“The genetics behind Copper / Light Gold / Flaxen Gold“
Wideband & CORIN Gene in Cats: Copper Light Gold Explained
Prepared by Vlasta Brodska, Vlastar Lux Cattery
Quick summary (with references)
- CORIN is a “wideband” modifier: it extends the yellow/red (phaeomelanin) band in each agouti hair. It also pushes dark pigment (eumelanin) toward the tip. [omia.org], [tica.org], [journals.b…ogists.com]
- In cats, multiple CORIN variants (alleles) exist. The best‑documented are:
- wbSIB (Sunshine, CORIN:c.2383C>T) in Siberians [omia.org], [genomia.cz]
- wbeSIB (Extreme Sunshine, CORIN:c.839G>A) in Siberians [omia.org], [laboklin.com]
- wbBSH (Copper / Light Gold / Akita; CORIN:c.2425C>T) in British SH/LH [omia.org], [onlinelibr….wiley.com]
- Visibility depends on Agouti (A‑): CORIN wideband effects are expressed in tabby/agouti cats. In non‑agouti (a/a), it can be genetically present but not expressed as the “wideband” look. [laboklin.com], [mycatdna.com]
- DNA tests exist, but not every lab offers all variants. Laboklin, CombiBreed, and Genimal/Genomia are among the clearest “CORIN‑specific” offerings (details below). [laboklin.com], [combibreed.nl], [genimal.com], [genomia.cz]
- Registry naming is evolving. FIFe uses EMS code “u” for corin (rules/restrictions apply). [fifeweb.org], [fifeweb.org]
Definition of CORIN
CORIN is a gene that encodes a membrane-bound serine protease. This protease regulates the agouti (ASIP) signaling pathway during hair growth.
Agouti Signaling Protein (ASIP) is produced in the hair follicle. It temporarily switches pigment production from dark (eumelanin) to yellow/red (phaeomelanin) during hair growth.
In cats, loss‑of‑function mutations in CORIN reduce its normal suppression of ASIP. This allows yellow/red pigment (phaeomelanin) to be produced for a longer period within each hair. This results in an expanded subapical phaeomelanin band. The dark pigmentation is reduced and restricted to the hair tip.
The appearance of golden, sunshine, or copper “wideband” coat colours is notable.
Expanded Scientific Definition
The CORIN gene encodes a transmembrane serine protease. It normally limits the duration of ASIP (Agouti Signalling Protein) activity in the hair follicle.
When CORIN function is partially or fully disrupted by specific mutations, ASIP signalling persists longer during the hair growth cycle. This prolongation shifts pigment production toward pheomelanin. It restricts eumelanin to the distal tip of the hair shaft. This process produces the wideband phenotype characteristic of sunshine, extreme sunshine, and copper/light‑gold cats.
CORIN is a wideband modifier gene. It works by extending the yellow pigment phase of hair growth. This process produces golden or copper coats with reduced dark tipping.
Important clarifications (often misunderstood by breeders)
- CORIN does not create pigment — it alters timing of pigment deposition
- CORIN does not replace agouti — it modifies agouti hair banding
- CORIN is recessive and expressed through an allelic series of different strengths
- CORIN is independent of MC1R (amber/russet) and not the same as rufism or silver tarnish
Vlastar Lux Cattery
Are Copper, Light Gold and Flaxen Gold synonyms?
Genetically: yes.
Historically and terminologically: no.
All three terms are commonly used to describe cats carrying the British CORIN wideband allele (wbBSH). However, they come from different communities, moments in time, and descriptive traditions.
They refer to the same genetic phenomenon, but emphasize different visual impressions or stages of recognition.
The Genetics (the unifying reality)
All of the following names describe the same genetic cause:
- CORIN recessive wideband allele in British cats (wbBSH)
- Loss‑of‑function mutation in the CORIN gene
- Resulting in:
- extreme widening of the pheomelanin (yellow/red) band
- eumelanin restricted to the hair tip
- very warm, clear golden tone
Important:
From a genetics perspective, there is no separate “copper gene”, “light gold gene”, or “flaxen gene”.
Why, then, do different names exist?
The phenotype appeared before the genetics were understood. Breeders in different countries tried to describe what they were seeing using familiar language.
