| KaDoKits Exotics...the shorthair Persian Color Breeding Genetics |
This collection of pages is a very basic and simplified explanation of color breeding genetics for a cat breeding program. For breeds with a multitude of color and pattern possibilities, genetics can become overwhelming to understand. My goal is to help answer the burning question every breeder has... "If I breed my cat(s) what color will the babies be?" |
Click the link to learn about each topic. The focus of my discussions is on the Silver Tabby Exotic breeding program. Most of the information can be used with other colors and breeds. I do not discuss at length the colors/patterns I do not work with.
Putting it All Together
|
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| KaDoKits Exotics |
| Focus I began my breeding program to enjoy the hobby of producing and showing Exotic Shorthairs. One of the most beautiful cats I have seen at the shows is the classic silver tabby American Shorthair. Their pattern and color are absolutely exquisite!! Being a Person of the Persian Purrsuasion, I, of course, want to replicate this outstanding beauty in Exotics. After thoughtful consideration, I decided that the direction I wanted KaDoKits to go in was primarily silver tabby Exotic Shorthairs. I have numbers low & I think it’s important to focus on a particular color program. “Bi-colors” or “with white” are my first love…and will always be a part of my breeding program…just with a different twist…or stripe! |
My goal is to produce…
|
| Genetics Sometimes a frightening and overwhelming subject for people to learn. When one gets into cat breeding, they are often bombarded by people talking about genetics. It can be simple and quite complex at the same time. Certainly, to breed animals, you don't have to understand genetics. After all, one boy plus one girl equals babies. And all baby animals are cute! However, if you are going to enter pedigreed animal breeding, then it is in your best interest to get a grasp of the genetic principles surrounding your chosen species/breed/variety. A clear understanding of your genetics will help you improve your breed and help you avoid making costly mistakes. Since I breed cats, I will talk about the cat genetics I deal with in my breeding program. First, the BASICS! There is so much to learn and if you talk to other breeders who are enthused about their breed's genetics, you can soon find yourself feeling hopelessly lost! But....it is not hopeless! Any time something seems too big to understand, make it smaller! |
 |
| You can check out Google and learn just about anything you want from the internet about genetics. Check out Cat Fanciers Association Feline Genetics |