(A) – A small peruvian aardvark? (B) – A term for a series of manoeuvres conducted by the Spanish Armada in the late 18th Century? (C) – An informal name for a cat?

If you answer A or B then please feel free to lower your head in shame. However if you have answered C then hold your head proudly in the air and walk with some kind of arrogance, because, frankly you deserve it.

MOGGY IS INDEED AN INFORMAL NAME FOR A CAT.

The definition of a MOGGY is a cat or a kitten that does not belong to any recognised breed. Here in the UK it is also an informal name for a cat whether the cat is a recognised breed or not. The lovely English Language – you can’t beat it. Get this amazing fact – Moggy was originally the pet name for a Cow. You think I am kidding? Pull the Udder One I hear you cry. IT IS TRUE.

Did you know that there are approximately 100 million pet cats worldwide and the vast majority of these are non-pedigree or crossbred cats; their parentage may be unknown or neither of their parents may be a registered pedigree.

Up until the late nineteenth century cats were mainly kept as rodent deterrents and looks were not a consideration. However as most owners know a healthy and happy moggy in the prime of its life can be every bit as magnificent in appearance and manner as a pedigree cat.

SOME SCIENTIFIC BUMPH FOLLOWS. STAY WITH ME.

Because the gene determining short hair is dominant, most crossbred cats are shorthaired, but there are no standard crossbred types. They come in every imaginable variety of coat and colour and for people with more imagination than others, that is a lot of coats and colours. Many of our crossbred cats are tabbies, which is the variety closest to the cat’s ancestors among African wild cats. The mackerel or striped tabby pattern is the original, but the classic blotchy tabby pattern is the most common, with the rarest being the spotted tabby, which strangely enough is being selectively bred in new pedigree lines. The aim of this is to achieve a wild look. Solid colours are also a plenty: black, white, ginger, marmalade and blue. The ginger colouring is sex-linked, being carried in the X chromosome, and marmalade males outnumber females by about 2 to 1. Conversely, the tortoiseshell or calico pattern of orange and black is only possible in females (with rare exceptions in sterile males). White is common, both on its own and in combination with other solid and tabby colours. Siamese-style points are rarely seen in crossbred cats but can certainly occur.

WELCOME BACK. NORMAL LIGHT HEARTED SERVICE WILL NOW RESUME.

Apart from colour and coat, crossbred cats differ much less from each other than pure breeds do. Most have the moderate build that is typical of the British and American Shorthairs, being neither slender like the Siamese nor large and heavy like the Persian or Maine Coon. Although random-bred cats from tropical climates tend to have a somewhat sleeker form than others, and those from cold climates are comparatively stockier, they have not acquired the extreme lines that have been introduced into pedigree lines by selective breeding. Wedge-shaped heads and flattened faces are unusual in a crossbreed but can appear if the recent family tree of one of the parents includes a cat with Siamese or Persian genes.

Random breeding means that the non-pedigree cat does not have a definite appearance or temperament. Yet the character traits of the domestic shorthaired cat make it universally loved and admired. Cats are wonderful companions and enjoy being part of a family, but still retain much more independence than domestic dogs. They can adapt to an indoor existence but will make the most of any freedom offered (deliberately or otherwise), for it must be said that the domestic cat is a relentless predator of small rodents and birds. Even when well fed, most crossbred cats will persist in bringing hunting trophies home, faithful to their thousands of years of heritage as pest-control specialists. You can’t teach an old cat new tricks.

The crossbred cat has hybrid vigour, nature’s way of selecting the fittest and most successful animals. Crossbreeds have much lower concentrations of undesirable genes. With proper care it is robust and should live a long life. The typical crossbred, if you choose carefully, is a beautiful, intelligent, playful, low-maintenance companion with an independent streak. It will be a devoted and loving member of your household. Who could ask for more?

Whether you are looking for a kitten or an adult, there is likely to be a huge selection to choose from in your area.
You will not need to contact a breeder. They can be obtained from local animal rescue shelters.
You have to pay very little. Most crossbreeds are given away free. However, a small donation to your local rescue shelter would be most welcome.
Crossbred cats are robust and long-lived.
They suffer from fewer inherited health problems than pedigree cats.
So if you are on the lookout for a cat, why not consider a Moggy.

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