There are a huge number of cat breeds. Owners of such animals treat their pets with special care. They take them to various exhibitions, trying to emphasize the exclusivity of their pet and its compliance with all breed standards. But there are also owners who are crazy about the simplest, yard cats. It is this type of animal that will be discussed in our article.
Outbred cats: maintenance and care features
In keeping, outbred cats and female cats are very unpretentious and do not cause any special problems.
Nutrition
According to the wishes and capabilities of the owners, outbred cats can be fed with both natural food and ready-made factory food (wet and freeze-dried).
A natural-based diet should include the following products:
- lean meat (veal, beef, turkey, chicken, etc.);
- boiled offal (liver, heart, etc.);
- boiled fish (sea fish only);
- raw and boiled eggs (preferably quail);
- cereal porridges (barley, buckwheat, etc.);
- fresh or boiled vegetables, greens (turnips, cabbage, spinach, carrots, etc.);
- unsweetened yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese (low-fat).
Meat should form the bulk of your cat's natural diet.
It is advisable to use store-bought ready-made food of at least premium class, such as:
- Royal Canin INDOOR 27;
- Brit Premium Cat Adult Chicke;
- Purina Pro Plan Housecat;
- Monge Adult Cat;
- Hill's Nature's Best.
Royal Canin Indoor 27 is a dry food for domestic cats
Adult outbred pets are fed in the morning and evening, with the serving size calculated as follows (per 1 kg of live weight):
- natural food - 35–40 g;
- ready-made food - 17–20 g.
In small kittens, feeding is more frequent (5–6 times); after six months, three feedings per day are sufficient. The daily standard amount of food should not exceed 200–250 g.
Conditions for keeping
For a convenient and comfortable life, any domestic cat, including outbred ones, needs a cozy sleeping place (basket, box, house, etc.), bowls for food and water, as well as a tray to relieve its natural needs.
It is best to buy a good play set for your cat.
Hygiene
Hygiene measures include the following:
- Grooming. Short-haired pets are brushed 1-2 times a week; long-haired pets are best brushed daily. Bathe approximately once every 5-6 months or if necessary if the animal gets dirty. They use special zoo shampoos: Gamma.
- Perfect Coat.
- GOOD SAT;
- Doctor VIC;
- Ms. Kiss Luxurious lioness.
Pet care
Yard cats also need the care and attention of their owners:
- Grooming. The coat needs to be brushed regularly. The frequency of the procedure depends on the length of the animal's fur. For short-haired dogs, it is enough to do this 2 times a month, and for long-haired dogs, once a week.
- Eye care. They need to be inspected and wiped with a damp swab when dirty.
- Water procedures. There are very few cats that favor this process, so you should not bathe your pet too often. Usually mongrels themselves monitor the cleanliness of their fur. If the cat returns dirty after active street festivities, you can give it a bath.
- Nutrition. It should be balanced and include both proteins (meat, fish, eggs, fermented milk) and carbohydrates (porridge, vegetables, crackers, root vegetables).
At the same time, yard purrs should be taken to the veterinary clinic for preventive examinations. It is especially important to do this when purchasing a pet, because... It is unknown whether he is healthy or not.
Not purebred or non-standard genotype
Having looked at the photographs of yard cats, we can unequivocally say that many of them are very similar to purebred individuals. Such non-standard genotype is one of their key features.
Yard cats can come in a wide variety of colors.
It is impossible to predict in advance the appearance of an unborn kitten, since it is often a mixture of many breeds. Thanks to this variety of hereditary characteristics, animals can have a lot of colors, different sizes, eye colors and coat lengths. The only thing that a yard cat definitely cannot have is a complete lack of fur.
Street cats can boast a huge number of coat colors: no other known breed in the world has such diversity. It is believed that northern cats are massive and have fluffy fur, while representatives of the southern side are graceful, have fine hair and a small undercoat. This difference is due to the influence of climate and area of residence.
Among yard cats, there are often individuals with spotted colors, all kinds of patterns and markings. You can also find animals that have three colors (people call them lucky). But the most common color is considered to be a light base background with dark stripes on it. This coloring helps the cat to camouflage itself in nature and hunt effectively. White cats are very rare among mongrels.
Contrary to popular belief, it cannot be argued that purebred cats are superior to yard cats in terms of external characteristics and type of behavior. In addition, the powerful fusion of breeds from natural selection creates truly unique kittens. In the future, they grow into strong, handsome men with magnificent colors and a strong physique, which will be the envy of even the most “pure” breeds.
The character of yard cats is also ambiguous
Some of them are distinguished by absolute calm and meekness, others call themselves royalty with its inherent importance. Often, such animals are not characterized by touchiness and aggressiveness; they show their emotions quite carefully
“Not purebred” or non-standard genotype
The appearance of an unborn yard kitten is very difficult to predict, because it is born from a mixture of two or even several breeds. Therefore, color, coat length, eye color and other characteristics are always a pleasant surprise.
