A Harlequin cat is a rare breed of domestic cat with a distinctive coat pattern. The name “Harlequin” refers to their patchwork coat which resembles the costume of Arlecchino or Harlequin in Italian comedy. Harlequin cats have predominantly white fur with patches of color over about 25-75% of their body. The colored patches are random and can be orange, cream, chocolate, lilac, red, brown, blue, or black. No two Harlequins have exactly the same coat pattern which makes each one unique.
Harlequin cats originated as a natural mutation in domestic shorthair cats. The first documented Harlequin was born in the United States in the 1960s. Since then, breeders have worked to develop the Harlequin into a recognized breed by selectively breeding cats expressing the distinctive Harlequin coat pattern. In the 1990s, the International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the Harlequin for registration and began working on breed standards. TICA officially recognized the Harlequin as a championship breed in 2003.
While Harlequin cats have a striking appearance, they have wonderful personalities too. They are intelligent, playful, affectionate and make devoted companions. Their calm temperament and love of human interaction makes them a popular breed for families with children and other pets.
Appearance and Coat
The most distinguishing feature of the Harlequin is its unique coat pattern. Here are the key features that define the Harlequin cat’s appearance:
– Predominantly white base coat with patches of color covering 25-75% of the body
– Colored patches can be orange, cream, chocolate, lilac, red, brown, blue or black
– Each Harlequin’s coat pattern is different and asymmetrical
– Bright blue or green eyes are preferred
– Medium sized muscular body with long legs and tail
The Harlequin’s coat has a thick undercoat and overcoat that is soft and silky. The white base is pure white while the colored patches can be various shades of red, cream, chocolate, lilac, brown, or blue. The standard requires at least three colors appearing as brindled patches on the body. The face often has colored markings forming a mask and there can be colored patches on the legs and tail. No two individual Harlequins will have the exact same pattern making them truly unique.
History and Origins
Harlequin cats originated as natural genetic mutations in domestic shorthair cats. The first Harlequin cat was born in the 1960s on a farm in the United States. After that time, other Harlequins began appearing in various litters around the world. Breeders took interest in the beautiful cats and began to selectively breed cats expressing the distinctive Harlequin pattern to develop the breed.
Here are some key milestones in the development of the Harlequin cat breed:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1960s | First Harlequin cat born in the United States |
| 1980s | Harlequin cats bred intentionally, UK breeders begin work on standard |
| 1990s | TICA accepts Harlequin for registration |
| 2000 | TICA grants championship status to Harlequins |
| 2003 | Harlequin recognized as a championship breed by TICA |
Through selective breeding programs, breeders were able to develop guidelines for the Harlequin’s distinctive coat pattern while maintaining health and good temperament. Today, Harlequins are bred and prized as pedigreed show cats as well as family pets.
Genetics of the Harlequin Pattern
The harlequin coat pattern is produced by a specific genotype or combination of alleles affecting how color is distributed in the coat.
The harlequin pattern is tied to the following genotype:
– Bb – This gives the white spotting. B is dominant and produces color, b is recessive and prevents color.
– Oo or oo – This gives the orange color. O allows black pigment, o prevents black pigment.
– Cscm – The Color-spotting modifier masks certain colors to produce the harlequin pattern.
When a cat has the genotype of Bb Oo or oo Cscm, it will express the distinctive harlequin pattern of white with patches of color. The Cscm is what really creates the characteristic asymmetry and vibrant patches we see in harlequins.
Not all cats with this genotype will express the ideal harlequin pattern. Only those with 25-75% color are considered ideal representations of the breed. Cats with too little color would be mostly white like a bicolor, while cats with too much color would lack definition between the white base and colored patches. Responsible breeding aims to produce kittens within the ideal range.
Harlequin Cat Personality and Temperament
In addition to their stunning coats, Harlequin cats also have wonderful personalities. Here are some of the most notable traits of the Harlequin temperament:
– Intelligent – Harlequins are smart, curious cats that enjoy learning and problem solving.
– Playful – With their high energy, Harlequins love interactive play with toys and teasing their owners.
– Affectionate – Harlequins form strong bonds with their families and enjoy snuggling, sitting on laps and being petted.
