The real trick is that two of those colored genes (orange and black) are on the X chromosome. Because these three genes interact with each other, it can be tricky to achieve the right balance resulting in that unique coat pattern. Have you ever wondered why calico cats are so rare? The answer lies in genetics.Ī genetic quirk creates a calico cat's fur pattern: the cat has three different color-producing genes, which can give the cat an 'orange-black-white' coloration. If it spreads to the ears (or one ear), it will cause degeneration of the inner ear (cochlea) shortly after birth, resulting in deafness. If the white spotting spreads to the eyes, they will be blue. This white spotting causes blue eyes (or one blue eye) and deafness. White spotting can also occur on all-white cats. White spotting produces those familiar "tuxedo" white socks and bib markings. There are three genetic causes of white coloring in cats: albino white, dominant white, and white spotting. What about the supposed connection between white fur, blue eyes, and deafness in cats? This is true in some cases. Long hair only occurs when both members of a chromosome pair have the gene. Short hair is more common in cats because it will be dominant even when carried by just one member of a chromosome pair. The gene for short hair is dominant, and the gene for long hair is recessive. Hair length is also controlled by genetics. Even rarer is a tortoiseshell male (usually sterile) because he will have an extra X chromosome. Females that are either all red or all black are uncommon, but they do exist. Effects Of DNA On Coat Color In CatsĬonversely, all-black coloring is more common in males than females because males only need one gene to be black, while females need two. ![]() Calico is black and orange mixed with white. If a female has one red and one black, the tortoiseshell (black and orange) coloring will result. A male (XY) has one X chromosome, so if he takes a red gene, he will be red.įemales (XX) would need two red genes to be red, which rarely happens. The red color is sex-linked because it is carried on the X chromosome. It all comes down to how they inherit the dominant genes from their parents! Why Orange Cats Are Usually MaleĪny cat person can tell you that orange cats are usually male and tortoiseshell or calico cats are typically female-the reason is simple.Īll variations of cat colors are either red-based or black-based. So, when it comes to calico cats (cats with three colors - black, white, and orange), they can either be male or female. The information from these chromosomes determines what coat color pattern and gender is expressed through their offspring. The offspring will likely be a female cat because you cannot get two similar sex chromosomes in a single organism. Suppose the father passes on two identical sex chromosomes (one being an X). In the case of male cats, one parent must contribute an X chromosome while the other must contribute a separate Y chromosome. ![]() The cat's parents must contribute an X chromosome to be a female cat. In contrast, male cats have one X and one Y chromosome, which makes them XY. So when it comes to cats, genetics provides some answers-but not all of them! Chromosomes And Gender Determinationĭo you know that a cat's chromosomes determine its gender? Well, it's true!įemale cats have two X chromosomes and are designated as XX. Another gene carries the instructions for coat color-it codes for the cats' fur to be black or orange (or both).īut while this gene helps determine a kitten's coat color at birth, environmental changes can cause it to change as they age. When it comes to cats, their gender and coat color can both be determined by their genes.įor cats, one gene determines their sex or gender-so if two X chromosomes are found, the cat is female if an X chromosome is present along with a Y chromosome, the cat is male. This is because these traits are coded in our genes. ![]() We all know that humans and animals are born with certain traits passed down from our parents. Read on to learn more about cats' genetics! Basics Of Genetics We'll also touch on exciting side notes and potential behavioral differences between male and female cats. We'll explore the genetic science behind why cats have different coat colors and whether or not it affects their gender. Did you know this unique combination of colors is rooted in genetics? It's time to wear your lab coat and understand what genetics means for cat colors and gender. You've seen them around the neighborhood-slinky calicos with their tortoiseshell markings.
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