Torties, with Previously Unheard of Color Pattern, Discovered in SE US

 As everyone knows Elvira is a Tortoise-Shell colored Kitten and has the typical genetic markings, as seen in the photo to the left.

 

 

 

Scientists have announced the surprise discovery of a new genetic strain of coloring for Tortoise-Shell Cats -- not in some far-off exotic location, but in the good ol' US of A!

Northern Arizona University researchers say finding a Feral Colony of Felines, with this new coloring, where they did, proves that even in a country considered well explored, more new things could still be awaiting discovery, a university press release in August  stated.

Discovered in the Pearl River region of Louisiana and Mississippi , near the Gulf of Mexico, the newly named Pearl Map Tortie had been unheard of, scientists said.

"No-one expected to see a colony of Cats with colors the direct reverse of the typical markings for this genetic type, let alone even one Cat," NAU biologist Jeff Lovich said. "However, there they were! All these Cats with the brighter colors dominating the darker colors in the same way that the darker dominates the lighter, in your typical Tortie."

Examination of their DNA verified the differences were not a fluke, but a new strain of Tortie genes never encountered before.

Discovery of the Pearl Map Tortie led to the researchers working with local rescue, and shelter, groups to gather all 50 of the Cats into one central location, for study, and now the Cats are being evaluated for their suitability for adoption, and those that can't be adopted will be spayed, and neutered, and released back into the same place where they were found.

To learn more about this amazing discovery read the story by UPI.

 

 

Comments

[Tia]

Wow, Nikita, this means even more tortitude to go around!

Excellent!

I'm launching Tortureshell Tuesday next week.

What do you think of this as a feature to start it off with?

If you need more details, just have a peep at the blog.

Lotsa love to you and the kid!

[jansfunnyfarm]

They must have moved the article because your link now goes to New turtle species found in US river ...

Interesting post.

[The Meezers]

yep, new tortise shell colors! PAWSOME!!!

Elvira- you are too darn cute

[meowmeowmans]

Wow, that's really cool!

Thanks for sharing, Nikita!

We hope you and your Daddy are doing well. :)

[Sweet Praline]

Cool! New torties. When I clicked on the link, it was an article on turtles.

[Victor Tabbycat]

LOL!

You may haf misread dat article, Nikita.

Altho, my sisfur Nina was described as a tortie-colored turtle-cat cuz she was always burrowin unner blankets.

But I knowed she was a purty tabby kitty cuz of da purring.

Purrs,
Victor

[ND]

What a wonderfuly funny Blog Post! ;-D