– varied. The variety of coat colors of mongrels can be the envy of any exotic purr participating in championships. This can be a single coat color or a combination of two or even several shades. The patterns and markings on the base color also vary. A common color is dark stripes on a light background. It is this pattern that helps the animal camouflage itself in natural conditions and hunt successfully.
The mongrels are in most cases medium in size, and their weight ranges from 3 to 6 kg.
The character of yard cats, unlike purebred cats, is varied. They are not characterized by aggression and touchiness. They generally show emotions very carefully.
These cats have a negative attitude towards the absence of their owners and can even fall into a kind of “cat” depression. This is manifested by refusal of food, hair loss, etc. But this condition mainly applies to “apartment” cats that cannot freely go outside.
What does the term "breed" mean?
A breed is a group of domestic animals of the same species that differ from other members of the family by certain characteristics. This formulation appeared relatively recently, or rather about 2 centuries ago. Organizations involved in felinology (the study of the anatomy and physiology of domestic cats, as well as the characteristics of the breed and selection) highlight the characteristic properties and traits of pets. After which all this data is formed into a certain standard that is suitable for a particular breed.
Street cats are considered to be outbred, but they also have their own characteristics. Most yard cats belong to aboriginal breeds, which are characterized by certain external characteristics and a peculiar disposition. All of them were formed naturally, without the intervention of breeders. These include the Turkish Angora, Siamese, Persian, Siberian and Celtic cats.
Castration and sterilization
Spaying and neutering operations are carried out in cats to stop reproductive function. Castration, despite its “bloodiness,” is still preferable. It relieves the animal from the sexual instinct, and the owners from the troubles that accompany “hormonal explosions” during cat desire.
Neutered pets are healthier. The risk of cancer is reduced. The likelihood of urolithiasis is reduced. In the absence of sexual desire, cats are more oriented toward their owners. They pay more attention to them, become affectionate, obedient and friendly.
In cats, castration should be carried out at the age of 7-8 months, before the first heat and before final puberty.
It is better to castrate and sterilize cats in specialized clinics. Although recently, home surgeries have become increasingly popular.
After castration, the cat requires special care and attention.
Castration and sterilization are performed under general anesthesia. Cats are very sensitive to the effects of drugs and require special care after surgery. After the procedure, it is better to leave your pet for several hours in the hospital under the supervision of doctors. When you bring the cat home, place it on its side in a warm place and cover it with a blanket. Avoid hypothermia, avoid drafts. Especially if your pet is short-haired. He will sleep for the first 24 hours. Under anesthesia, cats sleep with their eyes open. Close his eyelids from time to time to avoid drying out the cornea.
Cats recover completely from anesthesia within a few days. At this time, their coordination is impaired and orientation in space is lost. Do not allow your pet to climb into high places to avoid falls and injury.
Is there a yard breed?
The very concept of “breed” is very young – it is no more than 200 years old. Felinological organizations identify special traits and properties in individual cats, then prescribe and approve a standard with these unique characteristics, thereby giving the world a new purebred beauty.
Thus, native breeds with characteristic external data and character traits can be called yard breeds, because the distinctive characteristics of these purrs were formed thanks to nature, without the “selective” hand of man.
These native barn cats include:
- Turkish Angora.
- Celtic cat.
- Persian cat.
- Siberian cat.
- Siamese cat.
A little cat history
Cats have been with humans for more than 9,000 years, as evidenced by archaeological research and ancient writings. And in those days, no one thought about whether a cat belonged to a particular breed. In Ancient Egypt, cats were revered as sacred animals and were also valued as excellent rodent hunters. In the Middle Ages, in some countries they were credited with magical properties and connections with evil spirits, in others they were considered special creatures that were a symbol of goodness and peace in the home.
The history of the mustachioed tabby is very rich, but it takes on new colors when cats began to be seriously bred, endowing them with special characteristics.
Since the end of the 19th century, active breeding work has been carried out, which gives birth to more and more new breeds of cats. This produces extraordinary mustaches with varying lengths of fur or even hairless ones, with amazing colors and interesting character traits. Each representative that is recognized by a felinological organization is unique and finds its fans. But with all the variety of purebred purrs, yard cats remain the most numerous and popular.
There are more of us and we are striped
Outbred cats make up 90% of the entire cat population of the planet. And no other breed can boast of such a variety of coat colors, body dimensions and characters as these felines have. The history of coexistence between humans and cats goes back almost 10 thousand years. In that distant time, cats were not divided into breeds. People were more interested in the practical benefits of pets. They have always been valued as excellent hunters of small rodent pests.
