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From colour to coat to pattern — the quiet genetics behind iconic cats Recessive genes don’t just create pretty colours — they’ve shaped entire breeds, defined breed standards, and even influenced the rise of whole cat groups like the Siamese, Burmese, Rexes, and Sphynx. Many of the traits we take for granted today only exist because generations of breeders protected — and understood — recessive inheritance. This blog explores some of the most important recessive genes  in pe

How recessive genes stay alive, disappear, and suddenly reappear in our cats When a kitten is born, we immediately notice its phenotype  — its visible traits (or "photo"): colour, coat, pattern, eye colour. But what we can’t  see is just as important. Beneath every coat lies a genotype  — the genetic code — and sometimes that code contains a hidden recessive gene  that doesn’t show in the way the cat looks . Those cats are called carriers , and they’re one of the most misunde

Featuring the Dilute Gene — the “Soft Colour” Secret in Cats Examples of the dilute gene, top left is a seal Burmese and to the right is its dilute, a blue Burmese and bottom is a lilac Burmese, a dilute of chocolate. When we admire a gorgeous blue, lilac, cream, or fawn cat, we’re really admiring genetics at work . Behind every coat colour lies a tiny set of instructions written in DNA — and some of those instructions are quiet, subtle, and easily overlooked. These are reces

Meconium is the name given to the first bowel motion passed by a baby or kitten. It’s thick, sticky, and dark green-black in colour. In some births, a baby (or kitten) may pass meconium before  delivery — usually because they were stressed or unwell before or during labour. When this happens, the amniotic fluid becomes contaminated, and we call it meconium-stained liquor (MSL) . The concern is that the newborn might inhale this fluid, which can irritate or inflame the lungs a

Thinking about breeding cats? Being a modern cat breeder takes more than just a love for kittens. It’s a blend of genetics, planning, communication, and heart. From midwifery to marketing, discover the wide range of skills that go into responsible, ethical cat breeding — and how today’s breeders balance science, care, and community. 1. Understanding Coat Colour and Genetics Genetics is at the heart of every breeding program. You need to understand coat colour inheritance for

If you’re looking for Burmese kittens available in Christchurch, New Zealand , you’ve come to the right place! At Glitterpaws , we’re passionate about breeding fun-loving, cuddly Burmese and Mandalay kittens  that make perfect companions for families and children. Known as the “people cats,” Burmese are famous for their affectionate personalities and fearless, bullet-proof temperaments. These cats love company, thrive on attention, and will happily follow you from room to roo

What is Aspiration? Newborn kittens sometimes have a rough start in life. Difficult births, prolonged labour, low birth weight, or being...

If you've ever had to take a photo to support your cat registration then this post is for you. As a family doctor I often have to take...

Red, cream and tortoiseshell coat colours are coded by the “O gene” which is carried on the X chromosome. The O gene causes the normal...

So, you're thinking about becoming a cat breeder — exciting! But before you dive into pedigrees, litter trays, and kitten cuddles,...

When it comes to raising healthy, happy cats—especially kittens— Thiamine (vitamin B1)  is one of the most overlooked yet crucial...

Keeping track of a litter of tiny floofs can be tricky — so here’s my go-to collar system from day one through to 10 weeks old! Birth to...

Taurine: tiny molecule, massive impact . Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats—meaning they cannot  produce enough of it themselves...

If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a breeder of Burmese kittens, it’s that no matter how vigilant you are, kittens will always  find a...

Neonatal kittens are delicate, and even small issues can quickly escalate if we don’t catch them early. There often isn’t time to seek...

Looking after your cat’s teeth is one of the best things you can do to support their long-term health and comfort—but it’s something many...

Sometimes kittens are born with very deformed feet. In human medicine, this is known as talipes  or club foot , and while they don’t use...

Welcoming a litter of kittens into the world is one of the most exciting and heartwarming moments in breeding. But when it comes to...

So, your queen is nearly at the finish line — congratulations! If you're a new breeder, the final days before kittening can be both...

Ask any cat breeder about their least favorite part of raising kittens, and you’ll likely hear a familiar groan: “poohs and wees weeks.”  That charming 5–7 week window when the kitten room goes from fluffy paradise to something resembling a feline crime scene. The mess can be intense, the smell unforgettable—but thankfully, it doesn’t  have to be that way forever. Over the years, I’ve picked up a handful of tricks that have helped shorten the chaos and get kittens confidently