How are cats colored? - briefly
Cats are colored due to the presence of two types of pigment in their fur: eumelanin and pheomelanin. The combination and distribution of these pigments determine the cat's coat color, with eumelanin responsible for black or brown hues and pheomelanin contributing red or yellow tones.
How are cats colored? - in detail
Cats exhibit a remarkable diversity in coat colors and patterns, which is primarily determined by genetics. The color of a cat's fur is influenced by several factors, including the presence or absence of specific pigments, the distribution of these pigments across the fur, and the interaction between different genes.
The primary pigments responsible for feline coat colors are eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is a dark pigment that can appear as black or brown, depending on its concentration and distribution. Pheomelanin, on the other hand, is a reddish-yellow pigment that gives rise to shades of red, orange, and cream. The interplay between these two pigments, along with their respective dilutions and intensities, creates the wide array of colors found in cats.
One of the key genes involved in feline coloration is the agouti gene (A). This gene controls the distribution of pigment across the hair shaft. In its dominant form (A), the pigment is evenly distributed, resulting in a ticked or agouti pattern, where each hair has a band of color at the root and tip with a lighter middle section. In its recessive form (a), the pigment is concentrated at the tips of the hairs, leading to a solid coloration.
Another important gene is the tabby gene (T). This gene determines the pattern of stripes or swirls on a cat's fur. The dominant allele (T) results in distinct patterns such as mackerel, classic, or spotted tabby, while the recessive allele (t) leads to a solid coloration without any visible patterns.
The dilution gene (D) plays a significant role in modifying the intensity of pigmentation. In its dominant form (D), the pigments are expressed at full strength, producing rich and vibrant colors. However, when this gene is present in its recessive state (d/d), it dilutes the eumelanin to a greyish-blue color and the pheomelanin to a cream or light yellow color.
Additionally, the white spotting gene (S) controls the presence of white fur on cats. This gene can manifest in various ways, from small patches of white fur to extensive areas of white, including the face, chest, and paws. The extent of white spotting is influenced by multiple modifier genes that regulate the spread of the white coloration.
In summary, the coloration of cats is a complex interplay between various genetic factors. Understanding these genetic components provides insight into the diverse and beautiful coat patterns observed in felines.