Breeding Colours and Patterns II

Depending on the presence, the power in which the dilution occurs can vary and it can create an array of different shades in a littler. Aside from the various colours in the cat breeding world, there of course exists further variation in the form of patterning in cats.

Patterning is a key factor for many breeders as they will dictate the general complexion of the cat. This is where interesting variations occur in colour combinations. They follow a coherent structure and have been repeatedly observed to be the result of genetics. One of the most common genetic patterns is known as the agouti genome, this causes a slight gradient of the hair fibres. This occurs most notably in domestic cats and will start off in lighter shades closer to its skin and darken towards the end of the hair strands. Genetic combinations also influence each other. For instance the appearance of the Tabby patterning will only appear if certain other genes are present such as the agouti. Tabby markings are observed as distinct striped patterning and will run as streaks on the side of its body. The tabby gene is found in many gene pools and hence means that the dominant genes are present too.