A harlequin cat has a particular coat coloration that units them aside from different felines. They’re primarily white, with solely round 25% of one other coloration. They have an inclination to have giant, irregular patches of one other coloration, although this different coloration will 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 coloration. It isn’t a specific breed, although this coloration 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 giant a cat will develop or what they’ll act like based mostly on their coloration. Fortunately, not like harlequin canine, these cats don’t have extra well being issues than different felines. Moreover, harlequin cats are far more widespread than harlequin canine.
Let’s study extra about this distinctive cat coloration.
Earliest Information of the Harlequin Cat in Historical past
Cats have had a good quantity of white of their coat for the reason that starting of their domestication. We don’t know precisely when these felines appeared, as individuals didn’t maintain data of cat coloration hundreds of years in the past.
You’ll be able to usually 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 could even be uncommon. It largely will depend on the precise breed we’re discussing.
We do have photos of cats with over 50% of their coats white, relationship to the tenth century in Europe. Due to this fact, these cats have existed since not less than then. That mentioned, they have been in all probability round a lot sooner than that.
How the Harlequin Cat Gained Reputation
The harlequin cat is a placing, distinctive sample that many individuals are drawn to. Nevertheless, it isn’t extra widespread than different coat varieties.
These cats in all probability developed fairly naturally all through the years. As a result of these cats aren’t uncommon, it’s seemingly that they didn’t have to be notably chosen by people. They weren’t selectively bred for his or her traits like sure cat breeds. As a substitute, harlequin cats in all probability simply grow to be extra widespread over time by 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 title used to establish this coloration varies.
As an example, 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 a whole lot of private desire at play right here, and the traces 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 not less than 60% white to be thought-about on this class. These requirements solely acknowledge sure cats as coming on this coloration, as nicely. 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 info 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 unique 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 coloration aren’t totally understood.
Every cat is exclusive largely as a result of there are lots of genetics at play. We don’t perceive precisely how these genes work, so breeders can not 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 job, too. Due to this fact, the depth and sample vary broadly from cat to cat.
3. What counts as a harlequin cat will depend on who you ask.
Usually, 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 arduous to measure on a cat, which ends up in some cats being recognized as having a number of totally different colorations. In lots of circumstances, it could rely on who you ask.
Does a Harlequin Cat Make a Good Pet?
We don’t advocate basing your adoption determination on a cat’s coat coloration. Regardless of some widespread misconceptions, coat colours don’t usually impact a cat’s temperament or well being. Harlequin cats could 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 components than what the cat appears to be like like.
When you’re adopting from a shelter, take time to get to know the cat and ask those that work there concerning the feline’s temperament. If potential, 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 examine!
When you’re buying a kitten, ensure that the breeder isn’t marking up their cats as a result of “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 coloration. Carry out all the typical steps you’ll take to make sure that a breeder is producing high 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 canine. You’ll be able to anticipate a harlequin cat to be simply as wholesome as another cat with none added probability of deafness or imaginative and prescient issues.
Whereas we don’t usually advocate harlequin canine to the typical proprietor, we are able to advocate harlequin cats wholeheartedly.
Featured Picture Credit score: doypui, Shutterstock
