The Selkirk Rex breed is a mixture of Persian, Exotic and British, a cat with a peaceful character, description

Types of cats

Types of cats artificially created by man, having fixed hereditary characteristics, are combined into breeds. The pedigree of a cat is confirmed by an official document - a “pedigree”, issued by a club that is part of one of the felinological unions. Each of these organizations has its own descriptions and criteria for breed recognition.

Siberian and Maine Coon mixed breed

According to these organizations, now in the world there are from 40 to 80 varieties of animal breeds related to domestic cats, mongrel cats and mestizos. Mestizos are the fruits of mating animals of different breeds. A mixed-breed cat and a male cat also belong to the mongrel category, but have the peculiar features of purebred animals. As an inheritance, a mestizo kitten receives the main qualities of its parents: health, endurance, intelligence.

Purebred toyger - mini tiger cat

Description of the breed

Selkirks have an interesting feature: their whiskers and eyebrows are as wavy as their fur. Even the fur in the ears can be wavy.

Thanks to the undercoat, the Selkirk's coat appears soft and plush; in humid climates it curls more. The number of curls also depends on age, gender and coat length. The standard allows any color options for Rex cats.

Photo gallery: Selkirk Rex cats

Character of a curly cat

The character of the curly cat was formed from the best features of all the breeds that took part in the selection. As affectionate as a Persian, sedate and laid-back as a Briton, the Selkirk is the golden mean between primness and mischief.

Hybrid cats easily get along with any living creature, be it a parrot or a dog. Their friendly attitude and wise look speak for themselves, so another pet will not even think of being aggressive or provoking.

Selkirk is a friendly cat who will get along with anyone

Diversity of mestizos

The term “mestizo” was introduced into use by felinologists who study the belonging of animals to a particular breed. It is possible to predict what a mestizo cat will be like only if it is born from parents of known breeds. Among hybrids, no two cats are ever alike. The mestizo cat variety comes in a variety of body shapes, coat and eye colors.

And yet, experts in the structure of the body, the shape of the skull, the length of the coat and its color can predict what kind of character the kitten will have. Half-breeds born from parents of elite breeds often inherit patterns of behavior common to certain breeds of animals. Life experiences influence the individuality of animals. If a hybrid cat is raised as a purebred animal, then the characteristics inherent in the species will also appear in her.

Each animal has a unique appearance. The owners of such animals love them not only for the coloring of their fur coat or beautiful ears, but for their intelligence, flexibility, and ability to survive. The genes of different breeds collected in one common body allow the ability to resist diseases to become stronger.

Important! Mixed breeds do not call animals born from parents of the same breed and who were unlucky enough to be culled. Due to illness or incorrect coloration, kittens with marriage are not given a pedigree, but they are not mixed breeds either.

A mixed-breed cat has inherited the genes of her naked dad and furry mom.

Mixture of a sphinx and an ordinary cat

The Sphinx variety is one of the most ancient. Many people consider the appearance of animals to be unpleasant, and the lack of fur enhances this feeling. The elastic, folded skin of sphinxes can be covered with light down in cold weather. There are many known cases of involuntary or special mating of sphinxes with outbred animals.

A mixture of a Sphynx and a regular cat can produce charming cats covered with short hair. There is a known case of the birth of a cat, Dasha, a Sphynx mix, whose cheeks are covered with fluffy whiskers. The half-breed cat has the exterior and proud character characteristic of sphinxes. She is touchy and may not allow herself to be stroked, but if she agrees to be scratched behind the ear, she will be able to express her gratitude.

Sphinx mix Dasha, owner of sideburns

The cat is capricious, its mood is constantly changing, and when addressed in a raised voice, it can look coldly at the owner and turn away. The cat hates the street, the main thing for her is to be at home, next to her owner. That’s when a cat’s love manifests itself in all its colors.

Mixed breed between a British cat and an ordinary cat

Thoroughbred Britons live up to their name. They seem to be calm gentlemen and noble ladies, calm, friendly, independent, not aggressive. They rarely meow, unless they want something or the owner has forgotten something necessary. They cope with loneliness easily.

Thoroughbred Briton

These animals are neat and patient. They are not intrusive, do not jump on their knees, and are always even with family members. Their favorites can only be human children, with whom they are especially affectionate. Adult cats do not like to fuss; they will spend most of the day sleeping in a warm place or watching what is happening. The habits of mixed-breed British cats are similar to the habits of their ancestors.

A half-breed mix between a British and a barn cat, the cat Martin inherited the character traits of the breed. Good manners and restraint are evident in his gaze, his calm character is expressed in his posture. The ash-white color of the coat emphasizes its noble origin. And calm, kind eyes indicate that his mongrel nature will not become an obstacle to friendship with a person.

Metis cat Martin, a mixture of a British cat and an ordinary mother cat

Metis Siberian cat

Taiga Siberians are strong animals with a stern look and fluffy long hair. Owners of the Siberian breed emphasize that these animals are very independent, but smart, they can be trained, and they are attached to specific people, and not to the house.

Amazing stories happen with purebred Siberian cats - they will remove the lid from a saucepan and feed the contents to their entire family, they will learn to flush the toilet cistern, or they will get the hang of independently opening the doors to those rooms where they are not allowed to enter.

