The genetic basis of melanism in felids is well established, including its association with genes such as ASIP (Agouti Signalling Protein) and MC1R (Melanocortin-1 receptor), which regulate the expression of the melanistic phenotype (Kingsley et al. 2009), the former being recessive (i.e. a loss-of-function mutation) and the latter dominant (i.e. a gain-of-fuction mutation) (Schneider et al. 2015). Here, MC1R is linked to freckles.