Feline dwarfism is a condition caused by genetic anomalies which lead to stunted growth and abnormal feline body proportions. Unlike other variants of small cats, feline dwarfs are often associated with numerous health […]
If your beautiful feline’s eyes are two different colors – yellow and blue perhaps – then you’ve got yourself an odd-eyed kitten! These captivating little creatures are carriers of a feline form of a condition known as complete heterochromia. Heterochromia is a captivating genetic anomaly most commonly observed in white kitties.
Genetic mutations are permanent alterations (or anomalies) of genes. While these anomalies can have different impacts on an individual – beneficial, neutral or even harmful – they are important sources of genetic diversity in populations of all species, including cats. Some of these genetic anomalies can result in interesting differences in physical appearance. Here are some of the unusual physical features in cats caused by genetic mutations.
The cat featured in the heading image is Narnia De La Grace (credits).
In Greek mythology, a chimera is a monstrous fire-breathing, three-headed hybrid creature. It was usually portrayed as a lion with a goat rising from its back with a snake for its tail. Homer described the Chimera in the Iliad as “a thing of immortal make, not human, lion-fronted and snake behind, a goat in the middle, and snorting out the breath of the terrible flame of bright fire."
Header photo: Basepaws cat Simon, Lewiston, ID, hooman Mia Carlson
Paws are cute. And who has extra-adorable paws? Hemingway cats, of course! Hemingway cats are carriers of a genetic anomaly polydactyly. Polydactyly is a trait of an unusually high number of digits and it has been described in several species, including humans, cats, dogs, horses, mice, cattle, goats, sheep, springboks and birds (Hamelin et al, 2016). Polydactyl cats are often referred to as Hemingway cats, as they have gained their popularity thanks to the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway. Maine Coons are thought to be predisposed to this genetic feature.
Feline dwarfism is a condition caused by genetic anomalies which lead to stunted growth and abnormal feline body proportions. Unlike other variants of small cats, feline dwarfs are often associated with numerous health issues. While dwarfism in cats can be a result of genetic accidents, there are a few cat breeds selectively bred to promote the condition too. Follow-up to acquire the basic understanding of this potentially painful genetic defect.