What kind of kittens do a Sphynx and a regular cat have? - briefly
When a Sphynx cat is bred with a regular cat, the resulting kittens are typically hairless or have a very short coat. This is due to the dominant gene for hairlessness present in the Sphynx breed.
What kind of kittens do a Sphynx and a regular cat have? - in detail
When a Sphynx cat, which is known for its hairless nature, mates with a regular domestic cat, the resulting offspring can exhibit various characteristics depending on their genetic makeup. The primary factor determining the appearance and traits of the kittens is the type of coat gene they inherit from each parent.
The Sphynx breed carries a dominant mutation in the hair growth gene, specifically the KRT71 gene, which results in a lack of fur. Regular domestic cats typically have two copies of the normal version of this gene, which promotes hair growth. When these two types of genes interact during reproduction, several outcomes are possible for the kittens:
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Hairless (Sphynx-like) Kittens: If a kitten inherits two copies of the dominant hairless gene from the Sphynx parent, it will likely be born without fur, resembling its Sphynx ancestor. These kittens may have some fine down or even appear completely hairless, depending on their exact genetic makeup.
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Heterozygous Kittens: If a kitten inherits one copy of the dominant hairless gene from the Sphynx parent and one copy of the normal hair growth gene from the regular cat parent, it will be heterozygous for the trait. These kittens usually have a short, fine coat or may exhibit some patches of hairlessness. Their appearance can vary significantly, with some having more fur than others.
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Fully Coated Kittens: If a kitten inherits two copies of the normal hair growth gene from the regular cat parent, it will be fully coated and resemble its domestic cat ancestor in terms of fur length and texture. These kittens may not show any signs of the hairless trait carried by their Sphynx parent.
In addition to coat characteristics, the kittens may also inherit other traits from both parents, such as body type, eye color, and temperament. The exact blend of these features will depend on the specific genetic contributions from each parent.
It is important to note that while the Sphynx breed is known for its unique appearance, the hairless trait does not affect the health or intelligence of the cats. However, due to their lack of fur, Sphynx cats and their offspring may require special care to prevent sunburn and maintain body heat, especially in colder environments.
Overall, the mating of a Sphynx cat with a regular domestic cat can result in a litter with diverse appearances and genetic combinations. The specific outcome for each kitten will depend on the complex interplay of their inherited genes.