Meaning and origin of each term
1. “Copper“
Origin: Early breeder term (Germany, Russia, Eastern Europe)
What it describes visually:
- Intense warm tone
- Deep golden–orange glow
- Metallic warmth, especially in adults
Why this word was used
- The colour was stronger and warmer than classic golden
- Reminded breeders of polished copper metal
- Especially striking under show lighting
Scientific note
- The term Copper appears in early publications describing the British CORIN mutation, but it is descriptive, not genetic.
2. “Light Gold“
Origin: Registry‑friendly terminology (especially FIFe context)
What it emphasizes:
- Continuity with existing “golden” colours
- Avoids introducing a dramatic new colour name
Why this word appears
- Registries prefer conservative colour terminology
- “Light gold” sounds like a variation of golden, not a new colour family
- Easier to place within EMS systems and standards
Practical meaning
- Often used where “copper” sounds too exotic or misleading
- Same cats, softer wording
3. “Flaxen Gold“
Origin: Descriptive / educational usage
What it highlights:
- Pale, creamy, straw‑gold background
- Low contrast, smooth warmth
- Often used when the coat is especially light or soft‑looking
Why this term exists
- “Flaxen” is used in animal breeding (horses, livestock) to describe:
- pale golden‑yellow tones
- light, clear warmth without orange saturation
Key point
- Flaxen Gold does not describe a different genotype
- It describes how strong or pale the CORIN expression looks
Why one cat is called “Copper” by one breeder and “Light Gold” by another?
Because they are looking at different aspects of the same phenotype:
| Viewer focus | Term used |
|---|---|
| Strong metallic warmth | Copper |
| Registry / EMS compatibility | Light Gold |
| Pale, creamy elegance | Flaxen Gold |
Same cat. Same genetics. Different vocabulary.
Why this causes confusion in shows and pedigrees?
- The genetics were identified after the phenotype
- Registries do not align perfectly
- Breeder language evolved faster than standards
- EMS codes do not encode CORIN status
- Judges often evaluate appearance, not genotype
This is why:
- CORIN cats be registered as “golden shaded”
- “Copper” not appear in official paperwork
- The same look can carry different names across systems
The correct way to explain it
Copper, Light Gold, and Flaxen Gold are descriptive names. They are used for the same CORIN‑based wideband golden phenotype in British cats.
They reflect historical, regional, and visual preferences rather than different genetic mechanisms.
One‑sentence takeaway
Copper, Light Gold and Flaxen Gold are descriptive synonyms for the British CORIN wideband phenotype. The names differ because breeders and registries described the appearance. They did this before its genetic basis was fully understood.
1) What breeders mean by “CORIN / wideband”
For years, breeders used “wideband” as a phenotype concept. In this concept, the warmer band on each agouti hair becomes wider. As a result, the coat looks more golden with less dark tipping. Recent research turned that long‑standing breeder observation into specific DNA‑testable CORIN variants. [tica.org], [omia.org], [mycatdna.com]
At a biological level, CORIN encodes a membrane‑bound protease. This enzyme can act as a modifier of the agouti pathway. It affects how the coat switches between eumelanin and phaeomelanin during hair growth. In model systems, Corin is described as acting downstream of agouti expression and influencing coat color outcomes. [journals.b…ogists.com], [tica.org]
Practical breeder translation: CORIN “wideband” variants help create the modern “new golden” looks where:
- the warm golden zone dominates the hair shaft, and
- the dark pigment becomes minimal, often restricted to the very ends (especially visible on tail tip/ear tips in some phenotypes). [onlinelibr….wiley.com], [combibreed.nl], [laboklin.com]
How CORIN changes the colour of a single hair.
The CORIN (wideband) modifier expands the phaeomelanin (yellow/red) band along the hair shaft. It restricts eumelanin (dark pigment) to the very tip. This produces the warm, clear golden appearance typical of British Copper / Light Gold (CORIN) cats.
Pale base: near the hair root, lightly pigmented. Wide yellow band (phaeomelanin): extended by CORIN → warm golden tone. Dark tip (eumelanin): reduced and pushed to the end → minimal tipping
Wideband is a term used in cat coat‑colour genetics. It describes a pattern of pigment distribution within each individual hair. It is not a colour by itself.
What “wideband” means?
A wideband coat has an agouti hair where the yellow/red pigment band (phaeomelanin) is unusually wide. The dark pigment (eumelanin) is restricted to a short tip.
