Black cats are distinguished by their special elegance, elegance and grace. Black wool glistens and casts in the sun, making the cat attractive and well-dressed. On a black background in contrast, yellow, green or orange cat eyes look unusually bright.

Black color has always been associated with night, darkness, magic, witchcraft, so black cats seem mysterious and mysterious to us. About such cats tell stories and parables, they are the characters of books, legends, aphorisms. Like white cats, black cats are excellent healers, but they have a different way of healing. White cats take away negative energy from people, and black ones, on the contrary, are highly energetic and share their energy with the owner. They say that black cats are able to protect the owners from damage and the evil eye.

A little genetics.  The black color of the cat's fur is due to the presence of the eumelanin pigment, the synthesis of which controls the dominant gene B (from the English. Black - black). Mutations of this gene determine, in addition to black, chocolate and cinnamon (the color of cinnamon), both of which are recessive with respect to black. In order for the gene B to appear and give a truly black color, the cat, besides it, must also have the dominant color saturation gene D. The genetic formula of the black cat is B-D- (genes B or b and D or d may be in hyphens. , respectively). The black-colored gene of wool B is an ancient gene. The black color, along with the tabby wild type, was found in not yet domesticated cats living in nature. Therefore, black cats and tabby cats have many common characteristics.

Breed and distribution.  Black refers to solid colors, in which the hair is dyed evenly from root to tip. Black color - the base, that is one of the main cats. Black cats are found in all breeds. This color is very common among mongrel cats. Interestingly, black and purebred cats are more common in large cities than in rural areas. Perhaps the black color is more favorable for stray, homeless animals, as it helps them to better disguise and makes them invisible against the background of the urban landscape. Although there are other explanations for this phenomenon.

Character. Black cats are able to stand up for themselves, active, enterprising, enterprising. One of the characteristics of cats of this color is high stress resistance. Black cats are smart and smart, but their behavior can be unpredictable. They are both friendly and stubborn. Black cats are sociable, they like the company of people and other cats, but at the same time they are independent. With free-range maintenance, they like to wander, sometimes moving away from home for a considerable distance. Among other things, they are usually good micelles, with them you can not be afraid of the invasion of rodents.

Care.  Since black cats have good immunity and are more resistant to diseases than cats of the vast majority of other colors, no special care is required. Care may require only the black color of the cat itself. Many environmental factors (humidity, sunlight) as well as chemicals contained in saliva and other secretions of the body turn black pigment into brown, especially on the chin, collar, legs, and pants. In summer, a black cat can burn out almost to a red color, keeping only the nose and paw pads black. To preserve the beautiful pure black color, the cat must be protected from direct sunlight. The color fading of the animal amino acid tyrosine, which is involved in the synthesis of eumelanin pigment (and he, as we remember, determines the black color of the coat) also leads to the “fading” of color. Tyrosine is contained in protein foods (meat, eggs), if there are not enough of them in the cat's diet, it can grow red.

Superstitions and omens.  Black cats are connected most of all, they often appear in folklore. Since black has traditionally been attributed to evil spirits, this performance has shifted to black cats. The black cat is an indispensable companion of a sorcerer or mage. The witch was always depicted with a black cat, it was believed that she could turn into a black cat and vice versa, a black cat could turn into a witch. In the Middle Ages, black cats were declared supporters of the devil and ruthlessly persecuted: they brutally killed, burned alive at the stake. White spots and marks were the salvation for the cat: if they were found, then the cat was found not guilty of witchcraft and she was granted a pardon.

Old prejudices tenacious. And nowadays there are many signs associated with black cats. “They say they are not lucky if the black cat crosses the road ...” It is believed that if a black cat crosses the road, it foreshadows failure. A black cat, jumping onto the bed of a seriously ill patient, foreshadows his death. In general, a black cat brings bad luck. Such superstitions are typical for most countries of Western and Eastern Europe, for America and Russia. As a result, according to the American zoodefenders, black kittens and cats are most rarely attached to shelters in shelters, but they are most often brought to veterinary clinics to sleep. In Russia, such statistics do not exist, but we know for sure that it is necessary to attach blacksheets to good hands with extreme caution, since they can fall into the hands of Satanists and be used by them for rites of black magic. It turns out, as in the song cited above: “For now, on the contrary, only a black cat has no luck!”

