The post Tortoiseshell Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Facts by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead History Popularity Formal Recognition Facts Does a Tortoiseshell Cat Make a Good Pet? It’s hard not to notice a tortoiseshell cat. Their appearance is striking, with their uniquely colored fur. No two felines are the same, and genetics control the variations. The vast majority are also female, adding to their mystique. The pattern is more prevalent in some breeds, but the tortoiseshell is not a breed; it merely describes the color pattern. The term describes animals with a mottled patchwork of orange and non-orange hues. They can be black or some variation, from ginger to chocolate to cream. Calicos are similarly colored, with the addition of white, making them a tri-colored variant of the tortoiseshell cat. However, the Tortoiseshell Cat only has black and orange markings. The Earliest Records of the Tortoiseshell Cat in History It’s unclear when the first tortoiseshell cat appeared, but ancient records suggest they were mentioned by the Celts and Khmers of Southeast Asia. When the tortoiseshell variant occurs in female cats, it’s simply a manifestation of a dominant, sex-linked trait. The gene controlling its physical expression is located on the X chromosome. Each parent contributes a copy or an allele of the two they possess to each of their offspring. A kitten must only inherit one copy of the trait to be visually present. A recessive trait only appears if both alleles are the same copy. For example, if the alleles an offspring receives from their parents are OO or Oo, the dominant trait is present. The capital O is shorthand for the dominant tortoiseshell variant, and the small letter is the recessive. The only way for the tortoiseshell not to be visible is if both alleles are oo, making the cat brown or black and not orange. Image Credit: Derks24, Pixabay A Genetic Explanation However, that fact raises another question. If this color characteristic is dominant, why don’t all female tortoiseshell cats have the orange color? If she is OO or Oo for the trait, you’d expect the cat to be orange without any black coloration. The answer lies in evolution’s role in survival. Interestingly, researchers have identified over 1,000 genes on the X chromosomes. The Y chromosome of males doesn’t have nearly as many. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean the X-linked traits are viable or necessary for survival. Some are harmful and potentially fatal. How did evolution deal with this conflict? Natural selection prevents the expression of some X-linked characteristics through a process known as X-chromosome inactivation (XCI). That means some O alleles are suppressed, leading to the mottled patchwork we call tortoiseshell, with orange and black present. XCI doesn’t happen in male cats. If the animal inherits a single O dominant allele, the feline is orange or black, not both. The incidence of the tortoiseshell male cat has another genetic twist. Early scientists deduced it must be sex-linked simply because of the inheritance pattern and the animal’s sex.1 The only way a male animal could have this pattern is if they had two X chromosomes, allowing the orange and black to be visible, making them XXY. It can occur if the cat has inherited the Klinefelter syndrome.2 This condition also exists in humans. It’s not surprising since we share 90% of our DNA with cats.3 Sadly, Klinefelter’s syndrome has many risks, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and autism. This random genetic mutation also causes sterility in males. That explains its rarity among male cats and its prevalence in females. Image Credit: JG Fotografia, Shutterstock Why the Tortoiseshell Color Appeared in the First Place The domestic cat is a descendant of the African Wild Cat (Felis silvestris lybica). This feline is notably sand-colored to match their arid habitat and provide camouflage. Why do our pets come in so many color variations, like tortoiseshells? An animal with this pelage would stand out and probably won’t survive. The answer lies with domestication. Charles Darwin theorized that selective breeding profoundly impacted animals’ genetics and phenotype or physical appearance. Scientists later observed relative depigmentation and other traits associated with breeding animals to be tame. The term domestication syndrome describes these changes people induced in the animals they domesticated. The pleasing coloration, like tortoiseshell and other characteristics we prefer, results from human efforts for selective breeding. This process occurs much faster than natural selection. What would take Nature thousands of years occurs in a handful of generations with human intervention. Of course, evolution also had a say. How the Tortoiseshell Cat Gained Popularity While the earliest records are unclear, the tortoiseshell likely has been in the domestic cat’s gene pool since ancient times. The folklore of many cultures contains accounts of this beautiful but mysterious feline, with explanations of the animal’s appearance and supposed meaning. Stories exist from the United Kingdom to Japan and the United States about the tortoiseshell’s unique coat. The beauty of the tortoiseshell pattern is undoubtedly a factor in its popularity. The animal’s appearance is unique, often with eye-catching markings. Remember that formal cat breeds are a relatively recent phenomenon. Enthusiasts may have tried selectively breeding felines to increase their prevalence. The occurrence in males is random, with no guarantee of tortoiseshell offspring. Image Credit: Nafia Haseen, Shutterstock Formal Recognition of the Tortoiseshell Cat Formal recognition of the tortoiseshell cat rests with the breeds in which it is a permitted color. The Persian is an ancient breed, with tortoiseshell among its many accepted colors. Other breeds with similar standards include the following: Scottish Fold Ragamuffin Maine Coon Burmese Cornish Rex American Shorthair The tortoiseshell color is not allowed in breed standards where the appearance is integral to the animal’s conformation. The Chartreux and Russian Blue are two classic examples, with only a single color and its variants allowed. Remember that parent clubs that approve tortoiseshells also include calico by its very definition, with the latter being tri-colored versus the bi-colored tortoiseshell. Image Credit: Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock Top 4 Unique Facts About the Tortoiseshell Cat 1. The Tortoiseshell Variation Is a Rare Occurrence. Scientists estimate that it only occurs in an estimated 1 in 3,000 male cats. The prevalence of sterility in these animals is a mitigating factor in its scarcity. 2. Variations of the Tortoiseshell Pattern Exist. While each cat is different, some noted variations of the tortoiseshell coloration exist, including the tortoiseshell tabby and bridled cat. Image Credit: PradaBrown, Shutterstock 3. A Small Study Hypothesized Gene Stability as an Explanation for the Tortoiseshell Color. The researchers identified two fertile males with this color variant. The animals had the usual 38 chromosomes without the XXY in felines with Klinefelter’s syndrome. They determined that all things being equal, gene stability was the only explanation for the cats’ coloration and fertility. 4. Another Explanation That’s Even More Fantastical and Rare Involves Chimerism. Chimerism defines an organism with cells from two sources. In this case, the second organism is the reabsorbed DNA of a deceased twin embryo. Scientists identified what they believed was the first case of a fertile tortoiseshell male cat displaying chimerism. Does a Tortoiseshell Cat Make a Good Pet? The tortoiseshell will make a delightful pet, regardless of the breed. Much depends on the animal’s rearing and care. We suspect the kitty’s unique appearance may garner more attention and pampering. One of the most critical considerations is providing adequate mental stimulation and enrichment for your pet. Felines are intelligent and need stimulation for their mental health. You can satisfy this need with regular interaction with your pet and interactive toys that challenge them. Understanding the financial and time commitment of inviting a cat into your life is imperative for their welfare and well-being. Image Credit: David Boutin, Shutterstock Conclusion The tortoiseshell cat isn’t a breed but a recognized color variation accepted by many parent clubs. Its appearance is the result of eons of evolution that have shaped the animal’s DNA and improved their fitness for survival. The trait picked up many enthusiasts who marveled at the cat’s beauty along the way. The tortoiseshell pattern is also a genetics lesson since it’s an X-linked characteristic. Sources https://basepaws.com/blog/cat-coat-genetics https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/x-chromosome-x-inactivation-323/ https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.35.907.784?