How is coat color passed on in cats? - briefly
Coat color in cats is determined by specific genes inherited from their parents, with dominant and recessive alleles influencing the expression of colors and patterns.
How is coat color passed on in cats? - in detail
The coat color in cats is determined by a complex interplay of genetic factors, primarily involving multiple genes that control pigmentation and pattern formation. The primary gene responsible for coat color is the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene, which influences the production of eumelanin (black pigment) and pheomelanin (red or orange pigment). Another critical gene is the agouti signaling protein (ASIP) gene, which regulates the distribution of these pigments along the hair shaft, creating patterns like tabby or solid colors. The orange locus (O) on the X chromosome determines whether a cat will express orange or black pigment, with males having only one X chromosome and thus being either orange or black, while females can display both colors due to X-chromosome inactivation, resulting in tortoiseshell or calico patterns. White coat color is often associated with the white spotting gene (S), which can range from minimal white patches to almost entirely white coats. The dominant white gene (W) can also suppress all pigmentation, leading to a completely white coat, often accompanied by blue eyes and potential deafness. Additionally, dilution genes, such as the melanophilin (MLPH) gene, modify the intensity of the base colors, transforming black into gray or blue and orange into cream. The interaction of these genes, along with modifiers and polygenes, creates the vast diversity of coat colors and patterns observed in cats. Understanding these genetic mechanisms provides insight into the inheritance patterns and helps predict the possible coat colors of offspring based on parental genotypes.