Application of the Coat Color Genes for Selective Breeding: A Study on the Restoration of the Traditional Thai Suphalak Cat

Coat color in cats is determined by the interaction of eumelanin and pheomelanin pig-ments, regulated by multiple genes. Traditional Thai Suphalak cat, historically de-scribed as having a solid chocolate coat with yellow, amber to golden eyes, is now often seen with darker points on the face and paws. This study conducted genetic testing on five coat color genes (ASIP, TYRP1, TYR, MLPH, and MC1R) across 14 sequence vari-ants in 127 cats selected for Suphalak breed development. Cats were sourced from the Thai Cat Conservation Center (n = 61) and Thai breeders (n = 66). All cats from the Center carried color point alleles (97.54% cb, 2.46% cs), indicating previous breeding without genetic knowledge. After applying genetic selection, the frequency of color point alleles declined to 43.18%. Among the selected cats, 55 displayed a solid chocolate coat, though some carried color point or dilute alleles. Genotype of aabbCCDDEE was identified as ideal for maintaining the traditional Suphalak phenotype. While carrier cats may still be used, they should be selected with caution. Genetic testing, supported by breeding trials, enables informed selection of breeding pairs to reduce undesirable alleles and restore the authentic Suphalak appearance while preserving genetic diver-sity.