Outbred domestic cats are the best mouse hunters
At different times, attitudes towards cats were ambiguous. The ancient Egyptians deified these animals, and in medieval Europe they were credited with a connection with evil spirits. Domestic or yard cats, descended from wild ancestors, were common on all continents. Differences in climate and nutrition led to a variety of characters and appearance. Some modern breeds, in the formation of which man did not participate, can be considered yard (Siberian and Siamese cats, Angoras and Persians).
Different conditions - different appearance
The diversity of yard cats is explained by their non-standard genotype. It is impossible to guess, let alone calculate what kind of offspring an outbred cat will bring. The mixing of many breeds, and therefore hereditary characteristics, leads to the fact that yard kittens are born with a variety of coat colors and body sizes. Different eye colors, length and shape of tail and ears. The most common color of outbred murki is brindle or spotted. It allows you to camouflage in “field conditions”. A white barn cat is very rare. Individuals with long hair are also rare. Almost all representatives of the yard cat fraternity are short-haired. Medium size. Weight does not exceed 6 kilograms. Conventionally, mongrels are divided into two types according to the climatic conditions in which the breed was formed: northern and southern. The former have a dense, massive constitution and long, thick hair. Southerners are more graceful, with a thin skeleton and short hair without a pronounced undercoat.
The most common coloring of wild cats is stripes on a light background.
Angelic character of a wild beast
Where yard cats have a clear advantage over purebred cats is in their character traits and attitude towards their owners. By adopting a mongrel kitten, you can be sure that a creature has settled in the house who will be grateful to you all its life.
Outbred cats are restrained in showing emotions. It is as difficult to predict a pet's character as it is to predict its appearance. Some can be curious and restless. Others behave like born aristocrats, showing honor by the very fact of their existence.
Wild street cats are real predators
A kitten brought into the house, especially if it was born on the street, may be shy and wild at first. From birth, his mother cat taught him to be afraid of people. Only love and patience will help here. The animal will treat the person who will feed and care for the kitten as a kind deity. A mongrel pet treats all family members equally, but chooses its owner, distinguishing him from others.
A barn cat may not be very sociable. Self-sufficiency is one of the main traits of a cat’s character. Anger, aggressiveness and touchiness are extremely rare in a purebred cat. Like all cats, tabby mongrels love to play. Having become accustomed to the company of people and having become attached to them, it is difficult to endure long-term loneliness. Up to mental disorders. Try not to let this happen. In addition, cats can be very vindictive and vindictive. For lack of attention or offense they may damage furniture or use their favorite shoes as a toilet.
History of domestication of cats
The history of relations between humans and cats goes back several thousand years. Ancient chronicles and archaeological finds testify to this amazing neighborhood.
For a long period, scientists believed that the first who managed to domesticate cats were the ancient Egyptians. This conclusion was made after studying one tomb, which was built in 1950 BC. There were corresponding images on the wall paintings. However, studies of Cypriot burials in 2004 refuted these claims. The tomb, which dates back to about 9,500 BC, contained the remains of a man and a cat.
In ancient Egypt, these animals were given special attention. They were treasured because they helped people get rid of mouse infestations. The Egyptians considered cats to be sacred animals. In the Middle Ages, attitudes towards them were ambiguous: in some countries cats symbolized kindness and tranquility in the home, while in others they were credited with magical properties and connections with evil spirits. Animals were especially widespread in some countries of Europe and North Africa, as well as in Russia, Japan and China.
In those ancient times, people did not attach much importance to cat breeds. This concept came into use about 200 years ago, when the rapid development of such a science as selection began.
On the territory of modern Russia, yard cats and cats appeared during the formation of Ancient Rus'. The breeding of purebred groups began only in the second half of the 18th century. In those years, the most popular breed was considered the Russian Blue, presumably bred in Great Britain.
Strengths of mongrels
Each purebred cat is unique and valued for some of its exceptional characteristics. Yard mustaches may in some ways not be comparable to their purebred counterparts, but they have a lot of advantages:
- Health. The life expectancy of mongrels is usually longer than that of purebred purrs, because the former have a stronger and more lasting immunity to most street infections. Selection work weakens the protective functions of the cat’s body.
- Temperament. Domestic breeds have the most flexible and gentle character. If such a cat is picked up on the street, then its joy will know no bounds - it will become attached to its owner for life.
- Knitting. Finding a partner for a yard pet will not be difficult. Most likely you will have many options to choose from. Waiting for a new offspring is always a mystery, because it is impossible to predict what coat color, color and eye shape the future kittens will have. It is quite possible that such a kitten will become the founder of a new breed.
- Help with housekeeping. Catching an annoying rodent will not be difficult for a mongrel; they have a well-developed natural instinct.
- Exhibitions. There are exhibitions for outbred pets, where the external characteristics of purrs and their grooming are assessed. It’s great that yard breeds also have the opportunity to show themselves in all their glory.
