A harlequin cat has a specific coat color that sets them apart from other cats. They are mainly white, with only about 25% of other colors. They tend to have large, irregular patches of a different color, although this other color can be anything. Sometimes, harlequin cats have tabby markings on their color patches.
This color refers only to the color of the cat’s coat. It is not a specific breed, although this color only occurs in some breeds.
Since harlequin cats do not belong to a specific breed, their size, and temperament is completely up in the air. You can’t tell how big a cat is or what they will do based on their color. Fortunately, unlike harlequin dogs, these cats do not have more health problems than other cats. Furthermore, harlequin cats are more common than harlequin dogs.
Let’s learn more about this unique cat color.
Earliest Records of the Harlequin Cat in History
Cats have had a decent amount of white in their coats since the beginning of their domestication. We don’t know exactly when these cats appeared, because people didn’t keep records of cat color thousands of years ago.
You will often see cats with more than 50% of their coat white at your local shelter, but not all breeds exhibit this coat color. In certain breeds, it can also be rare. This largely depends on the exact breed we are discussing.
We have pictures of cats with more than 50% of their coats white, out of 10th century in Europe. Therefore, these cats have existed since then. That said, they were probably earlier than that.
How the Harlequin Cat Gained Popularity
The harlequin cat is a striking, unique pattern that has attracted many people. However, it is not more common than other coat types.
These cats tend to develop quite naturally throughout the year. Since these cats are not rare, they probably don’t need to be specifically selected by humans. They are not selected for their characteristics like some cat breeds. Instead, harlequin cats probably became more common over time through natural breeding.
Formal Introduction to Harlequin Cats
Harlequin cats are recognized by almost every cat fancy club out there. However, the exact specification and name used to identify this color varies.
For example, the Governing Council of Cat Fancy defines harlequin cats as having more whiter than the bicolor cat but not as white as the van pattern. As you can guess, there’s a lot of personal preference at play here, and the lines can blur. You can’t measure the exact proportion of white in a cat’s coat successfully, after all.
That said, they say that the cat should be predominantly white. In other words, a cat must be at least 60% white to be considered in this category. These standards only recognize certain cats as coming in this color, as well. The snowshoe and oriental shorthair are two of the breeds that are produced.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Harlequin Cats
These cats may not be very rare, but there are some facts you may not know about them:
1. These cats are all unique.
No two Harlequin cats are the same. Each of them has a different pattern, which can vary a little. Ideally, each area should be larger than a thumbprint, but that’s all the standard says about this particular color pattern.
2. The genetics behind this color are not fully understood.
Each cat is unique largely because a lot of genetics come into play. We don’t understand exactly how these genes work, so breeders can’t breed for specific patterns. The piebald gene that leads to this pattern has several variations of its own, and there are several additional genes that also play a role. Therefore, the intensity and pattern range widely from cat to cat.
3. What counts as a harlequin cat depends on who you ask.
Basically, a harlequin cat is somewhere between a bicolor cat (which is a cat with about 50% white) and a van cat (which is a cat that is almost completely white). However, these specific proportions are difficult to measure in a cat, leading to several cats being identified as having different colors. In many cases, it may depend on who you ask.
Does the Harlequin Cat Make a Good Pet?
We do not recommend basing your adoption decision on a cat’s coat color. Despite some common misconceptions, coat colors generally have no effect on a cat’s behavior or health. Harlequin cats may look unique, but that doesn’t mean every harlequin cat is right for your home. The health and behavior of the cat is a bigger factor than the cat’s appearance.
If you are adopting from a shelter, take the time to get to know the cat and ask those who work there about the cat’s behavior. If possible, also obtain information about the cat’s past life and health records. Most rescue organizations will provide the cat with all the health care they need, but it’s always good to check!
If you are buying a kitten, make sure the breeder has not marked their cats because of the “rarity” of the harlequin color. Even if a breeder doesn’t mark their kittens, make sure they’re being bred for temperament and health—not just coat color. Take all the usual steps you would take to make sure a breeder is producing quality kittens.
Conclusion
Harlequin cats are not a specific breed, and exactly what counts as a harlequin cat can vary.
Fortunately, these cats seem to have no additional health problems, as is true for harlequin dogs. You can expect a harlequin cat to be as healthy as any other cat without any added chance of deafness or vision problems.
While we don’t usually recommend harlequin dogs to the average owner, we can recommend harlequin cats wholeheartedly.
Featured Image Credit: doypui, Shutterstock