In other words:
Wideband = an expanded pheomelanin band along the hair shaft
Wideband does not change which pigments exist — it changes how long each pigment is produced during hair growth.
It may cause even absence of the dark pigment (black, blue or other color) like at the picture below:
What causes wideband?
Wideband is not a single gene. It is an effect that can be produced in different ways:
1. CORIN mutations (modern understanding)
- CORIN regulates how long ASIP (Agouti Signaling Protein) stays active
- Loss‑of‑function CORIN variants → ASIP stays active longer
- Result: extended yellow band (wideband)
This includes: - Sunshine (wbSIB)
- Extreme Sunshine (wbeSIB)
- Copper / Light Gold / Flaxen Gold (wbBSH)
2. Classic polygenic wideband (historical goldens)
- Developed before CORIN was identified
- Achieved by selecting cats with progressively wider yellow bands
- Seen in traditional golden Persians, some British goldens
- Genetically not always CORIN‑based
What wideband is not
It’s important to avoid common misunderstandings:
- ❌ Not a colour (gold, copper, etc.)
- ❌ Not the silver inhibitor gene
- ❌ Not rufism
- ❌ Not MC1R (amber/russet)
- ✅ It is a structural modifier of agouti hairs
Why wideband matters so much visually
Because wideband:
- Lightens the coat dramatically
- Creates warm, clean golden tones
- Softens tabby pattern contrast
- Is responsible for shaded and tipped appearances
The wider the band, the lighter and warmer the cat appears.
One‑sentence definition
Wideband is a hair‑shaft characteristic. The yellow/red (phaeomelanin) band of an agouti hair is extended. This extension reduces dark pigmentation. It produces golden or copper coat effects.
Ultra‑short breeder version
Wideband means “more yellow band, less dark hair.”
1) CORIN + Silver: the “Bimetallic” Effect Explained
Hair‑shaft comparison: Regular Silver vs. Silver with CORIN wideband
In a standard silver cat, the Inhibitor gene suppresses yellow pigment. This suppression produces a white undercoat with dark tipping. When CORIN is present, the yellow (phaeomelanin) band partially re‑emerges beneath the dark tip. It creates golden warmth over a silver base. This is known as the so‑called bimetallic appearance.
- Regular Silver (I‑): eumelanin tip + white/silver undercoat, no golden hue
- Silver + CORIN (I‑ + wb): Eumelanin is restricted to the tip. However, CORIN allows a golden/yellow band. This leads to a silver body with a golden face and legs. Warmth develops with age.
2) The main CORIN variants (alleles) breeders talk about
Several CORIN mutations have been documented and discussed in the cat fancy and scientific summaries:
Siberian family (“Sunshine”)
- Sunshine (wbSIB): CORIN:c.2383C>T, associated with a golden “sunshine” look in Siberians. [omia.org], [genomia.cz]
- Extreme Sunshine (wbeSIB): CORIN:c.839G>A, associated with an even stronger effect in Siberians.
Scientific summaries describe an allelic series for those Siberian variants (dominance order among alleles). [omia.org], [laboklin.com]
British family (“Copper / Light Gold / Akita”)
- Copper (wbBSH): CORIN:c.2425C>T (a nonsense variant) is reported in the British breed. It is the genetic basis for the “light‑gold / akita / copper” modification described by breeders since the 2010s. [onlinelibr….wiley.com], [omia.org], [combibreed.nl]
Important: In the peer‑reviewed British study summary, CORIN:c.2425C>T is described as a nonsense variant. This variant is predicted to truncate the CORIN protein. The pedigree analysis is consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. [onlinelibr….wiley.com], [omia.org]
3) Focus on British: what does wbBSH “Copper” look like?
