The most popular hybrid spotted cat breeds
Most of these are animals obtained by crossing with wild cats.
Bengal
A hybrid of the Asian Leopard Cat or Lesser Leopard (ALC) and a domestic cat, bred by American breeder Jean Mill. Selection work began in 1961. Today the breed is recognized by all felinological systems of the world. The animal has been a pet since the fourth generation.
The first individuals were exclusively “golden” in color - there were black spots on a red background. With the development of the breed, pets of different colors were obtained:
- silver - the main background is silver;
- snow - in three modifications - linx, mink and sepia;
- marble - the spots merge into a large “cloak” or “sparble” pattern;
- charcoal - on a black background there are marks of the same color, while this is an experimental color.
Today, especially popular are individuals whose spots on the skin are arranged in the form of “rosettes”, reminiscent of the pattern of a jaguar’s fur. The most valuable pattern consists of three colors.
Even Bengals of the Siamese-Himalayan type have been bred. But no matter the color, the coat is the main distinguishing feature of this breed. It must have a “wild” pattern and is of the highest quality - short, without undercoat, tightly adjacent to the muscular body, glittery.
A kitten experiences phasing at two to five months, a process characteristic of wild cats. The bright pattern is hidden under the long secondary hair. The baby “blooms” to the age when his physical development allows him to protect himself from enemies and obtain food, in full accordance with natural canons.
Excessive hair loss occurs only during this period of time; in adult life, the Bengal cat does not shed.
This charming animal is rightfully called the “domestic leopard” due to its exceptional exotic coat pattern and energetic temperament.
Read more in the article about Bengal cats.
Toyger
This is a “defective” Bengal, in which the standard prohibits the merging of spots into stripes.
Toyger
The genetic fixation of this deficiency helped the emergence of a new breed. It was created by Judy Sugden, daughter of Jean Mill. Not all felinological systems have yet received recognition.
The colors of the Toyger are the same as those of the Bengal cat.
Also read the article about toygers.
Savannah
The largest modern cat breed. It is a hybrid of Serval and Abyssinian. Registered by breeder Patrick Kelly in 2001 in the American felinological system TICA.
Savannah got the leopard coloring from a wild ancestor. Its color varieties are gold, silver, brown (ed), chocolate, cinnamon.
By nature, these cats are very curious and intelligent, easy to train. They do not tolerate loneliness well. Active, jumping and busy pets need a lot of space to play and love water very much.
Also read the article about savannas.
Serengeti
A hybrid of Bengal and Oriental was created in California in 1994 by breeder Karen Sauzman. Due to its close resemblance to the Bengal cat, the breed is not widespread. Registered only in the American TICA system.
Serengeti
The breed was developed relatively recently, in 1994, by mixing Oriental, Bengal and Abyssinian cats. Externally, the spotted beauty resembles a puma or a cheetah, having an elegant posture, a large elongated body, widely protruding ears and a short thick tail. The average weight of the animal reaches 10-15 kg, and the jump height can be up to 2 meters. This jumping ability is due to certain anatomical features of the animal - a muscular, developed body and powerful paws that perfectly absorb the landing. To date, the breed has not yet been recognized by the world community, although it is officially registered.
The character of cats is friendly, but with clearly expressed leadership notes. They easily enter into battle not only with their meowing relatives, but also with dogs. They are the first to go on the attack and selflessly win their place in the sun. On the contrary, they behave kindly, softly and tenderly with people. They require a lot of attention and if they don’t have it, they will pester in every possible way, rub, purr and purr until they get what they want. They love active games and hunt birds and rodents with pleasure, but more for pleasure and entertainment than for food.
The most popular spotted breeds of domestic cats
The tabby color is also found in breeds bred without crossing with wild cats.
Ocicat
In appearance it resembles the brightest cat in the world, Ocelot, and got its name in honor of him. Although it has no relationship with a wild cat, but was obtained by crossing a Siamese and Siamese-Abyssinian mestizos.
By its temperament, the Ocicat is a cheerful and playful pet, loyal and affectionate, sociable and loving.
The colors vary in color, but always with spots.
Read more in the article about Ocicats.
Egyptian Mau
Descended from common street cats of Cairo. Exported to America in the fifties of the last century. One of the oldest natural breeds in the world.
