Famous ginger cats like Garfield and Puss in Boots are well-known for their bright orange fur. Now, scientists have finally figured out what causes their special colouring.
What Did Scientists Find?
Researchers from Japan and the US discovered that ginger cats are missing a small part of their DNA. This change affects how certain cells, called melanocytes, work. These cells control the colour of a cat’s skin, fur, and eyes.
When a cat is missing this piece of DNA, a gene called ARHGAP36 becomes more active. This gene tells the melanocytes to make lighter-coloured pigments—giving the cat its ginger fur.
Why Are Most Ginger Cats Male?
Male cats have one X and one Y chromosome. The ARHGAP36 gene is on the X chromosome. So, if their single X chromosome has the missing DNA, the ginger colour shows.
Female cats have two X chromosomes, so both would need to have the missing DNA to make the cat fully orange. That’s why most ginger cats are male. Female cats with only one affected X chromosome usually have mixed fur colours, like calico or tortoiseshell patterns.
A Passion Project for Cats
Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki from Kyushu University started this research after retiring. He loves cats and wanted to learn more about their genetics to help with cat health problems.
Thousands of cat lovers supported his research by donating money—over 10 million yen (about £55,000). Even children donated their pocket money!
More Than Just Colour
The ARHGAP36 gene also affects other parts of the body, like the brain and hormones. Scientists believe the DNA change might also impact cat health or personality. In humans, this gene has been linked to skin problems like cancer and hair loss.
Professor Sasaki says some people believe that cats with different colours have different personalities. There is no proof yet, but he hopes to study this more in the future.
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