Whitney Veterinary Hospital and
Cat Care Clinic

The original trait for hair length was for short coats, so it’s a dominant trait. The mutation for long coats occurred a long time ago, but it’s still a recessive trait and needs two copies of the gene. Therefore, Snickers' mother and father both carried the recessive gene for long hair and passed it on to him.

The mutation that created long-haired cats occurred centuries ago in Central Asia, probably as a survival mechanism to protect the cats from the cold climate. Another variation of the long-haired cat occured in America, known as the "Maine Coon". It isn't clear whether it was an independent mutation that occured in America or whether the recessive gene came from European cats that were brought to America.

Many of the long-haired cats with northern origins have sturdy bodies, broad faces and calm, friendly attitudes. They prefer lounging on their owner’s laps while being stroked to scampering about and playing.

We are pleased to welcome Snickers to our practice!