Knowledge Base

Coat Colour introduction Cats

Cats display a wide variety of coat colours and patterns. Classification of these colours can be confusing sometimes because different registries or associations may use different names for the same colour. Several genes determine the coat colour of a cat. Unfortunately not for all genes involved the genetic background is...

B-Locus Cat (Cinnamon, Chocolate) - K755 / K756

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 to develop as...

D-Locus (Dilution)

The dilute gene (MLPH gene) is responsible for the intensity of the coat colour by affecting the amount of pigments in the hair shaft. This gene is also known as the D-locus and dilutes all colours. The Coat Colour Dilution test (K760) tests for the genetic status of the D-locus....

C-Locus (Siamese and Burmese)

The Siamese and Burmese coat patterns are controlled by the gene TYR (tyrosinase) which produces an enzyme that is required for melanin production. The Burmese pattern is a result from reduced pigment production changing black pigment to sepia and orange to yellow. The Burmese points are darker than the body...

E-Locus (Extension)

The Extension gene (MCR1 gene) controls the production of black and red pigment. In cats, shades of red color are determined by the dominant Orange gene (O-locus) located on the X chromosome. The genetic background of the O-Locus is still unknown. The Extension gene is also known as E-locus. The...

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 - K470 / K471

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: Sunshine (designated as wb^SIB), Extreme...