What coat colors are there in cats? - briefly
Cats exhibit a wide range of coat colors, including black, white, gray, brown, and various shades of red or orange. Additionally, they can have patterns like tabby, calico, or tortoiseshell, as well as diluted colors such as blue, cream, or lilac.
What coat colors are there in cats? - in detail
Cats come in a wide variety of coat colors, each determined by specific genes and their combinations. The primary genes responsible for feline coat color are the B (brown), D (dilution), O (orange), W (white spotting), and S (self-pattern) series.
The B series gene controls the production of melanin, which is responsible for black and brown colors. When both alleles are present (BB), the cat will have a black coat. If only one allele is present (Bb), the cat will exhibit a brown or chocolate coat color. The recessive bb allele results in a cinnamon or fawn-colored coat.
The D series gene affects the intensity of the coat color, diluting it when present. A dominant DD allele combination results in a dilute coat color, often seen as blue or gray in cats. The recessive dd allele allows for full expression of the base color without dilution.
The O series gene is responsible for orange and cream colors. Cats with at least one O allele will display some degree of orange or cream coloration. This gene is X-linked, meaning that female cats require only one O allele to express orange color, while male cats need both X chromosomes to carry the O allele.
The W series gene influences white spotting patterns on a cat's coat. There are several alleles in this series, including the dominant S (solid pattern), which results in no white spots; sp (spotting), which allows for various degrees of white spotting; and si (Irish spotting), which creates a distinctive Irish spotting pattern with prominent white areas on the belly, chest, and legs.
The S series gene determines whether a cat has a solid-colored coat or specific tabby patterns. The dominant T allele results in tabby patterns such as stripes or swirls, while the recessive t allele produces a solid color without patterns.
In addition to these primary genes, modifier genes can influence the final appearance of a cat's coat, affecting factors like the intensity and distribution of colors. The interaction between these genes creates a rich palette of feline coat colors, from classic black and white to rare and unique combinations such as calico or tortoiseshell patterns.