Animal researchers "think" it is possible the cat's coat color predicts the cat's behavior. There have been reports of dog or cat white coat color being linked to deafness. Other reports suggest a connection between coat color and aggressive behavior in some dog breeds. Now....animal researchers are finding there is some evidence of associations between feline behavior and coat color.
How do cats get their color?
There are four categories of coat-color pattern genes that control spotting, pigment intensity, orange and agouti color switching and even coat color patterns in cats. It is all tied into which chromosomes a kitten receives from parents. Researchers study whether behavior can be inherited in the cat much the same way as coat color.
Researchers note certain aspects of a kitten's personality remain relatively constant throughout the first few years of life suggesting a genetic tie to personality traits. The type of cat breed influences differences in interactions with humans. Siamese cats are more demanding and vocal toward their pet parents when compared with other breeds.
Cat lovers report orange cats seem to be the friendliest while black cats are perceived as being wild and unpredictable. There are cat lover claims that tortoiseshells have a combination of stubbornness, independence and unpredictability.
As far back as 1895, veterinarians were quoted to say torties were NOT overly affectionate and even sometimes sinister by nature perhaps having the most ill-tempered in disposition of all cat coat colors.
Other reports surface throughout the years describing tortoiseshells and calicos being "feisty" and even going so far as to say "calico crazies."
There is of course a lack of solid research and evidence to substantiate the cat lovers views of their cats based upon "color." However, due to this lack of evidence one veterinary behaviorist Elizabeth Stelow along with her team of researchers set out to determine whether or not cat coat color can actually be linked to behavior patterns.
A four-month survey evolved to try and determine this association. Over 1,400 pet parents filled out the survey in which the fact that coat color as the primary subject was disguised. Surprisingly, pet parents of kittens reported tortoiseshells, calicos, black and white, gray and white cats act more frequently aggressive toward humans in three different settings:
Sources for main portion of this article:
Elizabeth A. Stelow, Melissa J. Bain & Philip H. Kass (2015): The Relationship Between Coat Color and Aggressive Behaviors in the Domestic Cat, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2015.1081820
Amat, M., de la Torre, J. L. R., Fatjó, J., Mariotti, V. M., Van Wijk, S., & Manteca, X. (2009). Potential risk factors associated with feline behaviour problems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 121, 134–139.
Amat, M., Manteca, X., Mariotti, V. M., de la Torre, J. L. R., & Fatjó, J. (2009). Aggressive behavior in the English cocker spaniel. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 4, 111–117.
Bateson, W. (1894). Materials for the study of variation, treated with especial regard to discontinuity in the origin of species. London, England: MacMillan.
Becker, M. (2012). Is there a connection between markings and personality in cats? Retrieved from vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/is-there-a-connection-between-markings-and-personality-in-cats.
Dantas-Divers, L. M. S. (2011). Questions about coat color and aggression in cats (author response). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239, 1288–1289.
Delgado, M. M., Munera, J. D., & Reevy, G. M. (2012). Human perceptions of coat color as an indicator of domestic cat personality. Anthrozoös, 25, 427–440.
Huidekoper, R. S. (1895). The cat: A guide to the classification and varieties of cats and a short treatise upon their care, diseases, and treatment. New York, NY: D. Appleton.
Huntingford, J. (2009). The color of a cat can determine their personality. Retrieved from petwellbeing.com/ blog/the-color-of-a-cat-can-determine-their-personality.
Kim, Y. K., Lee, S. S., Oh, S. I., Kim, J. S., Suh, E. H., Houpt, K. A. ... Yeon, S. C. (2010). Behavioural reactivity of the Korean native Jindo dog varies with coat colour. Behavioural Processes, 84, 568–572.
Kogan, L. R., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., & Hellyer, P. W. (2013). Cats in animal shelters: Exploring the common perception that black cats take longer to adopt. Open Veterinary Science Journal, 7, 18–22.
Lowe, S. E., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2001). Ontogeny of individuality in the domestic cat in the home environment. Animal Behaviour, 61, 231–237.
McCune, S. (1995). The impact of paternity and early socialisation on the development of cats’ behaviour to people and novel objects. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 45, 109–124.
Meier, M., & Turner, D. C. (1985). Reactions of house cats during encounters with a strange person: Evidence for two personality types. Journal of the Delta Society, 2, 45–53.