Note! Siberian cats take a long time to develop. Only at the age of 5 years do all the qualities required by the breed standard appear.

Purebred Siberian cat

There are several well-known Siberian cat mestizos. The most famous species even became a new breed. Siberian cats, whose fur contains the color of the Siamese breed, began to belong to the Neva Masquerade breed. There is also a cross between fold cats and Siberians. These mixed breeds of the Siberian cat have retained the shape of the muzzle and the drooping ears of the Scottish breed. Half-breeds born from Persians and Siberian cats, thanks to their panties and thick collar, are similar to representatives of the Persian species.

Other options

There are breeds that are prohibited from crossbreeding. All felinological associations consider it unacceptable to mix the genes of a Bengal cat with the genes of other breeds. After all, Bengals themselves are a hybrid of an Asian leopard and a domestic cat. As a result of the violation of the taboo, mestizos appear, which in the second generation lose all the characteristics of the breed.

The Neva Masquerade breed can be considered a mixed breed of the Siamese cat, because it is a cross between two different breeds. There is a new breed of long-haired cats - the Nibelung. Although, in fact, this is a mixed breed of a Russian blue cat. The Thai cat breed has been repeatedly bred with other cats to produce various mixed breeds. There are crosses between the British and the Persian, the Maine Coon, the Scottish Fold breed - the Scotsman originated from the British.

Kitten - a cross between Persian and British breeds

Features of Selkirk content

Every domestic cat needs attention. Rexes don’t know how to beg for it, so get a second curly-haired cat as your first friend. There is no need to buy a house for your pet, since a warm fur coat already warms its owner.

Buy a pet bed or thick blanket. The cat can run around the house uncontrollably and play noisily, but there should be a cozy and safe place where he can hide from the noise and relax.

The kitten will need toys and entertainment

Nutrition for Selkirk Rex cats

The health and appearance of the Selkirk largely depend on proper nutrition. Breeders give rexes ready-made dry food of the highest quality or natural food.

Selkirks are irrepressible mischief-makers when it comes to food. They may not be hungry, but for the sake of entertainment they will steal something from the table.

They eat everything that is not pinned down, so I hide the food from them so as not to harm the cat.

AnnaBeebop, forum visitor

https://otzovik.com/review_17834.html

Selkirks love to eat even when they are not hungry

Amount and composition of food during natural feeding

Natural food for a Selkirk should consist of 70–80% protein products. Vitamin B is responsible for a beautiful and healthy coat. Rex's menu includes:

The Selkirk's diet should be dense and nutritious.

How many times a day should you feed your Rex?

If necessary, you can feed the Selkirk with cat grass.

Caring for a curly cat's appearance

To care for your Selkirk's appearance you will need the following things:

Pay special attention to keeping your pet's nose and ears clean.

How to comb and bathe a Selkirk

The difficulty in caring for fur is that curly hairs can straighten when combed. To know how to care for your pet specifically, consult the breeder from whom you adopted the cat.

After combing, comb the curls with wet hands. This will make them curl again and look more attractive. When the procedure is completed, treat the cat with something tasty: the animal will not be offended and will be distracted.

The most difficult thing about keeping a Selkirk is caring for its curly coat.

Video: tips for caring for Rex kittens

Does the Selkirk need to be walked?

We took it with us to the dacha for a couple of days. I spent the whole time in the house. Yard life is not attractive at all. A little cowardly.

Jenn, forum user

https://irecommend.ru/content/moi-lyubimyi-yagnenok-foto-vnutri

In order for your curly pet to please you with its achievements, you need to be attentive to walks.

Care and maintenance

To properly care for a mestizo, you need to know from which parents he was born. If several varieties of purebred genes are mixed in the kitten’s blood, then the best adviser on keeping the animal will be the breeder, who will tell you what nuances you need to pay attention to.

If the animals do not require special care, then standard procedures are carried out:

inspect for fleas;
get rid of all parasites;
get vaccinated;
carry out sterilization.

Cats have their teeth and ears cleaned and their fur combed once every 10-14 days. Bath felines if necessary.

Additional information: Cats can suffer from a variety of infectious diseases. The most dangerous are: rabies, feline distemper, calcivirus, coronaviruses.

The appearance of vomiting, diarrhea, and ulcers on the body should be an immediate reason to contact a veterinary hospital.

Hybrid kittens of the Russian blue breed

Mestizo nutrition

Animals are not fed what humans eat. The dishes may contain products, the excess of which will be harmful to animals. It is rational to use special food for cats that contains the vitamins, minerals, and trace elements necessary for animals. Boiled meat, fish, vegetables, and low-fat milk are added to them. Cats should not be given sweets, smoked or salty foods.

Water is an integral part of food for animals. It must be clean, non-chlorinated. It is better to use drinking purified water. The dishes from which cats eat should always be thoroughly washed, and they should be boiled or disinfected at least once a week.

Recently, cat breeds have changed a lot, so the appearance of all kinds of crossbreeds has become commonplace. Some of them have body features and coat color that have become very exotic and unusual. Those who like to modify animals should always remember that animals are loved not so much for their appearance, but for their gentle purring and unobtrusive presence.

