Biology
Genetic Basis of Coat Color Polymorphism in Domestic Cats
Quick fact
The gene responsible for orange coat color in cats is located on the X chromosome, which is why male cats can only be either orange or non-orange, never a mosaic like some females, and why calico cats are almost always female.
Why this is interesting
You may have noticed that cats come in a rainbow of colors—black, orange, white, gray, and more. But did you know that this explosion of variety is often controlled by just a few genes?