Breeders may call it Copper, Light Gold, Akita, or Flaxen Gold depending on country/club and how “white” the underparts are. Scientific summaries tie the British version to CORIN:c.2425C>T (wbBSH). [onlinelibr….wiley.com], [combibreed.nl], [fifeweb.org]
Typical phenotype notes breeders report (and labs describe)
When labs describe the “gold/copper” CORIN variant, recurring features include:
- Very warm golden/blond appearance (often unusually “clean” and bright) [combibreed.nl], [laboklin.de]
- Strong countershading (lighter belly/inner legs, sometimes “urajiro” style contrast) [combibreed.nl], [CORIN (VAR…T GOLD …]
- Dark pigment reduced on body, sometimes most visible at tail tip [combibreed.nl], [onlinelibr….wiley.com]
- Often, breeders highlight a pink nose / reduced nose liner. This feature is considered part of the “new golden” look. It is also a hallmark discussed for sunshine-type phenotypes. [laboklin.com], [tica.org]
“CORIN golden” vs traditional British golden tabby (why judges get confused)
Traditional golden shaded/shell lines were historically selected for wideband polygenic effects and other modifiers. CORIN introduces a specific testable mutation that can push the look beyond what many people expect from classic goldens. [mycatdna.com], [fifeweb.org], [onlinelibr….wiley.com]
In practice, this is why you’ll hear breeders say:
- “This kitten looks like ns 11 at birth but turns golden later,” or
- “It’s a very clear coat with minimal tipping,”
especially when CORIN interacts with other genes like silver inhibitor (I). [tica.org], [CORIN GENE…MESSYBEAST], [fifeweb.org]
4) Genetics that matter in a British golden program
4.1 Inheritance: recessive (for wbBSH Copper)
The British CORIN:c.2425C>T (wbBSH) is described with pedigree evidence consistent with autosomal recessive inheritance. [onlinelibr….wiley.com], [omia.org]
So in breeder shorthand:
- N/N = non‑carrier (no wbBSH)
- N/wbBSH = carrier (often looks like a “normal” golden depending on background)
- wbBSH/wbBSH = Copper phenotype (strongest expression expected)
4.2 Agouti dependency (A‑): why solids can “hide” CORIN
Lab descriptions emphasize that sunshine/gold wideband effects are described as expressed in tabby/agouti cats (A/A or A/a). They are not expressed the same way in solid/non‑agouti cats (a/a). [laboklin.com], [mycatdna.com], [antagene.com]
Breeding takeaway: If your breeding cat is genetically a/a, CORIN may not show as a “wideband golden” look. This can make surprises possible when bred back to agouti partners. [laboklin.com], [mycatdna.com]
4.3 Interaction with silver: the “bimetallic / sunshine silver” story
CORIN wideband phenotypes are frequently discussed alongside silver. Silver can “lift” the undercoat. CORIN can then “warm” parts of the coat as the cat matures. This creates the famous two‑tone impression (“bimetallic”). This is described in breeder‑education materials and genetics summaries. [CORIN GENE…MESSYBEAST], [tica.org], [laboklin.com]
5) Predicting litters: simple CORIN outcomes (British wbBSH)
Use this when planning matings once you have DNA results.
Copper × Copper
- wbBSH/wbBSH × wbBSH/wbBSH → 100% wbBSH/wbBSH (Copper phenotype expected)
Copper × Carrier
- wbBSH/wbBSH × N/wbBSH →
- 50% wbBSH/wbBSH (Copper)
- 50% N/wbBSH (Carriers)
Carrier × Carrier
- N/wbBSH × N/wbBSH →
- 25% wbBSH/wbBSH (Copper)
- 50% N/wbBSH (Carriers)
- 25% N/N (Non‑carriers)
Do not forget Agouti (A‑): wideband “gold” expression is described in tabby/agouti contexts, so confirm A locus where relevant. [laboklin.com], [mycatdna.com]
6) DNA testing: who tests CORIN variants (and what to ask for)
Testing availability changes, but the following labs explicitly describe CORIN wideband testing on their public pages.