By Administrator | 12/22/2019 | No comments | Kitten nutrition

History of cats and their breeds

Cats and cats are creatures of nature, and their preferences are natural. To procreate, they choose a couple based on certain criteria, where strength, endurance and health come first, and only then external data. The domestication of cats began about ten thousand years ago, and at that time all cats did not have a specific breed, but living in different areas, they differed in appearance and character.

As cats from different areas spread throughout the world, they crossed with each other and the first mestizos appeared, which, in turn, continued to reproduce. This is how modern cats appeared, which differed in physique, length and color of fur, and character. With the development of progress, the study of genetics began and the identification of the causes of differences in the color and character of pets began, as well as their unification into separate groups - breeds.

All breeds have their stories:

Some arose naturally without human intervention, such as the Siamese cat.
Others are bred artificially, through long-term crossings of different species. One of the representatives is British. In fact, this is a mixed-breed cat whose parents were English and Persian domestic cats.
For still others, the main distinguishing feature of the breed is caused by a gene mutation, for example, in Scottish cats it is folded ears. Subsequent work was aimed at preserving such features.

Today there are more than 400 cat breeds.

Maine Coon mixed breed: features, varieties and maintenance recommendations

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Mixed breeds are kittens obtained by crossing animals of the same species, but of different breeds. Quite often, unscrupulous owners cross animals that already initially had some defect in the breed. Usually, mixed-breed cats may have a defect in appearance or character that does not correspond to purebred individuals. Every year the demand for exotic cat breeds is growing, and the Maine Coon mix is no exception.

Officially, breeding mixed breeds of this breed is strictly prohibited. But in reality, it is not possible to control crossings, so amateur breeders often cross Maine Coons with different types of cats. Half-breeds are much cheaper in cost compared to purebreds, which only increases their demand in the market. Before making a purchasing decision, you should carefully study all the pros and cons of different types of mestizos, because the result of such crossing can be completely unpredictable.

What is the health of a half-breed cat?

Geneticists were able to identify the causes of hereditary transmission of osteochondrodysplasia in cats and they found a formula to combat this disease. This solved the main problem with the health of kittens in a mixture of British and Scottish breeds. The main diseases of Scottish and British mixed breeds are associated with problems of advanced cat age - these are pathologies of the kidneys and heart. White cats may have decreased or completely absent hearing, which is also a standard threat for representatives of any breed.

As for joints and vertebrae, their damage in adulthood occurs extremely rarely. If a Scottish Fold cat mix did not have these signs in childhood, then later in life he is most likely safe.

Important! The average life expectancy of Scots is 10-15 years.

Description

In specialized nurseries it is prohibited to buy culled individuals for breeding, but they can be purchased as a pet. The main condition when purchasing such a baby is mandatory castration or sterilization of the kitten in the future. A mixed breed cat and a purebred cat are completely different.

Not a single mestizo will fully comply with the behavioral requirements of a purebred purebred individual.

The appearance of a half-breed can be very diverse, it all depends on what genes were passed on from the parents.

A purebred breed has the following qualities:

goodwill; ease of communication with people and other cats; devotion; lack of aggression; loyalty; prudence.

When mating with an ordinary cat, the listed traits change and sometimes disappear altogether. It is quite simple to distinguish a purebred Maine Coon: representatives of this breed have slanted eyes, wide cheekbones, an elongated head shape, tufts on the ears, an unusually fluffy and long tail, and massive paws. Babies at 3 months weigh at least 2.5 kg (an ordinary cat at this age weighs no more than 1 kg). Adult males reach a length of about 1 meter and a weight of about 11 kg, with a height at the withers of up to 40 cm (females are somewhat smaller).

Description of the breed

Selkirks have an interesting feature: their whiskers and eyebrows are as wavy as their fur. Even the fur in the ears can be wavy.

Thanks to the undercoat, the Selkirk's coat appears soft and plush; in humid climates it curls more. The number of curls also depends on age, gender and coat length. The standard allows any color options for Rex cats.

Photo gallery: Selkirk Rex cats

Character of a curly cat

The character of the curly cat was formed from the best features of all the breeds that took part in the selection. As affectionate as a Persian, sedate and laid-back as a Briton, the Selkirk is the golden mean between primness and mischief.

Selkirk is a friendly cat who will get along with anyone

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of half-breeds is their moderate cost. And mestizos are also very flexible and friendly. Despite their origin, such pets will be devoted and loyal friends. Another positive quality is the loving and sociable nature of cats.

They can be compared to small children, because they love affection and attention very much, they gladly reciprocate their feelings to their owner.

Developed intelligence allows you to carry out various commands, and easy receptivity to information will help you quickly accustom the kitten to the litter box. Mestizos have strong immunity, they get sick less. In terms of appearance, they are in no way inferior to purebred cats. Their unusual color and fluffy tail can charm anyone. To avoid surprises, before purchasing such a pet, you should carefully study information about its parents.

Disadvantages include the lack of pedigree and the inability to participate in exhibitions.

It is undesirable for mestizos to reproduce, as there is a huge risk of the cat dying during childbirth due to the large size of the kittens.

Throughout the existence of the Maine Coon breed, scientists have made a lot of attempts to obtain mixed breeds. All this was done in order to add some qualities to purebred individuals from other breeds.