Podberscek, A. L., & Serpell, J. A. (1996). The English cocker spaniel: Preliminary findings on aggressive behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 47, 75–89.
Reisner, I. R., Houpt, K. A., Erb, H. N., & Quimby, F. W. (1994). Friendliness to humans and defensive aggression in cats: The influence of handling and paternity. Physiology & Behavior, 55, 1119–1124.
Webb, A. A., & Cullen, C. L. (2010). Coat color and coat color pattern-related neurologic and neuro-ophthalmic diseases. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 51, 653–657.
Join the Life's Abundance Team and start helping pets and humans live longer, healthier lives.
Use our products.
If you become impressed with our products, just wait until you hear about our income opportunity. You might be surprised to learn that you can earn a substantial income from selling our health-promoting products for pets and humans. There's never been a more exciting time to sign-up as a Life's Abundance Field Representative. With new product releases on the horizon, you will find more ways to reach new customers and net serious wages unlike working that 9 to 5 job with a boss that turns your stomach raw on a daily basis. A Life's Abundance home business may be just the perfect solution for you.
As a Life's Abundance rep, I specialize in helping people from all walks of life generate income by using and recommending our products while at the same time helping pets and humans live longer, healthier lives.
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How do cats get their color?
There are four categories of coat-color pattern genes that control spotting, pigment intensity, orange and agouti color switching and even coat color patterns in cats. It is all tied into which chromosomes a kitten receives from parents. Researchers study whether behavior can be inherited in the cat much the same way as coat color.
Researchers note certain aspects of a kitten's personality remain relatively constant throughout the first few years of life suggesting a genetic tie to personality traits. The type of cat breed influences differences in interactions with humans. Siamese cats are more demanding and vocal toward their pet parents when compared with other breeds.
Cat lovers report orange cats seem to be the friendliest while black cats are perceived as being wild and unpredictable. There are cat lover claims that tortoiseshells have a combination of stubbornness, independence and unpredictability.
As far back as 1895, veterinarians were quoted to say torties were NOT overly affectionate and even sometimes sinister by nature perhaps having the most ill-tempered in disposition of all cat coat colors.
Other reports surface throughout the years describing tortoiseshells and calicos being "feisty" and even going so far as to say "calico crazies."
There is of course a lack of solid research and evidence to substantiate the cat lovers views of their cats based upon "color." However, due to this lack of evidence one veterinary behaviorist Elizabeth Stelow along with her team of researchers set out to determine whether or not cat coat color can actually be linked to behavior patterns.
A four-month survey evolved to try and determine this association. Over 1,400 pet parents filled out the survey in which the fact that coat color as the primary subject was disguised. Surprisingly, pet parents of kittens reported tortoiseshells, calicos, black and white, gray and white cats act more frequently aggressive toward humans in three different settings:
- during everyday interactions
- during handling
- during veterinary visits
Of note from this study is that the behaviorists did not independently observe any cats themselves. The study was completely based upon the self-reporting of the cats' pet parents or guardians. We cannot dismiss the thoughts that respondents were people who might have had preconceived notions about their cat's behavior.
Interesting though to note even without solid research that it is quite possible the color of your cat may in part at least give you a glimpse into what kinds of behavior to expect. I would venture to go on to say, however, that regardless of the color of a cat's coat, behaviors can be changed. Cats can be trained just as well as dogs. Try using the good behavior reinforcement techniques and use the Life's Abundance nourishing cat treats as a reward for your cat's good behavior during training sessions.
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Gourmet Cat Treats |
Chicken, herring & liver meals
Guaranteed vitamin C & E, omega-3’s, DHA & EPA
Healthier hair can minimize hairballs
Made in the USA
Gourmet Cat Treats For Healthy Skin & Coat features premium nutrition, with added vitamins, minerals and other trace nutrients, that nourish and protect skin and coats.
Because healthy skin is much more likely to produce strong, luxurious hair, it’s vital to nourish the skin. The omega-3 fatty acids in this premium formula help prevent overly dry skin, while vitamin E helps maintain skin elasticity. The added vitamin C in this formula helps the body to produce collagen, skin’s major component. And, because protein is necessary for the growth and maintenance of a strong, resilient coat, this delectable recipe features chicken, herring and chicken liver. Plus, cats adore the appetizing flavor of these savory nuggets.
