Tortoiseshell color of cats: varieties, mysticism, interesting facts

Tortoiseshell cats attract attention with their exotic coats and are especially popular among pet lovers. Since ancient times, people have attributed magical powers to them and tried to take possession of them. Today, the tricolor color is no longer considered a great rarity and is officially included in many standards.

Let's figure out what breeds tortoiseshell cats are found in and what signs are associated with this interesting coloring.

Reasons for appearance

The reasons for such gender discrimination are based on differences in the chromosomal “complement” of males and females. The standard set of a female is XX, and in a full-fledged male it looks like XY: Y is a purely male chromosome that does not carry genes responsible, in particular, for color. But nature has outlined a clear mechanism according to which cat offspring inherit the colors of their parents.

Let's try to explain the complexities of color genetics in the simplest terms. Alleles—genes responsible for the inheritance of a particular color—can only be found on the X chromosome. Consider, for example, the black, red and white tortoiseshell pattern. Each X has one allele: B - black (b - chocolate) or O - red (o - cream). Two X+X in a cat is an opportunity to “place” both black and red colors (or their lightened versions) at the same time. But with only one X, the cat won’t be able to do this: either only black or only red.

Seals born from a tortoiseshell cat can be black or red - but not tricolor

The same scheme applies to other options, for example, blue-cream-white. White color is passed on to offspring differently, so such problems do not arise with it. White spotting (Ss) is the name of the gene that determines the inheritance of white color; it in no way depends on the sex of the animal.

Tortoiseshell color: what does it mean?

Not all calico cats are called tortoiseshells. Animals whose colors contain three colors (usually white, red and black) are called tortoiseshells only when multi-colored hairs are mixed together and create a motley small pattern. If a cat’s spots are large and have clear boundaries, this color is called tricolor, which, in fact, means a color that includes three colors.

Curiously, only cats are tricolor or tortoiseshell. This is due to a specific genetic code, and the fair half of the cat family has completely taken away the right to be variegated from the strong one. Tortoiseshell calico cats are rare - one in several thousand, and, as a rule, these animals are sterile from birth, that is, they cannot give birth.

Tricolor cat

How do cats get tortoiseshell coloration?

The color of a cat's fur and the pattern on it are determined genetically, that is, before the kitten is born. Mother cats have a set of two chromosomes - XX, while cats "got" only one X chromosome, the second - Y. The "X" chromosome is responsible for the black and peach-red color, so in addition to snow-white fur, cats may develop both charcoal and orange. Accordingly, the only X chromosome in cats, in addition to white, can give them either black or red, but not at the same time.

That is, the sex of an animal is determined by a pair of chromosomes: XX - cat, XY - cat. The black and red colors of a cat's coat are determined by the genes of the sex chromosomes. The Y chromosome, which is smaller in size, does not contain genes for black(o) or red(O) color. If we consider a cat (that is, an XY individual), then the game does not contain information about color, and the claim will contain either a red tint (O) or a jet black color (o). Accordingly, the chromosome can contain only the shade of fur of one variant.

Having seen a tortoiseshell cat, a person can know exactly what gender it is.

In a cat (XX individual), there are more color variations, since the first X can carry the red gene (O), and the second X can carry the black gene (o). That is, the combination of XO and Xo will give exactly the tortoiseshell color.

It turns out that only cats are genetically inclined towards the tricolor color. The tricolor cat is a real anomaly, which neither scientists nor feline breeders can explain. Unfortunately, tortoiseshell cats have violations of the genetic code, suffer from pathologies of the endocrine and reproductive systems, and rarely live beyond two or three years.

Video - How is tortoiseshell coloration inherited in cats?

Is it only cats?

There is a persistent myth that only cats can be carriers of tortoiseshell coloring - due to the fact that their sex chromosomes look like XX and make it possible for both black and red colors to appear simultaneously. It is not true. It is also not entirely true that, according to statistics, for every three thousand tortoiseshell cats, only one cat of this color is born - and that one is somehow sick, defective and practically sexless.