So, to obtain a large cat of an unusual color, a full-fledged Maine Coon was crossed with a male Siamese breed, but such an experiment turned out to be a failure due to the too different sizes of these cats.

When crossing with representatives of the Persian breed, large red kittens with rather fluffy fur are often obtained - no hint of resemblance to Maine Coons, the gigantic size of the Persian. An attempt to cross a purebred individual with a Bengal to increase the size of the animals also turned out to be a failure.

A Maine Coon and Siberian cat kitten is most similar in appearance to a purebred, but it will never grow to such a large size as a purebred individual. Usually such babies are passed off as noble, but they are offered at a discount, which lures gullible buyers. The cross between a Maine Coon and a domestic cat was created completely by accident. The kitten has lost some positive character traits, but the coloring has been preserved.

Most often, Maine Coon mixed breeds are obtained by mating with a regular cat, and they are also crossed with British, Siberian, Neva Masquerade, Persian and other breeds.

As a result of interspecific crossing, kittens with unpredictable fur length can be obtained: it all depends on what kind of fur the partner has.

Thai cats and their differences from mixed breeds

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Siamese cats appeared in England, but people noticed that they differed from each other in body structure and divided the breed into two types:

cats with a strong build and rounded heads are the ancestors of today's Thais;
graceful with an elongated muzzle - Siamese.

The Thais interested scientists and work began to improve the breed. As a result of the work, today there are three types of Thais: classical, traditional and modern.

Purebred Thai cats should have a large round head with a high forehead and a convex, powerful sternum. Almond-shaped eyes and set ears prove that the breed came from the East. Thanks to numerous crossings, the standard color of the Thais was diluted with cream, red, tortoiseshell and tabby (brindle).

By nature, these are loyal, balanced cats with high intellectual abilities, very sociable and able to change intonation.

A mixed-breed Thai cat, after crossing with a barn cat, has a pronounced external resemblance to the breed, but is fundamentally different in character due to its unbalanced psyche. Such mestizos can be aggressive and angry. This is due to the instinct of a hunter who is forced to defend his territory in the street.

If a mestizo comes from different breeds, then the traits of both parents will be visible in the character and appearance.

Breeding Features

Breeding Maine Coon mestizos is strictly prohibited; the seller must inform the buyer that the animal is a half-breed. However, buyers themselves should also not let down their guard and not buy kittens at discounts.

Upon reaching a suitable age, the individual will have to be castrated or sterilized, otherwise offspring may be born with genetic deformities that will appear immediately or in the next generation.

If you cross a male Maine Coon with a female of smaller cat breeds, the mother will most likely die during childbirth due to the kittens being too large.

In terms of friendliness and sociability, mestizos are categorical in nature: a kitten can be either too friendly and even somewhat annoying, or aggressive. Unscrupulous breeders, as well as inexperienced fanciers, for example, seeing that the kitten looks like a Bengal and not a Maine Coon, and are dissatisfied with the appearance, can simply throw the animal out into the street, dooming it to hunger and wandering. Therefore, they often try to sell kittens as early as possible, while it is difficult to distinguish them from purebred ones.

It is often better to buy a purebred Siberian cat than a mixed breed. Purebred felines are much better in health and character traits than a mixture.

Important! Demand creates supply, and as long as such individuals are willingly bought up by people, the breeding of half-breeds will not stop.

Characteristics of this breed

Selkirk Rex cats stand out for their curly, plush coat. Each representative of the breed is unique and differs in the length of the coat, the strength of the curl, the shape of the muzzle, and the size.

Shedding

Curly-haired cats shed just like other animals. During this period, it is necessary to comb the animal more often - 1-2 times a day. You can use a furminator if your cat doesn't like being brushed with a comb.

When licking, hair gets into the cat's digestive tract. You should purchase cat grass. Sprouted grains help remove hair from the body.

Allergy

The Selkirk Rex is not a hypoallergenic breed.

His saliva contains a protein that causes allergic reactions in humans. Many people believe that allergies are caused by animal fur; in fact, the allergen is spread by licking.

I recommend: Nibelung - description of cat breeds

Care instructions

If a mixed breed is nevertheless purchased, the first thing you need to do is show it to a professional veterinarian, determine the vaccination schedule and sterilization date, and also identify the individual’s defects.

Based on the doctor's opinion, care will be determined.

If everything is relatively fine with the kitten, then the care recommendations are practically no different from keeping purebred cats, namely:

daily combing with a furminator during the period of active molting; Using shampoo and conditioner for long-haired cats while bathing; a diet of raw beef, boiled chicken and rabbit than purchased food; milk is prohibited; sour cream, kefir and cottage cheese are useful; premium jelly food is allowed, but there is a chance that the cat will then refuse natural food; It is recommended to wash your eyes daily with a special composition to avoid infection; The animal must have special toys freely available to remove plaque; weekly cleaning of the ears with cotton pads soaked in a special lotion; weekly manicure (the first procedure is recommended to be carried out by a specialist, who will also show how to do it correctly without touching the blood vessels); if the mixed breed is large, a large tray is needed.

It is necessary to buy any purebred purebred cat when it reaches the age of 3.5 months - it is at this age that almost all defects are discovered, and purebred Maine Coon cats grow tufts on their ears. The pedigree of a real Maine Coon should indicate 4 generations of his ancestors and their exhibition achievements, and also remember that purebred cats are never sold at discounts (a culled individual is usually only one in a litter and costs 2–3 times less, and not by 10%).

