Domestic Short Hairs are the most predominant domesticated cat in the world. Although they originated in Egypt, their body type and weight has slowly evolved over the centuries to adapt to the region of the world where they live. Stocky cats with water-repellent topcoats and dense undercoats that held the warmth evolved in the Northern climates, while smaller, longer, leaner cats with thin, sparse coats that let the heat dissipate developed in the warmer parts of the world.
The term Tortoiseshell simply means "mingled colors". Some standards call for a complete mingling or brindling of the colors; while other standards prefer that the colors be distinct. The color combinations usually consist of black with red, grey, blue, cream, brown, or orange and are usually distributed asymmetrically over the cat's body. If a tortie has white, the colors are usually in distinct patches and they are considered to be a Calico or Mosaic. Most Calicos have white on their belly, throat and lower legs. Most breeds are capable of producing a Tortie and they can have long or short hair. This is a difficult color to breed. Most are females because the color genes reside on the X chromosome & females have 2 X chromosomes. The few male torties born are usually sterile because their color is caused by a genetic mutation in the color producing genes during the embryonic stage of growth. Without human intervention, most of the "unusual" fur color patterns, textures, and head differences would gradually disappear to natural selection.
When more than one cat lives in a household, it may take up to 5 weeks for the newest member of the family to be completely integrated. All pet cats need a territory of their own - even if it's just its own sleeping or eating space! They are usually very friendly with the other cats in the household, but may vigorously defend their "private" spot!
She's playful - as most short-hairs are. The "random" breeds of short hair are the world's most popular cat. They are typically sturdy and seldom exhibit the overly heavy or the slender bodies of the purebreds. This is the foundation stock for most of the world’s cats!
We are pleased to welcome Sweetie to our practice!
