Knowledge Base

Coat Colour Introduction Cats

Introduction to coat colours in cats In cats, coat colour is a complex trait shaped by the interaction of multiple genes. Mutations in these genes, often referred to as loci*, interact in intricate ways, resulting in the wide variety of coat colours and patterns seen in modern cats. Many of...

B-Locus Cat (Cinnamon, Chocolate)

B-Locus (Cinnamon, Chocolate) In cats, a brown coat colour can be caused by several mutations to the gene for tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRYP1). This gene is also known as the Brown Locus, or B-Locus. The phenotypes resulting from the recessive B-Locus mutations cause hair that would otherwise present as black...

D-Locus Cat (Dilution)

D-Locus (Dilution) The Dilution gene, also known as the D-Locus, corresponds to the gene for melanophilin (MLPH) which plays a role in pigment distribution. Mutations at the D-Locus lead to a 'dilution' effect on the eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red/yellow) pigments in an animal's coat. Affected animals exhibit a lighter...

C-Locus (Siamese, Burmese, Mink, Albinism c, Albinism c2)

C-Locus (Colourpoint) - Siamese, Burmese, Mink, Albinism c and Albinism c2 The Colour Locus (C-Locus), associated with the gene for tyrosinase (TYR), plays a crucial role in determining coat colour in cats. Various recessive mutations in the TYR gene can result in different forms and degrees of Type 1 Oculocutaneous...

W-Locus / S-Locus (Dominant White and White Spotting)

Dominant White and White Spotting are controlled by the KIT-gene. Dominant white is also described as the W-locus and White Spotting as the S-locus. The gene/genes controlling the pattern of White Spotting is still unknown. Additionally, not all white spots or patterns result from the KIT-gene as other genes can...

Gold Cat (Copper, Sunshine, Extreme Sunshine)

Gold (Copper, Sunshine, Extreme Sunshine) In British Shorthair and Siberian cats, the Gold phenotype is a colour modification of a typical striped tabby coat, lightening it to shades of yellow and orange. The phenotype can be caused by one of several different mutations to the Corin serine peptidatse (CORIN) gene:...

E-Locus Cat (Amber, Russet)

E-Locus (Amber, Russet) In cats, several different genes can be responsible for an orange or red coat colour. The most well-known variant, the X-linked Orange mutation (responsible for orange, tortoiseshell and calico coats) is discovered in 2024 and will soon be available. There are also other mutations that can result...

A-Locus Cat (Agouti, Charcoal, Tabby, Ticked)

A-Locus Cat (Agouti, Charcoal, Tabby, Ticked) The formation of the classic tabby pattern in cats - a dark striped or spotted pattern on a paler background – is governed by the Agouti (A) Locus. The A-Locus corresponds to the agouti signalling peptide (ASIP) gene. ASIP is responsible for the distribution...