To learn how to determine the purebred of a Maine Coon, watch the video below.

There is very little difference between outbred cats and mestizos. They do not have documents about their origin, but the former are born from the same parents, and the latter most often appear as a result of human carelessness. Nature cannot be changed, and a purebred cat is not always selective in choosing a gentleman.

In rare cases, we are talking about targeted experimental breeding, when professional breeders and breeders conjure to improve an existing species or form a new breed.

How to choose the right kitten

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a pet, it is not enough to listen only to your inner instinct. Experts advise following the basic rules:

Ask the breeder about all the offspring to determine whether the kittens are suitable: where they grew up, what their character is, whether they were examined by a veterinarian, whether the kittens were picked up after two weeks of age.
Have any preventive treatments and vaccinations been carried out?
First look at mom.
If the kittens are from a nursery, then you should find out as much as possible about the parents.
You should not take obstinate representatives who hiss and scratch.

A healthy animal can be identified by the following signs:

clear eyes without discharge;
clean area under the tail;
shine of wool;
absence of bloating - the first sign of helminthiasis;
energy and curiosity;
communication with brothers;
fearlessness.

Any kitten - purebred, mestizo or mongrel - can become the best friend and companion. He will reciprocate the sincere love and care of the owner. You should not chase expensive, fashionable and purebred cats; it is better to bring into your home a faithful and devoted companion who will not leave you in difficult times and will brighten up the melancholy of gray everyday life.

Who is a mestizo

Metis is a cat, one of whose parents is a representative of a purebred group or they are both purebred representatives of different breeds. Some experts suggest that all cats should be considered mixed-breed cats based on the theory of their common origin.

Not everyone knows that a mixed-breed cat and a hybrid cat are two completely different species of animals.

Metis is a cross between two breeds of the same genus. Crossing between them is possible, and the offspring are quite capable of further continuing their pedigree line.
A cat hybrid involves the participation in reproduction of two individuals from different branches of the biological tree. In living nature, this is rarely recorded due to the different set of genes.

At the end of the last century, in the Moscow Zoo, a caracal mated with an ordinary yard cat. Although it was believed that they were not capable of having children together, the cat gave birth to a large kitten. This event became a sensation in world felinology and forced specialists to take a fresh look at the process of formation of hybrid cats.

This is interesting! As for standard mixed-breed cats, there are no scientific surprises with them. If compared with “human” concepts, they are the fruit of love of interracial marriages and in the cat world give very interesting offspring.

Mixed cats

Despite the fact that kittens from representatives of various breeds can be bright, graceful and funny, mixed breeds will never become the owners of a pedigree and will not take first places at exhibitions.

Mixed-breed cat - what is it? The answer to this question is known to every breeder, who mercilessly cull kittens born from different breeds. But many modern breeds appeared through random crossing. This is how the Broomilla breed arose from a Persian father and a Bruma mother. The first offspring was not considered a breed, but thanks to the work of the breeder, who continued to work on improving the new species, the Broomilla was recognized and included in the International Register of Pedigree Cats.

Variety of mixed cats

Crossbreeds of any cat breed are sometimes called designer pets. Unlike their counterparts with long pedigree lines, mestizos are able to combine various qualities of their parental genes in appearance and character.

For some, size becomes the main thing, others demonstrate primitive hunting skills, and others look like a decorative soft toy with plush fur.

A mixture of a British cat and an ordinary cat: a simple version of a half-breed mestizo

The natural ability to survive and adapt to various external factors in outbred cats is, perhaps, at the highest level. They are unpretentious, independent, have strong immunity to diseases and are quite loyal to people.

It has been noticed that outbred pets rarely strive for loneliness and really value communication. This is especially true for those animals that were brought into the home at an early age. Apparently the experience of their ancestors tells them that it is more fun and satisfying for a cat to live next to a person.

The British Shorthair is an indigenous aristocrats with an ancient history that dates back to the days of the Roman legionnaires. These cats are independent, do not like to be held and often seclude themselves.

Active games and other general entertainment raise eyebrows among the British. Why fuss and run after a ball of thread, when at this time you can calmly lie by the fireplace?

A medium-sized mixed-breed British cat with strong bones and a broad chest.
The muzzle is rounded due to the highly developed cheeks and vibrissae (whisker) zone.
The colors are very diverse. This breed allows more than 200 types of color combinations, so a cross between a British cat and a regular cat has almost unlimited coat color options. A mixed breed can even have an exotic Siamese color-point mask or a spectacular silver chinchilla tipping.

The desire for loneliness, characteristic of the British breed, is a little dulled among the mestizos. Most often, they are sociable like ordinary cats, and are quite trainable.

This is interesting! In childhood and youth, mestizos gravitate more towards the behavior characteristic of outbred pets, and in maturity and old age they develop the prudence and sedateness inherent in the British.

Toyger/British mix: mixed-breed toy

A mixed-breed cat, the result of crossing a British breed with a Toyger, is almost always born with a distinct tabby pattern. It is obvious that the genes of the Bengal, who was among the ancestors of the Toyger, had their say.

