SALEM – A rare, tri-colored kitten was recently brought to the Willamette Humane Society for adoption.
The odds for a male kitten to have the three distinct colors of orange, white and black are only about 1 in 3,000, according Kara Kuh, with WHS.
Veterinarian Jacque Harter said in her 21 years of practicing medicine, she’s never seen a tri-colored male before meeting little Monte. In Monte's case, his markings even have a special name - “torbie,” which refers to a color pattern which combines tortoiseshell and tabby.
The reason that tri-color cats are almost always female is because two X chromosomes are required to produce the orange, black and white color pattern, Kuh explained. Male cats usually only have one X and one Y chromosome. In extremely rare instances, however, a male kitten can be born with tri-color markings due to an extra X chromosome.
Another interesting factoid: Male tri-color cats are usually born sterile. But in Monte's case, the shelter still had him neutered, just in case.
Monte was available for adoption as of Thursday morning.
Anyone wanting more information about Monte or any of the other shelter cats and dogs can call (503) 585-5900 or check the WHS Web site.