- Price. Anyone can buy a yard pet. Usually they come to visit themselves, offering to leave themselves. In this case, it is almost impossible to refuse.
Pros and cons of barn cats
Pedigree cats are distinguished by their originality and are valued for their individual characteristics of character and appearance.
Domestic cats have a strong immune system and an easy-going character.
Yard murkas are to some extent incomparable with their purebred relatives, but they have no less advantages:
- Strong immunity.
Street cats have a longer life expectancy than purebred cats. This is due to the fact that being in natural conditions, they became less susceptible to most street infections and acquired strong and lasting immunity. In addition, selection activities suppress the protective forces of the cat's body, especially inbreeding and genetic mutations. - Knitting.
It will not be difficult for a courtyard lady to find a gentleman; most likely the owner will choose a partner from an abundance of options. The birth of future offspring will also be a pleasant surprise, because it is impossible to predict the fur color, shape and eye color of an unborn kitten. Perhaps he will become the founder of a new exclusive breed. - Character.
Most yard cats have a soft and docile character. Such a dog will become attached to its owner with all its heart and become his devoted friend. - Hunting for rodents.
Thanks to their well-developed natural instinct, street cats can easily catch an annoying rodent. - Independence and omnivorousness.
Such cats go out on their own for a walk and return home with the same success. In addition, they are absolutely not picky about food. - Exhibitions.
Despite the lack of a breed title, special exhibitions are organized for yard muskies, where their exterior characteristics and grooming are assessed. This is an excellent opportunity for the owner to show off his mongrel pet in all its glory. - Intelligence.
Yard cats are much tougher and smarter than their pedigree counterparts. They have more developed thinking, dexterity and natural instincts. - Price.
Anyone can become the owner of a yard pet; all you have to do is shelter a stray animal and make friends with it. Taking care of one of the millions of starving kittens roaming the streets is a noble cause.
Yard cats may also have some disadvantages, among which it is advisable to highlight:
- Excessive sensitivity.
Such pets react painfully to any changes that have occurred in the house, be it rearrangement of furniture or the arrival of noisy guests. - Impossibility of making good money.
Many owners of purebred animals that do not have defects in color or anatomical structure have a profitable business in breeding and selling kittens. There are very few people willing to buy a purebred kitten at a high price.
Outdoor cats are very sensitive to changes that occur in the house.
Representatives of domestic breeds have a negative attitude towards the absence of an owner and loneliness. They fall into a kind of depression, which is manifested by hair loss, loss of appetite, anxiety and restlessness. Often this phenomenon occurs in “apartment” cats that do not have free access to the street.
Brief description of the breed: Outbred and mixed breeds
Character:
Outbred cats are not inferior to purebred cats in intelligence and intelligence, and often surpass them. It is known that among stray cats only the smartest and smartest survive. But the character of a small outbred kitten is very difficult to predict.
Health:
Outbred cats, as a rule, have good health, rarely get sick, are not afraid of drafts, and are not susceptible to many genetic diseases characteristic of their purebred counterparts.
Care:
As a rule, a purebred cat is easy to maintain; it does not require any special conditions, unlike many pampered purebred cats. The animal must be properly fed and maintained with dignity.
Despite the variety of cat breeds, the most common type of this animal in Russia remains the so-called yard cat. A mongrel cat has neither breed nor pedigree. However, many people prefer it. The point here is not only that you can take a kitten into your home completely free of charge. If you want to adopt one or already have a “commoner” cat, some advice from the Internet portal “Petovod” will not be of any use to you.
“Mongrel,” of course, is better to have for the soul, since it will not participate in any exhibitions and does not require a lot of expenses. It will not require unnecessary waste of nerve cells, which, as is known, are not restored, because preparing for any exhibition is extremely stressful not so much for the animal itself, but for its owner. It is well known and no one has disputed for a long time that outbred cats are healthier than purebred cats. “Mongrels” have stronger immunity and are less likely to catch an infection. Consequently, less money will be spent on going to the veterinarian, or nothing will be spent at all. In addition, such cats are much easier to train; it is easier to teach them to use the toilet, walk independently on the street and, most importantly, return home.
“Simples” are not picky about food and are almost omnivorous. However, if you start pampering cats with expensive food, the animals will never look in the direction of fish waste, for example, or stale meat. Non-pedigreed cats have one, but very significant, disadvantage: breeding them will not bring you any material benefit. The only thing you can get moral satisfaction from is that you gave the kitten “in good hands” and, thus, warmed someone’s lonely soul, or made a small child happy. The “fruits of love” of mongrels, in worst cases, will be drowned due to the impossibility of placing them anywhere.
As a rule, “mutts” are quite loyal to children if they do not particularly bother them. They love to play, especially at a tender age. The character of the “simple girl” cannot be described, as they say, “with one brush”: she can bite and be softer than velvet. It all depends on upbringing and parental genes. In any case, a cat will bring you a sea of love and affection, provided that you respect and love it.
