3/10/2024 0 Comments Tortoiseshell and calico cat![]() In the case of coat color, the mutation would be in the skin cells. Somatic Mutation: This mutation in the somatic (non-germinal (sperm or egg)) cells in the developing embryo.The Y codes for male genitalia, one X codes for black coat color and the other X codes for orange. XXY Male: (known as Klinefelter’s Syndrome in humans).There are three ways that this can happen: ![]() ![]() How can Manny’s coat have black, orange and white since he would need to be genetically XX in order to have both orange and black coat colors? We know XX equals female genitalia so how can Manny be male? The white color is coded separately on a non-sex chromosome. Males only have one X, so they can be solid black or orange but not both. Since female cats have two X chromosomes, they can be solid black, solid orange or both black and orange. The X chromosome codes for the coat colors – orange/red and black. ![]() There are different genes that come in to play to determine the pattern of stripes or spots and how they are expressed in a given cat.Ĭats’ coat colors are linked to their sex chromosomes (XY). Calico and Tortoiseshell cats can also have tabby marks within the colors – this is known as a ‘patched tabby’ pattern sometimes also referred to as Torbie or Tortoiseshell Tabby. However we can generally see the stripes in a lighter color (orange) but they may be hidden in a darker color (black). The stripes that we see on a cat’s coat are also related to the pattern, but not specifically the color. Tortoiseshell cats have mottled orange and black colors usually with little or no white. These XXY guys are called Klinefelter males, after endocrinologist Harry Klinefelter who first identified the condition in the 1940s.Calico coats have large patches of orange, black and white. So a male with XXY has the two required X’s to possibly make him a rare and beautiful kitty indeed. It’s a genetic anomaly! Rarely, a cat-or even a person-has three chromosomes. So How is There Ever a Male Calico or Tortoiseshell Cat? (This has led to the misconception that only male cats are orange tabbies actually, most are simply because girls have more chance to be other variations with orange.) This is because only a cat with XX chromosomes can be calico or tortie. The girls, though, are commonly calico, tortie, or orange tabby whereas the vast majority of males are only orange tabby. So, it stands to reason that either a male or female cat can be or have orange coloring. High school biology refresher: females have XX chromosomes. Orange coloring in cats comes from a gene in X chromosomes. There are some rare exceptions! According to a study by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, only about 1 in 3,000 calico cats are male! It’s All About Chromosomes The actual, scientific fact of the matter is that most calicos and torties are female. Or do they? After all, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time something resembling an old wives tale is taken as fact with few questions asked and shoulders shrugged in reply. It’s an interesting example of how genetics dictate some pretty predictable results. Are All Calico & Tortoiseshell Cats Female?Īre all calico cats female? Are all tortoiseshell cats girls? You’ve probably heard before that they are.
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