Cat Behavior
TortoiseShell Cat: Information, photos, care and facts – Catster
It is difficult not to notice a turtle cat. His appearance is surprising, with his unique color fur. There are no two felines equal, and genetics controls variations. The vast majority are also women, which adds to their mystique. The pattern is more frequent in some races, but the turtle housing is not a breed; Simply describe the color pattern.
The term describes animals with a mottled mosaic of orange and non -organic tones. They can be black or some variation, from ginger to chocolate to cream. The calicos have a similar color, with the addition of white, which makes them a tricolor variant of the turtle cat. However, the Tortoisehell cat only has black and orange marks.
The first records of the Tortoiseshell cat in history
It is not clear when the first turtle cat appeared, but the old records suggest that the Celts and Jamers of Southeast Asia mentioned them. When the turtle variant is produced in female cats, it is simply a manifestation of a dominant and sex -linked feature.
The gene that controls its physical expression is found on the X chromosome. Each father brings a copy or an allele of the two who possess each of their descendants. A kitten should only inherit a copy of the feature to be visually present.
Only a recessive feature appears if both alleles are the same copy. For example, if the alleles that receive an offspring of their parents are OO or OO, the dominant feature is present. The capital or is the shorthand for the dominant turtle variant, and the small letter is the recessive. The only way for Torto Pellada is not visible is whether both alleles are oo, which make the cat brown or black and not orange.
A genetic explanation
However, that fact raises another question. If this color feature is dominant, why not all turtle female cats have orange? If she is oo or oo for the trait, you would expect the cat to be orange without black coloration. The answer lies in the role of evolution in survival.
Interestingly, researchers have identified more than 1,000 genes in the X chromosomes. The chromosome and men do not have almost so many. However, that does not mean that features linked to X are viable or necessary for survival. Some are harmful and potentially fatal. How did evolution deal with this conflict?
Natural selection prevents the expression of some characteristics linked to X through a process known as inactivation of the X (XCI) chromosome. That means that some alleles are suppressed or, which leads to the mottled mosaic that we call Tortoiseshell, with present orange and black. XCI does not happen in male cats. If the animal inherits a single dominant allele or, the cat is orange or black, not both.
The incidence of Torto -Seshell male cat has another genetic touch. The first scientists deduced that they must be linked to sex simply by the pattern of inheritance and the sex of the animal.1 The only way in which a male animal could have this pattern is if they had two X chromosomes, allowing orange and black to be visible, making them xxy. It can happen if the cat has inherited Klinefelter syndrome.2
This condition also exists in humans. It is not surprising since we share 90% of our DNA with cats.3 Unfortunately, Klinefelter syndrome has many risks, including a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer and autism. This random genetic mutation also causes sterility in men. That explains its rarity among male cats and their prevalence in women.
Why the color of TortoiseShell appeared first
The domestic cat is a descendant of the African wild cat (Felis Libya). This feline is markedly sand that coincides with its arid habitat and provides camouflage. Why do our pets come in so many color variations, such as Tortoiseshells? An animal with this fur would stand out and probably will not survive. The answer meets domestication.
Charles Darwin theorized that selective breeding deeply affected the genetics of animals and the physical appearance of animals. Later, scientists observed relative depigmentation and other features associated with reproductive animals to be domesticated. The term domestication syndrome describes these changes that people induce in the animals they domesticated.
The pleasant coloration, such as TortoiseShell and other characteristics that we prefer, results from human efforts for selective reproduction. This process occurs much faster than natural selection. What nature would take thousands of years occurs in a handful of generations with human intervention. Of course, evolution also had something to say.
How the TortoiseShell cat gained popularity
While the first records are not clear, the turtle fish has probably been in the domestic cat gene group since ancient times. The folklore of many cultures contains stories of this beautiful but mysterious feline, with explanations of the appearance of the animal and the supposed meaning. There are stories From the United Kingdom to Japan and the United States on the unique coat of the TortoiseShell.
The beauty of the Patron of TortoiseShell is undoubtedly a factor in its popularity. The appearance of the animal is unique, often with striking marks. Remember that formal cat races are a relatively recent phenomenon. Enthusiasts may have tried to raise felines selectively to increase their prevalence. The occurrence in men is random, without a guarantee of offspring of TortoiseShell.
Formal recognition of TortoiseShell cat
The formal recognition of the Tortoiseshell cat rests with the races in which it is a allowed color. The Persian is an ancient breed, with a turtle spot among its many accepted colors. Other races with similar standards include the following:
The TortoiseShell color is not allowed in race standards where the appearance is an integral part of the animal’s formation. Chartreux and Russian blue are two classic examples, with only one color and its allowed variants. Remember that parents who approve the Torto layers also include Calico for their own definition, and the latter is triculated in front of the Bicolor Torto gun.
Top 4 unique facts about TortoSesshell cat
1. The variation of the turtle is a rare occurrence.
Estimation of scientists which only occurs in an estimate of 1 in 3,000 male cats. The prevalence of sterility in these animals is a mitigating factor in their shortage.
2. There are variations of the Torto housing pattern.
While each cat is different, there are some scored variations in the coloring of TortoSeseShell, including TortoiseseShell tabby and the bridge cat.
3. A small study hypothesized the stability of the gene as an explanation of the color of TortoiseShell.
He Identified researchers Two fertile males with this color variant. The animals had the usual 38 chromosomes without the XXY in felines with Klinefelter syndrome. They determined that on equal terms, the stability of the gene was the only explanation for the coloration and fertility of cats.
4. Another explanation that is even more fantastic and rare implies chemlerism.
Quimerismo defines an organism with two sources cells. In this case, the second organism is the reabsorbed DNA of a deceased twin embryo. Identified scientists What they believed was the first case of a fertile male turtle cat that showed chimerism.
Is a turtle cat a good pet?
The request of Tortois will make a lovely pet, regardless of the race. Much depends on the raising and care of the animal. We suspect that the unique appearance of the kitten can attract more attention and pampering. One of the most critical considerations is to provide mental stimulation and adequate enrichments for your pet.
Felines are intelligent and need stimulation for their mental health. You can satisfy this need with regular interaction with your pet and interactive toys that challenge them. Understanding the financial and time commitment to invite a cat to your life is essential for your well -being and well -being.
Conclusion
The Torto -Seshell cat is not a race, but a recognized color variation accepted by many parents’ clubs. Its appearance is the result of evolution eons that have shaped the animal’s DNA and have improved their physical condition for survival. The trait picked up many enthusiasts who marveled at the beauty of the cat on the road. The Pattern of TortoiseShell is also a genetic lesson, since it is a characteristic linked to X.
Outstanding image credit: Tinka Mach, Shuttersock