Can pumas be white?
In 2020, there is no evidence that pumas can be white but this may change in the future.
genetics
Why are white tigers white?
It is believed that white tigers are white because of the result of a genetic mutation which occurred about 120 years ago causing a pair of recessive genes to signal the coat to be chalk-white, the eyes ice-blue and the stripes chocolate coloured (I.W.B Thorton – 1978 – White tiger genetics – further evidence). …
Is the domestic cat a species?
Yes, the domestic cat is a species. Although I think it is a slightly tricky question because the domestic cat could be a subspecies. This is the science of TAXONOMY which is fairly settled nowadays but scientists are still making adjustments. As the domestic cat is a domesticated North Africa wildcat (F.s.lybica) the question …
Genetic engineering to reduce feral cat populations in America and Australia
I’d like to propose as an idea that a form of genetic engineering called ‘gene drive’ be used as a way to reduce the feral cat populations in America and Australia. Local governments in both these countries are struggling with what they see as a ‘feral cat problem’. A gene drive is a type …
‘Flathead’ the Baby Yoda domestic cat with flattened ears is a Scottish Fold
We are told that a black domestic cat called ‘Flathead’ is the latest cat celebrity because his ears are not erect but lie horizontally on his head like Baby Yoda in star Wars. The online news media refer to a ‘mysterious mutation’ which causes these strange looking Yodaesque ears. I am going to stick …
Picture of Dwarf Red Panda Cat
This young cat looks like a red panda. This is also a dwarf cat in my opinion because the legs are short. The result of the highly unusual coat and shortened legs is a cat that looks quite like the cute red panda. Genetics? I am not sure what the genetics are but they …
How do Siamese cats get their colour?
Siamese are dark cats with a pigment-inhibiting, temperature-sensitive gene which removes some of the darkness when the temperature is warmer. Yes, Siamese cats are dark coated believe it or not. But they have a gene which inhibits the pigmentation in the fur if the cat’s body temperature rises above a certain threshold. I guess …
Sport hunting of African lions has weakened them by restricting their genetic diversity
A study lead by a conservation biologist at the Zoological Society of London, Simon Dures, has produced compelling but not conclusive evidence that sport hunting of African lions has made them physically less strong than they were 100 years ago because it has made lions’ genetic makeup less diverse. “We show that the genetic …
Note: Some older videos on this page were hosted on Vimeo. That account has now been retired, so a few video blocks may appear blank. Thanks for understanding — there’s still plenty of cat content to enjoy!