If a pedigreed cat and a non-pedigreed cat mate, what will the kittens be like? - briefly
When a pedigreed cat mates with a non-pedigreed cat, the resulting kittens are typically not considered purebred and cannot be registered as such by major breed associations. However, they may still exhibit some physical characteristics or behavioral traits of the pedigreed parent.
If a pedigreed cat and a non-pedigreed cat mate, what will the kittens be like? - in detail
When a pedigreed cat, often referred to as a purebred, mates with a non-pedigreed or mixed-breed cat, the resulting offspring are typically considered mixed-breeds themselves. This is because the genetic makeup of the kittens will be a combination of the traits inherited from both parents.
Purebred cats are those that have been selectively bred over generations to maintain specific physical and behavioral characteristics that define their breed. These characteristics are outlined in breed standards, which are maintained by cat registries such as The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). In contrast, non-pedigreed cats do not have a documented lineage or adhere to any particular breed standard, leading to a more varied genetic pool.
When these two types of cats mate, the kittens will inherit a mix of traits from both parents. This can result in a wide range of appearances and behaviors. For instance, if one parent is a Siamese cat known for its distinctive blue eyes and vocal nature, and the other is a non-pedigreed cat with green eyes and a quiet disposition, the kittens could have any combination of these traits. They might have blue or green eyes, be vocal or quiet, and exhibit various physical characteristics from both parents.
It's important to note that while the kittens will inherit some traits from each parent, they may not necessarily display all the distinctive features of either parent's breed. For example, a kitten from this mating might have the short hair of one parent and the color points of another, but it would not be considered a purebred Siamese cat unless it meets all the criteria outlined in the breed standard for that specific breed.
In summary, when a pedigreed cat and a non-pedigreed cat mate, the resulting kittens will be mixed-breeds with a combination of traits from both parents. These kittens can exhibit a wide variety of appearances and behaviors, reflecting their diverse genetic heritage.