However, in conclusion - a bit of a positive: in some other countries, for example in Japan and England, it is considered that a black cat brings happiness. For English sailors and fishermen for a long time, a black cat was a symbol of good luck and a happy talisman that you must have on board in order to safely return home from a long voyage. It is widely known that on board the ship of Christopher Columbus during his journey to America was a black cat (which did not prevent the Americans later to declare black cats a bad omen). Here are some beliefs of different European nations, in which a black cat acts as a good omen.

Due to the ability to dissolve in the night, which gave an undeniable advantage in hunting, wild black cats from ancient times showed their superiority over their relatives. In fact, they are the progenitors of all currently known domesticated cats.

Pure black cats were deified by the ancient Egyptians and Phoenicians. They were kept in temples, attributing to them magical and healing properties.

With the spread of Christianity in the world attitude to the "black demons" has changed. At the time of the Inquisition, black cats were burned at the stake along with witches. From the brutal massacre of a black cat could save only a bright spot on the coat. So in European countries, black and white, variegated animals took precedence, and the population of pure black cats was practically destroyed.

Now only one breed is known, the standard of which allows only black color.— .

Important.Genetics consider the black color of cats and the color of tabby (a striped pattern on the main background) as the initial, basic for all that appeared in domesticated breeds, colors.

The black color of wool directly depends on the presence of the dominant ancient gene B. The gene regulates the amount of eumelanin pigment in the animal's woolen coat. Recessive (secondary) colors in relation to black are the colors of chocolate and cinnamon (cinnamon).

Bombay cat (bombay, bombeyskaya coska), bred, contrary to its exotic name, in the United States. A felinologist from Kentucky Nicky Horner in the 50s of the twentieth century set out to breed a pure-black cats, the appearance resembling a panther.

Bombay cat on the photo

American Curl (American curl)

The distinctive features of American Curls are hard ears turned outwards and backwards and an immediate, “childish” character. Natives of sunny California are intelligent, love sharing pranks with their children.

Kittens are born with straight ears. A characteristic curl begins to form later and appears in about 2/3 of kittens.

Curls were the first breed of cats in which the standard allows for both long-haired and short-haired subspecies.

Any color of curls is acceptable, but preference is given to animals with colorpoint. Often there are tortoiseshell, tabby, silver, smoky colors, colorpoint with white or black spots on the muzzle, legs, tail.

Important.In the colourpoint colourant, pure black, charcoal color is not allowed. It is replaced by black-brown, or dark brown.

Cornish Rex (Cornish rex)

In the Cornish or Cornish Rex there is a very short, “plush” hair, forming curls and peculiar wavy patterns. Long legs, a dry constitution with well-developed muscles, large ears, the outlines giving the cat's head a resemblance to a bat are characteristic of Cornishas.

Adherents of the breed emphasize the flexibility and grace of the Cornellians: a gracefully arched back, strained tail-twig.

Cornishs are madly in love with their owners, they ask for their hands and show their affection in every possible way.

Wavy, thick, very warm wool can be of a different color, including:

• coal black;
• smoky black;
• silver-smoky with black burners, forming a sort of mantle;
• classic tabby, brindle, brown-spotted, silver-spotted, red;
• tortoiseshell;
• calico, smoky calico, van calico - with faded black spots of various shapes and locations on a white or smoky background;
• van Bicolor - black and white cats with hazel, golden or multi-colored eyes.

Laperm (La Perm, Laperm сat)

The representative of the "curly" breeds. The soft curls of la-perms are twisted in elastic spirals directed from the ears to the luxuriant luxurious tail. In cats, in addition, there is also a rich fluffy collar around the neck.

La Perms love company, are very curious, do not tolerate loneliness, need regular walks.

There are no specific requirements for the color of la-perm. The standard allowed the most varied color from black to white.

Norwegian Forest cat

One of the oldest European breeds. It was formed on the basis of aboriginal populations living in the countries of Northern Europe.

Externally similar to the short-haired European cat, but refers to the semi-long-haired breeds. The coat is smooth with a thick, water-repellent undercoat, tight to the body.

On cheekbones characteristic sideburns. On the hind legs thick towels in the form of pants. For the winter, forest cats “let go” of a furry collar (mesentery) on their shoulders and neck.

Important.Justifying the name "forest", the cat has tassels on pointy ears like a lynx, a long shaggy tail, and long legs with wide, heavy legs like wild reed cats.

