Cat Coats

The color of their coating
Though colors of cats' hair are varied, it is possible to affirm that the original color was a grayish-chestnut color with dark spots, which gives them a perfect camouflage in different environments. This way, the rest of colors and designs are the results of genetic mutations, for example:

• Hair of solid colors, as black or blue, owe to a gene that annul the stripes.
• Reddish hair to a gene that transforms black pigment into red.
• White hair is the result of a gene that suppresses completely any formation of pigment.

Two pigments, black and orange, form the base of information of all the colorations of domestic cats. These pigments can combine between them or with white (when there is absence of pigment).

Just one gene, the gene O (of orange) determines if a cat's hair contains orange or black pigment.

We can see the gene O as a switch that is on (orange) or off (black pigment). This gene is located in the X chromosome by what it is related with the sex.

A cat's age
The general average life of domestic cats is from 14 to 15 years. Logically, street cats have an average of minor life due to accidents, fights and frequent exposure to diseases.