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The melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R) is responsible for the deposition of pigment in hair. Recessive alleles of this gene produce bright red to yellow coat pigmentation. A mutation described in Burmese cats produces the "russet" red coat. These cats are born a different color and the red shades develop over time.
MC1R
Autosomal recessive
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21 breeds
64 genetic health markers
50 genetic trait markers