
Scientists unlock the hidden gene behind ginger cats' orange fur and what it means for their future
Ginger cats are an enduring fascination of the public, from Garfield to Puss in Boots to the much sought-after Toulouse from The Aristocats. Their orange coats and unique personalities have turned them into icons of popular culture. Scientists have now at last discovered a mystery that has lain hidden for decades regarding what makes these cats orange. Recent research by researchers in the United States and Japan has made major contributions to understanding the genetic processes that produce the distinctive fur color of ginger cats, specifically males.
The discovery of the genetics of ginger cats is not only an intellectual victory—it's a tribute to the way science and enthusiasm for animals can merge. As scientists explore the genetics of domestic cats, it not only has the potential to reveal more about the health of our beloved pets but also to help us understand better the interplay between genetics, health, and behaviour.
Scientists find the gene behind ginger cats' orange colour
For decades, it was established that genes were responsible for ginger cats' orange coloration, but just what aspect of their genome was involved remained a mystery. Now, two teams of scientists—one at Kyushu University in Japan and the other at Stanford University in the United States—have simultaneously published their findings. Their research reveals a significant discovery: ginger cats are missing a specific section of their genetic code, which causes their cells to produce lighter pigments in their skin, eyes, and fur. This genetic anomaly impacts the melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigmentation.
The secret to this finding is the ARHGAP36 gene, which is most active in the cells that influence skin, fur, and eye pigmentation. In their study, the researchers determined that ginger cats lack a portion in the DNA sequence of this gene. Under normal circumstances, this gene would inhibit activity, but without this DNA segment, the gene itself stays active, stimulating the production of light-colored pigments.
In their study, the scientists compared the DNA of cats with ginger fur to those without. This comparison revealed that the missing DNA segment within the ARHGAP36 gene plays a crucial role in producing the distinctive orange color of ginger cats. This finding not only explains the phenomenon of ginger fur, but it also represents a major breakthrough in understanding feline genetics.
Why are most ginger cat's male
Yet another age-old observation regarding ginger cats is that they are predominantly males. The new research identifies a genetic explanation for this fact. The gene ARHGAP36, which is responsible for the ginger coat color, is on the X chromosome. Male cats, like all mammals, have one Y and one X chromosome, whereas females have two X chromosomes. For males, only one missing piece of DNA on the X chromosome is sufficient to create a complete orange coat. Female cats need to have the genetic mutation on both their X chromosomes in order to express the same extent of pigmentation and therefore fully orange female cats are much less common.
Even more impressive about this finding is its beginnings. The lead researcher was Professor Hiroyuki Sasaki, a retired geneticist and dogged feline enthusiast. Even after retiring from his university position, Sasaki was determined to unlock the genetic code of the ginger cats. Funded by thousands of like-minded cat fans across the globe, Sasaki attracted more than 10 million yen (£55,109) through crowdfunding to carry out the research. The project touched the hearts of cat enthusiasts, some who even contributed their pocket money to help with the project.
Understanding the ARHGAP36 gene and its connection to ginger cats and health
Whereas the breakthrough centers on pigmentation, the ARHGAP36 gene also has an important function in other areas of the body, such as the brain and hormone glands. This leaves open the potential that the genetic mutation leading to ginger coloring might have implications for overall feline behavior and well-being. While there is no scientific research yet to connect coat color with personality, some scientists, such as Sasaki, are fascinated by the possibility of a link and intend to explore further.
Besides its applicability to cats, the ARHGAP36 gene has also been associated with skin cancer and baldness in humans. This is a testament to the possibility of the study having applications to human health as well.
The identification of the genetic basis of ginger cats' coat color is a major breakthrough in genetics. It not only answers a decades-old mystery but also creates new opportunities for researching the health and temperament of cats. The research will likely lead to more, and possibly feline- and human-beneficial, studies.
As genetic research in animals keeps reaching new heights, researchers could also discover more surprises regarding the contribution of individual genes to physical features and health. Thanks to the cooperation of a committed worldwide network of cat enthusiasts, these advances might also lead to improved disease understanding and treatment in cats.
Also Read |
Witness the best stargazing events of summer 2025: Full moons, meteor showers, and eclipses you can't miss

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Could this be a forgotten tomb? New discovery near Pyramids of Giza
Archaeologists have discovered two unusual structures hidden beneath the ground near the renowned Pyramids of Giza. Using radar and other technologies, a team of Egyptian and Japanese scientists identified an L-shaped structure about 10 metres long, located approximately 2 metres below the surface. This finding led them to detect an even larger and deeper formation situated 5 to 10 metres underground. While the purpose of these structures remains unclear, researchers believe the L-shaped formation may be a pathway or entrance leading to something deeper, possibly a tomb. The structure was found in a large, empty stretch of Giza's 4,500-year-old western cemetery. This sandy patch had long been overlooked during excavations due to the absence of visible surface remains. In contrast, the surrounding area contains numerous aboveground mastabas –– rectangular, flat-roofed tombs made of stone or mudbrick. Reports indicate that researchers used ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to detect these subsurface structures. How do GPR and ERT work? GPR works by sending radar waves into the ground. When these waves encounter a buried object, they bounce back to the surface. By measuring the waves' return time, scientists can create a 3D map of what lies underground. ERT functions similarly. It introduces electrical currents into the earth and measures how easily they pass through different subsurface materials. Variations in resistance help identify underground anomalies or voids. These techniques enabled archaeologists to detect changes in the composition of the ground and pinpoint the location and shape of potential manmade structures. What experts are saying Dr Roland Enmarch, an Egyptologist at the University of Liverpool who was not involved in the study, told the BBC: 'We are still unable to identify what these buildings are or were… It's a little hard to say much more about [the L-shaped structure] until they actually go and dig in the area, but it wouldn't surprise me if it turned out to be a tomb of some sort. Even so, it does not correspond with the mastaba-tombs that are currently visible on the surface.' On the deeper structure, Enmarch added: 'At this time, there simply isn't enough information to know whether it is a natural feature or man-made.' Experts also note that the formation could be an air void or a mix of sand and gravel. Only further excavation will reveal what truly lies beneath the sands of Giza.


Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Indian Express
Did Pedro Pascal just spoil a major Avengers Doomsday death? Fans decode his cryptic Robert Downey Jr comment
Pedro Pascal may have just let slip a major Avengers: Doomsday plot point. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is barely a week away from release, and Pedro, who plays Reed Richards aka Mister Fantastic in the film, teased whether Marvel's first family will even survive what lies ahead in Avengers: Doomsday. The film's still over a year away, but his comment left fans already dreading what could happen to the characters. In a recent promo interview with SensaCine Latinoamérica, Pascal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Ben Grimm/The Thing) were talking about their upcoming MCU projects. Ebon revealed that he was star struck by Robert Downey Jr, who's returning as a variant of Doctor Doom in Doomsday. 'I was excited to work with Robert Downey Jr. I've loved him for so long,' he said, adding, 'He's one of my favourite actors, he's a brilliant actor. Come at me.' And then, Pascal added the line, 'Too bad you don't have any scenes with him.' Also read: The Fantastic Four First Steps final trailer: Fantastic Four rally together to face their biggest threat yet That remark sent fans into a frenzy. If The Thing doesn't share screen time with Doctor Doom, that could mean two things: Either their characters exist in different timelines or multiverse realities. Or worse, one of them doesn't survive long enough to make it to the final battle. It could also be that their scenes are computer-generated, and don't require them to be on set physically with each other. Either way, it sounded like the Last of Us star may have revealed the major plot point. In another interview promoting First Steps on the BBC, Moss-Bachrach described Doomsday using four words: 'Epic, tragic, intergalactic, starry.' Meanwhile, Joseph Quinn (who plays Johnny Storm aka Human Torch) described it as 'Epic, mental, Downey Jr.' With characters like Tony Stark and Black Widow already gone, fans are expecting more tragic news ahead. Doomsday, with its massive 60-member-plus cast, will pick up directly where The Fantastic Four: First Steps leaves off. Joining the Fantastic Four stars are Anthony Mackie (Captain America), Letitia Wright (Shuri), and Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes). But before they take on Doctor Doom, the team will face Ralph Ineson's Galactus and the Silver Surfer, played by Julia Garner. Meanwhile, a new clip from First Steps shows Sue Storm holding their baby, Franklin Richards, while Reed Richards addresses the press. 'We attempted to negotiate, but Galactus… he asked too high a price,' Reed says. When asked what that was, he adds, 'He asked for our child.' Why would Galactus want their baby? Because Franklin Richards, born to two parents exposed to radiation, is a mutant, one believed to grow up with powers strong enough to create entire universes, bend time, and mess with reality. Stronger than most Avengers combined. Which also explains why a planet-eating cosmic force like Galactus would be after him. Also read: Who is 'world eater' Galactus and the female silver surfer Shalla Bal who feature in the trailer of The Fantastic Four First Steps All signs point to yes. While Ebon may not get to face off against Doctor Doom, Reed Richards definitely will. Earlier, a Marvel producer even revealed that Pascal had to visit RDJ's house for a special Avengers 'homework day.' When asked if Chris Evans (the original Human Torch) would appear in First Steps or Doomsday, Pascal didn't say anything. 'I've just gone into… a blackout.' The Fantastic Four: First Step releases on July 25.


Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Indian Express
How much ISRO spent on Shubhanshu Shukla for his Axion-4 mission on Dragon spacecraft?
Culminating a 20-day landmark space programme, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), touched down on Earth on Tuesday. Shukla was among the four crew members on board SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft on Axiom-4 mission and gathered hands-on experience of a space journey that would be help in India's first-ever human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan. Shukla is among four Indian air force officers shortlisted to travel on Gaganyaan in 2027. According to BBC, the Space Research Organisation (ISRO) spent Rs 5 billion or Rs 500 crore ($59m; £43m) on Shukla's trip on Axiom-4 — a commercial flight operated by Houston-based private company Axiom Space and a joint effort by NASA, ISRO and European Space Agency. The expenditure by ISRO includes cost of Shukla's training for the mission as well as that of a seat on SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft for the 20-day trip that launched Shukla, and three others — Peggy Whitson from the US, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary — to space. Speaking to BBC, ISRO project director Sudeesh Balan stated that Shukla started rigourous training in August last year. His training included physical and psychological assessments to prepare for the journey. The mission is likely to benefit ISRO in terms of relevant trainings, exposure to the facilities and the experience of conducting collaborative experiments in space.