Originally posted by jhe888: I can't explain the genetics fully, but, essentially, yes. The genes that allow for ginger and black cats (tortoise shells) and the white spotting gene which overlays to make calicos (three colored) are sex linked. It takes two X chromosomes to make calico cats. The calico combination can exist only in female cats. When it exists in cats that have male genitals, those cats have genetic abnormalities like XXY chromosomes, and are virtually always sterile. Even the few that aren't sterile are not healthy.
In addition, if you get a rare fertile male calico, he cannot sire calicos, only tabbys.
April 14, 2015, 08:03 PM
JeffreyD103
Pic of The Queen. My Himalayan girl Sophie. With her shaggy winter coat: Off to the groomers next month. She LOVES getting a fur cut.
---------------------------------------------------------- Sooner or later everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences.
April 14, 2015, 10:02 PM
Orguss
"I'm yet another resource-consuming kid in an overpopulated planet raised to an alarming extent by Hollywood and Madison Avenue, poised with my cynical and alienated peers to take over the world when you're old and weak!" - Calvin, "Calvin & Hobbes"
April 15, 2015, 11:10 AM
just1tym
Funny you should post this. Just recently my cat has started "head-bonking" at first I just thought it was an anomaly but after three and four times now it's commonplace. He'll sit in my lap and let me pet him and then look up at me and crawl up my chest and nose dive into my face for a head-bonk. I seem to remember air soft guy mentioning that Agnes head-bonks I think also, I meant to ask him about this, it's pretty cool actually!
Regards, Will G.
April 15, 2015, 12:48 PM
cheesegrits
quote:
Originally posted by JeffreyD103: Pic of The Queen. My Himalayan girl Sophie...
She's beautiful! My husband had a Himalayan when we married. She passed a few years ago and I still miss her. She was the sweetest cat, but dumb as a box of rocks, bless her heart. Is Sophie smart? I wasn't sure if that was a Himalayan trait.
Why Does My Cat Do This? According to Dr. Herron, this behavior is something that domestic cats share with their wild counterparts.
“Cats do this to deposit facial pheromones on people or objects in their environment,” explains Dr. Herron. “The head butting is actually something that we call bunting.”
Since kitties usually seem relaxed and friendly while bunting, people rightfully assume that it's a sign of affection or acceptance into the feline’s domain. But Dr. Herron says that bunting is a bit more nuanced.
“Rather than territorial marking or ‘claiming’ someone, as is commonly thought, cats do this to mark something as safe — sort of like leaving a signal of comfort and safety,” adds Dr. Herron. “So you could think of it as a sign that they are ‘trusting’ that person or environment.”
If you're goin' through hell, keep on going. Don't slow down. If you're scared don't show it. You might get out before the devil even knows you're there.
NRA ENDOWMENT LIFE MEMBER
April 15, 2015, 03:49 PM
Appliance Brad
quote:
Originally posted by GJG: [QUOTE]Originally posted by Appliance Brad: My wife made this quilt for our daughter at Christmas and her cat Lt. Nubbins felt it was his.
His? Not hers? Aren't all calico cats female?
Daughter lives in NC, didn't even give the calico gender thing a thought, I was sure it was a male cat but now I have to ask. I will report back.
__________________________ Writing the next chapter that I've been looking forward to.
April 15, 2015, 04:21 PM
JeffreyD103
quote:
Originally posted by cheesegrits: ... She was the sweetest cat, but dumb as a box of rocks, bless her heart. ...
Sophie?
Oh my God yes.
Not too dumb to find her way out of a room but... well, she's very sweet.
Seriously, she is such a good little girl.This message has been edited. Last edited by: JeffreyD103, April 15, 2015 05:24 PM
---------------------------------------------------------- Sooner or later everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences.
April 15, 2015, 06:16 PM
matthew03
quote:
Originally posted by JeffreyD103: Pic of The Queen. My Himalayan girl Sophie. With her shaggy winter coat: Off to the groomers next month. She LOVES getting a fur cut.
Gorgeous feline, love the color of her coat and her eyes.
It is a great shot! Beautiful dog. And an expression of smugness that only a cat can display.
End of Earth: 2 Miles Upper Peninsula: 4 Miles
April 15, 2015, 11:49 PM
slabsides45
quote:
Originally posted by egregore:
quote:
Originally posted by jhe888: I can't explain the genetics fully, but, essentially, yes. The genes that allow for ginger and black cats (tortoise shells) and the white spotting gene which overlays to make calicos (three colored) are sex linked. It takes two X chromosomes to make calico cats. The calico combination can exist only in female cats. When it exists in cats that have male genitals, those cats have genetic abnormalities like XXY chromosomes, and are virtually always sterile. Even the few that aren't sterile are not healthy.
In addition, if you get a rare fertile male calico, he cannot sire calicos, only tabbys.
Early in my career I actually found one of these unicorns (male cali), and the story was picked up by the AP. Cat was actually reasonably healthy, if I recall correctly.
________________________________________________
"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving." -Dr. Adrian Rogers
April 16, 2015, 10:04 AM
photoman12001
quote:
Originally posted by just1tym: What a great image!
Thanks. Kitty bites for the dog immediately followed that photo.
This is Carlos, he was my shop cat for about 4hrs until my wife's boss nixed him being inside.
He was in the wall of my wife's office for a day or two until they figured out where he went, our maintenance guy rescued him today and Christy brought him over. We were going to keep him around to keep the rats out, but noooo.
Cute little fucker, such eyes. We let him go outside the office so hopefully he will meet up with his siblings that prowl the grounds.
Originally posted by billnchristy: This is Carlos,
Take. Him. Home.
I'd gladly send money to Jeff for a years supply of food for the little guy..I couldn't take him myself due to immediate health sh*t or I'd do it in a heartbeat. Please let me know and I'll make the arrangements with Jeff!
