Cat coat genetics, explained simply
The handful of genes that decide a cat's colour and pattern — and why two cats can produce a kitten that looks like neither.
Dominant and recessive
Each cat carries two copies of every colour gene. A dominant version shows even with one copy; a recessive one only shows with two — which is how hidden colours pass quietly between generations.
The main genes
A few loci do most of the work: the black series (B), dilution (D), the sex-linked orange gene (O), agouti/tabby (A), silver (I) and coat length (L). Each has its own page with examples.
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