Abyssinian — Color Genetics & EMS Calculator

The Abyssinian is genetically fixed for the ticked tabby pattern (25), arising from homozygosity or heterozygosity for the Ticked allele (Ti^A) at the Tabby locus, which epistatically suppresses all other tabby pattern expression across the coat except at the extremities. Under FIFe standard, valid ABY EMS codes are restricted to four base colors: ruddy (black ticked, n 25), sorrel (cinnamon ticked, b1 25), blue (a 25), and fawn (bl + d = cream-dilute of sorrel, phrased as 'fawn ticked'), reflecting the unique B-locus composition of the breed which accepts cinnamon (bl) but not chocolate (b). Feline genetics programs for Abyssinian breeders using an EMS color calculator must account for the bl (cinnamon) allele being standard, the absence of the b (chocolate) allele from the breed, and the mandatory Ti^A expression.

Abyssinian colour genetics: frequently asked questions

Which recessive colours do Abyssinian cats commonly carry?
Dilution (d) is common; dilute (d/d) Abyssinians appear as blue (from black) or fawn (from sorrel/cinnamon). Cinnamon (bl) is a standard allele in the breed; sorrel Abyssinians are b^l/b^l or b^l/b homozygous/heterozygous. Chocolate (b) is NOT accepted and must be excluded. All Abyssinians are agouti (A/-) — non-agouti (a/a) Abyssinians do not conform to standard.
What colour restrictions apply to the Abyssinian breed standard?
Only ticked tabby pattern (25) is accepted — no classic (22), mackerel (23), or spotted (24) patterns are recognized. Non-agouti (a/a) Abyssinians (apparent solids) are a disqualifying fault. Chocolate (b) allele is excluded from the Abyssinian standard (only cinnamon/bl is allowed at the B locus alongside B). Colourpoint (cs), white (W), and white-spotting (S) are not recognized. Tortie Abyssinians are not accepted in most major registries including FIFe.
Which coat patterns are typical for the Abyssinian?
The Ticked allele (Ti^A) is dominant to all other tabby pattern alleles (blotched, mackerel, spotted). Heterozygous (Ti^A/ti) and homozygous (Ti^A/Ti^A) Abyssinians are phenotypically similar, though some show observers report marginally better ticking in homozygotes. Residual 'necklace' markings and leg barring may persist in heterozygous ticked cats. All four colors display the identical ticked pattern with band count and definition as the primary quality differentiator.

Popular EMS Colors

ABY n 25Ruddy/Usual (Black Ticked Tabby)
ABY b1 25Sorrel (Cinnamon Ticked Tabby)
ABY a 25Blue (Blue Ticked Tabby)
ABY p 25Fawn (Dilute Sorrel Ticked Tabby)

Calculate Colors for Abyssinian

Free online cat color genetics calculator. Select the breed and appearance of the sire and dam to predict kitten coat colors, patterns and probabilities based on feline color genetics.

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