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/klinefelter-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20353949 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1163864/ https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Felis_silvestris/ https://www.webmd.com/children/what-is-chimerism https://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/can-calico-cats-be-male https://academic.oup.com/genetics/article/197/3/795/5935921 Featured Image Credit: Tinka Mach, Shutterstock The post Tortoiseshell Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Facts by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Grey Persian Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Facts by Matt Jackson appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Characteristics History Popularity Formal Recognition Facts Does the Grey Persian Make a Good Pet? The Grey Persian is a popular color of Persian cat, officially known as a Blue Persian. The grey color can range from a very light, almost dusty color, to a much darker, slate grey. Although white and black are more common, grey is still commonly found, which means it is a relatively easy breed for potential owners to get hold of and because it is officially recognized by fancier associations, it can be shown in most exhibitions and competitions. As well as being popular in competitions, the Grey Persian also makes a good choice for a family pet, although they can be shy around strangers and are sensitive to loud noises and surprises. Breed Overview Height:10–15 inches Weight:7–12 pounds Lifespan:15–20 years Colors:Grey Suitable for:Owners with quiet homes, looking for dedicated companions Temperament:Loving, affectionate, playful, sensitive The Persian is one of the most popular cat breeds in the world, known for its beautiful thick coat as well as its squashed, rounded face. They are a popular companion breed and remain popular for showing at competitions and exhibitions. They are medium-sized cats and their coats can vary from light to dark grey. As a pet, the Grey Persian is a sweet and affectionate companion but can be sensitive, which means it is not the best pet for families with young children and it may not get along in homes with other animals, especially playful dogs. Grey Persian Cat Breed Characteristics The Earliest Records of Grey Persian Cats in History There is some debate over the exact history of the Persian cat. There are written records dating back to the 17th Century that detail what we know today as the Persian cat breed. Theories suggest that these cats were brought to Europe by noblemen, sailors, merchants, or travelers, but it is clear that they soon became popular. However, DNA tests actually suggest they have a very similar genetic background to other breeds that originated in Western Europe. Yet another theory suggests that ancient hieroglyphs depict cats that look very similar to the modern Persian breed, suggesting that their ancestors could have been around thousands of years ago. Whatever the origin, the Persian became very popular in Europe and the first Persian was shipped to America in the late 19th century, where it enjoyed similar levels of popularity. Image Credit: VeronikaSmirnaya, Shutterstock How The Grey Persian Gained Popularity As is the case with a lot of older breeds, it was royalty and nobility that helped spread the popularity of the Persian cat breed. In particular, Queen Victoria of England was known to have kept several Persians throughout her life. Florence Nightingale also favored Persians. Later, the breed’s appearance would see it become a regular on big and silver screens. Blofeld’s cat was a Persian in the James Bond films, and so too was Mr. Bigglesworth in Austin Powers. Mr Tinkles from the 2001 comedy film Cats & Dogs was also a Persian. At the same time, the breed’s long coat and attractive face made it popular at cat shows and animal exhibitions, and the Persian would win the first-ever official cat show. Formal Recognition of Grey Persian Cats Such was the popularity of the Persian cat that having found its way to the U.S. in the late 19th century, it became one of the founding breeds of the Cat Fanciers’ Association just a few years later in 1906. It is also formally recognized by all major fancier associations and is one of the most widely shown and recognized breeds. The first ever cat show was held in London in 1871, and it was a Persian cat that took the main prize at the inaugural event, further cementing its place in the books of domesticated cat history. The Grey Persian is a naturally occurring color and one of the most common color variants of the Persian, and it is considered a standard color. Image Credit: VeronikaSmirnaya, Shutterstock Top 4 Unique Facts About Grey Persian Cats 1. They Are Show Winners From the first cat show to some of the most recent, Persian Cats are winners. They are popular for their thick coats and attractive faces. However, potential owners need to be aware that that coat does take some management to ensure it stays in top condition. 2. Persians Can Be Expensive The breed’s popularity at shows, combined with its popularity as a companion pet, means that the Persian can be expensive to buy. For a Persian with pedigree, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars to get your hands on one. 3. They Are Not the Most Athletic Felines Persians are medium-sized cats, but they have stocky, quite heavy bodies. This means that the breed is not known for its athleticism, and it can struggle to jump up to high levels. They shouldn’t have any problem getting up on furniture or your lap but will struggle with anything much higher 4. They Can Be Sensitive Persians are docile and tend to be very loving with their humans, but they are also known for being sensitive cats. Loud noises and too much activity can cause them stress, and you will need to take any introductions to other pets very slowly to avoid causing distress. Image Credit: Nida69, Shutterstock Does the Grey Persian Make a Good Pet? The Grey Persian cat is commonly seen at shows, but it also makes a great companion pet for the right owner. Its sensitivity means that the Persian might not be best suited to life with a young family. Small children can be too rowdy and too physical for this breed. It also takes a careful, gradual introduction, when integrating a Persian into a house with existing pets. And, that coat does need regular grooming. However, they are worth the effort, as the Persian is a sweet and gentle-natured cat that will give lots of love and affection to its favorite humans.  While the breed does enjoy and require affection, it isn’t an overly needy breed. Conclusion The Grey Persian cat, more commonly known as the Blue Persian cat, is a grey-colored Persian. It has a long, thick coat, and a rounded, squashed face. The breed was one of the founding breeds of the Cat Fanciers’ Association and has remained a very popular inclusion in cat shows and exhibitions ever since. It does make a great companion but can be sensitive, so isn’t ideal for all families and homes. Also see: Grey Cat Breeds (With Pictures) Sources https://www.thesprucepets.com/persian-cats-gallery-4121944 https://www.thesprucepets.com/persian-cat-breed-5220970 https://weareallaboutcats.com/10-fascinating-facts-about-persian-cats/ Featured Image Credit: Abbasi7060, Shutterstock The post Grey Persian Cat Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & Facts by Matt Jackson appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

