The gray color of a cat is considered a sign of its high origin. Pedigree representatives of the cat family have a uniform silver coat with a bluish undertone. These cats are symbols of well-being and harmony. Their color is compared to heavenly and watery shades. Owners of gray cats believe that they bring good luck to the home.
This color can be found in several cat breeds. Gray fur is recognized as one of the characteristics of the breed, and sometimes it is the main difference between one type of cat and another. What cat breeds have this unique and important trait?
Gray cat breeds
Gray color can be found in several breeds. These include:
- Persian cats;
- Angora cats;
- Russian Blues;
- Carthusian breed;
- Nibelung cats;
- Representatives of the Korat breed;
- British blues.
All these beautiful creatures can have a color from dark gray to ashen. Gray hair in a cat is not just an accident. This is the significant genetic pattern for which the original gene is responsible.
Character
Gray purrs are distinguished by aristocratic noble manners. These pets are not prone to evil and reckless actions, they respect themselves, and know how to force others to reckon with themselves.
Persian
Most blue cats know how to restrain their instincts and make decisions based on reason, not emotions. There are both playful and reserved gray cats. High intelligence, curiosity, devotion to people, love of order, cleanliness are the common features of “aristocrats in blue-gray robes.”
Genetic properties of gray cats
In gray pets, the dominant black gene B is diluted with a light gene. The ratio of these two genes determines the color of the breed in general, and the animal in particular. In all gray representatives of the cat family, the black gene is not replaced, but is harmoniously supplemented with a light one. Under these circumstances, the location of all pigments changes and the color is distributed unevenly.
Professionals advise distinguishing between smoky specimens and pure gray animals. In smoky cats, the roots of the coat are always white, while in gray cats they are endowed with a strong dark pigment.
Carthusian cat
Folk signs
Gray cats are reputedly associated with secrets and riddles. In the folklore of different nations, there are beliefs associated with these pets:
- Meeting an animal in a silver coat on the way is good luck. To consolidate success, you should say “Gray cat - happy path.”
- A blue pet that comes into the house on its own brings harmony, comfort, and protection from evil forces.
- A gray cat as a pet prevents discord in the family.
- Before an important event, you need to pet the gray cat so that everything goes smoothly.
- The gray cat is the brownie's best friend, the protector of the hearth.
- A pet with blue fur attracts financial success to its owner.
- To drive away a gray cat means to get yourself into trouble.
The nature and character of gray representatives
Males and cats of gray color are real dark cardinals among their kind. They are balanced, calm and dignified. They do not accept familiarity and prolonged active play. These animals forgive humans a lot, but only when they feel the love and care of their owner. If gray cats decide to take revenge, they “plan” it carefully and carry out vengeful actions with a time delay.
Nibelung
Gray breeds are suitable for those who value comfort and a measured life. Gray cats rarely play with children. They like to observe rather than participate. And with their behavior they resemble aristocrats.
Many breeders note the high intelligence of gray cats. Such animals love to be leaders, but they rule softly; if necessary, they prefer to retreat in order to maintain their own calm. Breeds with ash and steel tones will appeal to bachelors, elderly people, and those who lead a measured lifestyle.
Color
Photo of a cat of the Korat breed.
The monochromatic color of gray, according to the terminology adopted by felinologists, is called blue. This color of kittens is a symbol of the higher unearthly world, therefore blue cats are recognized as conductors of spirituality. These animals provide healing from illnesses and protection from dangers, and bring prosperity to the family hearth. From a genetic point of view, the presence of a blue shade is determined by a combination of the black color gene B and the recessive allele d. It turns out that gray color is formed as a result of lightening black. In this case, various combinations of genes are possible, leading to a variety of colors: plain, with stripes, silver. The type of color is determined by the depth of charcoal coloring of individual hairs, as well as the alternation of white and black stripes.
Gray kitten in the house: adaptation period
Have you decided to get a purebred gray kitten? Then you should learn about how to prepare your home for his arrival. After all, a new family for any animal is very stressful. And its manifestations must be minimized. After purchasing, you need to ask the breeders for something with the animal’s native scent. It must be placed in the bed where the kitten will sleep. Familiar vibes will calm the little creature, he will be less afraid of the new environment.
All household chemicals, poisonous flowers, dangerous objects, wires, cosmetics, as well as valuables should be placed higher up. Otherwise, if the inquisitive gray kitten gets to them first, disaster may occur.
For a gray cat you need to prepare various accessories: scratching post, tray, bowls, toys. The sleeping place for the gray breed is chosen in a quiet and closed corner. Because many representatives of the gray color have a strong tendency towards solitude.
British blue
In families with children, these cats occupy a “middle” position in the hierarchy. They will not play excitingly with children for hours. And in case of any attempts to encroach on their borders, they retreat to a place inaccessible to others.
Representatives of gray cat breeds have a special weakness for their owners. They can form a strong empathic bond with their owners. And this union will last for many years. But if a gray cat does not accept someone, then, unfortunately, this is forever. Therefore, raising a gray kitten must be approached consciously. Punishments should be alternated evenly with rewards. And in some cases you will have to give in to your beloved pet.
Breeds of gray cats experience some difficulties when living in the same territory with other animals. These creatures get along well with other cats. But it’s difficult to tolerate dogs in your home.
Adult gray cats become attached to their owners with all their souls and rarely agree to change their owner. Therefore, they should be taken into the family as very young kittens.
