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British Shorthair Tabby: Agouti vs Non-Agouti Gene

British Shorthair Tabby: Agouti vs Non-Agouti Gene

2022-06-30

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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:

Genotype Phenotype
AA Tabby
Aa Tabby
aa Solid (non-agouti)

Infographic about agouti gene genotypes
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.

Illustrations of tabby patterns in British Shorthairs
Visual representations of tabby patterns in British Shorthairs.


Color Variations in Tabby Patterns

Tabby patterns in British Shorthairs can come in several beautiful colors:

British Shorthair cats with different tabby colors
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.

Learn more about our work