Southeast African cheetah of this alternative coat pattern was found to be a mutation in the gene for transmembrane aminopeptidase Q ("Taqpep"), the same gene responsible for the striped "mackerel" versus blotched "classic" patterning seen in tabby cats. The cheetah also has melanism as one of its rare color morphs. A melanistic cheetah in Zambia was seen by Vesey Fitzgerald in the company of a spotted cheetah. The cheetah is a medium-sized cat. An adult male cheetah's total size can measure from and for females. Adult cheetahs are tall at the shoulder. Males are slightly taller than females and have slightly bigger heads
Bengal cat a dark line surrounding it. Snow Bengals are also either marble or spotted, but are also divided into blue-eyed or any other color eyes. The International Cat Association recognizes several Bengal colors (brown, seal lynx point, mink, sepia, silver) and patterns (spotted and marbled) for competition and shows. In the New Traits class, other colours may be shown, as well as longhairs. Alongside other hybrid cat breeds such as the Savannah, Bengal cats are typically larger than the average house cat. Males on average weigh between and females . Bengal cats are illegal in the US State of Hawaii as