A distinctive new coat color pattern has emerged among cats in Finland, capturing the attention of scientists who have recently pinpointed the genetic mutation responsible for it.
These cats exhibit a striking fur pattern where the color gradually fades from the base near the skin to white at the tips, with their tails typically displaying white tips as well. Alongside this gradient effect, the cats showcase the classic “tuxedo” pattern, characterized by all-white areas on the neck, chest, belly, and paws, albeit with occasional spots of color overlapping these white markings.
Heidi Anderson, from Mars Petcare Science & Diagnostics in Helsinki, explains that the unique coloring resembles the popular Finnish salty liquorice, hence the moniker “salmiak” given to the coat pattern. Initially observed in three cats in central Finland in 2007, this distinct fur pattern, originally known as “the Finnish mutation,” piqued the interest of researchers at the University of Helsinki in 2019, who reached out to Anderson, an expert in feline genetics.
Collaborating with her colleagues, Anderson embarked on a quest to identify more cats with the “salmiak” coat pattern across Finland through media outreach. Despite initial DNA testing yielding negative results for known gene variants influencing white coloration in cat coats, the researchers persisted.
Their perseverance paid off when genome sequencing of two “salmiak” cats unveiled a mutation near the KIT gene, commonly linked to white hair patterns in various domestic animal species. Anderson highlights a significant sequence deviation downstream from the KIT gene, indicating the presence of the newfound mutation.
Subsequent testing confirmed that cats exhibiting the “salmiak” coat inherited the variant from both parents, establishing its recessive nature. Among 181 additional Finnish house cats tested, only a handful possessed the salmiak variant, further solidifying its rarity and genetic basis.
Anderson expresses excitement over the genetic breakthrough, affirming the identification of the recessive mutation underlying the mesmerizing “salmiak” coats. She emphasizes the admiration these unique felines have garnered over the years, underscoring the significance of unraveling their genetic origins.