Any animal is the best and most faithful friend. Cats, of course, are willful and freedom-loving creatures, but in response to the sincere love of their owner, they give even greater love and affection. A sweet cat that follows you on the street can become the most devoted creature in the world. Advice from the Internet portal “Petovod” - you shouldn’t chase expensive and fashionable cat breeds, it’s better to just find yourself a true friend who will be there regardless of the circumstances and time. Picking up a homeless kitten is the highest manifestation of humanity, since it is precisely such animals, according to one of the writers, “our last angels on Earth.”
Domestic cats are very sensitive to traditions. They may become seriously upset and worry for a long time because the furniture has been rearranged, because many guests have come to the house, or because the owners have gone somewhere for several days. Perhaps you just laid a new beautiful carpet on the floor in the living room, but the animal did not like its smell. Many cats experience stress if they were taken out to the country in the summer, where they led a completely free lifestyle, and then suddenly locked up again in a city apartment and left alone for all days of the working week. This can lead to any changes in the pet’s behavior, even to the point where it suddenly refuses to use the toilet. Nervous cats can begin, for example, to endlessly lick their sides, to the point that all the hair comes out and non-healing ulcers form. We'll have to come up with some kind of entertainment for furry pets. An indoor cat needs toys all the time. These can be the usual balls and balls, and various animals stuffed with catnip (they are sold in pet stores), and various play towns and houses for cats, which, however, can only be placed in a spacious apartment.
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There are more than 250 breeds of cats in the world: hairless and fluffy, wayward and friendly, affectionate and freedom-loving. But there is one thing that unites them all: they are incredibly beautiful. Anyone who wants to make a meowing friend can adopt a kitten from a shelter, or buy one from an elite nursery.
We are on the site
We became interested in how much the rarest cat breeds cost, and, to be honest, we were surprised. We invite you to find out prices for the most exotic representatives of the cat world.
Norwegian forest cat
The ancestors of this cat were bred by the Vikings 2,000 years ago. Cute and fluffy, this cat can withstand severe cold and is an excellent hunter. The price of a kitten varies from $600 to $3,000.
Himalayan cat
This breed is very similar to the Persian, but differs in blue eyes and color point coloring (light body with a dark muzzle, paws, ears and tail). This breed was developed in 1950 in the USA. Himalayans are affectionate, obedient and friendly cats with a calm nature. A kitten of this breed will cost $500–$1,300.
Scottish lop-eared
The calling card of this breed is its cute ears, which do not stick out upward, like those of ordinary cats, but hang down. This unusual detail of their appearance is a consequence of a gene mutation. These are smart cats that get along with everyone in the family and are never averse to playing. Another distinctive feature of this breed is that they can stand on their hind legs and look at what interests them. A kitten costs from $200 to $1,500.
Peterbald
The Peterbald, or St. Petersburg Sphynx, was bred in Russia in 1994. These elegant cats have a slender body, a long head shape and large, set-back ears. The body may be bald or covered with down. Cats have an affectionate and sociable character and are easy to train. Such a kitten will cost $400–1,200.
Egyptian Mau
The appearance of these cats has changed little in 3,000 years - since the times of Ancient Egypt. The spotted color of this breed appears not only on the coat, but also on the skin. To become the owner of an ancient Egyptian cat, you need to spend $500–1,500.
Maine Coon
This is one of the largest cat breeds. Representatives of this breed can weigh from 5 to 15 kg, and the body length of an adult Maine Coon can reach 1.23 m. But despite their formidable appearance, these are affectionate, gentle and playful animals. The price of a giant kitten varies between $600–$1,500.
Laperm
This is one of the most unusual breeds, which appeared in 1980 in the USA. In addition to their curly hair, cats of this breed have another feature: they are hypoallergenic, so they are perfect for families with allergies. A kitten of this breed costs $200–2,000.
Russian blue
Serengeti
This breed was developed in 1994 in California. She belongs to large cats: the weight of an adult Serengeti is 8–12 kg. They have a strong build, large ears, spotted coloration and very long legs. You can buy such a cat for $600–$2,000.
Elf
This young cat breed was bred in the USA in 2006. Elves are very friendly, intelligent, mischievous, sociable, inquisitive and loyal creatures. Those wishing to purchase such a unique pet will have to pay a considerable sum - $2,000.
Toyger
This large cat breed resembles a tiger in color, which is how it got its name. The creator of the breed claims that the Toyger was bred to inspire people to care about the conservation of tigers in the wild. You can get inspired to save tigers for $500–$3,000.
American Curl
This breed was developed in California in 1981. Newborn kittens are difficult to distinguish from ordinary cats, but by the 10th day of life their ears curl back like small horns. This feature touches hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can join the curl enthusiasts for $1,000–$3,000.
