11/01/2023
Hi Pikaters, lets talk in depth about the science behind the stunning colors of Maine C**n! The stunning colors and patterns of cats are influenced by several genes that control the production of pigment. The C Locus gene controls the production of both black and yellow pigment, while the Agouti gene controls the production of yellow pigment. The Orange gene, found only in cats and located on the X chromosome, is responsible for the Red/Orange coloration. It has two versions: the dominant Orange (O) allele and the recessive non-Orange (o) allele. Female cats can have orange, orange and black, or Tortoiseshell coloration due to a process called random X-chromosome inactivation, while male cats cannot normally be Tortoiseshell. The Orange gene also blocks the expression of Tabby patterns on the body of the cat, though they may still be visible on the legs, tail, and face.
