![]() It is characterized by a "hidden" white layer of hairs that are closest to the skin, with the outermost portion of coat hairs a solid black. ![]() Maine Coon cat displaying the black smoke coat color pattern In order for a cat to be smoke colored, it has to be a carrier of the dominant allele of the primary gene for coat color (B/B, B/b or B/b1), and it also has to be a recessive homozygote for the dense pigment gene (d/d). The recessive allele of the dense pigment gene (d) alters the expression of other color-associated genes, which results in diluted pigmentation. The smoke color is a variation of the black color, determined by the primary gene for coat color (B/b/b1), and diluted by the dense pigment gene (D/d). The beautiful ticked coat pattern that is the signature of the Abyssinian often comes in a cinnamon color (in addition to blue, ruddy, and fawn). The intensity and pattern of the cinnamon coat will be further shaped by other coat-related genes. Like the chocolate gene, a cat has to be homozygous for this gene ( b1/b1) in order to express the cinnamon color, which is why it’s a lot less frequently observed than black fur. The cinnamon coat is also encoded by a recessive allele ( b1) of the primary gene for coat color (B/b/b1). Chocolate point is typically seen in the Thai Siamese and Balinese cat breeds. The chocolate coat is a signature of the Havana Brown, and the Oriental Shorthair can exhibit chocolate in a variety of patterns (more than any other breed). The intensity and pattern of the brown coat will be further shaped by other coat-related genes. For a cat to appear brown, it has to carry two recessive alleles (homozygous) for brown coloration ( b/b). The dominant version of this gene, ( B), codes for black fur, and because it’s a dominant allele, it’s naturally a lot more commonly observed than brown fur. The chocolate (or brown) coat color is encoded by a recessive allele b of the primary gene for coat color (B/b/b1). This article touches upon but a few of the rarest coat colors and patterns in cats. Background on Cat Coat Colors and Patternsīefore we dive into some of the rare gems of color that some kitties display, it is worth mentioning that feline coat color, pattern, texture, and length are all determined by a variety of different genes.Ĭat coat genetics is complex, and geneticists are still learning new information about every associated gene, its variants, expression, and the many different interactions that some genes have with other genes. “The cat has been described as the most perfect animal, the acme of muscular perfection and the supreme example in the animal kingdom of the coordination of mind and muscle.” – R. Here are the top 10 rarest coat colors and patterns in cats. The captivating colors of your special little kitty are written in its DNA, and some variations seem to be particularly beautiful and rare. Black, white, brown, orange, or a bit of everything? Cats come in so many different colors and patterns that it’s simply too difficult to choose a favorite.
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