🧬🐱🎨
Cat Genetics Calculator
Predict kitten coat colors, patterns, and traits using real genetics. Set parent genotypes across 13 loci and see all possible offspring with exact probabilities.
Based on UC Davis VGL, CFA, and TICA genetics standards
Sire (Father) ♂
Select alleles for each locus, or use a preset above.
Dam (Mother) ♀
Select alleles for each locus, or use a preset above.
Gene Reference Guide (13 Loci)
Sources: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, CFA Basic Feline Genetics, TICA Uniform Color Descriptions, Barsh et al. 2021 (DKK4), ARHGAP36 discovery 2024.
How Cat Coat Color Genetics Work
13 Gene Loci, Thousands of Combinations
Cat coat color is determined by the interaction of multiple genes, each at a specific location (locus) on the chromosomes. This calculator models 13 key loci including color (B, D, O), pattern (A, Ta, Ti, Sp), distribution (C, I, W, S), structure (L), and health-related traits (Fd). Each locus has two alleles (one from each parent), and the combination determines the cat's appearance.
Dominance, Epistasis & X-Linkage
Some alleles are dominant (expressed when one copy is present) and others are recessive (need two copies). Epistasis occurs when one gene masks another — for example, Dominant White (W) hides ALL other colors. The Orange gene (O) is X-linked, which is why tortoiseshell and calico cats are almost exclusively female.
Breed Presets & DNA Test Results
Start with a breed preset to quickly set up common genotypes, or enter exact alleles from DNA test results (UC Davis VGL, Basepaws, Wisdom Panel). The more accurate the input, the more precise the predictions.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides theoretical genetic predictions based on established Mendelian inheritance models. Actual kitten phenotypes may vary due to polygenic traits, incomplete penetrance, variable expressivity, and epigenetic factors not modeled here. White spotting extent, tabby pattern clarity, and eye color are particularly subject to variation. This tool is intended for educational purposes and responsible breeding planning. Always consult a veterinary geneticist for breeding decisions involving health-related genes. Scientific references: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, CFA Basic Feline Genetics, TICA Uniform Color Descriptions, Barsh et al. 2021 (DKK4/ticked pattern, PMC8423757), ARHGAP36 Orange locus discovery (2024).
Frequently Asked Questions
This calculator uses established Mendelian genetics principles for 13 known feline coat loci. For loci with well-characterized alleles (such as B, D, O, C, L), predictions are highly accurate. Pattern genes (like spotting and ticking) and white spotting can show variable expression due to polygenic modifiers not captured in simple models. For the most precise results, use DNA test data from UC Davis VGL or similar laboratories.
The Orange (O) gene is located on the X chromosome. Males have only one X chromosome (XY), so they are either orange (O/Y) or non-orange (o/Y). Females have two X chromosomes, so they can be orange (O/O), non-orange (o/o), or tortoiseshell/calico (O/o). This is why calico and tortoiseshell cats are almost always female.
Some gene combinations are lethal when homozygous. For example, Fd/Fd (homozygous fold ears) causes severe osteochondrodysplasia — a painful cartilage and bone disease. The calculator identifies these combinations and warns breeders to avoid them. Lethal offspring are excluded from the viable results count.
Epistasis is when one gene masks or modifies the expression of another gene. In cats, the most important examples are: (1) Dominant White (W) masks ALL other color genes, (2) Orange (O) overrides the agouti locus so orange cats always show tabby pattern, and (3) Non-agouti (a/a) hides tabby pattern on non-orange cats. This calculator accounts for all major epistatic interactions.
Our basic Cat Color Genetics Calculator uses simplified phenotype-based predictions. This Advanced Calculator works with actual genotypes at 13 individual loci, handles X-linked inheritance correctly, accounts for epistasis (gene interactions), detects lethal genotype combinations, and provides more detailed predictions including pattern types, silver/smoke, and structural traits.
Yes! If you have DNA test results from UC Davis VGL, Basepaws, Wisdom Panel, or other labs, you can enter the exact genotype for each locus. This gives the most accurate predictions. Select each allele manually instead of using breed presets for the best results.
It depends entirely on the parents' genotypes. Two heterozygous (carrier) parents can produce a surprising variety. For example, a black cat carrying dilute, chocolate, and pointed genes bred to a similar carrier can theoretically produce black, blue, chocolate, lilac, seal point, blue point, and more — all from a single litter. This calculator shows all possibilities with their exact probabilities.
Love Your Cat? Turn Them Into Custom Emojis!
Create adorable, personalized emoji stickers of your cat — perfect for sharing the love across all your favorite platforms.
Try the Emoji Maker30-day money-back guarantee · Secure payment · 10-20 min delivery