Traits

For the purposes of New Paths, there are four basic genes that go into a cat’s fur type. This has been simplified for the purposes of allowing more creative freedom.

The default fur length is either Short (LL or Ll) or Long (ll), and Long fur is recessive. These genes may be hidden or altered by other pelt genes.

See also: Rex, Hairless, LaPerm, Lykoi

The Rex gene represents curly fur of any kind found in real life (i.e. Cornish, Selkirk, Devon). The length of the curl is still dependent on the Fur Length gene. Typically also causes the cat's whiskers to be curly. This is a recessive trait, so a cat with (Rere) would be only a carrier of the gene. Only presents with both genes (rere).

Rex has a unique interaction with the Hairless gene. Rex is more common than the Hairless gene, but if both genes are present, the cat will appear Hairless and will be a carrier. A cat with Rex and Hairless is allowed a larger variation in baldness, but must be at least 50% bald.

Examples:

• ReRe: Normal fur
• rere: Rex fur.
• Rere: Normal fur, carrying Rex gene.
• rehr: Hairless, carrying the Rex gene.

LaPerm (LpLp or Lplp) is a dominant gene that causes curly fur. The length of the curl is still dependent on the Fur Length gene.

Compared to Rex fur, the hair is more wavy/fluffy and not as tightly curled. For the sake of New Paths, LaPerm is synonymous with Wirehair, and a cat with this gene can present as whichever the artist prefers.

Lykoi, aka the “werewolf” gene, is a partially hairless gene that causes cats to go through molts and have bald patches. Their fur is typically roan (with possible white spotting) in color, but for New Paths, a Lykoi cat can present as roan or their base colors. This is a recessive trait, so a cat with (Lyly) would be only a carrier of the gene. Only presents with both genes (lyly).

Lykoi is allowed to present as variations of Donskoy cats/Furred Points as well. As long as the cat has between 20-80% baldness, it is acceptable as Lykoi. For more than 80% baldness, see Hairless.

Hairless, aka Sphynx, is a gene that causes a cat to have little to no hair on their bodies. "Peach fuzz" around the extremities, particularly the nose bridge, is common.

A cat who presents Hairless should have 80% or more baldness/skin showing. For partial baldness, see Lykoi.

Additionally, Hairless has a unique interaction with Rex fur. Although more uncommon than Rex fur, Hairless will present over Rex fur when both are present. A cat with Rex and Hairless is allowed a larger variation in baldness, but must be at least 50% bald.

Examples:

• ReRe: Normal fur
• hrhr: Hairless
• rehr: Hairless, carrying the Rex gene.
  
• Rehr: Normal fur, carrying Hairless gene.

Angora is a mutation that causes the fur of a cat to grow even longer than a longhaired cat, regardless of their Fur Length gene. This may occur in patches (creating a flowing tail or a "hair style", for example) or all over the body.