Metis cats: description and features of care

Currently, approximately 256 cat breeds are officially recognized in the world. Many of them were recently launched; some are under development. In total, according to statistics, about 600 million fluffy pets live in houses and apartments. Most of them are crossbreeds.

Cats were tamed by humans over ten thousand years ago. Initially, there were no breeds, the differences in animals were determined by the climate of the area where they lived.

In the future, with the beginning of the migration of peoples, the development of navigation, cats began to fall into other regions. As a result of mating individuals from different territories, the first mestizos appeared. Gradually, individual varieties began to form. Now mestizos or half-breeds are called kittens, whose parents belong to two different breeds.

A mixed breed cat carries the appearance and character traits that are characteristic of the paternal and maternal lines. It is absolutely impossible to guess what will come of such a cross.

Mestizos, having inherited the hereditary traits of two or more breeds, most often choose the best of them. This is necessary for the survival of a new species.

Usually these cats are more healthy, flexible disposition and quick wit. They easily adapt to different living conditions, are undemanding to food, respond to the love and care of the owners with affection and devotion.

Character traits of a cat-mestizo depend on several factors.

• Origin. If a kitten appeared as a result of mating of purebred individuals, it can be assumed that it will inherit the temperament that is dominant in these two breeds. It is much more difficult to determine the character of the baby, when one of his parents is of unknown origin, there may be the most unexpected situations.
• Accommodations. When a cat grows up at home, in a family, with loving owners who take care of him, he will be calm, friendly and affectionate. And it’s a completely different matter if an animal has to get its own food, fight for survival on the street. In this case, a manifestation of aggression, distrust of people, fear is possible. At the same time, if you shelter such a cat, it will be very grateful to its owner, will become a real friend.
• Appropriate care. Any pet - it doesn’t matter whether it is elite blood or the most ordinary yard cat - needs proper nutrition. It is also necessary to take care of timely consultation with a specialist - a veterinarian, who will give useful recommendations regarding vaccinations, diet, and will help in case of illness. Of course, when a cat is healthy and well-fed, it will show its most positive qualities.

The appearance of mestizos is completely dependent on the genetic qualities of the parents. There is a tendency that most often kittens inherit not the obvious features of the breed, but the length and color of the coat, eye color, size and shape of the body, head, muzzle, paws. Moreover, the combination may be the most unpredictable.

Some breeds appeared just in this way, when, by chance, an oversight, pairing of representatives of two varieties occurred, and as a result the cubs have new, interesting and unusual data.

An undoubted advantage of mestizos is their immunity, stronger than that of thoroughbred counterparts. These cats are different good health, stamina, get along well with other pets. They also higher level of intelligence and learning ability.

The so-called disadvantages include the fact that, no matter how prominent and beautiful the cat may be, he will never be able to take part in exhibitions, will not receive prizes and medals. But this small minus is fully compensated by the huge love, devotion and friendship that he will give to his masters.

Depending on which breeds the kitten's parents belonged to, some characteristic varieties can be distinguished.

The most striking example of mestizos is the well-known breed - the British. They appeared as a result of crossing English shorthair domestic cats with Persian cats, specially brought to the UK. The result was good, and it was decided to recognize the offspring as an independent species. Currently, a cross between a British cat and other breeds is called a mestizo.

Concerning Maine Coon, their crossbreeding with any other species is not allowed, because the positive intellectual qualities of this amazing breed are completely lost.

However, there are situations when large fluffy kittens are sold under the guise of coons.

The most interesting in terms of exterior are the following mixed breeds.

• Napoleon, Himalayan, Tiffany - were obtained on the basis of Persian cats, their distinguishing feature is the long fluffy hair of a wide variety of colors.
• Neva Masquerade. Bred thanks to the efforts of Russian breeders. A very beautiful cat, a mixed breed of Siberian and Siamese individuals. The new variety took the quality of the fur from the Siberians, and the colors from the Siamese.
• Nibelung. A mixture of purebred Russian blue with long-haired breeds. The color of soft wool is grayish-blue.

In addition to these, there are many other types.

It happens that mestizos are fundamentally different in nature from their parents. So, cats of Thai breed are distinguished by a high level of intelligence, calmness, sociability.

Mestizo cats are sold everywhere and are inexpensive. However, in order to avoid disappointments in the future, you should seriously buy a kitten and take into account some recommendations.

• Be sure to look at mom. Ask the owner with the cats of which breeds there was mating.
• Learn as much as possible about the characteristics of both parents, their temperament, behavior, health status.
• Mandatory kittens should be examined by a veterinarian, as well as the necessary vaccinations.
• Pay attention to the appearance of the kids. In healthy cats, the coat is clean, smooth and shiny, the eyes look fun, they are playful, curious and make good contact.
• Do not take timid, or, conversely, too vicious individuals. It is possible that they will have a complex, unpredictable character.

Mestizo cats are easier to feed than their thoroughbred counterparts. However, there are general rules for those and others that must be adhered to.

• Cats are predators, carnivores, so meat and offal must be present in their diet.
• The second component is boiled vegetables, they are mixed with the main food.
• You can add porridge to the meat broth.
• As a dessert, suitable fermented milk drinks - kefir, fermented baked milk. You can’t give yogurt - it contains sugar and various fillers.
• Fresh herbs are useful for improving the functioning of the stomach, and it is also an additional source of vitamins and minerals. You can sow special grass for cats in a shallow container, then the pet will not encroach on indoor plants.
• No matter how you want to treat your pet with some delicacy, you should not do this. It should be remembered that much of what a person eats is harmful to cats.

To avoid health problems, you do not need to give the following products:

• sweets;
• salty;
• smoked;
• pickled;
• food with lots of spices and seasonings.

If the choice is made in favor of ready-made purchased feeds, then they are selected taking into account the age and general condition of the animal. It is better not to chase cheapness, as in the economy-class bulk foods there are quite a few flavor enhancers and other food additives that, with prolonged use, can provoke the development of urolithiasis.

Mestizo care is not difficult. The most important thing is to timely undergo preventive examinations by a specialist - a veterinarian, follow all his recommendations, as well as get vaccinations.

• If the pet belongs to the long-haired variety, it is necessary to comb it periodically.
• Many cats do not like water procedures and most often do not need bathing.
• To avoid damage to furniture and wallpaper, you need to equip a special scratching post. Also, for the entertainment of your pet, you can make or buy him several toys.
• Bowls from under the feed and water are periodically washed, the filler in the tray is changed as it becomes dirty.

In general, mestizo cats are distinguished by good health and good immunity. If there were no injuries, congenital pathologies or any genetic abnormalities, these animals do not cause trouble to their owners.

Most often, diseases can appear due to malnutrition. First of all, the following points should alert:

• digestive disorders - diarrhea, vomiting;
• lethargy, loss of appetite, a complete rejection of food and water;
• inappropriate behavior unusual for a given cat - apathy or, conversely, excessive arousal;
• sloppy appearance - discharge from the eyes, nose, salivation, untidy, fallen hair.

But the disease is easier to prevent than to cure. Therefore, preventive measures play a huge role - a balanced diet, timely vaccinations, and maintenance of cleanliness.

Thanks to caring, proper care, a mestizo cat will give love and affection to its owners for a long time. And it doesn’t matter what breed her parents were, this smart and dedicated creature can become a true friend and family member.

You will learn about how kittens look from a Bengal cat and an Abyssinian cat from the video below.