A young local shared a video on TikTok showing an unidentified flying object in the sky over Tampico, Mexico. The short clip (watch below), featuring a gray object quickly garnered over 10,000 views and numerous comments. In the footage a small dark shape can be seen slowly moving across the sky, occasionally flickering, and then ultimately vanishing from sight, reports coasttocoastam.com. The incident occurred on a clear day, and the video provides a relatively unobstructed view of the UFO. The object’s smooth and silent movement intrigued many, prompting discussions about whether it could be a drone, an experimental aircraft, or something otherworldly. While some viewers suggested mundane explanations, others were more inclined to believe in the extraterrestrial nature of the object. Interestingly, many locals were not entirely surprised by the sighting. Tampico has a long history of strange aerial phenomena, with numerous reports of UFO sightings over the years. One popular local legend suggests that these mysterious visitors are responsible for the area’s relative safety from hurricanes. Despite the region’s vulnerability to tropical storms, Tampico has often been spared from severe damage. Some residents attribute this protection to the presence of extraterrestrial forces, who they believe intervene to shield the city from natural disasters. The young man who captured the video mentioned that he initially thought it was a drone but quickly realized that the object’s behavior and appearance did not match any known technology. The post UFO Filmed Over Mexican City Allegedly Under Alien Protection appeared first on Anomalien.com.