The color of the short, dense coat can be different - silver, bronze, smoky, pewter. But always a tabby - and only a dark spot.
A distinctive feature of his appearance is the “scarab” mark on his forehead and the black “eyeliner” of his expressive green eyes.
This small, muscular and very active cat has a balanced and independent character. She is attached to people, does not like loneliness, and is friends with all pets. Loves to talk with family members. The sounds that the Mau makes are not always like meowing, but resemble the “mumbling” of a person.
And you can learn more about this cat by reading the article about the Egyptian Mau on our portal.
Pixiebob
The Elf with the Short Tail was developed in the United States in 1985. The exact origin of the breed has not been determined; there is a version that wild cats participated in the selection, but this has not been confirmed by anything.
The pixie bob is characterized by the appearance of a lynx with tufted ears and a short tail. Polydactylism is common. The short or semi-long coat is always tabby in color - with spots or “rosettes”.
In their devotion to humans, these cats resemble dogs. Very calm, attentive and observant pets are friendly and love to play with children. They swim excellently, climb trees, hunt, “talk”, making beautiful curling and chirping sounds. They get along well with other pets, but are always leaders.
British Shorthair and Scottish Fold cats
The British and Scottish Fold are essentially different types of the same breed, although they are registered separately in feline systems. These are some of the most popular and oldest domestic breeds in the world.
By nature, these pets are self-sufficient, almost always phlegmatic. They like to sleep, but are not fans of active pastime. They are attached to people, love and do not offend children. Unpretentious and calm.
The colors of these cats are varied, spotted colors are very common.
American Shorthair (Kurzhaar)
This breed developed from its European relatives, who migrated with humans to America. A group of breeders began working on the approval of the variety at the beginning of the twentieth century.
The most famous color is the silver tabby - bright black, rather large spots on a light gray background.
The character of the American is called the “golden mean”, the cat is calm, does not require constant human attention, is moderately active and very devoted to the owner and all household members.
European Shorthair
The spotted color of this oldest breed is widely popular. The oldest European native variety was registered and presented to the public only in 1982.
A kind, energetic animal is deeply devoted to humans, willingly plays with children and at the same time never loses its hunting instincts.
Siberian
This natural oldest Russian breed most likely descended from Oriental cats brought to Siberia by merchants.
Animals with long hair and a thick undercoat are excellent hunters and have an independent and calm character. They are sincerely devoted to the owner and all household members, but do not like attention and affection imposed on them.
Among the many colors of Siberians, tabby is common.
Maine Coon
The raccoon cat is the pride of Americans. This natural breed has long been in the lead as the largest. The size of an adult cat (length with tail) reaches one and a half meters and weighs sixteen kilograms.
This pet is calm and undemanding, friendly and devoted to humans. But at the same time, like its ancient wild ancestor, it is an excellent hunter.
The colors of the coon are varied, spotted is quite popular.
Read more in the article about Maine Coons.
Bengal
The breed appeared as a result of crossing a wild leopard and outbred domestic cats. The geneticist Jane Mill took an active and direct part in her “birth”, and it was with her name that the appearance of the Bengals was subsequently associated. Since the experiments were carried out on cats of different colors, the current colors of Bengal beauties also abound in variety. The most common variant is brown, coffee or gray in color with coal-black spots of a characteristic elongated shape scattered throughout the body.
The animal is quite large in size, the neck is thin and long, the tail has a slightly curled, rounded tip. Bengal cats inherited a love of water from their freedom-loving relatives, so they are not at all afraid to wash themselves in the bathroom. They have a peaceful character, are very sociable and instantly find a common language with children. They are highly trainable and can even follow some dog commands - for example, bringing a ball or other objects to the owner.
The rarest spotted cats
Leopard-colored cats are also among the new experimental breeds that have not yet found recognition.
Australian Smoke (Mist)
Breeder Labor Street from Sydney carried out enormous selection work, which involved simple and purebred cats - Abyssinian, Siamese, Burmese. Among the many colors, tabby is one of the most common.
Mist inherited excellent health from the barn cats, and extraordinary grace and dignity from the elite. Gets along well with any pet, is devoted to people, loves children, is active and energetic. Approved by a limited number of felinological organizations, it is not widely distributed.
