The Difference Between Cow Cat and Tuxedo Cat: Unveiling the Origin, Personality and Fun Facts of Black and White Cats

The Difference Between Cow Cat and Tuxedo Cat: Unveiling the Origin, Personality and Fun Facts of Black and White Cats

Among the pet world, besides the popular orange cat, black and white cats are also a group that attracts much attention. Their unique black and white fur color reminds people of the spots of a cow and the elegance of a tuxedo, so they are called "cow cat" and "tuxedo cat" respectively. So, are cow cat and tuxedo cat the same breed of cat? What are the connections and differences between them? Why do they attract so much attention and love? Let's unravel the mystery of these black and white cats together and explore their origin, personality and fun facts.

1. What Breed Are Cow Cats and Tuxedo Cats?

Neither "cow cat" nor "tuxedo cat" is a specific breed of cat, just like orange cat. They are general terms for black and white cats. In China, people usually call all black and white cats "cow cat," which are mostly Chinese domestic cats, also known as "native cats" and are hybrid breeds. "Tuxedo cat" is an English term for cats with specific black and white patterns. Strictly speaking, only those cats with black as the main color and white spots on the chest, throat, abdomen, chin and paws can be called tuxedo cats.

Tuxedo cats can cover many breeds, such as British Shorthair, Persian, Maine Coon, Manx, Curl, Norwegian Forest cat and other purebred cats. Therefore, in simple terms, all black and white cats can be called cow cats, including tuxedo cats.

| Breed | Picture |
|---|---|
| Cow Cat (Chinese Domestic Cat) | [Picture] |
| Tuxedo Cat (British Shorthair) | [Picture] |
| Tuxedo Cat (American Curl) | [Picture] |
| Tuxedo Cat (Maine Coon) | [Picture] |
| Tuxedo Cat (Norwegian Forest Cat) | [Picture] |
| Native Cat (Munchkin) | [Picture] |
| Tuxedo Cat (Manx) | [Picture] |
| Tuxedo Cat (Exotic Shorthair, also known as Garfield) | [Picture] |
| Tuxedo Cat (Cornish Rex) | [Picture] |
| Tuxedo Cat (Sphynx) | [Picture] |


2. The Origin of Black and White Cats

The origin of black and white cats can be traced back thousands of years to ancient Egypt. In the tombs of the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, more than 70% of the cat mummies found were black and white. These black and white cats were revered by the ancient Egyptians as deities.

| Breed | Picture |
|---|---|
| Egyptian Cat God | [Picture] |
| Tuxedo Cat (Persian) | [Picture] |

Over time, black and white cats, along with many other animals, arrived in America aboard the Mayflower. The first long-haired black and white cat in Western Europe was the Persian, which became one of the most popular pets in the 19th century. They had dense long fur, round faces and a huge tail, attracting countless cat lovers. However, as people's love for long-haired breeds increased, the popularity of black and white Persians gradually declined in the 20th century.

Chinese black and white cats evolved from Egyptian desert cats and have no specific breed. Ancient Chinese people gave them poetic names based on their black and white fur, such as "乌云盖雪" (a black and white cat with this color is called a tuxedo cat in foreign countries), "雪中寻梅", "拖、抢、印", etc., these names make black and white cats full of romantic imagination.


3. The Reason for Spots on Black and White Cats

How are the spots and patterns on black and white cats formed? Scientists have discovered through research that black and white cats inherit both solid color genes and white spot genes. White spot genes are dominant genes, which will cover the color of certain parts of the cat's body and form spots. Tuxedo cats are a typical example of white spot genes affecting the overall fur color of cats.

