D locus — dilution

Controls: Whether a colour is dense (full) or dilute (softened).

How it works

The D locus controls dilution. Dominant D keeps colour dense; two copies of the recessive d dilute it: black→blue, chocolate→lilac, cinnamon→fawn, red→cream.

Alleles

DDenseDominant

dDiluteRecessive

Colours it produces

Blue (Grey)Lilac (Lavender)Fawn Cream

Frequently asked questions

How do two black cats have a blue kitten?+

If both black parents secretly carry the recessive dilution allele (d), a kitten can inherit two copies and be blue.

Related genes

B locus — black series

Whether the black pigment shows as black, chocolate or cinnamon.

O locus — orange (red)

Red/cream colouring, and tortoiseshell in females.

A locus — agouti (tabby vs solid)

Whether the tabby pattern is visible or hidden under a solid coat.

See these colours on real cats.

Browse cat colours