Bengal
This breed was developed by crossing an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat. These cats love to swim, and despite their impressive size (4–8 kg), they often climb onto their owner’s shoulders. You can buy a mini leopard for $1,000–$4,000.
Safari
This rare breed was created by crossing an ordinary domestic cat and the South American wild cat Geoffroy. The first representatives of the breed were bred in the United States in the 1970s to study leukemia. The average weight of an adult cat is 11 kg. You can become the owner of a pet predator for $4,000–$8,000.
Khao-mani
The earliest mention of this breed is in the Tamra Maew, or Cat Book of Poems (1350–1767). In ancient Siam, kao-mani lived only in royal families and were considered a symbol of good luck, longevity and wealth. You can buy an oriental talisman for $7,000–$11,000.
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In the classification of felinological organizations they are referred to as outbred. However, this is not entirely true: initially, all cat breeds originated from wild animals and later changed in accordance with their habitat and lifestyle. According to historical data, the first cats were domesticated more than two thousand years ago in Ancient Egypt. Presumably the animals were wild and had no sympathy for humans. Subsequently, cats began to be domesticated on all continents. They have gained particular popularity in China, Japan, Russia, and a number of European and North African countries.
Yard cats in Russia have been known since the appearance of signs of statehood in Ancient Rus'. It is obvious that our ancestors were not too concerned about the origin of their pets: they began to take care of breeding purebred cats in Russia only at the end of the 18th century, at the same time the Russian Blue breed, supposedly bred in England, became widespread. But are there yard cat breeds
, with characteristic features, phenotype, habits and distinctive features? De jure - no. De facto - yes. The fact is that any native cat breed can be considered a yard cat: humans did not take part in its selection at the stage of formation of the animal’s distinctive characteristics. Following this logic, we can distinguish some “backyard-native” cat breeds:
Yard cats (in felinology they are defined as “feral breeds”) were not subject to any selection. Naturally, man selected the most beautiful cats with the qualities he needed for breeding - in the Middle Ages, for example, the main thing was the ability of animals to catch mice, and even better, rats. Later, noble people began to pay more attention to feline aesthetics, but the middle and lower classes were still looking for “mousetraps” for themselves.
Another feature of yard breed cats
– non-standardity of their genotype. Often this is a mixture of many breeds, which is why outbred animals have a lot of colors, different coat lengths, and different dimensions. The characters of yard cats are also ambiguous - some of them are calm and meek, and some have a royal importance, even if they live exclusively on the streets.
However, contrary to popular belief, it is impossible to say that purebred cats have clear advantages over outbred cats in terms of their character, habits and type of behavior. Moreover, an explosive mixture of breeds and natural selection creates unique kittens, which later grow into real beauties - strong cats, with stunning colors and powerful physiques, which will be the envy of show “pure” breeds. Of course, it will never be possible to officially register such a “breed”, no matter how similar in appearance it may be to a purebred cat. The external signs that appear in a cat will not necessarily appear in her kittens. That is why crossing purebred cats with yard cats is strongly discouraged, as well as buying animals without a pedigree.
At the same time, feral (mongrel) cats can become wonderful pets with proper care and education. The love for purebred animals is quite logical, but characteristic of many modern people in the civilized world is completely inappropriate. in their affection, love for the owner and physical characteristics they are often in no way inferior to their purebred relatives. Taking a kitten from the street or purchasing an animal with a good pedigree is a personal matter for everyone, but is it wise to breed purebred cats when millions of cute outbred kittens die on the streets every year? Everyone will answer this question for themselves.
Features of the appearance of yard cats
Classification of outbred cats is carried out in standard ways: by weight and size, by coat length, by color.
By weight and size:
- large (over 7 kg);
- medium (4-7 kg);
- small (up to 4 kg).
Additionally, the height and length of a mongrel cat are considered. Sometimes the weight of the animal does not reach the required values due to its light bones, but its body is long and has high legs. Such cats are included in the first group. The same applies to small ones, when small height is compensated by significant weight.
Wool length:
- long-haired;
- semi-longhaired;
- shorthaired
The type of hair in cats is determined by a set of specific genes passed on to them from their parents: the L- allele is an attribute of short hair, and ll characterizes the preference for long and semi-long hair. Depending on the genetic pedigree of mongrel cats, long-haired parents may produce short-haired children.
Among yard four-legged inhabitants, owners of long hair are rarely found. Usually such animals are short-haired. Tailed mongrels, depending on the characteristics of the climate in which they were formed, are conventionally divided into 2 types: northern and southern. The mustachioed “northerners” have long, thick hair, while the “southerners” have short hair without a pronounced undercoat layer. It is impossible to meet a hairless barn cat. Even if a street kitten is born completely hairless, it is unlikely to live long in harsh conditions.
