Popular breeds of black cats and cats

The ancient Egyptians considered black-haired cats to be sacred animals. In the cruel era of the Middle Ages, black cats were burned at the stake along with imaginary sorcerers and witches. For a long time it was believed that the black cat brings misfortune, and the population of black cubs was on the verge of extinction. Relatively recently, someone saw that against the background of black wool, these blue, green or amber eyes seem unusually bright, and the look is mysterious.

Black-haired cats have become popular, many breeds of these amazing creatures have appeared. It is worth taking a closer look at them and it becomes clear why they are so loved all over the world.

First, you need to dispel the myths that have been created for centuries around the black color of cat hair. The black color of the fur is the result of genetics, and not the intrigues of evil spirits. Color is inherited, from mother to son - in most cases, a black cat will have kittens with exactly the same coat color.

This pigment, in turn, breaks down into two components such as:

• eumelanin completely absorbs light and gives a black pigmentation with all derived colors: chocolate, blue, purple, fawn;
• pheomelanin is responsible for all red varieties.

The inheritance of a particular color depends on the sex of the mustachioed striped, since the cat has one X chromosome and it can be either black or any shade of red. Cats have two X chromosomes, so kittens can be born with black, red or tortoiseshell color.

Nature has provided black cats with an agreeable and peaceful character. They are sincerely attached to a person, capable of capturing his mood and state. It is the blackies that are considered the best healers: they take the negative on themselves, transform it into positive energy and return it to their owner. These animals are not characterized by aggression. Due to their playfulness and cheerfulness, they will become good companions for children's games. If the owner often moves from place to place, they quickly adapt to new conditions.

The alarmed animal begins to rush restlessly around the house, forcing the owner to leave the building. However, black cats are loved not only for their livable character and colorful appearance, but also for the expressive look of their huge eyes. It has long been believed that the most common combination is a black cat with green eyes. Although geneticists have tried so hard to breed an animal with an unusual iris color, today it is almost impossible to meet a cat with natural emerald green or grassy eyes.

Today's green is one of the possible shades.

For example, all kittens are born with blue eyes. Then it all depends on the pigmentation. If the front of the eye is more pigmented, the cat will have yellow eyes. If the pigment accumulation is in the back, you will get green eyes.

As a result of selection, scientists have bred interesting breeds of cats. It is not surprising for the future owner to be confused. Before deciding which pedigree cat to bring into the house, it is worth understanding the existing types of these graceful pets.

To begin with, it should be emphasized that the only striking representative of black-haired cats is the Bombay. This breed appeared thanks to the American breeder and breeder Nicky Horner, who wanted to have the perfect copy of the Indian wild cat at home. Short-haired individuals of the American cat and the Burmese cat were selected for crossing. Her color is sable, ideally black. It was only in the fourth generation to get kittens with perfect black coat. But this made it possible to establish certain standards for a new species of cats.

Representatives of the Bombay breed are characterized by a coal-black coat color. The nose and paw pads are of the same black color. White spots are not allowed. In rare cases, kittens are born with a white spot on their chest that disappears as they get older. The characteristic features of the bombay are considered to be a neat head with round, far-set eyes and medium-sized ears. He has a muscular body, small legs, and a graceful gait.

Despite the outward resemblance to the wild elder sister, Bombays are extremely sociable and friendly. They easily get along with small children, willingly play with other pets, often climb into their arms, adore sitting on the owner's lap. These cats love outdoor games, they bring back a thrown mouse or a ball like dogs. The rest of the breeds do not adhere to such strict rules for maintaining the black color of the coat, allowing various colors. However, experts note that black cats have certain characteristics.

Mainx cats have a memorable appearance: a shortened body, fluffy hair and a square muzzle on a round head.They are characterized by prominent cheekbones, a slightly elongated nose, triangular ears and slightly slanted almond-shaped eyes. Another interesting feature of their appearance is the tail.

The Manks get along easily with all family members. They will never scratch a small child, even if it bothers them or hurts them. As a last resort, the manx will hide in a place inaccessible to the little tyrant. They welcome guests, so they don't have to be locked in the next room to avoid trouble. With all the love for the household, these cats choose their own master. Therefore, the possibility is not excluded that they will tenderly purr to everyone, and obey and truly seek the attention of only one person.

If there are already pets in the house, Manx will quickly find a common language with them. And they will get a funny playmate - after all, this lively and curious animal simply does not know how to sit in one place for a long time. It is no coincidence that curiosity is mentioned - if this cat is interested in something, she will climb any top to examine the object that intrigued her. Therefore, all things standing on the upper shelves must be stable or well fixed so that the animal does not harm itself and does not drop anything.

This is one of the largest representatives of domestic cats. Male weight can reach more than 15 kilograms (females weigh less, but not much). These giants have thick, soft fur, muscular body and powerful legs. The fluffy tail can be up to 50 cm in length. The head is massive with triangular ears and small but expressive eyes.

Despite its impressive size, the Maine Coon moves neatly around the house, bypassing all obstacles. Overturned chairs, pillows thrown off the sofa, or broken dishes are not about him. It is enough to call a small kitten to order once, he will quickly remember the location of the tray.

