What is the name of the mask color pattern in cats? - briefly
The mask color pattern in cats is referred to as "point coloration," characterized by darker fur on the ears, face, paws, and tail.
What is the name of the mask color pattern in cats? - in detail
The mask color pattern in cats is commonly referred to as "pointed" or "colorpoint." This distinctive pattern is characterized by a lighter body color with darker shades concentrated on the extremities, including the ears, face (mask), paws, and tail. The term "pointed" originates from the specific areas where the darker pigment appears, known as "points." This pattern is most famously associated with the Siamese cat breed, though it appears in other breeds and domestic cats as well. The coloration is the result of a temperature-sensitive enzyme called tyrosinase, which is responsible for producing melanin. In cooler areas of the cat's body, such as the extremities, the enzyme is more active, leading to darker pigmentation. Conversely, the warmer central body regions remain lighter. The mask, or facial pattern, is a prominent feature of this coloration, often framing the eyes and nose with a darker hue. Variations of the pointed pattern include seal point, blue point, chocolate point, and lilac point, each defined by the specific shade of the darker points. This pattern is genetically inherited and follows a recessive allele, meaning both parents must carry the gene for it to manifest in their offspring. The pointed pattern is not only visually striking but also serves as a key identifier for certain breeds and genetic traits in feline genetics.