* Hidden Genes: Cats can be carriers of genes for different traits, even if they don't express them themselves. In your case, your moggy cat might have inherited a gene for colorpoint from a parent or grandparent, but not actually show it in their own fur.
* Recessive Genes: Colorpoint is a recessive trait. This means that both parents need to carry the gene for the kitten to express it. Your moggy cat could be carrying the gene without showing it, and the other parent could also be carrying the gene, even if they also don't show it.
* Multiple Genes: Colorpoint patterns are determined by several genes working together. Your moggy cat might carry the gene for colorpoint, and the other parent may have a gene that enhances the expression of colorpoint.
Here's a simplified analogy: Imagine you have a blue-eyed person who has a brown-eyed parent. That blue-eyed person must have inherited a brown-eye gene from their parent, even though they don't have brown eyes. Their children could have brown eyes if their other parent also carries the brown-eye gene.
To understand why your cat produced a colorpoint kitten, it's helpful to consider the following:
* The other parent: Did the other parent have any colorpoint markings?
* Genetics of your moggy: You can talk to a veterinarian or a cat breeder about getting your moggy cat's genetics tested.
Ultimately, it's a fascinating reminder of the complexities of genetics!