– Loyal – They tend to bond very closely with one or two people.
– Confident – They have a brave, confident personality and enjoy being up high watching over their domain.
– Adaptable – Harlequins tend to get along well with children, other pets and handle changes easily.
– Communicative – Harlequins will tell you what they want with chirps and meows.
– Sometimes vocal – They can be talkative cats but not excessively noisy.
Overall, the Harlequin has a wonderful, outgoing personality paired with spectacular good looks. They make ideal family pets that both look beautiful and make loving companions.
Care of Harlequin Cats
Caring for a Harlequin cat is similar to any other cat in terms of nutrition, health, and general care. Here are some important things to know about caring for a Harlequin cat:
Grooming
– Brush weekly to reduce shedding and matting
– Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
– Check ears weekly and clean as needed
– Minimal bathing only when necessary
Feeding
– Feed a nutritionally complete cat food diet
– Provide fresh water daily
– Feed set meals rather than free feeding
– Avoid fish based foods which could cause skin problems
Health
– Visit a vet annually for exams and vaccinations
– Spay/neuter between 5-6 months old
– Protect from fleas, ticks and parasites
– Cats over 7 years old should have annual senior wellness exams
Home Environment
– Provide vertical space to climb like cat trees
– Ensure the safety of all household plants and cables
– Provide appropriate scratching posts and horizontal scratching surfaces
– Offer puzzle toys and play time to engage their intelligence
– Access to a garden or outdoor enclosed patio is ideal
With proper care and lots of love, a Harlequin cat will be a wonderful lifelong companion. Their longevity is usually 12-15 years.
Finding and Adopting a Harlequin Cat
The unique coats and personalities of Harlequin cats have made them a popular but rare pedigreed breed. Here is some advice for finding and adopting a Harlequin cat:
– Review breed standards – Make sure you understand the typical Harlequin look and traits
– Contact breeders – Reputable breeders sometimes have retired adults or kittens available. Expect waiting lists.
– Check cat shows – Meet Harlequins and breeders at a TICA cat show.
– Search rescues – Purebred rescues sometimes take in Harlequins in need of adoption.
– Know health and genetics – Ensure proper testing for genetics, HCM, and PKD.
– Sign adoption contract – This will outline health guarantees, spay/neuter terms, and more.
– Prepare for expenses – Buying from a breeder may cost $1000 to $2000 USD. Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $200.
– Kitten or adult? – Consider if you want to adopt a kitten or mature adult based on your lifestyle.
With their beautiful coats and devoted personalities, Harlequin cats make wonderful companions. Do plenty of research to find the right Harlequin cat for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Harlequin cats:
Are Harlequin cats hypoallergenic?
No, Harlequins are not hypoallergenic. No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic as people react to feline saliva, skin cells or dander rather than fur. However, the Harlequin’s short dense coat produces less dander and may be better tolerated by some allergy sufferers.
How rare are Harlequin cats?
Harlequins are considered a rare breed, even amongst pedigreed cats. Exact numbers are not known but there are likely only a few thousand worldwide. Their scarcity means buying a kitten from a breeder often involves a waiting list.
What colors do Harlequins come in?
The colored patches on a Harlequin can include chocolate, lilac, cream, red, brown, blue or black. These colors appear in brindled patches against the white base coat. No two Harlequins have the exact same coat pattern.
Are Harlequins good with children and other pets?
Yes! Harlequins are known for getting along very well with children, dogs, and other household pets. Their affectionate personality and playfulness makes them an ideal family companion. Proper introductions are still important when bringing any new pet home.
What is the lifespan of a Harlequin cat?
With proper care, Harlequin cats typically live between 12-15 years. Making sure they receive yearly vet exams, stay fully vaccinated, and are fed a nutritious diet will help ensure a long, healthy life.
Conclusion
With their captivating coats and devoted personalities, it is easy to see why Harlequin cats make such coveted companions. While finding a Harlequin may involve effort and expense, their beauty and companionship is rewarding. Providing excellent care and maintaining their health will delight any Harlequin cat owner for over a decade. If you are prepared to open your home to one of these special cats, a wonderful relationship with your unique Harlequin awaits.