The parent breeds have a number of differences:

Origin. The Briton represents aboriginal centenarians, and the toyger was bred only three decades ago and has had exhibition rights only since 2007.
Color. The English breed allows more than 200 color options, and the selection of its partner was carried out to consolidate the “wild” striped color.
Size. The average well-fed British cat is radically different from the miniature decorative “tiger” with a fragile constitution.

The cross between the “toy tiger” and the British is not so powerful, although the pet cannot be called a decorative one. The cat is medium in size, with a proportional body, beautiful fur and a “wild” striped or spotted pattern on the coat. The contrast of the picture may be blurred, although it is present in 90% of cases.

The character of a mestizo is not always flexible and sociable - here the stiffness and arrogance of the English breed prevailed.

Another feature is that in the second generation, mixed-breed cats lose their individuality and produce offspring that have an external resemblance to only one of the parents.

A mixture of Siamese and British cats: the main thing in a mestizo is the color

Mixed-breed cats born from Siamese and British breeds almost always have a spectacular appearance. The C gene is responsible for the solid color in cats. It is he who takes part in the formation of the color point color:

The cscs allele is the maximum difference between the markings and the base coat of a mixed breed (Siamese variety).
The cbcb allele is a weakly expressed mask (called Burmese).
The cscb allele is a Tonkinese variant, intermediate between the first and second.

The Siamese color is acromelanic and depends on body temperature. The cat's body is warmer, here the effect of the gene is suppressed. And on the limbs (paws, tail, ears and muzzle) the body temperature is lower, which causes darkening of the coat. This is how the mask on the Siamese's face is formed. Although it is also characteristic of other eastern breeds, as well as mestizos with the corresponding gene.

In British cats, the Siamese color is among the permitted ones, and therefore can be inherited without any problems. Externally, the mixed breed of British and Siamese cats is heavyset, with a wide chest. From the Asian line, such cats most often inherit a long tail and high paws.

With such a combination of breeds, you need to pay attention to the nature of the mestizo. Both the Siamese and the British are characterized by selfishness, independence and a tendency to show aggression. So a kitten born from such parents cannot be called cute and completely harmless.

This mestizo needs early socialization, otherwise it will be difficult for the owner to control the pet.

Important! In most cases, the British genotype is dominant when crossing this breed with other cats. Sometimes this is expressed in the complete resemblance of the offspring to the English parent or in the presence of certain breed qualities. But almost always the mestizo receives more from the British than from the other half.

What are the good things about mestizos?

Despite the fact that mestizos cannot become winners of exhibitions, such cats can be kept as a faithful companion. They will delight you with their company and will not cause much trouble, because, unlike their purebred counterparts, mestizos are different:

Health. Having a stronger immune system, the mestizo gets sick less often.
Intelligence - much easier to train and get used to the tray.
Unpretentiousness in food.

The character of a mestizo is formed from the characteristics of the breeds of his parents. Both maternal and paternal qualities or both may predominate in it. In terms of skeletal structure and aesthetic characteristics, a mixed-breed cat may be superior to its parents, but it will never become an exhibition winner.

Tips for choosing a mixed-breed kitten

Since in the category of mestizos there are no clear requirements for breed qualities, when choosing a pet you should pay attention to other characteristics:

In a mixture of a British Shorthair and a regular cat, it is worth studying the animal's coat - the variety of colors sometimes leads to very unusual combinations and shapes. Each kitten will eventually find its owner, but not every owner wants to get a pet with an unusual color. For example, there are people who categorically do not accept black cats of any breed, while others intuitively avoid tortoiseshell coloring.
A mixed Siamese and British cat kitten may be born with thin “Siamese” paws. If a pet inherits a powerful body from a Briton, then it will be difficult for him to maintain a lot of weight. This may manifest itself as stiffness of movement during games. In the future, this symptom may disappear or develop into a serious problem with the musculoskeletal system.
An objective indicator of an animal’s good condition is its fur. If it bulges, does not lie flat, clumps into small icicles and does not shine, it means the kitten has health problems.

This is interesting! Mixed breeds have a low threshold for reblooming. The color tone, which is established by 3-4 months, as a rule, does not change later.

Although the behavior of cats is not regulated at the genetic level, the character traits that are passed on from each parent always influence the pet’s habits.

A mixed breed of British and Siamese should not be adopted in families with small children. There is a high probability that a child’s annoying caresses will provoke aggression. If the British half of the cat’s nature considers it necessary to leave in such a situation, then the Asian blood immediately offers to attack and prove its own superiority over the enemy.
A cross between a British cat and a purebred cat is a good choice for active people who prefer close contact with their pet. Such a mixed breed will be sociable, willingly support the company and play with pleasure with the owner.

In order not to make a mistake in choosing a mixed-breed kitten, you need to focus on the parent breeds, since the temperament of an adult cat necessarily combines their features. And the proportion in which they will develop will depend on the cat’s upbringing and the conditions of its keeping.

Caring for mixed-breed cats is not very difficult. If we are talking about the offspring of two short-haired breeds, then hair care can be limited to weekly combing of the pet.

Metis, like other cats, do not like water. But if you accustom your animal to water procedures from childhood, the cat will feel quite comfortable while bathing. If a mestizo has long and fluffy fur, the owner will have to carefully care for it to prevent the formation of tangles.

