Cat Color Genetics Calculator
Predict kitten coat colors from parent genetics
Parent 1 Color
Parent 2 Color
Cat Color Genetics: The Science Behind Coat Colors
Cat coat color is controlled by a handful of interacting genes. Our cat color genetics calculator predicts the most likely kitten colors based on the parents’ visible colors using simplified Mendelian genetics principles.
Key Color Genes in Cats
| Gene | Controls | Inheritance |
|---|---|---|
| B (Black) | Black vs. chocolate/cinnamon | Autosomal |
| O (Orange) | Converts black to orange | X-linked |
| D (Dense) | Dense vs. dilute (grey/cream) | Autosomal recessive |
| W (White) | Masks all other colors | Autosomal dominant |
| A (Agouti) | Tabby banding pattern | Autosomal |
FAQs
Why are calico cats almost always female?
The orange gene (O) sits on the X chromosome. Female cats (XX) can carry both orange and black X chromosomes, creating tortoiseshell or calico patterns. Male cats (XY) can only be orange or non-orange. Rare male calicos have XXY chromosomes.
Can you predict cat color from genetics?
You can estimate probabilities, but without DNA testing you can’t know each parent’s hidden recessive genes. For precise results, DNA tests from companies like Basepaws reveal full coat color genotypes. Visit our cat genetics calculator for more detail.
Conclusion
Our cat color genetics calculator makes predicting kitten colors fun and educational. For coat type predictions, visit our cat coat calculator. For life stage care, use our cat age guide and calorie calculator.
What colors did your kittens turn out? Share below!