Read more in the article about the Australian myst.
California radiant
Despite its wild appearance, this is not a hybrid breed, but a mixture of many varieties of cats - British Shorthair, Manx, Siamese, Angora, Abyssinian.
Created by American screenwriter Paul Casey as a symbol of wild African cats, mercilessly destroyed by humans.
Very smart, friendly, silent and undemanding pets are still very rare and are registered only in the TICA felinological system (USA).
There are eight colors - black, brown, blue, bronze, charkoal (smoky anthracite), red, gold and silver. Always tabby.
Ussuri cat
This natural breed was noticed relatively recently. Most likely, it came from crossing Amur and Siberian cats.
It has been registered as experimental since 1994, but so far its representatives are very rare in the world.
The main color is from golden to fawn, always tabby. A very independent, self-sufficient and proud pet has all the habits of a predator. Temperamentally, he is more like the latter. Doesn't get along well with other animals, is a loner by nature and an excellent hunter.
Soukok or Sokoke (Kenyan Forest Cat)
It is believed that the ancestors of this very rare breed are wild kazonzo and secondarily feral domestic cats.
Through the efforts of the English breeder Jenny Slator, the breed was approved in 1992 in Denmark.
These slender and lithe cats are small in size, but strong and muscular. The dense and short coat can be of different colors, but always tabby, usually merle.
Playful and very intelligent animals are quite willful and independent. At the same time, they get along well with both humans and other pets. Wonderful hunters.
Also read the article about sokoke.
Color options
Other tones that descendants inherit from their ancestors also participate in the formation of coat shades. All attempts by breeders to create a uniform color were unsuccessful. Any red color looks patterned.
- White and tan is the most popular option. The white gene in this color combination is dominant and suppresses the white spotting of solid colors.
- Gray-red appears if one of the parents has the D gene, which is responsible for color intensity. The most spectacular combination is red, white and gray. This color is often found among outbred cats.
- A red tabby or tabby appears as fine lines, a clear outline of the upper and lower eyelids, and an "M" shape on the animal's forehead.
- The red tabby is a very varied and interesting color that looks like a shaded tabby. Contrast comes in different intensities.
- Black and red - tortoiseshell. Its carriers are cats. The color is often found in Persians and Maine Coons.
Tortoiseshell color (black and red)
Possible eye colors
In red cats, the iris seems especially bright and contrasts favorably with the coat color. The most attractive combination is a red fur coat and green eyes. However, eye color can be of any color: green, orange, yellow, blue of varying intensity.
Wild spotted cats - pets
Wild leopard cats are very beautiful. The fashion for keeping them at home has arisen more than once in the human community. But not all representatives of the cat world can be safely placed in a house.
Today, only three spotted species are most widespread as pets.
Serval
The African bush cat is a medium cat. Body length with a short tail is up to one and a half meters, weight - up to twenty kilograms. A small head, long legs and high-standing large ears make this animal look like a cheetah.
In order for a Serval to grow up tame, it must be taken away from its mother in the first days of life and fed by hand. Therefore, you should only purchase such a pet from experienced breeders.
A properly raised kitten will grow into a friendly cat, but its wild roots must not be forgotten. An adult must have a separate enclosure.
Food: raw meat only. During growing up, great attention should be paid to ensuring that there is enough calcium in the diet. Children have fragile limbs and fractures often occur.
The Serval's coloring is magnificent - dark spots on a reddish background.
Read more photos and interesting information about the serval in a separate article on Mister Cat.
Ocelot
A very bright animal, resembling a leopard in appearance, although smaller in size.
Less accommodating and less trainable than the Serval. An adult should only be kept in an enclosure. Nevertheless, it is often found today in home keeping because of the extraordinary beauty of its amazing colors. Such a pet named Babao lived with the famous artist Salvador Dali.
Geoffroy's cat
This small wild animal is similar in size to its domestic counterpart.
The brightly spotted skin was highly valued in the fur industry. Today this species is on the verge of extinction and is protected by the CITES Convention.
Therefore, it is now rarely found in home keeping, although it is popular. It is well tamed if at an early age the pet was taken from its mother and raised in the hands of a person. There are only a few breeders of this species, and it is difficult to acquire such a cat.
