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
Somali cat their bushy tails, large almond eyes, and large pointed ears, earning the breed its nickname of "Fox Cat." Their ticked coats, containing between four and twenty colors on each hair, are very fine in texture, making their coats softer to the touch. The cat itself is medium-large in size. The usual or ruddy Somali is golden brown ticked with black. There are 28 colors of Somali in total although certain organizations accept only some of these colors. All organizations that register Somalis permit usual (also known as ruddy), sorrel (a.k.a. red), blue, and fawn. Most clubs also recognize usual/ruddy silver,