Salmiak / Salty Liquorice coat colour (KIT-related) - Cat

Salmiak coat colour in cats

This genetic test detects the large deletion in the regulatory region around KIT that produces the Salmiak coat colour. The colour is also known as Salty Liquorice, because black hairs gradually lighten and can create a salt-and-liquorice marbled appearance.

What is visible in the coat?

Salmiak mainly affects black pigmentation. Kittens may be born dark and then develop progressively more white or lighter hairs. The final appearance can vary between cats and is also shaped by the base colour and other coat-colour genes.

Practical value of this test

• Confirms whether a cat carries the tested Salmiak deletion.
• Shows whether the cat can pass the variant to offspring.
• Supports breeding plans when Salmiak should be deliberately maintained or avoided.

Inheritance

The Salmiak variant behaves as an autosomal recessive trait: two copies produce the typical Salmiak appearance, while one copy is mainly important for breeding selection.