Wall paintings of Ancient Egypt came to life! It is this thought that comes at the sight of Ashera, the graceful, majestic queen of domestic cats. Today, Ashera is the most expensive cat in the world. And the rarest. It is not surprising that she received such a name (Ashera - the ancient Semitic goddess).
This cat is the largest and most powerful of domestic: with a growth of one meter, it weighs 14 kg. Very similar to a leopard. But the resemblance is not accidental. Lifestyle Pets biotechnology company said it received a hybrid based on the genes of three cat breeds: an African serval, an Asian Bengal cat, and a domestic one.
A DNA test was performed showing that Ashera is a representative of the Savannah breed, which was bred in the early 80s by crossing an African serval, a domestic Bengal cat and a wild Bengal cat.
Chris Shirk, a breeder of the Savannah breed, recognized his pets in photographs. Cats purchased from K. Shirk by the representative of Lifestyle Pets and were issued as a new breed. And naturally, without the permission of the breeder. This was the beginning of the scandal.
The US company "US Fish and Wildlife" conducted an investigation: the blood of the alleged parents of Asher was donated for DNA analysis to a state forensic laboratory in the Netherlands. The results confirmed Chrisβs statement.
Be that as it may, the most expensive cat is now known as Asher. There are a lot of people who want to buy a kitten (despite the fabulous price) and the waiting line is several months.
This cat, so similar to a leopard, is very flexible and affectionate. It gets along well with children. The content is unpretentious. Feels pretty comfortable walking with the owner on a leash. But she has one property that causes concern: she can cause allergies. Allergy is caused by the presence of a protein contained in dead epidermal cells.
It was originally planned to modify the animal genetically in order to reduce their allergy. But then the idea had to be abandoned, since there was a likelihood of side effects. Despite the high demand, the most expensive cat will not be able to live in every family. And the point here is not at all the price. Recently, researchers concluded: the presence of this cat doubles the risk of eczema in young children. According to other sources, work in this area is still ongoing. Indeed, there is something to work for: the most expensive cats in the world should be sold. Agree, the temptation is great.
The relationship to the new breed in people is divided. Asthmatics, naturally, were wary of the news. Someone is waiting for the experiments to end in the hope of a favorable outcome, and someone is very critical.
Representatives of the British analytical center RSPCA are categorically against breeding, as this may affect the future generation of animals, because in such experiments not only the convenience of possible owners, but also the benefit of cats should be taken into account. And the latter is in great doubt. It also emphasizes the fact that far fewer individuals are put up for sale than they participate in experiments. The question is asked: what do the owners of the "faulty genome" do with the rest? Why are they not shown, are they not being killed, are they not dying as a result of experiments?
Biologists, however, have extensively discouraged that humanity has been conducting selective work for thousands of years.
There is debate, and the most expensive cats are still for sale. People wait up to a year from the time of order. And they are not afraid of the allergy and poorly studied breed (and hence unpredictability). The most expensive cat has become another means of expression.
Do you want such a cat? No problem. Cook 22000 cu (or 28000 cu for a hypoallergenic option) and get ready to wait a year. In addition, prepare another 1500 cu for delivery. For a total price of 29500 cu They promise you:
- vaccination with marks in the veterinary passport;
- castration (strange, but true);
- microchip (identifier);
- insurance from Pets Best (if you are a US citizen);
- equipped container for transportation;
- care kit (including claw tips);
- one year warranty;
- A ten-year consultation with Ronald Tripp.
Here it is - the most expensive cat. And the most famous, thanks to unceasing scandals. A cat called Asher-Savannah. Why not? Maybe itβs worth competitors reconciling and working together for the good of the breed, until it is finally and irrevocably modified?