GENETIC MUTATION RESPONSIBLE FOR NEW COAT PATTERN IN CATS IN FINLAND IDENTIFIED

A collaboration between geneticists and animal welfare specialists from the U.K. and the U.S. has successfully pinpointed the genetic mutation responsible for a recently identified cat coat color pattern in Finland. Their findings, published in the journal Animal Genetics, detail the sequencing of the genomes of two cats as part of their study.

In 2007, residents in Finland started noticing a unique coat color among some feral cats. Unlike the typical tuxedo pattern, these cats exhibited hairs that transitioned from black at the base to progressively lighter shades toward the tip. This distinct pattern, eventually termed the “Finnish mutation,” gained attention as some of these cats were adopted into households. In this recent study, the research team delved into the genetic mutation underlying this change.

The researchers officially named the novel coat pattern “salmiak,” in homage to a popular Finnish licorice. They then appealed to the public, seeking cats with the salmiak coat pattern for testing.

Initial examinations of the cats yielded negative results for mutations known to affect white fur coloration. Consequently, the team conducted whole genome sequencing on two cats. Their analysis revealed a mutation near the KIT gene, previously associated with various white hair patterns in domestic cats. Additionally, they observed a notable absence in the sequence downstream from the mutation site.

Subsequently, the research team confirmed the discovery of the targeted variant. After screening 181 cats, they identified the variant in three individuals exhibiting the salmiak coat. All three cats inherited the variant from both parents. Additionally, they identified three other cats carrying the variant but lacking the salmiak coat, inheriting the mutation from just one parent.

The research team concludes that they have pinpointed the recessive mutation accountable for the emergence of the novel and distinctive coat pattern.