Cat

Cats with the brown allele have reduced amounts of the black pigment and therefore have a brown appearance. Two mutations are tested, the first is responsible for the chocolate colour and the second for the cinnamon colour. The coat colour of the cat also depends on complex interactions with other genes.

The amber gene causes kittens to gradually change their coat colour from black at birth to an amber colour. This change is mainly observed during the first year. The coat colour of the cat also depends on complex interactions with other genes.

The colorpoint mutation is associated with the production of temperature sensitive pigments. Pigment production is reduced in the warmer areas of the body, resulting in darker pigmentation in the cooler extremities of the cat (paws, ears, etc.). In the Siamese phenotype, pigment expression is limited to the extremities of the cat (legs, tail, ears, face). In the Burmese phenotype, the pigment expression results in a wider distribution of pigments on the body and darker spots than the body.

The mutation of the MLPH gene leads to a dilution of the intensity of the coat colour. The black coat becomes blue, the orange becomes cream and the chocolate coat is diluted to lilac.

Cats carrying the DW (white dominant) allele have a white coat. This mutation is also associated with hearing problems and deafness. Cats with two mutated alleles are more likely to have hearing problems than cats with one allele.

The albino mutation is a rare mutation that produces a white coat and blue eyes, and is recessive to the colorpoint mutations (see CAT-COLOPOINT test).

Different mutations in the FGF5 gene produce long hair in cats. Progenus tests for mutation 4 which is present in many breeds.

A mutation in the KRT71 gene is responsible for the virtual absence of hair in the Sphynx. This genetic alteration disrupts normal hair production, leading to almost total loss of coat.

The Devon Rex's distinctive curly coat is the result of a genetic mutation in the KRT71 gene, which is essential for hair formation. This mutation causes an alteration in the structure of the hair, giving the Devon Rex its characteristic appearance, with tight curls and a unique texture. All Devon Rexes analysed have two copies of this mutation, which means that it is fixed in the breed and determines the curly phenotype. This mutation is specific to the Devon Rex and has not been observed in other rexoid breeds or hairless varieties, highlighting its uniqueness within the breed.