Why are red cats striped? - briefly
Red cats are striped due to a genetic modifier that affects the expression of the red pigment. This modifier causes the red color to be distributed in stripes rather than uniformly.
Why are red cats striped? - in detail
Red cats, often referred to as ginger or orange cats, exhibit a distinctive striped pattern that is a result of complex genetic mechanisms. This pattern is not uniform and can vary significantly among individual cats, ranging from subtle tabby markings to bold, striking stripes. The underlying genetics of feline coat color and pattern are governed by several genes, each contributing to the final appearance of the cat's fur.
One of the primary genes responsible for the red color in cats is the O (Orange) gene, located on the X chromosome. This gene influences the production of phaeomelanin, a type of melanin that produces red or yellow pigments. Since males have only one X chromosome, they are typically either entirely red or entirely non-red. Females, having two X chromosomes, can be red and non-red (such as tortoiseshell or calico) due to a phenomenon called X-inactivation, where one of the X chromosomes in each cell is randomly inactivated. This results in a mosaic of red and non-red patches.
The striped pattern in red cats is influenced by the tabby gene complex, which includes several genes that determine the distribution and intensity of stripes. The most significant of these is the Tabby (Mckir) gene, which has different alleles that produce various tabby patterns. For red cats, the most common tabby patterns are the classic tabby (whorls and swirls) and the mackerel tabby (narrow stripes running parallel down the cat's sides). These patterns are superimposed on the red base color, creating the striped appearance.
Additionally, modifier genes can affect the visibility and sharpness of the stripes. These genes can influence the density of the stripes, their width, and the contrast between the stripes and the background color. Environmental factors, such as nutrition and overall health, can also subtly influence the expression of these genes, leading to variations in the striped pattern among red cats.
In summary, the striped pattern in red cats is a result of the interaction between the O gene, which determines the red color, and the tabby gene complex, which governs the stripe pattern. The complexity of these genetic interactions, along with the influence of modifier genes and environmental factors, contributes to the diverse and often striking appearances seen in red cats.