Russet coat colour (MC1R-related) - Burmese

Russet in Burmese cats

This genetic test detects the MC1R deletion c.439_441del that causes the russet phenotype in Burmese cats. The trait is also described as russet coat colour, russet or an E-locus/MC1R-related colour change. Russet is characterised by a striking warm reddish-brown or apricot-like colour shift that can develop with age.

What does russet mean?

The variant affects MC1R, a receptor involved in determining which pigment type is expressed in the coat. In genetically russet cats, coat colour can shift toward warmer reddish-brown tones. Final colour still depends on other coat-colour genes, base colour, pattern and age.

Why this test is useful

• The test shows whether a Burmese cat is clear, a carrier or genetically russet for the tested MC1R deletion.
• Breeders can deliberately plan or avoid russet.
• The result helps distinguish russet colour development from other E-locus or base-colour influences.

Russet is inherited as autosomal recessive: one copy means carrier status, while two copies cause the russet phenotype.