Tortoiseshell cat or tortoiseshell cat?

The quirks of nature are much more diverse and sophisticated than our understanding. Genetic solitaire games sometimes produce unpredictable results that are difficult to explain from a scientific point of view. For example, felinologists claim that the birth rate of tricolor cats directly depends on the region of their residence - scientists have not yet found an explanation for this phenomenon. But statistics on this matter, alas, are inaccurate—systematic studies have not yet been conducted.

Tortoiseshell cats

Contrary to popular belief, tortoiseshell - calico - cats do exist. But in order for the “female” color to appear, the cat must have a certain gene anomaly: the formula of their sex chromosome set is XXY. Such males are usually sterile, although there are exceptions.

One of the most famous calico cats was born in Germany in 2014, his name is Mesomix, he is a Maine Coon, and he is very fertile. The breeding nursery is rightfully proud of this phenomenon, from where Mesomix regularly travels for matings and examinations around the world. Scientists have found out that he is a chimera cat with an XY/XY chromosome set.

Tricolor Maine Coon Mesomix - the famous chimera cat

Quite a lot of tricolor chimera cats are known. They can be anatomically and behaviorally similar to cats, practically do not mark their territory, do not react to females in heat and, accordingly, do not give birth to offspring. Calico-colored cats are more common than “tortoises”; they are usually cryptorchids - but that’s a completely different story.

Friends of the Smith family from Great Britain vying with each other to say that happiness has come to their friends’ house since a calico cat named Jake settled there. Richard Smith promised his son a kitten as a gift, and together they went to choose a purchase. My son liked the bright calico-colored baby, and for some time the whole family was sure that they had bought a cat. Only a couple of months later, during an examination by a veterinarian, it turned out that they had made a unique acquisition - a tricolor cat. He was given a new name - Jake; The cat is absolutely healthy and cheerful. And since then, good luck has come to the Smith house.

Calico cat Jake brought good luck to his owners

Since the nineteenth century, felinologists from different countries have described many tricolor cats. Unfortunately, most of them were not only sterile, but also did not live long, since along with the genetic mutation they received various serious diseases.

Light or white cat

Lighter colored Maine Coons are suitable for calm people. White cats are always very energetic. They easily convey their good mood to their owners. Owners of light-colored cats are smiling, emotional and very active. In England, white cats are even sold in special pharmacies - for tone. By the way, healers advise everyone who has vision problems to stroke the tail of a white cat more often.

Kinds

Felinologists distinguish two main varieties: patchwork and scaly.

Patchwork

Another name is calico. The English word "calico" means calico fabric. Calico combines clear spots of rich black, red and pure white colors and this really resembles a chintz blanket sewn from scraps.

Scaly

Another name is torti. A chaotic combination of colors is assumed here, for example, blue and cream or black and red. The spots are small, like scales, hence the name. Their boundaries are unclear, shades can flow into one another.

Smoky, silver and golden colors

With silver and golden colors, not the entire hair is dyed, but only a certain part of it from the end.
The rest of the root has no pigmentation at all and remains pure white (silver and smoky colors) or receives only yellow pigment and has a warm golden tint (golden series colors). Thus, the colors of this group are based on the manifestation of typing. Smokes - smoky color is fundamentally different from all other varieties of colors in this group. Smoky cats have a fully colored nasal muzzle and should not have a pattern on their body. Although quite often some residual pattern is visible. As a rule, with a smoky color, the typing is quite deep (up to 2/3 of the hair length). Therefore, often a smoky animal looks almost completely colored and only by parting the fur can you see the pure white (ideally) base of the hair. If the smoky color is not very contrasting, it can be confused with an unevenly colored monochrome color. The presence of contrast is checked on the head between the ears and on the bottom of the paws. Smoke, like all non-agouti colors, ideally should not have any pattern and there should be a well-defined contrast between the pure white base and the colored ends of the hair.

