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Epistasis - Mimic Gene

Locus A = Agouti

Each cat has a tabby pattern. But to express the tabby pattern also in its phenotype the cat must have either the gene combination AA or Aa.

The allele a masks all tabby patterns = Epistasis.

If a cat has the gene combination aa, the tabby pattern is not visible in the phenotype.
One may see, which tabby pattern this black cat carries, very often in the kittens which may show distinct ghost markings.

The allele a is called a mimic gene.

Locus O = Orange

Gene O masks all colors (except white) = Epistasis.

If the cat carries chocolate, one may see when test mating with a chocolate-carrier or a chocolate cat.

Gene O is called a mimic gene.

Locus W = White

Gene W masks all colors and all paterns = Epistasis.

Only test mating with a non-white cat and knowledge of the pedigrees may show, which color and pattern this cat carries.
White kittens often have a colored patch on top of their head, where one might be able to decide the color. This colored patch disappears when the kitten matures.

Gene W is called a mimic gene.