Tabby coat colour / blotched and mackerel tabby 3 variants (LVRN-related) - Cat

Tabby pattern in cats

This genetic analysis tests three LVRN variants involved in the classic tabby pattern. Tabby is also described as mackerel tabby, blotched tabby or classic tabby. The difference is mainly visible in the shape of the dark stripes or blotches on an agouti coat.

What do the variants mean?

The normal mackerel pattern produces narrow vertical stripes. Cats with two functional blotched alleles, or a fitting combination of blotched variants, can show a broader classic/blotched pattern with larger swirls or patches. Other loci, such as ticked and agouti, can influence how clearly the pattern is visible.

Practical value of this test

• Tests three known LVRN variants for blotched/classic tabby.
• Helps breeders predict tabby pattern inheritance more accurately.
• Shows whether a cat can pass on one or more blotched alleles.

Inheritance

The blotched/classic tabby variants behave as autosomal recessive alleles relative to the mackerel pattern. For a clear prediction, the result should be interpreted together with other tabby and coat-colour genes.