The Transylvanian cat, the new feline breed born in the Carpathians

At first glance, it looks like a black cat dipped in ash, but the Transylvanian, one of the newest feline breeds on the international scene, is more than a chromatic oddity. Its story begins almost by accident, just a decade ago, when some individuals and animal shelters in the Carpathian Mountains (Romania, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary) began sharing photos of cats with whitish tips (tail, ears, paws, and muzzle) but darker fur. The phenotype was so common in that region that it had gone unnoticed by breeders until then.

This pattern was named Karpati, and its rarity outside Eastern Europe caught the attention of geneticists and cat fanciers, who began deliberately selecting for it starting in 2014. One of the pioneers was Gertrude Hainzl, who worked with Budapest cats carrying this dominant gene, creating a line of domestic cats that retained this ashy contrast. Shortly after, breeders such as Terri Hunt and Janet Michael in Australia began incorporating the Karpati gene into breeds such as the LaPerm and the Sphynx cat.

Over time, and especially in Romania, the Karpatia ceased to be just a trait and came to define a new breed: the Transylvanian. The Magnificats cat club, based in Timisoara, has pushed for its official recognition and is preparing a monographic exhibition for 2026. The breed has already been approved by the British Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and is in the process of being recognized by other major international federations.

A natural mutation

The Transylvanian's distinguishing feature is the Karpati pattern, a natural mutation that affects pigmentation without altering the coat structure. The gene is dominant and expresses itself with wide individual variability. Kittens are born with pale fur, flecked with white hairs, which darkens over time. The end result is a striking contrast, with the body having a roan effect , while the limbs retain very light tones, especially the tail, paws, ears, and muzzle.

Unlike the Siamese colorpoint pattern, which is darker on the colder areas of the body, the Karpati pattern works the other way around, with the body tending to darken while the ends remain lighter. The preliminary standard accepts two colors: Karpati black and Karpati blue. The lighter areas begin to develop from 8 weeks of age, but the full pattern can take up to a year to become fully defined.

In terms of morphology, the Transylvanian is a medium-sized cat with a semi-Oriental body and short but dense fur. The eyes are usually warm-toned, from yellow to deep amber, although green-eyed specimens are also acceptable. They have white or two-tone whiskers, nose and pads matching the base color, and characteristic ears adorned with grayish tufts.

A mysterious cat with a charming character

Despite its name and unique appearance, the Transylvanian is far from being a shy or unsociable cat; on the contrary. Breeders emphasize its balanced, observant, and affectionate nature, without being overly demanding. It maintains a certain independent air, but enjoys human company, especially if its space and pace are respected. It can be curious about visitors and is rarely stressed by changes in its environment.

In terms of health, this is a very young, naturally bred breed, free of forced hybridizations or structural mutations, which gives it good overall vitality. To date, no hereditary diseases associated with the Karpati gene or the breed's morphology have been reported .

Due to its moderately active nature and good adaptability, the Transylvanian can be a good companion for virtually any home and environment, provided it has enrichment facilities, places to observe from above, and a quiet retreat. It can live with other cats or calm dogs , especially if raised from a young age in a socialized environment.

To learn more about the Transylvanian, its evolution as a breed, and the exhibition calendar where it can participate, you can consult the UK's GCCF (Feline Federation), the first federation to approve this breed in Europe.

And, as always, before seeking a purebred cat solely for aesthetic reasons, we must remember that thousands of cats are waiting for a second chance in animal shelters and rescues throughout Spain.