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 shade. They have an inclination to have massive, irregular patches of one other shade, although this different shade may be something in any respect. Typically, harlequin cats even have tabby markings of their coloured patches.
This coloration solely refers to a cat’s coat shade. It’s not a selected breed, although this shade does solely happen in sure breeds.
As a result of harlequin cats don’t belong to a particular breed, their measurement, and temperament are utterly up within the air. You can’t inform how massive 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 way more widespread than harlequin canine.
Let’s study extra about this distinctive cat shade.
Earliest Information of the Harlequin Cat in Historical past
Cats have had a good 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 maintain information of cat coloration 1000’s 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 might even be uncommon. It largely depends upon the precise breed we’re discussing.
We do have footage 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 no less than then. That stated, they have been in all probability round a lot sooner than that.
How the Harlequin Cat Gained Reputation
The harlequin cat is a hanging, distinctive sample that many individuals are drawn to. Nonetheless, it isn’t extra widespread than different coat sorts.
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 must 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 via pure breeding.
Formal Recognition of Harlequin Cats
Harlequin cats are acknowledged by virtually each cat fancy membership on the market. Nonetheless, the precise specification and identify used to establish this coloration varies.
For 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 variety 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 spite of everything.
That stated, they do say that the cat must be predominately white. In different phrases, a cat must be no less than 60% white to be thought of on this class. These requirements solely acknowledge sure cats as coming on this coloration, as properly. Snowshoe and oriental shorthairs are two of the breeds that do.
High 3 Distinctive Info About Harlequin Cats
These cats is probably not very uncommon, however there are some details 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 range fairly a bit. Ideally, every spot must be bigger than a thumbprint, however that’s all that the usual says about this coloration’s particular sample.
2. The genetics behind this shade aren’t totally 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 job, 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 nearly utterly white). Nonetheless, these particular proportions are laborious to measure on a cat, which results in some cats being recognized as having a number of completely different colorations. In lots of instances, it might rely on who you ask.
Does a Harlequin Cat Make a Good Pet?
We don’t suggest basing your adoption choice on a cat’s coat shade. Regardless of some widespread 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 house. The cat’s well being and temperament are far greater elements than what the cat appears like.
In case 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 attainable, get details about the cat’s previous life and well being information, too. Most rescue organizations will give the feline all of the healthcare they want, however it’s at all times good to verify!
In case you’re buying a kitten, make sure 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, make sure that they breed for temperament and well being—not simply coat shade. Carry out the entire regular steps you’d take to ensure that a breeder is producing quality kittens.
Conclusion
Harlequin cats aren’t a selected breed, and precisely what counts as a harlequin cat can range.
Fortunately, these cats don’t appear to have further well being issues, as is true for harlequin canine. You’ll be able to count on a harlequin cat to be simply as wholesome as every other cat with none added likelihood of deafness or vision problems.
Whereas we don’t sometimes suggest harlequin canine to the common proprietor, we are able to suggest harlequin cats wholeheartedly.
Featured Picture Credit score: doypui, Shutterstock
