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Gypsy is a Domestic Long Hair!
The Egg & sperm cells of cats each contain 19 chromosomes. At conception, they team up to create a unique set of 19 pairs. The genes for each characteristic also pair up, side by side. Thus, any mutations or mistakes can create a new trait.
Genetic variations in a characteristic are called dominant if one copy is needed to show an effect and recessive if two copies - one on each chromosome - are needed. Original traits tend to be dominant and new mutations tend to be recessive. As an example, the original trait for hair length was for short coats, so it’s a dominant trait. The mutation for long coats occurred a long time ago, but it’s still a recessive trait and needs two copies of the gene.
The gene for long hair is recessive in cats. This means that there must be one copy passed to the kitten from each parent. The mutation that created long-haired cats occurred centuries ago in Central Asia, probably as a survival mechanism to protect the cats from the cold climate. They were brought to Europe in the 1500's and were initially referred to as "Persians".
Another variation of the long-haired cat occurred in America, known as the "Maine Coon". It isn't clear whether it was an independent mutation that occurred in America or whether the recessive gene came from European cats that were brought to America.
Many of the long-haired cats with northern origins have sturdy bodies, broad faces and calm, friendly attitudes. They prefer lounging on their owner's laps while being stroked to scampering about and playing.
While most short-hairs can handle their own grooming, the Domestic Long-Hair needs help with regular grooming. Some of the longer, thicker coats may need brushing and combing more than once a day to prevent mats from forming.
We are pleased to welcome Gypsy to our practice!
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