The ginger cat results from a unique genetic variation that, as far as scientists can tell, isn’t found in other species.
A recent survey published in Current Biology reveals that this variation is linked to the faulty expression of a gene called Arhgap36, which has never been associated with the development of mammalian ginger fur.
Interestingly, this gene resides on the X chromosome, which helps explain why most orange cats are male.
Similar to other male animals, including humans, cats possess one X and one Y chromosome. The gene for orange fur is on the X chromosome; therefore, if a male inherits an X chromosome with the orange gene, he will display an entirely orange coat.
Conversely, female cats have two X chromosomes. To display complete orange fur, they must inherit the orange gene from both of their X chromosomes. If they inherit it on only one, the other X may carry a non-orange gene.
This results in a mix of colors in their fur—like the patchy orange, black, and white patterns observed in Calico and Tortoiseshell cats.
The relationship between orange fur and sex applies to cats but not to other orange mammals, such as tigers, orangutans, or red-haired humans.
According to Dr. Christopher Kaelin, Senior Scientist and Lead Author at Stanford Medicine Genetics and Research, the orange mutations in those animals occur due to one of two genes, neither of which are sex-linked.
As a result, orange cats appear to be “genetic exceptions.”
The study confirms that ginger cats exhibit genetic anomalies, but the evidence is still inconclusive regarding whether this unique trait contributes to their reputation for being a mischievous bunch.
To determine if the ARHGAP36 mutation has any impact beyond fur color, researchers have examined various organs, including the kidneys, heart, brain, and adrenal glands, in both orange and non-orange cats, finding no significant differences.
Kaelin remarked, “I don’t think we can exclude the possibility of gene expression changes in untested tissues that might influence behavior.”
He also mentioned that the prevalent notion of orange cats causing chaos could largely be attributed to their male predominance, noting that there is limited scientific research on the personalities of orange cats.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
