fact that they love to eat very heartily and lie under the scorching rays of the sun.
As for their appearance, both breeds have wedge-shaped heads, large ears and wide cheekbones. By nature, the animals are very friendly, affectionate, and sociable, like most representatives of the cat family.
To the exhibition with the marble Briton
Since British cats were officially recognized as a breed back in the 1980s, these purrs regularly participate in advertising shows, seminars and exhibitions. Marble Britons were no exception.
British marbled cats are regulars at exhibitions and shows
Before sending your pet to a competition, it is necessary to carry out hygiene procedures - wash the animal, clean the eyes and ears, and comb the hair thoroughly. You also need to carefully trim the tips of the claws and give the fluffy a little sedative before the trip (1-2 drops of valerian).
To participate in the exhibition you must meet a number of requirements:
- have a veterinary passport and a document about the origin of the cat;
- the animal must be completely healthy;
- Murka should not have fleas and other parasites;
- The minimum age of a cat is limited to 3 months.
The British Marble will not be allowed to compete if:
- aggressive behavior;
- deafness;
- the presence of tattoos and other interventions in appearance.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is particularly graceful. Such cats are very active, playful, and their skin is covered with the most delicate, pleasant to the touch fur, which has the shape of rolling waves. A feature of animals of this breed should also be called “curls”. The color can be any, including a reddish tint. It is also worth noting that Cornish Rexes are descendants of one of the cats, which was born in the 50th year of the last century in the county of Cornwall in England.
Kurilian Bobtail
Kurbols have a collected body with strong bones and well-developed muscles. Representatives of this breed have a very pleasant silky coat. The main distinguishing characteristic of these cute cats is their tail, which is somewhat short for cats. Its length reaches a maximum of 8 centimeters, while it has a curved shape. The color may be red or another color. Often red stripes alternate with black ones. And the animals were called Kuril because they are descendants of their short-tailed relatives who live on the Kuril Islands.
Various signs
Many superstitions about outdoor fire cats:
- If you get a ginger kitten or you are given an animal as a gift - this is always a favorable omen for profit.
- When a cat crosses the path of a man from left to right, this is a sign of an imminent meeting with love. And from right to left - expect flirting.
- Meeting a cat on the way for a woman also means a romantic acquaintance with a man for pleasant leisure time.
- If you see how street cats got into a fight, where the saffron milk cap won, expect quick luck, good luck in any business.
- The cat came to the house and sat by the door - for the person who saw him, this meant receiving a pleasant gift, a surprise.
- When several fiery cats meet on a person’s path, you can exhale: the “dark streak” in your life is over. Get ready for the best happy changes.
You found a red kitten on the street - wealth has come into your hands. Good luck awaits the owner of the baby.
Maine Coon
Maine Coons were bred quite recently, but their temperament is quite wild. Although they are generally friendly, like most cats, they do show aggression quite often. They are quite large in size, and their weight can reach 16 kilograms. The color of the coat can be varied, including a red tint. Due to its size and weight, the Maine Coon cat is considered unique, and its appearance is simply terrifying to some, which continues to make it popular among connoisseurs of unusual pets.
Persians
Such cats are very popular among animal lovers; they are often kept in city apartments, since these cats are very cute to look at, and their character attracts with its cheerfulness and playfulness. Their fur can be called “fox”, and their eyes always look faithfully at their owner! Persians are indeed very domestic, and allow representatives of other animals, such as dogs and parrots, to live with them in the same territory.
Distinctive features of the Persian appearance are a muscular body and a snub nose. Cats have a soft, smooth coat. The fur is quite long. As for color, it can be anything, including red.
Siberian
Siberian cats are descendants of their relatives who lived in the wild steppes. Animals of this breed are distinguished by their very large size and heavy weight, which can reach almost 15 kilograms. Thanks to their ancestors, these pets have a special interest in hunting, and they always drag their prey into the house to show off to the owner.
Although Siberians are distinguished by their warlike, wild disposition, this does not prevent them from being very affectionate and devoted to their owners. Since these cats are very large and always go out hunting, it is not recommended to keep them in city apartments. For such “hunters”, private houses or dachas outside the city limits are more suitable.
Scottish (low-eared and straight-eared)
This breed of cat has one characteristic feature - a special shape of the ears. They are pressed close to the head, very small and have a round shape. The Scots are small in size, their coat is quite dense and can be either long or short. The fur of such pets can have different colors. Red and white-red cats are very rare.
As for their character, the “Scots” are somewhat reminiscent of dogs. This is confirmed by the fact that animals become strongly attached to their owners and are incredibly loyal. And having chosen “their” owner, such cats stop paying attention to other family members.
Nuances of care
There are no special rules for caring for red cats. When choosing grooming products, owners should focus on the type of coat and its length. To comb long-haired breeds, slicker brushes, fine-tooth combs and stiff brushes are used. For short-haired breeds with a thick undercoat, furminators are suitable, as they perfectly remove dead hairs and do not injure the guard hairs.
Bath days are held no more than once every six months, unless the cat herself doesn’t mind taking a bath. Famous water lovers include Bengals, Maine Coons and Turkish Vans. For example, the Scots and British are terrified of water and hate swimming.
Characteristic diseases
The relationship between coat color and the health of cats has not been established. It is known for certain that animals with a red color are more predisposed to allergic diseases and tolerate anesthesia less well.
Turkish Angora
Turkish Angora cats have a very interesting physique. They are distinguished by their special grace, soft long fur, and their heads are wedge-shaped like those of sphinxes. The size of such pets is quite large, and the color is most often white. Although red angoras are not an exception at all.
So, we have described the most popular cat breeds for which the red color is natural, although not obligatory. It is worth noting that with the same shade you can find other breeds of these cute animals, for example, Selkirk, Oriental, Canadian Sphynx, La Perm, Devon Rex and others. According to some legends, red cats are able to protect their owners from the negative influence of evil people, and bring prosperity to the house.
Character
Blue cats are aristocratic and often consider themselves the boss of the house. The majestic animal has a calm and calm character. Independence allows them to invent their own entertainment. Generous pets quickly forgive a person all insults. Having chosen the owner, they will remain devoted to him all their lives. Their love is particularly sincere.
Those with fluffy coats are less active than their short-haired counterparts and are unlikely to get along with active children. In such families they will feel uncomfortable, so they need to be protected from children.
The owners of gray animals note their intelligence. The pets learn his schedule: they wake him up in the morning, faithfully wait for his return, and peacefully go to bed nearby at the appointed time.
