Why are there no red cats? - briefly
There are no red cats because the genetic mutation responsible for red fur in other animals does not occur in felines. Additionally, the pigment responsible for orange or ginger fur in some cats is different from the one that produces true red coloration.
Why are there no red cats? - in detail
The absence of red cats is not due to any genetic or biological constraint, but rather a result of selective breeding practices and the dominance hierarchy of coat colors in felines.
To understand why there are no red cats, one must delve into the genetics of feline coloration. The primary genes responsible for determining a cat's coat color are known as O (Orange) and B (Black). These genes interact in complex ways to produce various shades and patterns. The O gene is associated with orange or red fur, while the B gene contributes to black or brown fur.
In cats, the O gene is located on the X chromosome, which means that males, having only one X chromosome, will express the color determined by this gene if they inherit it. Females, possessing two X chromosomes, can be either homozygous (OO) or heterozygous (OB), leading to a wider range of colors.
The absence of red cats is largely attributable to the dominance hierarchy among these genes. The B gene, which encodes for black or brown fur, is dominant over the O gene. This means that if a cat inherits a copy of the B gene along with the O gene (BO), the black or brown color will be expressed rather than red.
Furthermore, selective breeding practices have played a significant role in shaping the feline population's coat colors. Breeders often favor cats with distinctive and appealing patterns or colors, such as tabby, calico, or tortoiseshell, which are typically created by the interaction of multiple genes. The red color, while possible, is less common due to its recessive nature and the prevalence of dominant black or brown fur genes.
In conclusion, the lack of red cats is a consequence of genetic dominance and selective breeding practices. While it is theoretically possible for a cat to have a predominantly red coat, the expression of this color is often suppressed by more dominant gene variants.