Gray-white cats: a description of the appearance and behavior
Gray and white cats are considered one of the most beautiful pets. It is thanks to their aesthetically pleasing external characteristics that they have won the love of many. Consider what features of a gray-white color are distinguished by scientists and veterinarians, as well as what breeds of gray-white cats exist, and how to care for them.
Color features
The gray-white cat is not only a devoted, but also a beautiful friend and pet. The presence of gray and white shades in the coat color is rarely uniform - often one color prevails over the other (for example, the breast may be gray, and the paws may be white).
The color can be abstract, that is, when it is impossible to say for sure in which area the white color turns into gray, and vice versa. Sometimes the colors can be clearer and more understandable: for example, spotted or striped. In such cases, there are also no clear rules: spots and stripes can be either gray or white.
Thus, it can be concluded that it is rather difficult to find two identical gray and white cats.
The color of animals is an individual, unique and exclusive feature of each specific individual.
Therefore, if you are the owner of a gray-white cat, then remember that your animal is unique and unique in its nature.
Eye colors
The color of the eyes of a gray-white cat can be almost any, in this respect there are noor restrictions:
- Gray;
- black;
- brown;
- green;
- yellow, etc.
However, it should be noted that those individuals who have blue eyes are most valued. So, a kitten with blue eyes and a gray-white color can cost several times more than its counterparts in the zoological market.
In fact, eye color has little effect on any physiological or psychological characteristics of an animal - it simply increases its aesthetic appeal. Therefore, if you are ready to sacrifice financial resources for the sake of a pleasant appearance, then feel free to give preference to blue-eyed gray-white cats.
Character
First of all, it is important to remember that, despite the fact that all gray-white cats are united by color, they themselves are individual and not similar animals. Therefore, the character and behavior of one cat may differ significantly from those of another. The easiest way to predict and analyze the nature of pedigree animals, because they are well researched and studied by scientists. It is much more difficult to judge the nature of the yard gray-white cats.
Despite this diversity, many owners of gray-white cats still highlight some of the similarities of these animals. So, according to their behavioral patterns, such pets are quite calm and agreeable. Some of them may show increased activity and playfulness, but such features are due to the characteristics of a particular breed.
In relation to owners and households, gray-white cats are quite friendly. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that such animals can remember the insult for a long time and try to take revenge.
Therefore, you should not show unreasonable aggression and anger towards your pet. In addition, such animals lend themselves well to training and training, they quickly begin to walk to the tray and know their place. Such signs are primarily due to the high intellectual abilities that nature has endowed with gray-white fluffy pets.
Breeds
There are several breeds of domestic cats, the coat of which can be dyed in gray and white tones. Let's take a closer look at each variety.
Siberian
The sight of these cats delights many - a thick and fluffy coat combined with a strong muscular body makes an indelible impression. But, despite such a large-sized appearance, these animals are loyal and loyal to their master, as well as rather gentle, affectionate and loving.
It should be noted that individuals belonging to this breed are good at contact with people (including children). They are quite active and playful.
Persian
This cat breed has a squat body structure and a medium-length trunk. The appearance of the animal is quite attractive, but the character can be obstinate. Persian animals need a lot of attention and care. They are quite calm, but sometimes they can be overly playful.
British Shorthair
Many British owners note that this breed is ideal for home keeping. The nature of the animals is quite calm and docile, they are very friendly and make good contact, but at the same time they are undemanding to care and maintenance, do not need additional complex measures. As for the anatomical structure, it is important to note that the muzzle of cats is full-cheeked and round in shape, the body is strong.
Some British varieties may be short-tailed.
Turkish angora
The Turkish Angora is a cat breed that is particularly active. Such animals need regular walks in the fresh air. The animal's movements are distinguished by grace and nobility.
The body of the cat has an unusual wedge-shaped shape and small dimensions.
The coat is quite long, therefore it needs especially careful care.
American curl
This breed is quite unusual and unusual to the eye. The main distinguishing feature of these animals is their curling ears. Also, the American Curl is distinguished from other breeds by its strong and massive body and well-developed muscles.
American Curl cats are friendly and playful, they get along well with other pets.
Nibelung
These animals are considered the descendants of the famous Russian blue cat. However, if the latter has an exclusively gray color with a blue tint, then the Nibelungs on their wool may also have white inclusions (but quite rarely).
This breed does not differ in large size, because the body weight of cats almost never exceeds 5 kilograms. The body itself has a slightly oblong shape, and the animal's musculature is quite well developed.
This list is not final. In nature, there is a huge variety of purebred and yard cats that have a gray-white color. Our list contains only the most common and popular breeds. Therefore, if on the zoological market you saw a gray-white cat of a breed that is not represented in our list, do not think that this is a deception or fraud.
At the same time, do not forget to check that the seller has all the necessary documents.
How to care?
Caring for gray-white cats is not much different from caring for animals whose coat has other shades. However, there are still some characteristic features.
So, in the process of keeping an animal, as well as caring for it, all the features of the breed that are characteristic of this animal should be taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to the behavioral patterns of cats.
In addition, as a general rule, during the feeding process, the inclusion of animal products in the diet, the composition of which is rich in iodine, should be avoided. The thing is that the high content of this component in the animal's body can affect its appearance in such a way that the gray-white wool will give off a brownish tint. If you want to maintain the original purity of the color, then this rule should in no case be neglected.
The diet should be saturated with all trace elements and substances that are necessary for the full growth and development of the animal. It doesn't matter if you prefer dry food or natural food.
Due to the light color of the coat, care measures for it deserve special attention. Gray-white cats more and more often than their other brethren need bathing and hygiene procedures. This is especially true for those animals that spend a lot of time on the street (for example, if you live in a private house and let the cat out into the yard). Combing procedures are also necessary, the regularity of which depends on the length of the coat of a particular animal.
Of course, to keep a cat at home, it must be provided with all the necessary equipment: a tray that acts as a toilet, its own lounger, bowls with food and water, and a scratching post. Try to create the most comfortable and convenient conditions for the cat, because in your apartment he should feel at home and not as a guest.
Pay close attention to his behavior and mood.
Despite the fact that all of the above aspects of the care and maintenance of a cat are very important, the basic and basic principle of keeping a pet still remains constant monitoring of its health. In order to maintain the health of the animal at the proper level, from the very first day of its maintenance, make sure that all vaccinations and other necessary medical procedures are carried out. Do not forget about regular, systematic visits to the veterinarian to treat the animal from fleas, worms and other harmful organisms.
Constantly monitor the behavior and level of activity of the cat at home, at the first manifestations of the disease, contact a specialist.
Thus, we were able to make sure that in nature there are a huge number of species and breeds of gray-white cats. Some are more valuable and more expensive than others.... Despite this, the fact remains that regardless of the breed or its absence, the gray-white color attracts many. It is important to remember that the physiological and psychological characteristics of a particular animal will depend more on its breed, and not on color. Therefore, before buying a pet, carefully study the characteristics of cats of exactly the kind that you plan to have at home.
For the Siberian breed of gray-white cats, see the video below.