Domestic shorthair cats, sometimes called moggies, are one of the most popular types of house cats. They have a wide range of coat colours and patterns that make each kitten unique. When domestic shorthair kittens are born, their coats can come in a variety of colours including black, white, orange, grey, brown tabby, calico, tortoiseshell and many more. The specific colours and patterns that a litter of kittens will have depends on the genetics of their parents. Understanding the basic genes that control cat coat colour can help predict what colours domestic shorthair kittens may be.
Common Colours in Domestic Shorthair Kittens
Some of the most common coat colours seen in domestic shorthair kittens include:
Solid Colours
– Black – A kitten with entirely black fur. The black gene is dominant.
– White – A kitten with all white fur. The white spotting gene causes varying amounts of white coat.
– Orange – Also called red or ginger. This is sex-linked to the X chromosome so is more common in males.
– Blue – A dilute version of black fur. Grey with a blueish tint.
– Cream – A dilute version of orange fur. Pale buff/cream coloured.
Tabby Patterns
– Classic Tabby – Prominent marbling stripes on body with bull’s eye pattern on sides.
– Mackerel Tabby – Narrow parallel vertical stripes along body.
– Spotted Tabby – Spots over body instead of striped pattern.
– Ticked Tabby – Bands of different coloured hairs without stripes or spots.
Bicolour
– Tuxedo – Black and white kitten with “tuxedo” pattern of mostly black with white belly/paws.
– Van – White kitten with colour restricted to the head and tail.
Tortoiseshells
– Tortoiseshell – Random patchwork pattern of orange, black and cream. Seen in female cats.
– Calico – Same as tortoiseshell but with large white patches.
Pointed
– Siamese – Light body with darker “points” of colour on face, legs, tail and ears.
How Genetics Determine Coat Colour
There are several key genes that interact to produce the wide variety of potential coat colours in domestic shorthair kittens:
Black Gene
The black (B) gene codes for black pigment. The dominant form (B) produces black fur. The recessive form (b) prevents black pigment causing a dilute coat colour.
Orange Gene
The orange (O) gene codes for reddish pigment. The dominant form (O) allows the orange/red coat. The recessive form (o) prevents orange pigment. This gene is on the X chromosome.
Dilute Gene
The dilute (D) gene dilutes black pigment to gray (called blue) and orange pigment to cream. The recessive form (d) causes this dilution.
White Spotting Gene
The white spotting (S) gene produces variable white spotting from low to high grade. The dominant form (S) produces solid colour. The recessive (s) causes white patches.
Agouti Gene
The agouti (A) gene controls whether the coat is solid or has tabby stripes/spots. The recessive form (a) allows solid coat colour.
Temperature Sensitive
The temperature sensitive gene causes darker “points” of colour similar to the Siamese pattern.
Example Cat Coat Genotypes
Here are some examples of how these different genes can interact to create different coat colours in kittens:
| Coat Colour | Genotype |
|---|---|
| Black | BBDDaaSs |
| Orange | ooDDaaSs (male cat) |
| Blue | bbDDaaSs |
| Cream | ooDDaaSs |
| Black Smoke | BBDDAASs |
| Tabby | BbDdAaSs |
| Calico | BODdAass (female cat) |
| Tortoiseshell | BODdAaSs (female cat) |
| Tuxedo | BbDdAAss |
| Siamese | bbDdaaSs (temperature sensitive allele) |
As you can see, just a few key genes interacting create a diverse palette of potential coat colours in domestic shorthair kittens. The genetics inherited from the parents determines which versions of these genes each kitten receives.
How to Predict A Litter’s Coat Colours
Breeders can analyze the genotype of parent cats to get an idea of the likely coat colours expected in a litter. Some key points:
– Solid colour parents usually produce solid colour kittens. Tabby parents often have tabby kittens.
– Two black cats will always have black kittens, since black (B) is dominant.
– An orange father and black mother could produce black or orange kittens.
– Tortoiseshell mothers will have tortoiseshell daughters since it is sex-linked.
– High white spotting parents can produce van pattern kittens.
– Pointed pattern requires both parents to carry the temperature sensitive gene.
While genetics sets the palette, the exact coat pattern and colour shade of each kitten is still unique. Two orange tabby parents could have kittens in shades from pale buff to deep red. The diversity keeps each domestic shorthair kitten one-of-a-kind.
Raising Healthy Kittens
To make sure kittens with their beautiful assortment of coat colours grow up healthy, proper care and nutrition is key:
– Kittens should stay with the mother cat for at least 8 weeks after birth.
– Kittens need a diet high in protein and calories for rapid growth.
– Vaccinate kittens starting at 6-8 weeks old.
– Spay/neuter kittens by 5-6 months old.
– Provide toys, cat trees and activities for exercise and mental stimulation.
– Groom kittens frequently to get them used to handling and prevent matted fur.
With diligent care, attention and socialization, kittens with any coat colour can grow into wonderful feline companions.
Conclusion
Domestic shorthair kittens come in a rainbow of possible coat colours. While genetics determine the palette, each kitten has a unique pattern and shade. By understanding the key genes that control cat colouration, breeders can predict what coat colours may appear in a litter. But no matter their colour, proper care and handling ensures kittens grow into happy, healthy cats. The wide diversity of domestic shorthair coats means there is a perfect kitten for every feline lover.
