Copal (Carnelian), a novel MC1R allele in the domestic cat
Kurilian Bobtail is a rare Russian feline breed known mostly for its distinctive kinked short tail. This breed can be short- or long-haired, and has a semi-cobby body type and a distinct short, fluffy tail.
The copal colour of the Kurilian Bobtail, formerly known as amber, is very similar in its appearance to the amber of the Norwegian Forest Cat.
Copal kittens are born with black ticking hair and dark paw pads. As the kittens get older, the dark pigment (Eumelanin) disappears, the colour of growing cat brightens and when they become adult, the color becomes apricot-red and almost indistinguishable from red, the paw pads are lightened to pink.
