Evolution of Fashion: Cat Spots

With the recent posts about the beautiful spotted patterns that make up fashion prints inspired by leopards, jaguars, and cheetahs, it would be easy to think that all of the cats (Felidae) have coat patterns. However, as soon as you think of lions and pumas, you realize that some cats are not spotted but have…

Spotting Cheetah Prints on the Savannah and the Runway

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are known for three things: their speed, their spots, and (unfortunately) that they are endangered.  The cheetah has a distinctive light tan coat (although the underbelly is lighter) with solid black spots.  It is the solid black spots that distinguish the cheetah from most other cat coats where rosettes are more prevalent. …

Whose Spots are You Wearing? Species Identifications of Animal Prints

I have a pet peeve. About a year ago, I was scrolling through Pinterest and came across a Diane Von Furstenburg pin of a print used in her collection. The print resembled a clouded leopard, but when I clicked on the photo, it took me to a snow leopard photo, with natural history and conservation…