The remaining colors of the silver (and similarly gold) series are divided into the following (according to the depth of typing and the presence of a pattern): Typing 1/8 of the hair length - this color is usually called chinchilla or silver veil (silver shell). For the black color, as a rule, the name simply chinchilla is used. For the rest, indicating the color. For example: chocolate chinchilla, blue-cream chinchilla, etc. The colors of the silver series based on red or cream are usually called “cameo”. In this case, red or cream voile cameo (or cameo shell). Chinchillas (or veil ones) look almost completely white, but there must be an outline of the nose and eyelids (typing color), the “letter M” may be visible on the forehead, dark hair on the paws (feet), not pronounced dark strokes on the paws (remnants of rings ) and a slightly darkened back, as if “sprinkled with pepper.” But any noticeable pattern, like a clearly dark back, is a disadvantage.

Tipping up to 1/3 of the hair length – This slightly deeper tipping results in a shaded silver color. For reds and creams this color is called shaded cameo. Shaded colors (shedded) should also not have a noticeable pattern. Only the “letter M” on the forehead, open paw rings and open necklaces are allowed. And, of course, the outline of the eyes and nose mirror.

Even deeper and more intense typing allows the ticking and, accordingly, the existing pattern to appear. These colors are called silver patterned (silver tabby), indicating the type of pattern, for example: black silver brindle, blue silver spotted or red silver tabby. For silver patterned cats, all the requirements for tabby colors apply, with the only difference being that the main background is not sand or beige, but pure snow-white. Golden colors are divided similarly. Just replace the word “silver” with the word “golden” in the title. There are no red or cream colors in the gold series.

Golden series animals can have green and only green eyes. Silvers also have green eyes, except for cameos - their eyes are always orange. For all colors in this series, the main thing is the pronounced contrast between the base of the hair and the colored tip. The disadvantage will be the presence of completely dyed hairs. Otherwise, for smokes, all the requirements and disadvantages of monochrome and tortoiseshell colors apply, and for patterned ones, everything that applies to tabbies applies.

Varieties

It’s simply hard to imagine a more bizarre color. Nature, like a careless artist, mixes colors on a palette, and sometimes jokes cheerfully, applying them to cats’ fur coats. Depending on the size, shape and location of the color spots, different types of tortoiseshell colors are classified.

Why is the color called tortoiseshell? To understand this, just look at the hair combs, which were made from tortoise shell and were once at the height of fashion.

The patterns on the tortoiseshell comb are reminiscent of the bizarre colors of turtle cats.

Full

Tortoiseshell colors can be either spotted or striped. It is possible, although rare, to have a combination of both. It becomes the result of the interaction of “color” genes with the agouti gene (A). This is how the valuable torby color appears when the tortoiseshell spots form a tabby pattern.

The Torby color is rarely seen and is highly valued.

One color cannot combine full and diluted colors - black-cream, red-blue and similar mixes are signs of genetic mutations.

Diluted

Tortoiseshell colors that have small white spots are called piebald. Such options are classified in the same way as full and diluted - only in each specific case, “with white” is added to the name of the color: for example, “cinnamon tortoiseshell with white,” tortoiseshell lilac-cream with white, etc.

Diluted tricolor colors look elegant

Colors with large areas of white are classified into a separate group called "calico". In such cases, up to half of the animal’s fur can be painted white: usually the lower part of the body along with the paws. The skin under the white fur is pink. The red and black spots on the calico's coat differ from the usual tortoiseshell color by having clearer contours and richer pigment.

Calico full

With the Calico color, the black areas of the coat are uniformly colored, and the cream or red spots may be brighter in places and lighter in others; this gradation is much more noticeable than with a tortoiseshell color.

Calico varieties look brighter than tortoiseshell colors

Calico diluted

The Calico color looks very elegant, bright and therefore very popular. It is also often called patchwork or chintz.

Definition and characteristics of color

The tortoiseshell color is a combination of three different shades - white, red and black. In this case, not only the combination of colors is important, but also their location on the coat. In a turtle cat, all three shades mix with each other and form a bizarre pattern. If these colors are presented in the form of separate spots, then the color will be called tricolor.