In color, the genotype also comes first. It is impossible to guess the color of the offspring of outbred cats in advance, and no one sets such a task.
The colors of the fur of yard cats are so varied that purebred individuals can envy them. There are animals that have a spotted color, which represents entire patterns. Among outdoor cats you can often see tri-colored ones. This suit has been considered lucky for a long time. Despite the variety of colors, the most common is light wool with dark stripes.
Street cats almost never produce kittens of rare exotic colors. For example, marble color (tbtb allele) exists only in a recessive form - it is suppressed by other genes. The probability of meeting two outbred cats with this genotype is close to zero.
Description of yard cat breeds
In recent years, keeping purebred pets in the house has become fashionable. But if you are not too concerned about the pedigree of your pet and you just want to have a devoted four-legged friend in your home, you should pay attention to street cats.
If you carefully look at the photos of yard cats, you will see that they have certain similarities with purebred cats. Since street animals quite often have admixtures of various breeds, it is very difficult to predict what appearance their offspring will have. Hereditary traits can affect the size and color of the animal; the length of the coat and eye color also depend on them.
It is known that most yard cats living in northern latitudes are more massive in size and have thick, fluffy fur. But their relatives from tropical regions have much less fur, and these animals are more graceful. In addition to heredity, such external signs are determined by climatic influences and habitat.
Ordinary yard cats have one more feature - they always have fur; the absence of fur is characteristic only of certain breeds. Also, among their street relatives, individuals with a white color are rarely found.
The colors of the fur of yard cats are so varied that purebred individuals can envy them. There are animals that have a spotted color, which represents entire patterns. Among outdoor cats you can often see tri-colored ones. This suit has been considered lucky for a long time. Despite the variety of colors, the most common is light wool with dark stripes.
There are many of them and they are wearing vests
Cats that do not belong to any particular breed make up almost 90% of the world's purring population. Tamed by the ancient Egyptians, these animals faithfully serve man to this day.
Outbred cats are the most numerous representatives of their kind
Since the purr was loved not only in the Nile Valley, but throughout the globe, in different parts of the planet domuses (as domestic mongrel felinologists call them) began to look different over time.
Currently, experts classify simple fluffy cats living in apartments as either a street breed (a cross between several breeds, in the formation of which humans no longer participated) or a street-aboriginal breed (when yard cats descend from wild local purrs). The latter are divided into the following varieties:
- Celtic cats (European shorthair);
- Siamese cats;
- Angora cats;
- Persian cats;
- Siberian cats.
Initially, people were not involved in the selection of street fluffies, so among these purrs there are both blue-eyed and green-eyed beauties. The tails of mixed-breed cats can be either long or short, which is also true for the ears and the body as a whole.
The appearance of outbred cats is influenced by their habitat and climate. Thus, northern murkas are distinguished by their massive build and long hair with a thick undercoat. And on the southern shores, graceful and slender seals with short, easily blown fur are more common. And the weight of smooth-haired Domus is no more than 6 kg.
The length of the fur of outdoor cats depends on the climate
The specificity of origin also affects the process of pigmentation of the coat of a mongrel cat. Among the representatives of the species there are both spotted and monochromatic purrs. The palette of colors amazes the imagination with its diversity - here you can find red cats, black, gray, and even happy tri-colored ones.
Thus, despite the unflattering name, a simple street kitten may well grow into a beautiful and graceful animal with an unusual fur coat and bright eyes
The main thing is to show him due care and attention
Trainer's determination
With kindness and love you can create miracles - you can teach even the most resistant to training at home.
But above all, your personal goal is what you want to teach your pet. Remember! Cats will never do anything they don't like - it's their innate character trait!
During the game, I observe the behavior of the furry student, notice what he likes to do, offer new tasks, new movements, and adapt to him. For each performance I praise, pet and offer a treat. I practice patiently every day before each feeding for 5–10 minutes, no more. The main thing is that the purr does not get tired and does not get tired of performing the same trick.
Important! Conduct classes in a positive and friendly manner. Never scold, never hurt, never deceive
Remember! Food, praise, and affection play an important role in a cat’s life.
Advantages and disadvantages
Despite the fact that yard cats do not have such exclusive characteristics as their purebred counterparts, they are nevertheless not without merit.
- Lasting immunity
. Breeding breeds using selective breeding methods has greatly weakened the immune system of animals. This is why the life expectancy of street cats is many times higher than that of purebred pets. Yard cats have strong protective functions of the body and are able to resist many infections. - Temper
. Such animals tend to be docile in nature. They become very attached to the owner who picked them up on the street. - Reproduction.
