The tabby genetic test distinguishes between the mackerel (striped) and blotched (classic swirled) tabby patterns. These patterns are determined by variations at the tabby locus, specifically the Ta^M (mackerel) and Ta^b (blotched) alleles, which follow a dominance hierarchy. Additionally the test provides information on the Ta^as allele which can result in an atypical swirl coat pattern. The test provides breeders with precise information to predict and select for these coat patterns in their breeding programs. The tabby pattern is only expressed if agouti is A/A or A/a (not solid) and ticked is N/N (not ticked).