On a note. The tonality of the traditional tortoiseshell color may vary. The charcoal color often has a brown or chocolate tint. Red can transform into a yellowish or reddish tint. And white sometimes changes to milky or silver.

Main breeds of tortoiseshell cats

The X and Y chromosomes are responsible for determining sex in cats, as in humans. The X chromosome is responsible for the inheritance of color.

For such a combination of coat colors, two X chromosomes are needed, and this is normally only possible in a female. The male has a normal cat genotype - XY. Tricolor and tortoiseshell cats are found, but this is a consequence of a genetic disorder. But they will have the XXY genotype.

Tortoiseshell cat

Interesting! It is impossible to predict whether a tortoiseshell kitten will be born to a similar cat. A litter may include a black male kitten and a red female kitten.

The following describes the most famous breeds whose coat color resembles that of a tortoiseshell.

Sphinxes

The tortoiseshell sphinx is quite rare. This color is found in the Canadian variety of this breed. Sphynxes are sophisticated and refined creatures, the cat weighs up to 4 kg, the male weighs no more than seven. The coat is completely absent.

The life expectancy of sphinxes is about 15 years, but with proper care.

The tortoiseshell color of the Sphynx cat has several varieties:

• lilac with the addition of cream;
• red chocolate;
• black-red;
• creamy blue.

Only cats are painted in this mixture of colors.

Tortoiseshell Sphynx

British

The plush fur of British cats carries different variations of “tortoiseshell” colors. The following combinations occur.

Classic common ones:

• black with red;
• lilac-cream;
• cream and blue.

Less common are British fawn (rich beige) with soft cream and cinnamon (the color of a cinnamon stick) with red splashes. Often there are combinations of tortoiseshell color with tabby (striped).

Interesting! Only cats appear this color. A tortoiseshell British cat can be born, but he will be sterile from birth.

British tortoiseshell cat

Kurilian Bobtail

Short-tailed cats with a tri-colored or blue-cream tortoiseshell coloration, come in odd-eyed, yellow-eyed and green-eyed varieties. Lilac, chocolate and fawn colors are prohibited by the breed standard. The nose and feet are gray or black.

The tortoiseshell Kurilian Bobtail should not have a coat in diluted shades of black

Japanese Bobtail

The traditional tricolor color of bobtail cats is a combination of red, black and white (except for lilac and chocolate variations). The eyes can be multi-colored (golden and blue) or all shades of orange-yellow and green. The skin of the nose and paw pads is often pink, but sometimes black.

Japanese bobtails are not allowed to have lilac and chocolate colors.

Maine Coon

Huge cats with luxurious semi-long hair, decorated with spots of various colors that smoothly flow into each other. Combinations of bright red and black with the addition of white are more common, less often diluted. The color of the skin on the soles of the paws and nose corresponds to one of the solid tones that make up the color, the eyes are greenish or yellow-orange.

Tortoiseshell Maine Coons are very common

Turkish van

On the snow-white body there are spots of black-blue and red-cream range; they should occupy no more than 15% of the cat’s body area. Eye color - blue, amber or different. The pads of the feet are pink and may have colored spots on them. The skin of the nose is deep pink.

Tortoiseshell Vans have colored spots on a white background

Persian breed

Long-haired tortoiseshell cats look very interesting, because in this case not only the pattern, but also the texture of the hairs is taken into account. In Persian cats, the tricolor sections of the coat are intricately mixed, and the hairs can have different shades along the entire length. Turtle Persians typically have beautiful dark orange eyes that look like jewels against their colorful fur.

Longhaired Persian cat "tortie"

Turkish Angora

Despite the fact that Turkish Angoras were bred as completely snow-white cats, over time, breeders introduced various types of colors, including tortoiseshell. Among Angora cats, the “tortoise-on-white” type is especially common, with the light coat having a particularly vibrant whiteness. The colored areas of the fur coat are usually bright and saturated.

