Why does a cat have a red kitten? - briefly
A cat may have a red kitten due to genetic inheritance, where specific coat color genes from the parents combine to produce this unique coloration.
Why does a cat have a red kitten? - in detail
The occurrence of a red kitten in a litter is primarily determined by genetics, specifically the inheritance of coat color genes from the parents. The red coloration in cats is linked to the "O" (orange) gene, which is located on the X chromosome. This gene produces pheomelanin, the pigment responsible for red or orange hues in the fur. Male cats, having only one X chromosome, will express the red color if they inherit the "O" gene. Female cats, with two X chromosomes, require two copies of the "O" gene to display a fully red coat, though they can exhibit a red and non-red mixed pattern (tortoiseshell or calico) if they inherit only one copy.
The red color can appear in kittens when one or both parents carry the "O" gene. If the mother is red or carries the gene, and the father is red or also carries the gene, there is a likelihood of red offspring. The interaction of the "O" gene with other genes, such as those controlling tabby patterns or dilution, can further influence the shade of red, ranging from deep orange to lighter cream tones. Additionally, environmental factors and random genetic mutations can occasionally contribute to variations in coat color, though these are less common. Thus, the presence of a red kitten is a direct result of the complex interplay of inherited genetic traits from its parents.