Origin

The Cheetoh cat

Cat

The cat , also known as the domestic cat or housecat to distinguish it from other felids and felines, is a small, usually furry, domesticated, carnivorous mammal that is valued by humans for its companionship and for its ability to hunt vermin and household pests...

 breed is derived from crossings between specific Bengal cat

Bengal Cat

Bengal Cat may refer to:*Leopard Cat*Bengal , a domestic cat breed...

 and Ocicat

Ocicat

The Ocicat is an all-domestic breed of cat which resembles a 'wild' cat but has no wild blood. The breed is unusual in that it is spotted like a wild cat but has the temperament of a domestic animal. It is named for its resemblance to the ocelot....

 bloodlines. Being a new breed, it is rare.

Appearance

The Cheetoh cat incorporates the distinctive spotted coat characteristics from both the Ocicat and the Bengal breeds, notably that of harnessing the pronounced spotting from the Bengal breed and the taller longer legged stature from the Ocicat breed. The goal of the Cheetoh breeding program was to create a very intelligent cat that is considerably larger with an extraordinary wild look without adding more wild blood. Its main distinguishing characteristics, apart from its spots and sleek, plush, velvety coat

Cat coat genetics

The genetics of cat coat coloration, pattern, length, and texture is a complex subject, and many different genes are involved.- Genes involved in albinism, dominant white, and white spotting :...

, is its low shouldered "wildcat" walk. Males grow to around 15-22 lbs. Females are slightly smaller and seldom reach more than 15 lbs. When it walks, it looks as if it is on the hunt, or the prowl, giving it a very stalky-like gait.

Colors

They are currently bred in six color varieties: the Black/Brown Spotted Sienna, the Black/Brown Spotted Gold, the Black Spotted Smoke, the Black Spotted Silver, and the Lynx Pointed Gold Spotted.

Care and Health

They are a fairly healthy breed, but can suffer from luxating patella

Luxating patella

Luxating patella is a condition in which the patella, or kneecap, dislocates or moves out of its normal location....

. The coat is short, and only requires a weekly brushing.

External links

• The International Cheetoh Breeders Association