Turkish Angora Tricolor

Cornish Rex

Curly-haired Cornish, which have the most delicate fur covered with curls, also represent a breed group, which according to the standard includes tortoiseshell color. Especially among Cornish Rexes, variations in coloration “turtle on white” are valued, when the lower part of the animal’s body is covered with snow-white fur, and on top there are red and black spots.

Tricolor Cornish Rex kitten

Neva Masquerade

Very dark pointing markings on the paws, muzzle, tail, as well as a beige or soft cream body. Chaotic spots from dark red to rich cream colors, sometimes the points are barely distinguishable. The nose and pads are dark brown, the irises of the eyes are painted in blue tones.

Neva Masquerade in tortoiseshell color must have blue eyes

Scottish lop-eared

Funny cats, seemingly devoid of ears, in tortoiseshell color are especially reminiscent of a forest owl. This breed is related to the British and therefore has similar types and shades of tricolor. The coat of a Scottish cat can have both cold charcoal and warm chocolate shades. More common are motley cats, the “torti” subspecies, with very rich, bright coat pigments.

Scots Fold, "torty" color

Orientals

The tortoiseshell color is one of the most popular in the rich palette of the Oriental breed - the standard allows for about four dozen color variations for these original animals. Smart and beautiful oriental cats are extraordinary in everything, from appearance to character . Therefore, the bizarre tortoiseshell patterns simply fit perfectly into the image of the breed - there is no more unusual color in nature.

Oh, who has such big ears and such a bad mood?

Norwegian

Norwegian forest cats, according to many, are the most spectacular representatives of the tortoiseshell color. Animals with the “turtle on white” type are more common. Thanks to their long, very lush and rich coat, Norwegian Forest cats boast unusual color transitions and layers of shades.

Norwegian forest turtle

Outbred

The tortoiseshell cat can be found everywhere: both in a rural farmstead and on the streets of a big city. Despite the fact that many people are happy to take tricolor kittens into their homes, many of them remain strays. Don't pass by this colorful bundle of fluffy happiness - perhaps with his appearance in your life it will change for the better.

Beauty does not require documents

It doesn’t matter whether the cat has documents - outbred “tricolors” can boast not only beauty, but also intelligence, good health and strong genetics. It is in litters of yard “turtles” that most cats are born that inherit their mother’s color.

If you're lucky, there may be several "turtle" kittens in one litter.

Standard requirements for tortie cats

Tortoiseshell cats should have a harmonious-looking coat of colored spots uniformly distributed over the surface of the body. The classification accepted by felinologists distinguishes two types of distribution of color spots:

• small spots of red and black groups;
• patchwork coloring of red, black and white colors.

The British cat's coat is short, dense, soft to the touch, slightly raised. Often compared to a wool rug. Tortie's eye color is a rich dark gold or copper. The color of the tip of the nose and paw pads can be pink, black or mixed pink and black.

Photo - fold cat f 21 01

BRI h 03

Features of character and behavior

Of course, much in a cat’s character depends not on its color, but on its breed, genetics, living conditions and other factors. But in the behavior of most tortoiseshell cats, many similarities can be observed, which allows us to say: color also matters!

Tri-colored cats are unusually flexible and friendly - you can always come to an amicable agreement with them. At the same time, they are proud, independent, know what they want, and will not do what they do not like. They are persistent, and sometimes even too stubborn, and always try to get their way. However, the “turtles” are not doing this out of harm; they have a heightened sense of justice, which they try to restore wherever they are present.

A regal appearance requires aristocratic manners

The only authority for such a cat is its beloved owner. Only to him can she allow a lot and forgive him. But it is better for a stranger not to show familiarity and disrespect for such a royal person - he will instantly receive a harsh rebuff. Veterinarians say that tortoiseshell cats behave worse during appointments than all the others: well, they don’t like that the doctor takes liberties...

