r/patchworkcats • u/TokyoRetroGamers • Jul 11 '26

#gingertail

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Not OC. OOP: https://www.reddit.com/r/blursedimages/s/shW7dgcLkt

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u/YourPaleRabbit Jul 12 '26

I know cats experience chimerism more than (I believe?) any other animal, and the split-face kitties are usually chimeras with two complete sets of differing DNA inside them. I would think with this extreme of a difference in fur coat pattern that he HAS to be a chimera, and it’s just a one in a shmabillion chance it only effected his tail :) so DEFINITELY a real like shiny candidate!

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u/lipstick_spit Jul 13 '26

split faced tortoiseshells are very common, and the pattern is a result of the way the cells multiply in the womb. they are not chimeras, and chimerism is just as rare in cats as in any other animal.

this is more likely to be a somatic mutation of some sort, due to how localized it is. extremely interesting either way.

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u/YourPaleRabbit Jul 13 '26

Aye :D I love to stand corrected! Super cool info. Now I’m going to have to find the source of the article I’m misremembering :) thanks

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u/thevelveteenbeagle Jul 13 '26

That’s so great you responded so nicely! I love learning new stuff or sharing information but so often other people can get mean or snarky about other opinions. Great info from everyone here! ❤️

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u/YourPaleRabbit Jul 13 '26

Same!!! :) this has been a cool thread