Scientists solve the mystery of ginger cats – helped by hundreds of cat owners

Discovery has implications for ‘all cells and tissues’ and research bridged gap between scientists and non-scientists

After decades of mystery, new research has shed light on a question that has long stumped scientists and cat lovers alike – what exactly makes orange cats, well … orange?

Two studies published in Current Biology last week by separate teams at Stanford University and Japan’s Kyushu University at last provided some answers. Scientists have known for more than a century that orange cats inherit coloring differently from other mammals. Now – with help from hundreds of cat owners – researchers have identified the genetic mutation that gives orange cats their signature hue.