Of the obvious shortcomings of tricolors, only one can be named - they are poorly accustomed to the tray. If your pet has chosen a certain corner of the house to relieve itself, no force can force her to change the place for the toilet - it will be easier and more effective to move the litter tray to where she likes it. This is indeed a problem that many turtle owners complain about. Well, don’t forget to change the filling more often - a dirty tray is not suitable for royalty!

Tortoiseshell cats are caring mothers

Those who are lucky enough to own a calico cat admire its excellent maternal qualities - it turns out that color can also influence this.

Cat character

In addition to the amazing colors, breeders note the unique character of tortoiseshell pets. Negative qualities include a sense of ownership towards the owner, sometimes it leads to physical attacks due to jealousy, violence and unpredictability. Independence and irritability are also not liked by breeders. Cats show their dissatisfaction in different ways: by loud meowing, growling and hissing.

Popular breeds with tri-color coat:

• American raccoons or Maine Coons;
• angora;
• lop-eared British;
• Scottish;
• Cymric;
• Norwegian forest;
• Cornish Rex;
• Siberian;
• sphinxes with velor, brush and flock wool;
• Japanese anurans.

Independence and pride are combined in one pet with sociability and playfulness, which is due to increased attention from humans. Beautiful color has always been highly valued, so the owner shows a good attitude towards the animal. The cat tries to reciprocate, tries not to upset the beloved family member. Turtles have extraordinary intelligence; they quickly learn simple commands and respond to their name.

If someone yells at the owner or uses physical force against him, the cat remembers this attitude and after a while can take revenge on the offender. The next time they meet, she will bite or scratch him. The pet loudly expresses its requests. Hunger, boredom and a feeling of discomfort are manifested by rather loud purring and constant rubbing against a person’s legs and arms.

Turtle animals are very active and mobile. They run around the house at night, conquer different heights, and throw small objects off tables and cabinets. They don't have enough games with rubber balls and mice. The owner needs to prepare for constant ambush attacks, frequent hand bites, and hair pulling with paws. If the animal does not receive enough attention, it will begin to cause harm: it will scratch wallpaper or furniture, tear curtains, and chew off wires. With these pranks he wants to show that he is lonely. You shouldn’t scold him for this behavior; it’s enough to just take care of your pet and show him your feelings.

Mystical purpose

The population of different countries treats these animals differently. This is understandable: different cultures, different religions, different life interests. And what’s really surprising is that the attitude towards three-colored graceful creatures is exactly the same everywhere. I wonder why? What lies at the basis of such agreement in relation to the smaller mustachioed brothers? Cultural positions, moral and ethical standards converge at some point, and a rapprochement of peoples occurs.

The fact that feline aristocrats are endowed with different properties and given additional mystical capabilities is explained by their great rarity. Cats attract money into the house and thereby solve issues of well-being and wealth; with the help of a cat you can easily get rid of evil spirits, because this evil spirit generally cannot stand cats.

This is not a complete list of cat talents that people have endowed them with. Tortoiseshell color has nothing to do with tortoiseshell character. Tricolors are mobile, intelligent, and capable of action.

Rich is God's gift to the Russians

In Ancient Rus', animals had an additional wonderful name. They were lovingly and with a great deal of hope for all the best in life called rich people. Someone will think that the name comes from the word “wealth”, but this is not so far from the truth.

The Old Russian name for miracle cats “bogatka” comes from the word “God”. This emphasized some of the feline capabilities that God himself endowed them with.

Americans want to live well

In America, the content of the attitude towards a family friend is filled with a certain amount of practicality. Americans are sure that a tricolored, mustachioed family friend will certainly bring good luck and wealth, and will help you find and keep a well-paid job. If a person saw a tortoiseshell cat in a dream, you can be sure that happiness and good luck await you. The sign has been living in the beliefs of the peoples of the world for many centuries.

Friend of the English family

In Great Britain, the mysterious tricolor joy and comfort of the family is intended to preserve and protect the home and family from evil spirits. The British have a slightly different approach to seeing their role in family life. Tortoiseshell cats are given a special role. They are so beautiful and useful that the rest of the cat tribe is nothing compared to them. They are assigned the role of mouse exterminators. These non-tricolor fighters love only the house and themselves in this house. They do not pay any attention to the owner. A tortoiseshell cat can become a true friend to the owner of the house; comfort and tranquility, peace and harmony will reign in the house.