Maine Coon is a strong, at the same time friendly and peaceful cat who does not snap at the unpleasant touch of an adult or the hug of a small child. It is trainable and can be learned by voice commands. Oddly enough, this big cat is extremely fearful and afraid of harsh sounds.

Persian long-haired cats are distinguished by their spectacular appearance: a wide snub nose, a massive head, small rounded ears, huge expressive eyes of yellow or orange color. These animals have powerful legs, a large back and chest. Their wool deserves special attention: the Persians have a thick undercoat, and individual thin fibers can reach up to 20 cm in length.

If you stroke a Persian cat, it will feel as if you have touched a soft silky cushion. In principle, the lifestyle of these animals is not much different from the usual furniture accessory: they are lazy, do not like outdoor games and long running.

At the same time, the Persians are very sociable, affectionate, sincerely attached to all family members. They are not intrusive - even if something is needed, they will not meow hysterically, but will sit opposite the owner and look expressively into his eyes. Animals are in good health, but they can get sick from lack of attention. Therefore, during the day you need to find time to communicate with your pet and not leave him alone for a long time.

It is a small, slender cat with a muscular body, a thin neck, high legs and a long tail. She has a large head with high cheekbones, large ears and expressive yellow or green eyes. The Devon Rex is a shorthaired breed. Often, their black fur is cast with copper or silver, which is no coincidence: on the sides and back, soft villi lie in waves. The light reflects off the wool, forming a specific shade.

But they are not intrusive - if the owners are not at home or they are not ready to pay attention to them, the rex can perfectly occupy themselves on their own. Often they are driven by irrepressible curiosity - this researcher needs to get into even the farthest corner of the apartment. Any new item in the house will also be thoroughly studied. The same applies to the guests who have come - the cat will not calm down until it learns a new person.

This breed has ears that are turned outward and backward. This symptom manifests itself in kittens as they grow older, and even then not in all - about ⅔ of the litter grows with inverted ears. By the standard, they have a wedge-shaped head, a muscular body, and an average size of paws. Curls have a soft coat with a small undercoat. The standard allows for short-haired and semi-long-haired varieties of these amazing animals.

These animals have no predisposition to hereditary diseases.

By their nature, curls are friendly positive animals. They tend to be curious and interested in their surroundings. If the work of the owner involves frequent travel from place to place, the nimble American will quickly get used to the new conditions. These cats love to "talk" with their owner, adore signs of attention from the household. At the same time, they are unobtrusive and can always find something to do. Taking revenge for inattention by damaging furniture or clothing is not at all in the spirit of clean Curls.

And the American cat does not tolerate loneliness.... If it is not possible to devote time to a pet, it is worth choosing a cat with a more independent character.

The Siberian breed is unique in that it was formed without the participation of breeders. The harsh natural conditions created a cat with thick hair, a heavy muscular body, a dense short neck and a luxurious fluffy tail. Siberians are characterized by a rounded muzzle with low-set cheekbones, a forward forehead and a wide nose. They have wide-set, round eyes that are blue, green, gold and yellow. There are tassels between the pads of the paws and at the tips of the ears.

These wonderful mouse catchers easily get along with all family members.: they love to communicate with adults, and they treat small children like their own kittens. They love to run, jump and play. They can climb to the highest places to study the objects standing there. If the owners are absent from home for a long time or do not communicate much with their pet, Siberians sincerely miss and begin to have fun at night.

At the same time, the animal is distinguished by an independent character: it hates when he is bored with stroking and gripping. They also will not follow the owner's tail, demanding attention. Hospitality is unusual for Siberians: they growl at a stranger for a long time, considering him an immediate threat to household members.

It is believed that blackies need special care.This is partly true, since the black color easily fades in the sun, forming reddish tan marks. Therefore, the pet should not be allowed to stay in direct sunlight for too long.

A prudent owner will take care of the animal's diet, including meat, eggs, cat grass and various dietary supplements.

For the rest, the following rules of hair care must be observed, taking into account the characteristics of each breed:

• thick undercoat of Manx requires careful combing, at the end of the procedure, the cat's fur can be smoothed with a comb; these animals should be bathed no more than twice a year with the use of special shampoos and conditioners that enhance shine;
• fluffy Maine Coon, Short-haired Curl and Bombay should be combed out with a brush-comb at least once a week;
• long-haired Persians and Siberians require especially careful care - cats should be combed daily, first with a comb with rare teeth, then work out the fur with a slicker, and at the end of the procedure - with a comb with frequent teeth; animals can be washed up to four times a year; after water procedures, the wool should be treated with a special agent to facilitate combing;
• curly devon rex after combing out, it is imperative to stroke it with wet hands: then the curly fibers will naturally fit into neat waves.

There are no great difficulties in care. If the owner sincerely loves his pet, he will easily find time to select a diet, comb the fur, communicate and play. Well, the fluffy pet will respond with 100 percent reciprocity and will delight not only with a playful mood, but also with a luxurious appearance.

See the video below about the features of the Bombay black cats.