Is it possible to crossbreed a Briton and a Scot?

All cat breeds are allowed to breed with each other. They have the same chromosomal map (19 elements from each parent) and a common genetic sex pattern (male cats have XY, and female cats have XX). In each individual case, breeders pursue a specific goal. The cross between a British and a Scot is very significant in this context. To understand the logic of action, you will have to look at the history of these two breeds.

The native English Shorthair cat has a long pedigree line. Perhaps her ancestors came to the islands 10 centuries ago and adapted perfectly to their new conditions. Like all old species, they are not subject to hereditary genetic changes and demonstrate good health and enviable longevity.

The first Scottish Folds were discovered in 1961, when a white cat with a natural ear mutation appeared on a farm in the central part of the country. Her ears folded forward funny and covered the ear canal area. It was not possible to find out whether the unique variety was a descendant of the British breed, a mixture or a simple country cat. From her single kitten an entire population developed.

Fold cats were crossed with British and American Shorthairs, as breeders had no other options. At the first stage, the genetic consequences of the crossbred appeared, due to which the kittens developed a disease of the musculoskeletal system (osteochondrodysplasia).

It was possible to improve the health of hybrids through interbreed matings. A mixture of a British cat and a Scottish fold turned out to be viable only in the heterozygous form. This means that one of the animals must carry the genes for straight ears (these were aboriginal English), and the other may have fold ears. True, children inherit a characteristic trait in the proportion of 50x50 (they will have both lop-eared and straight-eared children). A pair of parents with the same ear structure (homozygous) gives birth to sick kittens.

Thanks to this interbreeding, two global problems were solved: the formation of a unique appearance and the production of healthy offspring capable of continuing the bloodline.

Advantages and disadvantages of mestizo

There are half a billion cats on the planet, more than 250 breeds are officially registered, not counting strays, against whom statistics turned out to be powerless. The involuntary mating of so many animals leads to the emergence of a huge population of mestizos.

It is difficult to understand the individual differences of each pair, but there are general universal criteria for assessing the pros and cons:

In the first generation, crossbreeds usually demonstrate the best qualities of the parent breeds, which subsequently lose their hereditary advantage.
Opinions differ regarding the health of mestizos - they may have good immunity, but if the parent pair has representatives with an altered genotype, the likelihood of giving birth to sick kittens increases.
By deliberately crossing representatives of different breeds, you can get a cat with certain external characteristics.
The same applies to character and habits - a homeless tramp and a pampered Persian will never give rise to aggressive offspring.

Negative properties are expressed in only two positions:

not prestigious;
not profitable.

A half-breed mixed breed is not allowed to participate in elite cat shows, and there is no queue of people lining up for his kittens. But true lovers of domestic cats do not pay attention to such trifles.

The owners of mestizos are people with a kind heart and an open soul. It doesn't matter what the pet looks like. All that matters is his look and love for the owner, which cannot be replaced by a prestigious pedigree.

Owner reviews

Regardless of the pet’s behavior, every owner adores his Selkirk for his angelic appearance. They sometimes complain about the ubiquitous hair of a shedding pet. And some are simply happy that they have found the ideal option for their family.

My favorite kitten of all years! It's getting more and more beautiful. And he was born so small, the last “scrape”. And now I’m just delighted. And from the bones, and from the fur, and from the character. True, the mustache is constantly missing. But this makes it even more interesting.

Amber, site user

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AnnaBeebop, forum visitor

https://otzovik.com/review_17834.html

Irina2312, forum user

https://otzovik.com/review_3437918.html

Our dad has been severely allergic to cats since childhood, so we couldn’t afford to get a kitten. And our son is a real fan of cats. Therefore, when we found out that there is such a hypoallergenic breed, we decided that a Selkirk Rex would live with us.

zz-mik, forum member

https://forum.academ.info/index.php?showtopic=726405

Problems and breeding

A decent breeder will never approve of the meaningful mating of a coon and an outbred female. This often leads to the following consequences:

A cat may die in childbirth if the kittens are very large;
The purity of the breed is lost;
You cannot conduct breeding activities with a half-breed;
Unpredictable animals in terms of mental health and health.

As a rule, mestizos are sold at low prices. They are of no interest and lose value for breeding. The work of the breeder is highly appreciated. The price for a purebred kitten cannot be below a certain level.

Differences between a coon and a purebred kitten:

Large sizes;
Recognizable muzzle profile;
Large ears, possibly with a tassel;
Semi-long topcoat;
A long tail;
Strong bones;
Wide chest.

Usually a cross between Coons and nobles looks simpler.
Even purebred animals with minor defects or weak types are sterilized to prevent them from producing offspring. Sometimes even experienced people have unforeseen circumstances when a Maine Coon mates with a noblewoman. Even in this situation, animals are given away free of charge or for a symbolic amount, with the condition of mandatory sterilization in the future. Before buying a coon, you should look at his parents, find out their origins and study pedigrees. The breeder always hands over the documents (metrics) of his graduates. Otherwise, there is a risk of acquiring an outbred animal. Kittens move to a new home no earlier than 3 months, after vaccinations and other necessary procedures. Mestizos are usually given away earlier due to the high costs of raising them.

