Coat Colour Ticked (2 variants) – Cat

The ticked coat pattern in cats is a distinctive feature, characterized by each hair being banded with alternating light and dark segments, creating a “ticked” appearance. This non-tabby, agouti coat colour pattern, is caused by dominant mutations in the Dickkopf WNT Signaling Pathway Inhibitor 4 (DKK4) gene, which regulates hair follicle development and pigmentation. Currently, two mutations in the DKK4 gene have been identified that are responsible for the ticked coat pattern in cats. The first mutation (Ti^CK) has been found in the Abyssinian, Burmese, Maine Coon and Oriental Shorthair breeds. This second mutation (Ti^A) is observed in the Abyssinian breed. Both variants are analysed in this DNA test.