Color varied: monochrome (including black), bicolor (gray-black, black and red, white and black colors), shaded. Tiger color and various tabby variations are considered preferred.

Ragamaffin (Ragamaffin cat)

Ragamaffins (literally, ragged) were deliberately taken out to obtain more diverse colors from the base breed. Feminologist Ann Baker got the first ragged one by crossing a black mongrel cat with a ragdoll cat.

Widely spaced rounded ears, sometimes decorated with tassels. Although the ragged people are descended from street cats, they have completely lost their hunting instinct. To plant them in the hope of soon getting rid of rodents is pointless.

There are many types of ragamaphins, but bicolor and various tabbies are more common, including pure black cats and individuals with different types of black patterns and spots.

Siberian (Siberian cat)

Siberian cat - the first registered domestic breed. Siberian cats have retained the best qualities of their ancestors: a thick, water-repellent wool, a double dense undercoat, pants on the legs, a toad on the neck and shoulders, a fluffy tail.

Beautiful hunters, protecting the house from mice and rats. Unpretentious to the content and feed, perfectly tolerate heat and frost.

The colors are varied, the “black” colors include:

• neva Masquerade, one of the most elegant among Siberians;
• brindle black;
• marble;
• spotted black;
• shaded chinchilla and veiled chinchilla;
• tortoiseshell;
• bicolor

Japanese Bobtail (Japanese bobtail cat)

Japanese bobtail is a funny short-tailed cat breed.

The main distinguishing feature of the breed is the tail.It can be of different shapes: ball-pompon, straight tail, tail-hook. In any case, the straightened tail is not longer than 12 cm. The tail twisted in the form of a chrysanthemum is considered ideal.

Types of colors are numerous:

• coloring "mi-ke", found only in cats - on a snow-white background rare light and dark-red, black spots;
• tortoiseshell;
• single color - red, white, black, fawn, gray;
• bicolors;
• marble;
• calico.

What color to choose a cat - the question is not idle, because it is by the color of the cat's fur you can learn in advance about the nature of the cat and even make up its psychological portrait. In this article we will tell you about how a cat has several typical colors.

Color in cats is a multifaceted concept and means not only the color of wool, but also the pattern of stripes on it (or its absence), the presence of white spots on the wool, the degree of coloring of the wool itself. The main colors that make up cat's variations are a bit: black, brown, red, yellow ... Of course, white, but since it is not a color, but just the opposite - it says about its absence, the color is called purely symbolic .

White and fluffy

Cats of white color were highly valued at all times: they were lifted in ancient Egypt, kept in their chambers by French kings. It is reliably known that the white cat lived with the English writer Charles Dickens and the Japanese emperor Isis ... Cats of solid white color have always been considered a symbol of purity and integrity. They also help those in life who risk and work a lot: white cats perfectly relieve stress and mysteriously bring good luck.

"Snow White" among the meowing tribe are not very common - there are only 5% of such persons from the total number. Most often white cats are found among Persian and Angora, there are also white Maine Coons, white curly Devonian and Cornish Rex. British white cats have become very popular in recent years. According to the standards, the fur of such cats should not have any spots, patches or shades of a different color. Although kittens can have colored markings on the head and between, but over time, as a rule, by 8-9 months, during the first molt, they disappear. The nose and paw pads of such cats should be pale pink. The eyes may be yellow, copper, dark orange and blue. It is believed that white cats with blue eyes suffer from deafness, but experts say that only 5% of them are born really deaf (however, deafness does not prevent them from leading a full life next to their owner and give healthy offspring). The rest of the white cats hear absolutely everything that happens around.

Character in white cats, as a rule, appeasable, calm, very friendly. They are undemanding, and sometimes even timid. White cats are very smart, affectionate and loyal pets.

Blacker than night

Blacks are considered to be special among monochrome cats. The cat, which looks “blacker than night”, has for centuries been attributed various kinds of magical and witchcraft abilities. Every nation has a lot of superstitions around coal-colored cats: for some, a black cat brings good luck and health, protects the house from thieves, while for others, on the contrary, such a cat is a messenger of misfortunes, misfortunes and losses. Black cats and cats have become the heroes of many books and movies, many songs are devoted to them. In the international calendar there is even the Day of the black cat (November 17). However, rejecting mystical prejudices, it must be admitted that a black cat is a very beautiful, elegant and graceful person, she knows her own worth well.

