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Why Cats Are Orange (and Tortoiseshell and Calico)

Stanford Medicine researchers revealed days ago that a sex-linked gene near Arhgap36 causes orange cat coloration worldwide.
This discovery followed the development of cat genomic resources over the last five to ten years and DNA sampling from thousands of cats globally.
Researchers sequenced genomes from 200 samples and isolated three key variants on X chromosomes, linking orange fur to Arhgap36 activation absent in pigment cells normally.
Approximately 80% of orange cats are male due to XY chromosomes, while females with one orange X chromosome display tortoiseshell or calico patterns, as explained by Kaelin and McGowan.
The study clarifies orange cat genetics, aids evolutionary research, and highlights that this rare mutation likely occurred once, sparking further interest among cat owners and scientists.

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Why cats are orange (and tortoiseshell and calico)

Nine thousand years ago, humans began domesticating cats. Nine hundred years ago, before the advent of intentional cat breeding, a genetic mutation gave rise to the first orange cat. Days ago, Stanford Medicine researchers revealed exactly which gene created the fuzzy fodders for Garfield, Puss In Boots and Toulouse from The Aristocats, to name just a few. Unlike any other “ginger” mammals, orange cats’ coloration owes to a sex-linked gene, whic…

3 days ago·Deerfield Beach, United States

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telex.hu

Lean Left

Researchers Finally Figure Out Why Cats Have Orange Fur

They managed to identify the gene mutation that causes the different pigment production. The affected gene is also present in the human body and its activity is also linked to diseases.

6 days ago

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onegreenplanet.org

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Orange Cats Are Genetically One of a Kind, Study Reveals - One Green Planet

Scientists discovered the unique genetic quirk behind orange cats, and it's unlike anything found in other mammals. The post Orange Cats Are Genetically One of a Kind, Study Reveals appeared first on One Green Planet.

6 days ago

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CNN Chile

Why Are They Like This? Science Finally Manages to Solve the Genetic Mystery of Orange Cats

3 days ago

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SciencePost

Red Cats Have a Well-Kept Secret in Their DNA: Science Has Just Pierced It!

Why are so many red cats male? It's a question that has been intriguing feline lovers for generations. Now, thanks to two new independent studies, science has finally pierced the mystery. Researchers at Stanford University (United States) and Kyushu University (Japan) have identified the genetic mutation responsible for the [...]

4 days ago

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Newsweek México

Why Are Orange Cats Like This? New Study Could Change What We Know About Them

A recent study published in the journal Current Biology on May 15 could have solved a genetic mystery that puzzled scientists for decades: why are orange cats so unique, and what is behind their distinctive golden coloration?Although these cats are popular among cat lovers for being friendly, energetic, and charismatic, the true rarity of red-headed cats is in their unique genetics, researchers at Stanford University revealed. A MUTATION IN THE …

4 days ago

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