Scientists finally found the orange cat gene

Ginger cats have been puzzling scientists for years. Because nobody was quite sure how they grew orange fur, when the majority of cats are tabby, black or brown. But the mystery behind their stunning orange hue – for ginger cats and tortoisehells alike – has finally been cracked.

Researchers have finally pinpointed the exact gene responsible for giving our ginger friends their iconic coats. And it’s called ARHGAP36. Let’s break down how it works.

If you've ever lived with a ginger cat (or just admired one from afar), you know they come in all kinds of vibrant shades — whether it’s a deep, rich orange or a pale, almost golden hue. Not to mention tortoiseshell coats, where the orange is woven in with other colours. 

For years, no one was totally sure what caused this color variation. Was it a mix of genetics, luck, or something more mysterious? Researchers have long known that coat color in cats is linked to certain genes. But the specific one behind the ginger hue had remained elusive.

Enter ARHGAP36. As two teams of scientists out of Japan and the USA recently discovered, it plays a significant role in how pigment is produced in a cat’s coat. It’s the switch that says, “Let’s make this cat’s coat orange.” 

When this gene is active, the cat gets its signature ginger coloring. (Or tortoiseshell or calico if it’s mixed with other color genes.)

So how does ARHGAP36 actually do all this? It’s involved in a couple of important processes in the body. But most notably, it’s tied to pigment production. The gene helps control the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for colors in fur, skin, and eyes. 

Essentially, it’s the gene’s job to keep the “orange” dial cranked up to 11. If the gene is active, the result is a beautiful, bright coat that can range from creamy, soft ginger to deep and fiery orange.

What’s particularly interesting is that ARHGAP36 isn't just important for coat color. It also has a hand in other cellular activities, particularly in how cells communicate and form structures. So, this gene might not just be about color—it could also be about how a cat’s body is built and how it functions on a cellular level. (Our science team could tell you all about it.)

You might be wondering, “Why do we need to know about this gene? My ginger cat is already perfect.” And that’s totally fair! But understanding the genetic secrets behind these beloved coats goes beyond just trivia (though, honestly, that’s pretty fun on its own). 

For scientists, cracking the ginger code opens doors to understanding how genetics work in cats in general — something that could be important for future medical breakthroughs. Researchers can study how genes like ARHGAP36 affect things like pigmentation disorders, or even learn more about genetic conditions that affect other animals.

Plus, let’s be real. The world could always use more ginger cat facts. 

Now that ARHGAP36 is in the spotlight, the next step for researchers is to continue digging into how this gene interacts with others to create the vast variety of cat coat colors we know today. And who knows? Maybe we’ll uncover more mysteries about the cat genome that give us even more reasons to adore our feline friends.

In the meantime, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the ginger cats in our lives. With their newfound scientific fame, they're officially not just awesome — they’re scientifically important too.