Since yard cats do not need a purebred partner, finding a mate for them to reproduce will not be difficult. - Indispensable in the household
. Outdoor cats are excellent mouse hunters. Nature endowed the animal with these qualities, and it is among the domestic representatives of the family that this instinct is much more developed. - Price
. You don't need a big investment to get a pet. You can pick up a cute, albeit not purebred, kitten on the street. Some cats even choose their own owner, coming to visit and “imposing” themselves. - Exhibitions for yard cats
. You heard right. Indeed, there are special exhibitions designed for outbred cats. On them, judges evaluate the external characteristics of the animal and its grooming.
The disadvantages include the inability to make decent money on the offspring of a pet and the excessive sensitivity of non-pedigreed cats. These animals are very sensitive to any changes that occur in their usual habitat. Noisy feasts and even rearrangements in the house can negatively affect the pet.
Today, many pet owners prefer to have yard cats due to their omnivorous nature, ease of care, and strong immunity. It is not entirely correct to call such cats outbred, since all breeds from ancient times originated from wild animals and were subsequently modified depending on their habitat and lifestyle.
Are they mongrel?
In recent years, many animal lovers have preferred to have mongrel pets in their homes. There are reasons for this: yard cats are not picky about food, they have strong immunity and care for them is very unpretentious. And yet it would be wrong to call these animals outbred. Both street and purebred cats have common ancestors who lived in the wild. Their modification occurred due to domestication, when the usual habitat and way of life became completely different.
How much money does a kitten cost, should I pay or not?
When the issue with the appearance and desired character of the pet has been resolved, all that remains is to determine how much money you are willing to spend on purchasing the animal. Of course, if you plan to purchase a “status” kitten, or a show kitten with a good pedigree, you will have to pay an nth amount and, often, this amount is quite a “tidy” amount. Pedigree or non-pedigreed cats are better for home - it depends on your wallet.
If you do not expect to make a large financial investment for a small animal, then you should turn to numerous message boards about placing animals in responsible hands. In the Internet era, searches are simplified by the fact that advertisements are posted on the Internet with already attached photographs of “applicants for good hands.”
You can also ask your friends - perhaps one of them has a domestic cat that recently gave birth. And another option is to pick up a homeless person on the street. But it is more likely for brave altruists who are ready to take a risk and take into their home an animal without a clan or tribe. And this risk will be that there is a possibility of picking up a kitten with a whole bunch of infections. And the treatment in this case will fall entirely on the shoulders of the new owner.
In addition, it is almost impossible to find out what the parents of such a child were like if they did not all live on the street together. If you take a kitten through an advertisement or from friends, then you can find out a lot of useful information from the owners of the cat’s mother about her character, valuable qualities and any diseases, if any.
If you do not want to buy a “pig in a poke,” then the mixed-breed option is not for you. Choose a breed. It is best to buy purebred animals not at a bird farm or even at a pet store, but from trusted breeders or, again, from friends whom you personally know well.
The standard characteristics of a purebred cat (character, size, color, etc.) can be found out in advance from relevant sources, or from the breeder himself. After all, most breeds were bred through artificial selection, therefore each breed differs from any other precisely by those qualities that have been maintained in it from generation to generation by breed specialists.
When choosing a purebred animal, you can know in advance how it will grow with a high percentage of accuracy.
If we take a closer look at the difference between purebred and outbred cats, we can highlight some of their main advantages and disadvantages.
Is it worth taking home stray cats?
The world is not without kind people, and the ever-decreasing population of stray animals always needs human help. The number of outbred cats in homes is several times higher than the number of their well-bred counterparts.
Veterinary experts consider three motives for which people take outdoor cats into their homes:
- compassion and desire to reduce the number of suffering animals;
- You don’t have to pay for a street kitten;
- a variety of types of feline “mongrels”, among which there is always a type suitable for “adoption”.
It has been noted that representatives of the yard cat breed almost never end up on the street again. People take full responsibility for the life of a stray animal and treat it with the same care as they treat expensive elite breeds.
Most often we are talking about yard kittens - in adulthood, animals are much less likely to find a new home.
Choosing a purebred cat
The decision is best made after the consent of all family members
Attention is drawn to the following circumstances:
- Age. A young cat will more easily enter a new environment and adapt to it. She had not yet developed the habits of a wandering life, and her character had not hardened in the struggle for survival.
- Health. Ordinary street kittens traditionally have strong immunity and natural endurance. Unlike purebred cats that undergo inbreeding, they rarely have genetic mutations. A healthy kitten should be playful, easy to run and jump, with shiny, even fur, pink gums and clean mucous membranes.
Appearance also plays a role in the selection process. They look at her first of all - after all, the aesthetic desire to own a beautiful animal overshadows everything.
The task is greatly simplified when it comes to the children of a domestic mongrel cat. Here the parents are already known (at least one of them), the kitten is under supervision and warm, and the mother cat has adequate feeding and the opportunity to raise her offspring.