Scientists have classified the distribution level of black and white spots on black and white cats into 1-15 levels. The lower the number, the less white spots. The size of the black and white areas is related to the degree of gene expression. White spots are caused by the white spot gene, which forms spots on a black background.

| Level | White Proportion |
|---|---|
| 1-4 level (lower level) | White spots less than 40% |
| 5 level (middle level) | 40-60% white |
| 6-15 level (higher level) | More than 60% white |

In 2016, scientists from Oxford University, Bath University and Edinburgh University in the UK published their research findings in the journal Nature Communications. They combined mathematical models with animal experiments to explain the formation of black and white spots on cats. Scientists found that mutations in the KIT gene can slow down cell division, ultimately not enough pigment cells to cover the whole body, thus forming black and white spots.

The KIT gene encodes a protein called tyrosine kinase receptor, and the signaling pathway stimulated by KIT protein controls many important cellular processes, such as cell growth and division, survival and movement. KIT signaling is crucial for the development and function of certain cell types, including melanocytes, which produce melanin, helping to form the color of hair, eyes and skin. Simply put, black and white cats are caused by defects in the "KIT" gene during fetal development.


4. The Personality Traits of Black and White Cats

In China, cow cats are often called "the huskies of the cat world", and some people call them "psycho cats". Both statements are based on the prominent personality traits of black and white cats: intelligent, independent, full of energy, and more active than ordinary house cats. Their abundant energy and intelligence make them unable to stay quiet for long periods of time, so they are more likely to be active, meow, and are more likely to demolish things.

Abroad, the personality traits of tuxedo cats largely depend on their breed, some are quiet, some are active, some like to meow, etc. But in general, they are intelligent, independent, friendly, sociable, and can also get along well with other pets in the house.

5. Other Facts About Black and White Cats

We all know that orange cats are mostly male and calico cats are mostly female, but black and white cats do not have such obvious gender bias, with roughly equal proportions of male and female. However, black and white cats are more individualistic in personality than other cats.

The patterns on black and white cats are controlled by genes, so even kittens from the same litter may have different fur colors. Black and white cats usually have green, golden or blue-green eyes, which are very attractive.

Black and white cats are distributed all over the world, and you can see them anywhere. Tuxedo cats, also known as Jellicle cats, originated from the character in T.S. Eliot's poem "The Practical Cat of Old Possum's", which also inspired the modern musical "Cats". In the UK, tuxedo cats are often called Felix cats, named after the cartoon character created by Pat Sullivan and Otto Messmer.


6. The Most Famous Black and White Cats in History

In ancient Egypt, in addition to people's worship of black and white cats, tuxedo cats also attracted countless people's attention with their unique fur, strong independence, intelligent and friendly nature, and mystery. Famous figures like Shakespeare, Newton, Beethoven all had their own black and white cats, and some black and white cats became famous for their unique deeds, such as:

Simon: This kitten sailed with the Royal Navy in 1949. He was awarded the PDS Dickens Medal for protecting the soldiers' rations.
Trixie: This clever cat somehow managed to get into the Tower of London in 1801, just to be with its owner.
Tuxedo Stan: In 2012, Tuxedo Stan ran for mayor of Halifax, Canada. Although he didn't win, he did encourage the city council to donate a significant grant to the area to establish a low-cost spaying and neutering clinic.
Palmerston: He is the Chief Mouser of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London.
Roosevelt: He is a rescued semi-paralyzed cat, but since then he has been assisting doctors at the clinic in comforting other sick animals.
Sparky: In 1998, Sparky inherited $6.3 million after his owner's death, becoming one of the richest cats in the world.
Roderick: He is the only cat to have climbed Mount Everest.

In China, the black and white cat that everyone knows is undoubtedly the protagonist of the cartoon "Black Cat Sheriff", Sheriff 3354. He has accompanied countless people's childhoods and brought joy to millions of children. Although he is only a virtual character in film and television works, he still remains in people's memories.

| Character | Picture |
|---|---|
| Black Cat Sheriff | [图片] |
| Cartoon "Black Cat Sheriff" | [图片] |

Conclusion

Whether these black and white cats are called cow cats or tuxedo cats, they are all mysterious and charming kittens. Each one is unique. If you are destined to own them, cherish them. They will surely bring you a very unique and enjoyable experience.

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