Trait overview

The dilute coat color phenotype in cats is related to both the eumelanin and phaeomelanin pigment pathways. When two copies of a mutation in the melanophilin gene (MLPH) are inherited, the pigment deposition in hair is affected and the original coat color is altered. For example, black fur becomes gray and orange will turn cream.

Gene name(s)

MLPH

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive

More common in the following breeds

Current data does not indicate that this trait is more common among specific breeds

Citations

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16860533/