Cats of black color are calm, prudent, careful, wise. They love communication, but at the same time they can quietly spend a lot of time alone, they perfectly feel the mood of the owner, they know how to relieve tension. Black cats have strong immunity, good health and resistance to stress. Black color is inherent in many breeds, both traditional, having centuries-old roots (British black cats are considered the oldest variety) and younger ones bred a few decades ago, such as the Bombay cat, notable for its dense hair to hair, good-natured and constant purring.

Red sun

Felinologists (experts in the standards of feline breeds) call this amazing color “red” and ordinary cat lovers call it “gold”. The red cat coat, for which a particular gene is responsible, has one peculiarity - it is not unbroken. There is always some pattern on the red wool: spotted, striped, marbled. It can be clear, bright or shaded. found among different breeds of cats - Persian, Siberian, British and even Siamese (Siamese redfish are considered very aggressive). But, according to experts, despite the fact that the red color is very popular and commercially profitable, the most redfish is observed among mongrel cats.

For red cats and cats has long been entrenched the glory of protectors and healers. It is believed that if a red cat clings to the patient, then the person will quickly recover. Communication with a red pet and people suffering from hypertension and migraine helps. Many "sunny" cats cause joy and a positive attitude. Such a “trend” is also remarkable: people with red hair like to start at home red cats. However, this is understandable: representatives of one “suit” easily find a common language with each other.

Red cats are generally positive and peace-loving creatures, but with a cunning, and, as they say, on their mind. They require increased attention. Ginger cat all the time trying to be closer to its owner. Among the little ones, red kittens are the most amusing, naughty and playful ones.

50 shades of grey

Gray cats are considered aristocrats in the cat world, so it is not surprising that this rather banal color in relation to the cat color is often called blue. There is a mass of shades of gray: from light to dark, with a slight admixture of blue or a touch of silver. One of the varieties of gray color is smoky (the upper half of the hairs are gray and the roots are white). Typical representatives of the "gray" are cats of the British breed, whose wool is distinguished by a bluish tint. This subtle tint blends beautifully with the orange and green color of cat eyes. Gray color is often characteristic of Persians, Angora and Siberian cats.

Gray cats firmly established a reputation for energetic, strong and docile pets. They are distinguished from congeners of another color by an even and soft character, a lively mind and exceptional devotion to the owner. Gray cats are never vindictive, they are educated and generous. It is believed that gray cats bring harmony and love into the house, that they relieve heartache and nervous feelings and even help their owner, who is in an “interesting position,” to calmly endure the pregnancy.

Two in one

Two-colored cats look very unusual. Their color is called bicolor. Not so long ago, these cats were considered "defective" and officially recognized only in 1969. In our time, two-colored cats have become fashionable and popular, at cat shows they collect a lot of honorary prizes. Their color consists of the main color and the color of spots of various sizes. In this case, the specks should not be blurred and mixed with each other - this is the main requirement for two-color cats. By the prevailing color is determined by the name of the color: white and black, white and blue. Cats with a symmetrical pattern are especially highly valued, but breeders rarely manage to breed such “twins”.

It is believed that two-colored cats are much softer, kinder and more obedient than single-colored cats, they get along peacefully and are friends with other pets. Bicolors are very active and sociable, love to play and very clean.

Separate conversation, of course, deserve and tricolor cats. Cats, in the color of which white, black and red colors harmoniously combined in many countries are considered a symbol of happiness, well-being, wealth. Such cats (cats, not cats, because the tricolor color is transmitted only through the "female" line) differ in their special disposition, because they inherited all the best qualities from monochrome relatives. They are intelligent, affectionate, loyal and, like all beautiful women, a little flirtatious.

Do you believe that the color of a cat affects its character?

White cat: special signs

A pure white cat is magic! So consider not only modern happy owners of such animals - even our ancestors were sure of it. Already in ancient Egypt, white cats were revered especially, considering that it was they who best of all helped people whose lives were associated with risk and heavy physical exertion. In addition, at different times, white cats were considered the personification of purity (both physical and purity of thoughts) and integrity.

As for the external features, the white cats - is a sample of the purest colors, which are respected and admired at all times. According to the standards, the wool of such cats should not have any impurities or shades of color, as well as blotches and spots, although the kittens are allowed to mark any color on the head, since such specks disappear over time.

Gray cats: the mystery of true silver

Silver-gray coat color of cats is rarely called banal gray: as a rule, it is called blue, although, of course, there are several other varieties of color and, as a result, types of names.