In a tranquil meadow framed by the soft hues of a setting sun, a herd of horses gathered by the water’s edge. This was a sacred spot, where the horses would often congregate to drink and socialize, their interactions rich with silent communication and ancient instincts. Among them was a wise old horse named Cash,... The post Young horse approaches older horse distancing itself from herd and puts him to rights appeared first on Animal Channel.

A new dinosaur species, Comptonatus chasei, discovered on the Isle of Wight, represents a major advancement in understanding Cretaceous-era dinosaur diversity in England, with ongoing...

“Make hay while the sun shineth.” – John Heywood The post The Editors’ Quote of the Day: appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

Here are the latest news items and commentary on current economics news, market trends, stocks, investing opportunities, and the precious metals markets. In this column, JWR also covers hedges, derivatives, and various obscura. This column emphasizes JWR’s “tangibles heavy” investing strategy and contrarian perspective. Today, another examination of silver pricing. (See the Precious Metals section.) Precious Metals: You may have noticed that after a recent excursion into the $29.50 per Troy ounce range, the price of spot silver has bounced back.  Early this week, it was very close to $31 per Troy ounce. And on Thursday morning (July 10, 2024) … The post Economics & Investing For Preppers appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

I am not writing much for SurvivalBlog these days, since I am busy preparing for the worst. This is fortunately my lifestyle, and I am constantly prepping. Currently, I’ve been working squaring away three old Mauser rifles for long-range work. They all need scopes and I had to wait until I could afford to get that done. I am an aging man with many physical limitations. My income is less than $5,000 per year. I receive no regular check from any source and so I am forced to operate under austere conditions and a super tight budget. If I cannot … The post Prepping and Squaring Away Rifles – Part 1, by Tunnel Rabbit appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

On July 12, 1191, during the Third Crusade, the city of Acre (modern-day Akko, Israel) surrendered to English King Richard I the Lionheart and the Crusaders after a siege of nearly two years. Pictured is one of Akko’s “Crusader” tunnels. — Today is the last day!!!  Because of a change in direction at Trident Media Group (my partner publisher) my novel Land Of Promise is going out of print in trade paperback. The last day of the sale (and of Amazon Print on Demand ordering capability) will be today, Friday, July 12, 2024. Thereafter, it may only be available as … The post Preparedness Notes for Friday — July 12, 2024 appeared first on SurvivalBlog.com.

The moment everything changed.