Characterization of a 'Mottled' Coat Color Modification in Domestic Cats

This thesis aimed to characterize a "bigarré" (variegated) coat color modification in certain domestic cat breeds, primarily Maine Coon, Cornish Rex, and Devon Rex. The study reviewed mammalian pigmentation basics, cat coat color genetics, and variegation in other species, such as true variegation in mice and dogs (known as merle). Phenotypic and genealogical analyses were conducted, revealing differences in the distribution of differently pigmented hairs in variegated cats and the role of the Silver locus in determining the variegated pattern. This research is a preliminary step towards fully characterizing feline variegation, pending the publication of mutations associated with the Silver locus.