In general, gray cats are distinguished by wool of a light or dark gray, clean and uniform shade without impurities of a different color. Directly blue colors include light tones with a slight admixture of silver, which are combined with the bluish-gray color of the pads and nose lobes. In addition, there are several other varieties of gray color, the main among which can be considered smoky (half of hairs are gray and half, at the roots - white).

The origin of the black cat

A cat with this extraordinary color has long been considered an integral attribute of any magician or witch. This is not surprising, because the black cat has always been famous for its mystery and mystery, and many attributed to her witchcraft abilities and properties. And only a few really know that black cats actually appeared in the world ... by chance.

The earliest cats wore a brown-golden color, which gave them a mixture of black and yellow hair. The true origin of the black cat began with a gene mutation, when one of its ancestors disrupted the distribution of yellow pigment in hair. As a result of crossing this ancestor with another, equally dark, the first black cat appeared, which, by the way, had absolutely nothing to do with otherworldly forces. And the eyes of a black cat - expressive, piercing and bright - look like those primarily due to the monotony and “seriousness” of its color.

Ginger cat: a sign of happiness

Even in ancient times it was believed that the red cat is the support and hope of all the suffering and sick. It was the red cats and cats that were considered to be real advocates (sometimes magical properties were even attributed to them), and later they were even elevated to the rank of healers: it was believed that if the red cat started to take care of the patient, the latter would recover much faster after the operation or serious illness.

Moreover, cats with such an amazing color are also called gold: people letting in the house of such a “solar” beast are sure that it will bring joy and fun for all households, and at the same time wealth, which is symbolized by its red hair. It is also believed that red cats like to keep at home people with red hair, for which the cat is a symbol of their cheerful and vibrant nature.

Two-colored cat: double treasure

The bicolor color of cats is differently called bicolor. As a rule, such features of color are peculiar only to some breeds of animals, and in general, bicolor cats were recognized quite recently - mainly in 1969, when they were actively shown at exhibitions and specially bred. Prior to this, two-colored cats were somehow considered “defective”.

Today it is believed that two-color cats are the softest, kind, balanced, obedient and friendly. They are very easy to comb out and bathe, which must be done quite often - two-colored cats require care at least once every 10 days, and it is better to comb them daily. However, perhaps the need for such careful care and reduces the demand for bicolor cats, which are less popular than animals of other colors. The quality of color in such animals determines their dominant color, on which large or small monochromatic spots appear. The names of colors are also determined by the primary color. For example, there are black and white, white and blue, chocolate and white and other types of cats. The main requirement for cats of this color - specks should not be mixed with each other, and the upper body should be predominantly colored. Sometimes two-colored cats (most often British) are also called magpie - megpay, from the English word "forty".

Tricolor cat

Tricolor cats - tricolor happiness

Probably, everyone who loves cats, has repeatedly heard in his life a famous belief that tricolor cats in any home bring happiness and special patronage. And white cats with black and red spots are considered especially valuable: white symbolizes purity, black - the ability to fight evil spirits, red - the ability to drive away diseases and bring gold to the house. It is on this type of color that many beliefs are built.

For example, in Japan there are similar signs: a three-colored cat in this country is considered to be a talisman that brings happiness, and her figurine (called a certain maneki) is placed at the entrance to the house, where wealth should also come with happiness. Such a cat is also called “greeting”: it is depicted with a paw raised to her ear as if in the form of a greeting, namely, with a greeting, according to Japanese belief, prosperity comes to the house.

Cats of rare colors

Coloring cats: the most incredible options

Thanks to constant crossbreeding and various experiments, the felinologists managed to bring out a lot of feline colors, many of which look simply amazing and unusual. However, the genetics of cats' colors still made the most unusual colors standard for certain breeds: these standards should correspond not only to the color of cats, but also to the color of their nose lobes, paw pads and eye color, and only this strict correspondence can be considered proof of the cat's true identity. to a particular breed.

In general, the color of cats is finally established only by six months of the kitten's life, and until that time it is very difficult to determine what color his coat will be. Moreover, some colors (for example, tortoiseshell cats or cream-blue) are dependent on the floor, and they can be found only in cats or only in cats. Other colors are directly related only to a certain breed. For example, the smoky purple color of cats is practically not at all peculiar to the British, although for this breed such smoky varieties as "black smoke" and "blue smoke" have already been bred.