The Japanese worship!

The tricolor miracle has firmly taken its place in the cultural traditions of Japan. This is confirmed by the cat figurine. If you decide to purchase a figurine in Japan, you should know that there is nothing random about the figure embodied in the figurine. The tilt of the head, the size of the spots, their location - all this is of particular importance.

To choose the right figurine of an aristocrat with a tortoiseshell color, you will need to consult experts in Eastern culture. The Japanese have surpassed all nations of the world in endowing such representatives of the cat family with various positive properties. They elevated them to a symbol of the entire nation, and even called them in their own way: manekki-neko.

The Japanese are sure that three-colored creations of nature are cosmic messengers. They were sent to the planet to perform a special mission. When such a creature lives nearby, all family members will be protected from problems.

Tricolor and sailors

Swimming is reliably protected from destructive storms if they are accompanied by a tortoiseshell cat. If a sailor dreams about it, the storm will certainly stop. It is for this reason that captains carry photographs depicting a three-colored delicate creature across the seas and oceans. Like the entire cat species, tricolors are gentle, affectionate, clean, excellent mothers - like all relatives with other colors.

Protection from diseases

Tricolor pets have been very popular since ancient times. It is believed that “multi-colored” pestles have mystical powers and can protect the house and household members from various misfortunes.

This is the version that is voiced in the UK. The British believe that pets with unusual colors can help rid your home of evil spirits and diseases. Also in Foggy Albion, it is generally accepted that fluffy “turtles” make the house more comfortable and the household members calm.

Agouti and non-agouti

The colors of cats are very diverse. Some cats are evenly colored - these are the so-called solid colors or solids. Other cats have a pronounced pattern - in the form of stripes, circles. This pattern is called tabby. Tabby "opens" on the coat thanks to the dominant gene A - agouti. This gene colors each cat's hair with evenly alternating dark and light transverse stripes.

In dark stripes, a larger amount of eumelanin pigment is concentrated, in light ones - less, and the pigment granules elongate, acquiring an ellipsoidal shape and are located sparsely along the length of the hair.

But if a homozygous allele (aa)—non-agouti—appears in the genotype of a black animal, the tabby pattern does not appear and the color turns out to be solid. This influence of some genes on other genes that are not allelic with them is called epistasis. That is, the allele (aa) has an epistatic effect on the tabby genes, it “covers” them, masks them, and prevents them from appearing. At the same time, the effect of allele (aa) does not extend to the O (orange) gene. Therefore, cats of red (cream) color always have an open tabby pattern, and the solid red color in cats is obtained through the breeder's breeding work, when selection is made for wider dark-colored stripes, the close proximity of which is perceived by the human eye as a solid red color.

Thus, all cats are tabbies, but not all are agoutis. Confirmation that all cats have a tabby in their genotype is the residual “ghost” baby tabby in many kittens. This residual tabby in cats of solid colors goes away, the cat sheds, the coat changes and becomes evenly colored.

Secrets of genetics

Breeders consider breeding cats with ticked colors to be a difficult task, but at the same time very exciting. At the moment, experts have been able to identify only two genes responsible for this design of the fur of furry pets: Abyssinian and common ticking.

The first gene gives the animal's hairs ticking with the same frequency of stripes. In this case, coloring with triple zoning is considered ideal. Mandatory for such an exterior is, among other things, a stripe on the back of a slightly darker shade than the body color.

The general ticking gene does not give the number of stripes on the hairs and their distribution, but simply smoothes out the saturation in the cat’s color. The homozygous form of this U gene is capable of making the pattern on the animal’s body almost invisible. In a heterozygous one, a clear pattern is observed on the paws and tail, as well as a shadow pattern on the body. This gene has the peculiarity that it begins its work from the very birth of the kitten.