British Shorthair Tabby: Agouti vs Non-Agouti Gene
June 29, 2022
Discover how the agouti gene influences the tabby patterns in British Shorthair cats and understand the difference between agouti and non-agouti coat colors.
British Shorthair Tabby: Agouti vs Non-Agouti Gene
Introduction
The beauty of the tabby pattern in British Shorthair cats goes far beyond visible stripes.
It originates in genetics, specifically in the agouti gene, which is responsible for the classic feline markings.
If you've ever been fascinated by a striped or spotted cat, this article will help you understand how these patterns form — and how to identify a true British Shorthair Tabby.
Agouti Gene: The Basis of the Tabby Pattern
The agouti gene (A) controls how pigments are distributed in a cat’s fur.
It determines whether each hair will have bands of different colors (tabby) or will be a solid, uniform color (no visible markings).
🧬 Alleles:
A→ dominant → activates the tabby pattern.a→ recessive → results in a solid (non-agouti) coat.
| Genotype | Phenotype |
|---|---|
AA | Tabby |
Aa | Tabby |
aa | Solid (non-agouti) |
Illustration showing the AA, Aa, and aa genetic combinations.
Main Tabby Patterns
The agouti gene can express itself through various visual patterns:
🌀 Blotched Tabby (Classic)
Broad, swirling marble-like patterns, resembling butterfly wings.
📏 Mackerel Tabby
Narrow, vertical stripes similar to the bones of a fish.
🔵 Spotted Tabby
Rounded spots scattered across the body instead of lines.
✨ Ticked Tabby
Each hair shows alternating bands of color, with minimal or no body striping — only visible on the face and tail.
Visual representations of tabby patterns in British Shorthairs.
Color Variations in Tabby Patterns
Tabby patterns in British Shorthairs can come in several beautiful colors:
- Blue tabby
- Lilac tabby
- Chocolate tabby
- Cream tabby
- Cinnamon tabby
Examples of different tabby color variations.
FAQ – Agouti Gene in British Shorthairs
What is the agouti gene?
It is the gene responsible for creating tabby patterns (stripes, spots, or ticked) in a cat’s coat.
How can I tell if my cat is agouti?
Cats with visible tabby patterns are agouti (AA or Aa). Solid-colored cats (aa) have no visible markings.
Can a tabby cat also have white patches?
Yes. Tabby patterns can combine with the white spotting gene, resulting in tabby-and-white cats.
Can a cat’s coat color change over time?
The intensity of the color may change slightly with age, seasons, or coat shedding, but the underlying genetic color remains the same.
Conclusion
Feline genetics is fascinating and reveals the incredible diversity of coat patterns and colors in the British Shorthair breed.
The agouti gene plays a major role in creating these wonderful visual variations.
Understanding these details allows us to admire and appreciate our cats even more.
This content was produced by British Village
We are passionate breeders specializing in the British Shorthair, focusing on genetic excellence, health, and well-being.