CatCog: Cat Science & Psychology · Adam Gill

Cat Coat Colors & Patterns Explained (Genetics Guide)

·14 min·1 clip
The mutation that makes cats jet black might also help them resist diseases similar to HIV in humans.
This episode explores the genetics behind cat coat colors and patterns, explaining how pigments, chromosomes, and specific genes create everything from tabby stripes to calico patches. It contrasts scientific explanations with cultural myths and stereotypes about different colored cats, revealing how these beliefs impact real-world adoption rates while providing practical advice for cat owners.

As heard by us

A clear tour from tabby stripes to white-cat health, with folklore in the mix.

The episode turns cat coats into a neat genetics lesson with real-world fallout. It moves from tabbies and tuxedos to whites, greys, calicos, and the rarest cats on the planet, and it keeps the basics clear without dragging.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Youll never look at a tabby, tuxedo, or white cat the same way again.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on