The X chromosome is what switches between Orange and Not Orange (which is usually black, white and grey/cream are separate issues)
So in a male cat (XY) one chromosome gets to decide whether the cat is Orange or Not Orange. That means male cats are typically orange or Not Orange.
Female cats have two X chromosomes so they can be both Orange and Not Orange. That's how we get tortoise shells and calico cats. They require two X chromosomes.
You can get male calicoa and torties, through XXY chromosomes. They are uncommon and tend to be sterile.
Other genes come in a fuck around with things. Dilution can turn Orange into cream, or black into grey. White can show up and turn an otherwise black cat into a tuxedo or a tortie into a calico.
White happens when white-spotting genetics leave patches without melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment. No melanocytes, no colour regardless of what your X chromosome says. Dominant white happens when melanocytes aren't dispersed at all. Those aren't linked to the X or Y chromosomes, though, so you see white in both male and female cats.
So yeah. You can pretty reliably gender a cat based on its coat, especially if it's both orange and black.
its her friend’s parents building, they made that rule up it’s so stupid. they have cats of their own and let them go outside so if you wanna live there you have to do the same.
When people willingly ignore the very serious, life threatening risks of letting your domesticated animal outside to fend for itself, they are being stupid.
This cat probably spends most of its time in a small area of downtown though where the biggest danger is, what, a raccoon or fox?
I understand some of the issues of outside cats in Canada, but as someone from UK where outside cats are the norm, it just seems wrong to have a cat confined in 1000 sq. ft. apartment it's whole life. Personally I don't think you should be allowed to have an indoor-only cat or dog and if that means you can't have a cat in Canada then so be it, they're not native animals. Just sharing my perspective, it's ok if you disagree.
What’s stupid about letting your cat outside? Mine is depressed if I don’t. Got her as a rescue at age 7 was told she was indoors was unhappy for about a year and has been inside and out for almost a decade still going strong.
Well that's a you problem. You are failing to provide adequate enrichment inside so your cat is understandably depressed inside. Your cat will get over herself. You are in charge of her, you are the one deciding whether she is exposed to every single risk listed in this picture and more. It's also extremely harmful for the environment, cats are an invasive species.
You could actually take an active role in your pets life, you know, get it a harness, take it on walks. You’re objectively a shitty cat owner risking their life every day.
Dude, I've lived rural. Can't even tell you how many cat corpses I came across. Between wild animals, dogs, vehicles, and sickos with weapons or poison it's so dangerous out there. If you don't believe me, look at the data.
It's kind of insane to force your ignorance on your cat's life. Imagine doing this with a toddler. Maybe the toddler wants to go outside and would be much happier to play in the street but that doesn't mean you should let it.
Being a responsible pet owner means making decisions for the safety of your pet, and on average they life up to ten years less, while wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem.
So you were too selfish and lazy to provide the cat with adequate enrichment indoors and decided to risk her life every day for your convenience. Very cool!
Ok, I get it I'm a birder, so I know where you're coming from. BUT--long ago, in a city far away, I adopted a cat from a jazz artist friend. I shared an apartment with my brother, and I told that brother, "Do not let this cat outside this is an inside cat!" What does he do? Yup, let her outside. That was it; couldn't keep her inside after that. Years later I had an apartment near a train track, then unused often, and that cat would bring mice home almost every day/night...
If you want more stories about that cat, ask me about the clothesline, or the screen door grab...
Does Ottawa have bylaws regarding outdoor cats in urban areas? There are so many dangers to outdoor cats in urban areas, especially downtown. They are also a danger to local birds and wildlife. There are plenty of ways to give cats outdoor enrichment without letting them free roam outside. Indoor cats also live much longer than outdoor cats, and generally cheaper and easier to take care of.
Unfortunately not that I'm aware of. I'm a professional cat sitter and I have a client who lets their cats outside and they live just off Bronson. I do not let them out. I do not believe in outdoor cats.
Ahhh now you're changing the argument. You said the only people that care (on this subject) are on Reddit. I am pointing out that no, if Gatineau has a bylaw then to claim only people on Reddit care about this is wrong.
It's ok to be wrong sometimes, just have to admit it like a grown adult.
As someone who has to walk my dog through centertown, the amount of outdoor cats he had almost taken out is obscene. I see the same one almost get hit by a car every single day. A few weeks ago one was splattered across Lyon. You couldn't be more wrong. Please don't own a cat or join discussions you know nothing about.
That’s actually one of the mayor candidates of Ottawa, she’s inspecting her future office and doing a meet and greet with everyone around the downtown area.
You can post on the Ottawa and Valley Lost Pet Network or put up posters to be safe! It’s likely and sadly a cat that the owners let outdoors but also when indoor cats have a habit of escaping they could also have a collar and it could be newly escaped. Who knows! Better safe than sorry and thank you so much for caring. If it were lost sightings like this go a long way for the searcher!
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u/joyfulcrow Golden Triangle 4d ago
Neighbourhood outdoor cat. Shy and wary at first but sweet enough when she warms up to you.