Copper-gold colour variant specific to the British Shorthair, characterised by a wide golden band on the tabby hair that almost completely masks the underlying pattern. It is the extreme expression of the golden phenotype within the breed. It is not associated with disease. Its genetics are complex and combine the effect of the wide band (wide-band) with breed-specific modifiers.

Limited to the British Shorthair and British Longhair and related lines. No reliably published allele frequencies; limited data. The frequency of the copper phenotype is higher in lines specifically selected for this variety.

- Uniform golden-copper coat or with a very blurred tabby pattern
- Wide golden band on each hair
- Paw pads and nose leather matching the base colour
- No systemic manifestations

The golden colour became established in the British Shorthair from tabby lines selected for a wide band in the hair. The genetic characterisation of the wide band (wide-band, Wb locus) and of the modifiers leading to the copper phenotype is later and partial. In the British Shorthair, loci additional to the classic Wb have been proposed that would explain the greater intensity of copper compared with the golden of other breeds. The complete molecular characterisation of the copper variety remains a subject of research. Limited data on the exact chronology of the findings and on the genetic equivalence with the golden of other breeds.

- Know the silver (inhibitor I) and wide-band genotype of the breeding animals before mating
- To fix copper: mate copper specimens with each other, or copper x intermediate golden
- Avoid mating with dominant silver (I/-) if copper is to be maintained
- Inform the buyer that it is a cosmetic trait with no pathological value

Differentiate copper from intermediate golden and from chinchilla; phenotypic assessment is subjective and should be supported by the genotype when available. There is significant variability between judges and between the standards of different associations. Exclusive selection for copper may narrow the genetic variability of the breed if it is not planned.

1. Abitbol M et al. (2022) Golden cats: A never-ending story! Anim Genet 53(5):715-718. PMID: 35703390
2. Lyons LA (2015) DNA mutations of the cat: the good, the bad and the ugly. J Feline Med Surg 17(3):203-219. PMID: 25701860
3. OMIA:002159-9685. Coat colour, golden in Felis catus. https://omia.org/OMIA002159/9685/