The Egg & sperm cells of cats each contain 19 chromosomes. At conception, they team up to create a unique set of 19 pairs. The genes for each characteristic also pair up, side by side. Thus, any mutations or mistakes can create a new trait.
Genetic variations in a characteristic are called dominant if one copy is needed to show an effect and recessive if two copies – one on each chromosome - are needed. Original traits tend to be dominant and new mutations tend to be recessive. As an example, 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.
The Domestic Medium Hair cat combines qualities of both the long-hair and the short-hair cat. They have more playfulness than the long-hair and, yet, are usually calmer than the short-hair. Their body type can be either broad and stocky or slender.
A cat’s hair grows out during a 60 to 90 day cycle, rests during a 40 to 60 day cycle, and then falls out. This is mainly influenced by the length of day. During the longer days of spring, more hair falls out. As the days shorten, less falls out and the coat appears to thicken. Indoor cats are less affected and shed on a year round cycle. The hair of a long-haired cat does not grow faster; the growth stage is just more extended than for the short-haired cats. The medium coat is caused by the cat having fewer secondary "down" hairs than the long-haired breeds and by the cat having a shorter growth and "shedding" cycle. Simply put, the coat has length without being as thick.
While most short-hairs can handle their own grooming, and the Domestic Long Hair needs help with regular grooming, the medium length of this cats' coat normally doesn't require extensive grooming on the part of the owner.
Their weight will vary, depending on its genetic background from 7 to 15 pounds, and its build can be either stocky or slender.
We are pleased to welcome Iris & Rosa to our practice!
