Scientists Finally Discover Why Some Cats Are Orange–and Why They Tend to Be Males
Scientists Finally Discover Why Some Cats Are Orange–and Why They Tend to Be Males
In most other mammals, like dogs, sheep, rabbits, and horses, mutations in a protein called Mc1r lead to red hair color, but not in cats.
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Orange cats are known for their energetic and mischievous nature, with a cultural belief in Italy that they are often leaders. This reputation is linked to the fact that most orange cats are male, a phenomenon explained by recent genetic research. Two independent scientific teams discovered that a mutation on the X chromosome is responsible for the orange coat color in domesticated cats.
Male cats have one X chromosome, while females have two, which accounts for the mixed coloration seen in female
tortoiseshell and calico cats. Unlike other mammals, where mutations in the Mc1r gene lead to red fur, cats have a different genetic mechanism. The gene Arhgap36, located on the X chromosome, was identified as the source of the orange coloration, resulting in a significant increase in RNA production. This finding sheds light on the unique genetic basis for orange fur in cats, making them a "genetic unicorn" among felines.
That's interesting! Thank you