For coats that are resilient and resplendent, simply add this dietary supplement to your cat’s daily regimen.
Because healthy skin is much more likely to produce strong, luxurious hair, it’s vital to nourish the skin. The omega-3 fatty acids in this premium formula help prevent overly dry skin, while vitamin E helps maintain skin elasticity. The added vitamin C in this formula helps the body to produce collagen, skin’s major component. And, because protein is necessary for the growth and maintenance of a strong, resilient coat, this delectable recipe features chicken, herring and chicken liver. Plus, cats adore the appetizing flavor of these savory nuggets.
For coats that are resilient and resplendent, simply add this dietary supplement to your cat’s daily regimen.
Sources for main portion of this article:
Elizabeth A. Stelow, Melissa J. Bain & Philip H. Kass (2015): The Relationship Between Coat Color and Aggressive Behaviors in the Domestic Cat, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2015.1081820
Amat, M., de la Torre, J. L. R., Fatjó, J., Mariotti, V. M., Van Wijk, S., & Manteca, X. (2009). Potential risk factors associated with feline behaviour problems. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 121, 134–139.
Amat, M., Manteca, X., Mariotti, V. M., de la Torre, J. L. R., & Fatjó, J. (2009). Aggressive behavior in the English cocker spaniel. Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, 4, 111–117.
Bateson, W. (1894). Materials for the study of variation, treated with especial regard to discontinuity in the origin of species. London, England: MacMillan.
Becker, M. (2012). Is there a connection between markings and personality in cats? Retrieved from vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/is-there-a-connection-between-markings-and-personality-in-cats.
Dantas-Divers, L. M. S. (2011). Questions about coat color and aggression in cats (author response). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 239, 1288–1289.
Delgado, M. M., Munera, J. D., & Reevy, G. M. (2012). Human perceptions of coat color as an indicator of domestic cat personality. Anthrozoös, 25, 427–440.
Huidekoper, R. S. (1895). The cat: A guide to the classification and varieties of cats and a short treatise upon their care, diseases, and treatment. New York, NY: D. Appleton.
Huntingford, J. (2009). The color of a cat can determine their personality. Retrieved from petwellbeing.com/ blog/the-color-of-a-cat-can-determine-their-personality.
Kim, Y. K., Lee, S. S., Oh, S. I., Kim, J. S., Suh, E. H., Houpt, K. A. ... Yeon, S. C. (2010). Behavioural reactivity of the Korean native Jindo dog varies with coat colour. Behavioural Processes, 84, 568–572.
Kogan, L. R., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., & Hellyer, P. W. (2013). Cats in animal shelters: Exploring the common perception that black cats take longer to adopt. Open Veterinary Science Journal, 7, 18–22.
Lowe, S. E., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2001). Ontogeny of individuality in the domestic cat in the home environment. Animal Behaviour, 61, 231–237.
McCune, S. (1995). The impact of paternity and early socialisation on the development of cats’ behaviour to people and novel objects. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 45, 109–124.
Meier, M., & Turner, D. C. (1985). Reactions of house cats during encounters with a strange person: Evidence for two personality types. Journal of the Delta Society, 2, 45–53.
Podberscek, A. L., & Serpell, J. A. (1996). The English cocker spaniel: Preliminary findings on aggressive behaviour. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 47, 75–89.
Reisner, I. R., Houpt, K. A., Erb, H. N., & Quimby, F. W. (1994). Friendliness to humans and defensive aggression in cats: The influence of handling and paternity. Physiology & Behavior, 55, 1119–1124.
Webb, A. A., & Cullen, C. L. (2010). Coat color and coat color pattern-related neurologic and neuro-ophthalmic diseases. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 51, 653–657.
Join the Life's Abundance Team and start helping pets and humans live longer, healthier lives.
Use our products.
If you become impressed with our products, just wait until you hear about our income opportunity. You might be surprised to learn that you can earn a substantial income from selling our health-promoting products for pets and humans. There's never been a more exciting time to sign-up as a Life's Abundance Field Representative. With new product releases on the horizon, you will find more ways to reach new customers and net serious wages unlike working that 9 to 5 job with a boss that turns your stomach raw on a daily basis. A Life's Abundance home business may be just the perfect solution for you.
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