It is impossible in nature to meet two animals that have exactly the same pattern on the wool. The spotted cat is not an exception, the patterned color of which is very individual and resembles the colors of the leopard, tiger and other large animals from the cat family.
The history of cat drawings
The spotted pattern on the skin is a disguise in wild animals. He helps them quietly sneak up to the prey or watch it, sitting in ambush. Domestic cats with similar colors have among their ancestors real wild cats, which were distinguished by good health and a stable psyche. All this was genetically transmitted to their descendants. The spotted color of cats suggests that these animals adapt very easily to new conditions, they are unpretentious and therefore will be an excellent option for people who, because of their workload, cannot spend much time on their pet.
In Russia, cats of gray-brown color with a variety of patterns are the most common and familiar. In addition, many of these animals have a completely different color. But artificially bred spotted cats are very common today. The Bengal breed, a typical representative, was obtained by crossing a domestic cat with a leopard cat. As a result, the types of drawings on the fur coat of these creatures are very different. The spots are arranged in such variations that the cat can resemble a leopard, a tiger, and even a leopard in color.
Wild cats
Many of these animals can be found today in the wild. The smallest representatives look a little larger than a domestic cat. They have the closest kinship with large feline predators such as tiger, leopard, lynx, so their appearance and anatomical features have much in common.
Serval is a medium-sized wild spotted cat that lives in the steppes and rainforests. A very close relative of the lynx, but, unlike her, does not particularly like to climb trees, hunting mainly in the grass and bushes.
Manul also has many trot features, but also some anatomical features and habits of the European wild cat. This is a long tail, decorated with dark rings, small ears and thick long hair. Habitats - steppes and foothills of Central Asia, Mongolia, Transcaucasia, China and Afghanistan.
The larger one is the reed cat (house). Outwardly very similar to a lynx (the same tassels on the ears and a reddish color), it weighs half as much. A nest is made of reed directly on the ground or in old fox holes.
In our country there are wild cats of small size. This is a steppe cat, a Far Eastern forest cat and a European cat.
The rarest spotted cat breeds
Among the affectionate pets, numbering about a hundred only officially recognized breeds, there are quite rare ones, which can often be seen only at large international exhibitions. The rarest in the world is the large spotted toyger cat - almost like a small tiger, a real handsome man with a harmless character. This is also one of the most expensive breeds.
Cheerful spots adorn another rare representative of the feline family - a stately and elegant seerengeti. Endowed with the grace of a wild predator, this cat has an absolutely domestic, affectionate and sociable disposition. Wild blood is completely absent in it, since the breed was bred from Bengal and Abyssinian cats.
Another rare breed is the juice. A cheerful active animal has a very good-natured character, although it was bred by the method of domestication of semi-wild relatives. This spotted cat has a rather complex pattern on its skin, a bit like a tree bark.
British cat
One of the most popular cats, breeding of which has become especially fashionable lately. The spotted color of the tabby implies the presence of mandatory elements in the coloring of the animal, such as a pattern on the forehead in the form of the letter “M”, a bright spot on the surface of the ear, similar to a fingerprint, and a basic color stroke around the eyes and nose.
By current standards, a British spotted cat is required to have one of three colors: harlequin, tiger, and spotted. With a marble color, the pattern is very dense, with wide lines. Dark stripes stretch along the back and end with rings on the tail. Tiger tabby is not very different - it has narrow transverse stripes on its sides, extending from the back. On the neck there is a necklace of small closed rings. Tabby is characterized by spots of different sizes and shapes, randomly located throughout the body, including legs. On the back and sides, these spots are more streamlined.
Lop-eared cat
Kittens of this breed with straight ears are born. Only at the end of the first month of life do they acquire their original form. A feature of this breed are round or oblong spots with clear outlines. On the back, these spots merge into one continuous strip, stretching to the tail itself. Tabby fold kittens are very mobile, playful. But as they grow, they become calmer and practically do not cause any inconvenience to their owners.
Australian smoky cat
The spotted coat of this beauty can have a variety of colors: from blue to chocolate. But the pattern will always be spotted or marble. From the name of this breed it is already clear that it was bred in distant Australia. And, like many animals of this continent, it is distinguished by its uniqueness. The muzzle has a pronounced triangular shape, tapering to the chin. Ears with rounded tips are slightly set aside. A very livable and friendly disposition is distinguished by these spotted cats. The breed is suitable for people who often have to be away from home. Cats very well tolerate loneliness and solitude. They are distinguished by the amazing patience with which they relate to children and pets.
California shining
The breed was bred in the 70s of the last century. As a result, a cat appeared, spotted like a leopard, and having a very great external resemblance to it. Representatives of this breed have a strong, muscular body, developed hunting instinct and athletic qualities.
The spots on the body are rounded, but triangular or square are also allowed.
California shining cat is very similar in appearance to a wild one, but by nature it is a very gentle and friendly creature, unusually loyal to the owner.
Bengal cat
The crossing of a wild leopard cat with a domestic cat led to the appearance of a new breed - a Bengal cat. This is a rather rare breed, combining the appearance of a predator and tenderness, petting a pet. Unlike other domestic cats, Bengal cats are so fond of splashing around in the water that they can keep company with the owner taking a shower.
Dark rounded spots are located along the body, forming beautiful rosettes - the visiting card of the breed. The main color may be yellowish or red-golden, but it is important that the spots are contrasting. This spotted cat has another interesting feature - depending on the lighting, the shade of hair can change. You can often see how the fur shines as if showered with sparkles.
Some cat lovers believe that the nature of this animal can be determined by color. In fact, completely different factors play a role here. Therefore, choosing a pet, you can safely give preference to the color that you like.