Cat genetics

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WhiteCat

Cat genetics governs the coat color, pattern, length, and texture of feline fur. Understanding cat genetics can help in breeding for certain traits and also explains the wide variety of colors and patterns seen in domestic cats. This field of genetics has expanded with advancements in genetic testing and molecular biology.

Coat Color and Patterns

The basic coat colors in cats include black, chocolate, cinnamon, blue (a dilute form of black), lilac (a dilute form of chocolate), and fawn (a dilute form of cinnamon). These colors can appear in solid, tabby, tortoiseshell, and pointed patterns, each influenced by different genetic factors.

Solid Colors

Solid, or self colors, are uniform across the cat's body. The gene responsible for this is the B gene, with black being the dominant allele. Variations such as chocolate and cinnamon are due to recessive alleles of this gene.

Tabby Patterns

Tabby cats have a pattern of stripes, swirls, or spots. The most common tabby patterns are mackerel, classic, spotted, and ticked, each controlled by different alleles of the Agouti and Tabby genes. The Agouti gene determines whether a cat will have a tabby pattern, while specific Tabby gene mutations define the pattern type.

Tortoiseshell and Calico

Tortoiseshell cats have a mix of red and black fur, while calicos also have large patches of white. These patterns are influenced by the X-chromosome and the phenomenon of X-chromosome inactivation in females, making most tortoiseshell and calico cats female.

Pointed Patterns

Pointed cats, such as the Siamese, have a lighter body with darker extremities. This pattern is controlled by the C gene, which affects temperature-sensitive enzyme production, leading to darker colors in cooler parts of the body.

Fur Length and Texture

The length and texture of a cat's fur are also genetically determined. The L gene controls fur length, with the long hair allele being recessive to the short hair allele. Texture variations, such as curly or wiry coats, are influenced by other specific genes.

Genetic Health

While genetics can lead to desirable traits, it can also predispose cats to certain health issues. For example, the gene responsible for the beautiful white coat and blue eyes may also be linked to deafness. Genetic testing can help identify carriers of such traits to make informed breeding decisions.

Genetic Testing

Advancements in genetic testing offer insights into a cat's genetic makeup, allowing for the identification of carriers of certain diseases and understanding of genetic traits. This is particularly useful in breeding programs and for pet owners curious about their cat's background.

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