In the recent past, there have already been attempts to register non-purebred coons. Several breeds were used to breed them:

A similar situation is observed in the dog world, but there designer breeds have become successful due to their cute appearance and clever advertising. Both types of kuna hybrids have remained unrecognized by the felinological community. The work did not live up to the hopes of the breeders. The resulting kittens turned out to be of different types, without the desired characteristics.

Problems also arise when cat owners realize they don't have a coon. Many raised animals end up in shelters or worse, on the street. Growing up at home, they cannot withstand the difficulties they encounter on their own. In addition, uncontrolled reproduction begins, and the number of street children is rapidly increasing. They are susceptible to infections, their immunity is weakened, and the infection spreads further.

Care, maintenance, nuances

According to many people, the mestizo is unpretentious in food and does not require veterinary care.
This is a misconception that is completely wrong. These animals are fed no worse than purebred representatives. Their internal structure of the body is no different. Food must contain all the necessary microelements, vitamins, sufficient amounts of proteins and carbohydrates. If their health fails, then they need to go to the clinic. The legends about the strong immunity that kittens receive from parents of different origins are impressive until the first illness. They suffer from allergic reactions, the effects of poisons from parasites (fleas, worms, ticks), problems with joints and digestion.

From birth they carefully monitor their character. The temperament of such babies can be completely unpredictable.

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Scottish Fold breed: who to breed with?

Mating, obtaining offspring

Animals that have received a breeding grade at an open class exhibition are allowed to breed, i.e. for a cat it is higher than “Very Good”, for a cat it is higher than “Excellent”. Animals with the titles “Champion” and above do not need to visit the breeding commission to receive a referral for mating.

When a cat begins to go into heat, it indicates that she has reached puberty; depending on genetic predisposition, this age can occur at 6 months or 10 months. They usually breed on the third heat, it does not depend on age.

All kittens resulting from such a mating carry the gene for folding ears and are considered Scottish (Scottish Straights and Scottish Folds). Some felinological organizations have prohibited interbreed matings between British and Scottish dogs (for example, in the WCF since 2004).

Scottish Folds are perhaps the most difficult breed to breed. If you cross two lop-eared individuals, the kittens may develop a number of defects, and there is a huge chance of being born disabled. There are, of course, exceptions and seemingly good kittens are born, but they can still carry defects that are initially invisible. All this is caused by the lop ear gene in both parents (Fd + Fd). Normal mating should be Fd + fd (fold + straight).

Ears can rise at any age, it depends on the genetic predisposition of each individual individual. Also, the ears can rise from stress, for example, in a cat during childbirth - the most typical case. Once the ears go up, they won't go down.

Proper and timely feeding is the key to good health and longevity of your pet. When choosing a diet, remember that a cat is a predator by nature, in...

Often, the cause of a particular disease can be determined only after laboratory tests. If symptoms of illness appear, immediately...

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Features of Selkirk content

Buy a pet bed or thick blanket. The cat can run around the house uncontrollably and play noisily, but there should be a cozy and safe place where he can hide from the noise and relax.

The kitten will need toys and entertainment

Nutrition for Selkirk Rex cats

The health and appearance of the Selkirk largely depend on proper nutrition. Breeders give rexes ready-made dry food of the highest quality or natural food.

Selkirks are irrepressible mischief-makers when it comes to food. They may not be hungry, but for the sake of entertainment they will steal something from the table.

They eat everything that is not pinned down, so I hide the food from them so as not to harm the cat.

AnnaBeebop, forum visitor

I recommend: All about the Russian Blue cat breed

https://otzovik.com/review_17834.html

Selkirks love to eat even when they are not hungry

Amount and composition of food during natural feeding

Natural food for a Selkirk should consist of 70–80% protein products. Vitamin B is responsible for a beautiful and healthy coat. Rex's menu includes:

The Selkirk's diet should be dense and nutritious.

How many times a day should you feed your Rex?

If necessary, you can feed the Selkirk with cat grass.

Caring for a curly cat's appearance

To care for your Selkirk's appearance you will need the following things:

Pay special attention to keeping your pet's nose and ears clean.

How to comb and bathe a Selkirk

The difficulty in caring for fur is that curly hairs can straighten when combed. To know how to care for your pet specifically, consult the breeder from whom you adopted the cat.

The most difficult thing about keeping a Selkirk is caring for its curly coat.

Video: tips for caring for Rex kittens

Does the Selkirk need to be walked?

We took it with us to the dacha for a couple of days. I spent the whole time in the house. Yard life is not attractive at all. A little cowardly.

Jenn, forum user

https://irecommend.ru/content/moi-lyubimyi-yagnenok-foto-vnutri

In order for your curly pet to please you with its achievements, you need to be attentive to walks.

Metis of the Scottish Fold

Scottish fold mixed-breed kitten
When purchasing a fold-eared kitten without documents, you need to clarify:

What breed are the kitten's parents?
Has there been a mating between a male and a female with floppy ears (such matings are strictly prohibited);
Are the kitten's parents vaccinated?

Osteochondrodysplasia is a malformation of cartilage in Scottish Fold cats and their mixtures.

It manifests itself as deformation of bone and cartilage tissue on the paws and tail. This disease is incurable and is noticeable only closer to the age of one year.