THE DOMESTIC CAT, Felius catus, is polymorphic for a number of coat color, texture, and pattern characteristics that can be recognized with relative ease. The inheritance of these traits is well known and has recently been reviewed. With the exception of a note by Dreux and some remarks on the coat color of cats at Cochons Island, no published information is yet available on the population genetics of the cats inhabiting several sub-Antarctic Islands. A study of the population genetics of the Marion Island cats is of interest for several reasons. The population originated from a limited stock of which the phenotypical constitution is known. It has existed in isolation from other felids (therefore no interbreeding) under extreme environmental conditions. The lack of potential competitors also may have afforded opportunities not available to cats in continental areas. Furthermore, human preferences would not have influenced the frequencies of the different phenotypes.
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