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The Secret of Cat Coat Color: Why Do Cats of the Same Breed Have Different Coat Colors?
A cat’s coat color is genetically determined, which plays a vital role in a cat’s appearance. You may be surprised to find that even cats of the same breed can have strikingly different coat colors. What's the reason behind this? Let’s dig in and uncover the genetic secrets behind these cats’ coat colors.
The genetic basis of cat hair color
The color and pattern of a cat’s coat are mainly determined by two sources of melanin: eumelanin and phaeomelanin. Melanin is responsible for a cat's black or brown color, while red pigment gives cats their orange or cream hue. In the genetic makeup, there are several key genes that determine the color of a cat’s coat.
In the genetic makeup of cats, the B gene and the O gene are the most critical. Variations in these genes determine the color and pattern of a cat's coat.
The genes of monochromatic cats
The coat color of monochromatic cats is mainly affected by different versions of the B gene. Dominant variations in the B gene result in the production of black eumelanin, while recessive variations may produce chocolate or cinnamon coat colors. Variations between these shades give cats a variety of colors in their appearance.
Sex-linked red gene
The red coat color is determined by the O gene, which is located on the X chromosome, so the coat color of cats will vary depending on their gender. Generally speaking, male cats are either orange or no orange, while female cats can show various combinations and even mottled coats.
“Because female cats have two X chromosomes, they can have more genetic combination variations, which makes their coat colors more diverse.”
Gradient and diluted pigments
The dilution gene defines a lighter version of the color. For example, black and chocolate cats will turn gray or light purple if they carry the dilution gene. Likewise, an orange cat will turn cream. The presence of this gene further enriches the coat color variation of cats.
Spotted and striped cats
Striped cats come in a variety of coat color combinations, and many stripe patterns are caused by the interaction of multiple genes. For example, the variation between stripes and circular patterns on zebra cats gives different breeds of cats a unique appearance.
"The significant differences between spotted cats and striped cats stem from the influence of different genes in the pattern formation process."
Cat’s white spots and colors
The appearance of white spots is controlled by the KIT gene, which affects changes in cat coat color, such as floral and mottled colors. This gives many cats a colorful appearance, with beautiful coat color combinations such as calico and tortoiseshell cats.
Color spots and albino cats
The color spot pattern is the result of a variety of colors associated with mating Western cats, and this pattern is often seen in cats affected by the heat sensitivity gene. This also explains why some cats become darker or lighter in color as they age.
Summary
The diversity of cat coat colors is not only the result of genetic combination, but also affected by genetics, gender and other factors. This gives each cat its own unique appearance that is fascinating to watch. So, when you see a cute cat, have you ever wondered about the genetic story behind its unique coat color?