Persian cat
Caring for breeds with gray coats
Owners of gray breeds should take care of their pets' diet in such a way that it contains a minimum amount of iodine. From an overabundance of this substance, gray wool begins to cast brown. And this circumstance may serve as a basis for culling the cat. Such an animal will not be allowed to participate in competitions.
The fur of such cats also fades in the sun. The color can also deteriorate due to high humidity in the room. Also, each breed has its own care requirements.
The Russian Blue cat does not require special care. It only needs to be bathed once every six months, but it should be combed more often. But here, once a week is enough. Gray cat hairs do not tolerate rough combs; it is better to choose a soft brush for combing.
Russian blue cat
The gray-haired Angora cat needs a bath every two to three months. Their coat is very long and should be brushed a couple of times a week to prevent clumps. Many representatives of this breed love water, so if you start getting used to water procedures from childhood, then there will be no problems in the future.
Gray Persians differ from other breeds in their more delicate health. You can bathe them every three weeks, but you will also have to carefully monitor the drying of the wool, otherwise the color will deteriorate.
British Blues are low maintenance. Frequent brushing is encouraged when keeping them. The “British” ones are washed twice a year. Otherwise, they are cared for in the same way as other cats.
The Carthusian or Charteuse cat has a thick and water-repellent undercoat. Because of it, the process of drying an animal turns into a real adventure. After bathing, Charteuses should be kept in a warm room for several days. And only then will their hairs dry completely.
The Korat is a breed especially revered in Thailand. These cats should not be bathed at all. If you still have to do this, you will need special shampoos and soft towels. Washing can cause bald spots on an elegant coat. And the wool itself will lose its protective properties.
Nibelung cats know how to keep their fur clean. If you bathe them frequently, the color of their coat will certainly deteriorate. Before bathing, the Nibelungen's ears are stuffed with cotton wool. The process itself is carried out only when obvious contamination occurs. The beauties are combed once a week.
All gray cats are naturally in good health. They rarely get sick and tolerate climate change and various changes in diet well. Their ears and eyes do not become overgrown with dirt and secretions. And gray wool, most often, is endowed with the ability to self-clean.
Cost of purebred gray cats
The price of purchasing a gray purebred kitten depends on its pedigree. Kittens from titled and eminent parents cost much more than ordinary representatives of the breed.
Let's take a closer look at the price of each breed:
- Persians. Kittens aged 1 to 4 months are estimated at 2000-3000 dollars. Adult representatives are much more expensive;
- Russian pigeon breed. These animals range in price from $1,200 and up;
- Angora cats. The cost of kittens of this breed can reach up to 600-700 dollars;
- Carthusian cats. These cats are valued by the international community at 500-1200 euros. Cats are much more expensive than cats;
- Nibelung. These kittens can be purchased for $1,000;
- British blue cats. The cost of one kitten can be $500 or more;
- Korat cats. The price of a rare breed starts at $500.
Kittens without documents are much cheaper than those whose pedigree is confirmed. Often, transporting an animal of an exclusive breed is estimated at the same cost as the cat itself. Famous and large nurseries charge higher prices than smaller businesses. Some gray kittens can be purchased second-hand through advertisements on the Internet.
Gray cats and mysticism
Gray purebred cats are luckier than black ones. They are symbols of Lady Luck. Even the most superstitious people are not afraid to start them. After all, if a gray cat crossed your path, then you will certainly be lucky that day. The statement that all cats are gray in the dark arose due to the play of light and shadow at dusk. This saying also has another meaning. And it applies to ladies of Balzac's age.
Each cat color has not only a biological, but also a magical meaning. In the Nordic countries, these cats are considered sacred to the Scandinavian goddess Freya. It is customary to give gray cats to newlyweds as a sign of fidelity, peace and love.
Her character played a significant role in shaping the image of the gray cat. Among all the felines, it is the gray ones that have special pretentious and respectable manners. These cats are also characterized by increased resistance to stress and balance.
Gray cats have always been sung by poets and musicians. Many literary works, poems and poems have been written about them. Gray cats are living talismans that can get along with the Brownie and keep the house from misfortunes. Some owners of gray breeds really consider their pets to be guardian angels, protecting their sleep and warning them of troubles in advance.
The breeds of gray cats are much more diverse than described above. Almost every existing standard has hints of a gray tint. American Curls and Scottish Folds also have it. There are also outbred cats in the world who have unparalleled silver fur. And their character is very similar to the traits of various breeds of gray cats. Probably, the color gray leaves its genetic imprint on all cats without exception.
Gray cats and male cats are great individualists. They belong to that category of cats that are always on their own minds and love independence. But because of their delicate color, purebred cats are rarely allowed out for walks. And they have to adapt to life in city apartments and cottages. The adaptation period for such animals is much easier, because their Nordic temperament helps them.
Care and maintenance
Cats with silver fur are famous for their strong immunity, resistance to colds, and independence from the vagaries of the weather. The pet's diet should be balanced, but low in iodine. You can feed your fluffy both special food and natural products, provided that the food is fresh and of high quality.
Scottish lop-eared
Animals should be vaccinated in a timely manner in accordance with the vaccination calendar. Regular hygiene procedures are necessary: brushing teeth and ears, maintaining normal claw length.
Pets participating in exhibitions should not be exposed to long-term weather conditions (snow, rain, direct sunlight) to avoid color fading.
The normal lifespan of cats is 14-16 years.
