60-Year Mystery of Ginger Cats Finally Solved by Researchers

After decades of speculation and curiosity, researchers in Japan and the US have finally unlocked the mystery behind what gives ginger cats their distinctive orange color. For over 60 years, scientists have been puzzled by the genetic basis of the orange fur in cats, known as ‘phaeomelanin’. Through a series of groundbreaking experiments and genetic studies, researchers have discovered that a specific gene, called the ‘orange gene’, is responsible for the unique coloration in ginger cats. This gene, known as the O gene, controls the production of phaeomelanin pigment in the fur, resulting in the vibrant orange hue that is characteristic of ginger cats. The findings shed light on the complex genetics behind feline fur coloration and provide valuable insights into the mechanisms that govern color variations in animals. This breakthrough in feline genetics not only solves a long-standing mystery, but also opens up new possibilities for further research in the field of animal genetics and color biology.