Genetic Mutation Reveals Why Most Orange Cats Are Male

San Diego, California, USA: Researchers identified the specific gene on the X chromosome responsible for producing orange fur in cats, explaining why most orange felines are male. Since males have only one X chromosome, if it carries the orange variant, they display the color. Females need two copies of the variant—making orange females less common. Scientists say the discovery clarifies how sex-linked genes shape cat coats and might shed light on broader X-chromosome influences in mammals.