Some of these beauties are quite common, while some are rare. What they all have in common are cool mutations that make these X-cats stunning.
#1 – Male Calico Cat
While most Calicos are female because color traits are sex-linked (the black and orange genes are both attached to the X chromosome), in rare instances you can have a male calico. This is caused by a mutation where the X and Y do not separate in the sperm, causing an XXY cat. This calico will be male, but sterile. (Image Source: @Pelican via Flickr)
Click page 2 below for the next mutation!
#2 – Devon Rex
A curly haired kitten discovered in Devonshire England in the late 1950’s was the start of this breed. Their endearing curls are the result of a mutant gene that has been selectively bred. (Image Source: @KieranPalmer via Flickr)
#3 – Scottish Fold
When Puss ‘n’ Boots was learning his famous “wide-eyed look” that stole the hearts of audiences everywhere, we are pretty sure he took notes from the adorable Scottish Fold. The result of a mutant gene, some Scottish Fold kittens’ ears fold down at around three to four weeks of age. (Image Source: @SteveJurvetson via Flickr)
#4 – American Curl
Then there are the cats whose ears fold the other way, up and over. A stray longhaired cat with this unique mutation was found in 1981, and the entire breed can be traced to her. (www.cfa.org) (Image Source: @NickolasTitkov
via Flickr)
#5 – American Wirehair
Often though of a dog trait, there are a cats out there with a rough wire coat. This is a dominate mutation, so half the kittens in the litter will have this cute, bristle-brush appearance (www.cfa.org) (Image Source: @PetsAdviser)
#6 – Munchkin
- The munchkin sky-rocketed into popularity recently, because it’s short legs makes it look like a permanent kitten. There has also been some controversy around it, because the mutation also comes with back and leg issues, similar to those found in short-legged dog breeds.
#7 – Manx
Who says you need a tail to be pretty? This adorable breed gets along just fine without one due to their dominant mutation. (Image Source: @StantonMcCandlish via Flickr).
#8 – Polydactyl
Found the world-over in many breeds, this mutation gives kitties an extra toe, and an extra dose of cuteness. That sixth toe also makes these cats more adept at climbing and getting into things. (Image Source: @EvaProkop via Flickr)
#9 – Sphynx
Like many of these breeds, this one started with a single hairless kitten that was discovered. The genetic mutation in Sphynx can cause a degrees of hairlessness, from completely bald, to having a peach-fuzz covering and even some longer hairs on the nose, ears, toes, and/or tail. (www.cfa.org) (Image Source: @ShannonBadieeZimmerman via Flickr)
#10 – LaPerm
Like the Devon Rex, this breed has a curl mutation. It came from a kitten that was discovered in American in 1982. Unlike the Devon, the rex mutation in this breed can be on both a short and long haired cat.
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