Recent research has unveiled the genetic mutation responsible for the distinctive orange coloration in cats, tracing this trait to a sex-linked gene. This discovery marks a significant advancement in understanding how pigmentation in felines differs from other mammals. Notably, 80% of orange cats are male, highlighting the peculiarities of this mutation. Collaborating researchers from various institutions studied DNA samples collected globally, including a substantial effort at cat shows. Their findings align with studies from Japan, solidifying the universal nature of this genetic trait across orange cats regardless of geographic location.
At one large, three-day show in Cleveland, Ohio, Kaelin and crew swabbed 100 cats on the first day alone, gathering crucial DNA samples from orange cats.
Unlike any other ginger mammals, orange cats' coloration owes to a sex-linked gene, which is why 80% of orange felines are fellas.
Researchers from Brown University, the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research and Auburn University contributed to the study, revealing the genetic basis for orange cat coloration.
The unique sex-linked orange genetic mutation remained enigmatic for years while scientists tried to figure out what induced cats' pigment cells to produce yellow, orange or red.
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