A) Laboklin (EU/UK) — “Coat colour variant gold (copper, sunshine, extreme sunshine)”
Laboklin lists a CORIN test (service ID 8775) covering gold variants and describes sunshine/extreme sunshine, agouti dependency, and turnaround time. [laboklin.com], [laboklin.co.uk]
- Useful if you want one provider who clearly references wbSib / wbeSib and “gold/copper” in the same catalogue entry. [laboklin.com], [laboklin.co.uk]
B) CombiBreed (Netherlands) — “Vachtkleur Gold (Copper)”
CombiBreed provides a specific product page for British “Gold (Copper)” stating:
- gene: CORIN
- mutation: c.2425C>T
- inheritance: autosomal recessive [combibreed.nl], [onlinelibr….wiley.com]
C) Genimal Biotechnologies — Siberian sunshine/bimetal (and also British copper listed as product)
Genimal publicly lists a “Sunshine Bimetal in Siberian cats” test with mutation CORIN c.2383C>T, turnaround options, and breed scope. [genimal.com]
D) Genomia — sunshine/extreme sunshine (Siberian)
Genomia describes sunshine/extreme sunshine, the exact CORIN mutations, and the recessive inheritance model. [genomia.cz], [omia.org]
What to write to any lab
Use this exact wording to avoid ordering the wrong “golden” test:
Please confirm you test the CORIN wideband variants by mutation:
– British “Copper / Light Gold”: CORIN c.2425C>T (wbBSH)
– Siberian “Sunshine”: CORIN c.2383C>T (wbSIB)
– Siberian “Extreme Sunshine”: CORIN c.839G>A (wbeSIB)
Also confirm whether results are reported as N/N, N/variant, variant/variant.
Note: Some all‑in‑one panels market “coat colors” broadly. FERAGEN’s CatCheck advertises coat color testing in general. However, it does not publicly list CORIN variants on its main product description. If CORIN is your goal, ask support specifically for CORIN c.2425C>T / c.2383C>T / c.839G>A rather than assuming it’s included. [shop.feragen.at], [feragen.at]
7) Registration & naming: what clubs actually say (and why it matters)
FIFe: EMS code “u” for corin
FIFe formally assigns EMS code “u” for corin and states restrictions, including:
- used only when genetically proven corin,
- only for agouti varieties,
- and not used with red/cream (and “d” and “e” codes may not be used with corin). [fifeweb.org], [fifeweb.org]
This is important for British golden breeders. It clarifies why you may see registrations like BSH x nu 12 (example shown by FIFe). The “u” is an additional corin indicator. [fifeweb.org], [fifeweb.org]
“Flaxen Gold / Copper / Akita / Light Gold”: a moving target
FIFe’s educational document notes that terminology has evolved. Names like akita / light gold / flaxen gold have been used interchangeably in the fancy. This occurs as understanding improves. [fifeweb.org]
Recommendation for your website: present them as synonyms for the breeder conversation, but anchor the article around the DNA language:
“British CORIN wideband (wbBSH; CORIN:c.2425C>T) — commonly called Copper / Light Gold / Akita.”
That stays useful even if a federation changes naming next year. [onlinelibr….wiley.com], [fifeweb.org], [combibreed.nl]
8) Health & ethics: the part responsible breeders should mention
CORIN is described as a gene with functions beyond coat color in broader biology, and FIFe’s educational material explicitly recommends caution and monitoring while the long‑term effects of specific cat variants are still being understood—particularly with the British “Copper” variant discussed as producing a truncated protein and suggesting prudent monitoring (e.g., cardiac/blood pressure screening). [fifeweb.org], [onlinelibr….wiley.com
“Because CORIN also has roles beyond pigmentation, we support responsible breeding. This includes health screening, transparency of DNA results, and careful observation of new color lines as international knowledge develops.” [fifeweb.org]
9) FAQ (great for breeders & pet buyers)
Q1: Is CORIN the same as “classic golden shaded/shell” in British?
Not necessarily. Traditional British goldens can be influenced by multiple modifiers; CORIN introduces specific DNA‑identified variantsassociated with “new golden” looks. [mycatdna.com], [fifeweb.org], [onlinelibr….wiley.com]
Q2: Why do some kittens change color so much with age?
Wideband phenotypes often become clearer as the coat matures. When combined with silver, the coat can appear “two‑tone” over time. [laboklin.com], [CORIN GENE…MESSYBEAST], [tica.org]
Q3: Can a solid (a/a) cat carry CORIN?
Yes, genetically it can carry variants. However, wideband effects are described as expressed in agouti/tabby contexts. Without Agouti, you may not see the characteristic look. [laboklin.com], [mycatdna.com]
Q4: Which test should I order for British Copper?
Ask specifically for CORIN:c.2425C>T (wbBSH). [combibreed.nl], [onlinelibr….wiley.com]
Q5: Does UC Davis VGL test CORIN?
