Spots here, spots there, spots everywhere! Spotted cat breeds are one of the most popular breeds among cat lovers. Their interesting appearance makes them a top choice at pet shops and animal shelters alike. Spotted cats can be found in pure breed cats and mixed breed cats. In addition to there being a few basic spotted patterns, there are also a few common breeds that comprise the spotted cat group.
The Tabby Pattern
When describing the patterns and colors of cats, there are several terms that are usually used. These terms are: solids, calico, tortoise shelled, and tabbies. The pattern that typically includes spotted cat breeds is the tabby group, although spots can sometimes be found on calico cats as well.
Being A Bengal Cat
Bengal cats are one of the major spotted cat breeds, and it is a large cat with shiny fur. Bengal cats typically display the brown spotted tabby pattern, but sometimes you might find a Bengal cat with a marbled pattern as well. Sometimes, a Bengal cat will be referred to as being “rosetted.” This means that more than one color tone can be found within the spots.
Mew Mew Egyptian Mau
Egyptian Mau cats are unique because they are the only spotted cat breed that has been spotted from the beginning. All other spotted cat breeds have been bred to display spots. Egyptian Mau cats are thought to have originated in Egypt, but there is no documented proof of this. However, it is known that the Egyptian Mau cat was brought to the United States sometime around 1956.
Ocicat Combo Cats
Ocicat cats are another spotted cat breed. This breed of cat is a combination of the Siamese, Abyssinian, and American Shorthair cats. Although the Ocicat has a wild appearance, there is no wild cat in its blood. In addition to being spotted, Ocicat cats can be mackerel, ticked, and classic tabby. However, only the spotted Ocicat cats are considered for competition in cat shows.
Safari Cats—From The Jungle To Your Living Room
The Safari cat is a new breed of cat, and there are less than 40 of them that exist right now. This cat comes from breeding the spotted Geoffrey’s cat, which comes from South America, with the common domestic cat. This is quite a feat because, while the domestic cat has 38 chromosomes, the Geoffrey’s cat only has 36.
An Interesting Twist
Spotted cats are popular because they provide an interesting contrast to the plain, solid cat breeds. The many colors, patterns, and designs make for a stately, wild, and neat looking cat!
by Cat Training