A-locus coat colour / Agouti and non-agouti (ASIP-related) - Cat

What does this test analyse?

This DNA test analyses the ASIP gene at the feline A locus. This locus determines whether hairs can show agouti banding or whether the cat develops a solid, non-agouti coat. The test detects the recessive a allele, also known as non-agouti, solid or self-coloured, with the variant c.123_124del.

What does it mean for coat colour?

A cat with at least one functional A allele can show banded hairs and visible tabby patterning. A cat with two copies of the a allele has more uniform dark pigment in the hair, so tabby markings in black or brown areas are often hidden and the coat appears solid.

• A/A: agouti; the cat does not carry the tested non-agouti allele.
• A/a: agouti appearance is possible, but the cat can pass on the non-agouti allele.
• a/a: non-agouti; black or brown pigmented areas are usually solid and tabby patterning can be masked.

Practical value of this test

The result helps breeders and cat owners plan agouti, tabby, solid and non-agouti coat outcomes more accurately. This is especially useful when the visible coat is also influenced by other loci such as orange, dilution, chocolate, cinnamon or pattern genes.