UC Davis VGL lists the coat color genes included in its panels (Agouti, Amber, Brown, Colorpoint, Dilute, etc.) on public pages; CORIN is not shown among those listed panel items there, so you should check directly with VGL if you need CORIN specifically. [vgl.ucdavis.edu], [vgl.ucdavis.edu]
Additional CORIN‑Related Points Worth Adding to the Article
“What Is Often Overlooked About CORIN” or “CORIN: Complexity Beyond ‘Wideband Gold’”
1. CORIN is not a single mutation — it is an allelic series
Many breeder texts still describe CORIN as a single “wideband gene”. In reality, multiple distinct CORIN alleles exist, with different strength and expression, and they are breed‑specific.
Currently identified feline CORIN alleles:
- wbSIB — Sunshine (Siberian)
- wbeSIB — Extreme Sunshine (Siberian)
- wbBSH — Copper / Light Gold / Akita (British)
These alleles form an allelic hierarchy with different functional strength, rather than a simple on/off system. [omia.org], [onlinelibr….wiley.com]
Why this matters for breeders:
- Explains why phenotypes vary even when CORIN‑positive
- Explains “unexpected” results in matings between different CORIN lines
- Important for interpreting DNA test results correctly
2. Compound heterozygotes can exist (and look “odd”)
Cats carrying two different CORIN alleles (e.g. wbSIB/wbBSH) are genetically possible, especially when British and Siberian lines are crossed in the ancestry.
Such cats may show:
- intermediate or uneven wideband expression
- patchy golden zones
- stronger face lightening than body shading
This phenomenon is explicitly discussed in Siberian and British CORIN research. It is rarely mentioned in breed articles. This leads to confusion and misjudging. [hal.science], [onlinelibr….wiley.com]
3. CORIN works by weakening ASIP suppression — not by “adding gold”
CORIN does not create pigment and does not add yellow directly.
Instead, it reduces CORIN’s normal suppression of ASIP. This reduction allows ASIP signaling to persist longer during hair growth. This process enlarges the pheomelanin band.
This extended ASIP activity has been directly confirmed by hair‑shaft studies and molecular modeling. [omia.org], [tica.org]
Key clarification for readers:
CORIN modifies timing, not colour production.
4. CORIN expression is age‑dependent and hormonally influenced
Several longitudinal observations (especially in British and Siberian cats) confirm:
- CORIN kittens may be born far darker or paler than their adult colour
- Golden warmth often appears or intensifies with maturity
- Freemarching hormonal shifts (puberty, neutering) can influence expression
This explains:
- late‑developing golden tone
- silver kittens turning “sunshine” with age
- seasonal warmth fluctuation in adults
This effect parallels known late-change genes. It is mentioned in registry and veterinary genetics discussions. However, it is not always explicitly labeled as CORIN-related. [tica.org], [laboklin.co.uk]
5. Health relevance: CORIN is pleiotropic (coat + physiology)
CORIN is not a cosmetic‑only gene.
It encodes a membrane‑bound serine protease involved in:
- cardiovascular regulation
- blood pressure control
- peptide hormone processing
The British CORIN mutation (wbBSH) is a nonsense mutation that produces a truncated CORIN protein, theoretically more disruptive than missense variants seen in Siberians. [onlinelibr….wiley.com], [fifeweb.org]
Important nuance (for responsible tone):
- No disease has been proven in CORIN cats
- But FIFe and researchers recommend monitoring, especially in Copper British lines
This is scientifically honest and elevates the credibility of your article.
6. Registry recognition ≠ full acceptance
CORIN is not uniformly treated by registries.
For example:
- FIFe granted preliminary recognition to selected CORIN British varieties in October 2025, excluding silver and with‑white CORIN variants. [fifeweb.org]
- GCCF does not recognise CORIN as a separate colour, and many CORIN golds are still registered as standard shaded/tabby forms.
- Naming varies widely (“copper”, “light gold”, “akita”, “sunshine”).
Adding this section helps readers understand why registration names don’t always match genetics.
7. CORIN is independent of MC1R — but visually confused with it
CORIN and MC1R (Extension locus) both influence pheomelanin visibility, but they are genetically distinct.
MC1R mutations (Amber, Russet, Carnelian):
- change receptor response
- can eliminate eumelanin entirely
CORIN:
- preserves dark tipping
- only redistributes band length
This distinction is important to avoid mislabeling CORIN gold as “extension‑based red shade”. [mycatdna.com], [EXTENSION…BTAIL CATS]
