What is a ghost tabby pattern?

The ghost tabby pattern appears as subtle traces of stripes or swirls on the coats of kittens. These indications of tabby markings arise during early development but entirely disappear in adulthood. These patterns are temporary expressions of the tabby genes before the permanent color codes are established. Understanding this phenomenon will help explain many of the kitten's adult coat changes.

Genetic mechanisms produce these transient marks in fur. The agouti genes are weakly expressed in early development. This results in incomplete banding of pigments in hair shafts. As the kittens mature, stronger pigment genes supersede these. The solid color genes eventually govern the expression. The ghost patterns fade, leaving no genetic trace.

Occurrence of breeding varies greatly. Ghost tabby markings occur more often in solid color breeds. The black, blue, and chocolate kittens are easily distinguishable. These markings are also found in some pointed breeds. The Siamese kittens often show a ghost point before the full color is developed. The patterns show very clearly on the darker coats.

Misidentification is a common problem. In some instances, one thinks of ghost patterns as permanent marks. The breeders should know better than to pass on the pedigree records before the dogs are old enough to show the adult coats. Adoption centers should educate owners on what to expect. This will stop a lot of disappointment when the patterns disappear naturally. Knowing the fact of changes, one will realize that the kitten is developing normally.

There is historical significance in these markings. Ghost markings show ancestral tabby heritage. Tabby genes are found in all domestic cats. This ghostly marking shows our own cats' wild forebears. It connects our domesticated pets to their African wildcat ancestors. It is a biological heritage still present underneath solid coats.

Read the full article: Cat Coat Patterns: A Visual Guide