Cats can display a wide variety of fur colors and patterns. While black, brown, and grey are some of the most common cat fur colors, more unusual colors like red are also possible. The genes responsible for red pigment in cat fur are well-documented and several cat breeds are known for having reddish fur. With the right genetic makeup, domestic cats can also have red fur. This article will examine the genetics behind red fur in cats, look at some breeds known for their red coats, and discuss how common red fur is among the general cat population.
Genetics of Red Fur in Cats
The pigment that produces a red or orange coat in cats is called phaeomelanin. This pigment is also found in humans with red hair. The gene that codes for phaeomelanin production is located on chromosome D1 in cats and is labeled as the “red gene,” or O gene. This gene has two alleles – an orange (O) allele and a non-orange (o) allele. To have phaeomelanin production and red pigment in the fur, a cat must have two copies of the orange allele (OO genotype). Cats with only one copy of the orange allele (Oo genotype) may still have some red pigment, but will not be fully red. The non-orange allele (oo genotype) results in a lack of phaeomelanin production and no red fur.
In addition to the red gene, other genes influence the amount and distribution of red pigment. The agouti gene, for example, helps determine whether phaeomelanin is produced uniformly or only in a banded pattern on the hair shaft. Various dilution genes can also affect the vividness of red pigment. But the fundamental requirement for red fur is two copies of the orange allele on the red gene.
Cat Breeds with Red Fur
Several domestic cat breeds are especially known for their reddish coats. Breeds that frequently display phaeomelanin production and red fur include:
| Breed | Description of Red Coat |
|---|---|
| Turkish Angora | Can have a bright red coat. Considered one of the ancient natural breeds originating from Turkey. |
| Turkish Van | Famous for its all-white and red-and-white coat patterns. Also an ancient natural breed from Turkey. |
| Abyssinian | Displays a light reddish coat color called “sorrel” with darker striped ticking. |
| Somali | A long-haired Abyssinian, with a red coat and darker red ticking. |
| Red Oriental Shorthair | Solid red coat color, ranging from bright orange-red to a more muted cranberry. |
In these breeds, selective breeding over many generations has concentrated the red gene and red pigment production. But even in these breeds, not all individuals will display phaeomelanin; variants with non-red coat colors also occur.
Prevalence of Red Fur in the General Cat Population
Among randomly breeding domestic cats, red fur is estimated to occur in about 1 in 3,000 individuals. It is considered one of the rarer natural coat colors. For a red coat to occur, both parents must carry at least one copy of the orange gene allele. Because the orange allele frequency is low in the overall cat population, the chances of two carrier cats mating is also low.
However, in areas where certain red cat breeds are popular, more orange gene alleles may be present in the general population. Interbreeding with red breeds could produce more red-coated offspring. Additionally, purebred cats allowed outdoors could spread orange alleles to the stray and feral population through mating. Even so, the vast majority of domestic cats do not carry orange alleles and will not have red fur.
Can Male vs Female Cats Have Red Fur?
Both male and female cats can equally display red fur. The gene for phaeomelanin production is not located on the sex chromosomes. This means inheritance of the orange gene allele is independent of the cat’s sex. Male and female cats with two copies of the orange allele will be phenotypically red.
It is sometimes thought red coats are more common in male cats. However, this perception likely arises from the fact that some notable red cat breeds like Turkish Vans and Abyssinians have more male red variants. But in the overall cat population, red coats can occur in both sexes at the same low rate if the right genetics are present. Gender itself does not limit which cats can be red.
Can All Cat Breeds Have Red Fur?
Most cat breeds have at least a small chance of producing red-furred individuals. As long as both parents carry at least one copy of the orange gene allele, red kittens can be born. However, in breeds fixed for certain coat color genes, red fur may be extremely unlikely or impossible. For example:
| Breed | Red Fur Potential |
|---|---|
| Siamese | Extremely unlikely. Fixed for non-orange alleles on red gene. |
| Russian Blue | Impossible. Fixed for recessive dense gene inhibiting phaeomelanin. |
| Havana Brown | Low. Fixed for chocolate color, may carry hidden orange alleles. |
| Manx | Higher chance. All coat colors possible. |
So while it is rare, a few red individuals could potentially occur even in breeds fixed for non-red coat colors. But certain color profiles essentially eliminate the possibility of red fur.
Can Red Cats Have Different Eye Colors?
Red cats can have a range of possible eye colors. However, there are some correlations between coat color and eye color in cats. The pigments producing coat and eye color are related.
Cats with orange gene alleles tend to also carry alleles for golden or yellowish eye colors. But they can still have green or blue-green eyes. Here are some of the eye colors seen in red cats:
| Eye Color | Prevalence in Red Cats |
|---|---|
| Copper/gold | Very common |
| Hazel | Moderate |
| Green | Less common |
| Blue | Rare |
So while eye color possibilities are influenced by coat color genetics, red cats can have a mix of different eye shades.
Are Red Cats Always Solid Colored?
While many red cats have a solid, uniform red coat, others may display red only in patches or spots. Red tabby patterns are also seen, especially in breeds like Turkish Vans and Abyssinians where agouti gene alleles producing striped hairs are common.
Some other red coat patterns that can occur include:
– Calico/Tortoiseshell – Distinct red and non-red patches. More common in females.
– Torbie – Red tabby pattern with tortoiseshell-type patching.
– Speckled Red – Tiny red and non-red flecks distributed through the fur.
So red coats can manifest as anything from solid to multi-colored. However, the extent of red versus non-red areas can vary greatly.
Do All Orange Cats Have Red Fur?
In everyday language, people often talk about “orange” cats and “red” cats interchangeably. But in genetic terms, the two colors refer to slightly different phenotypes:
– Red cats have a vivid phaeomelanin pigment producing a bright, saturated red-orange color.
– Orange cats have a paler, diluted version of phaeomelanin pigment leading to a pale peachy shade.
Both color variants require two orange gene alleles. But orange cats also carry dilution genes that mute the intensity of the red pigment. So while red and orange cats are closely related genetically, they are visibly distinct. An orange cat will never be as deeply red-colored as a cat with an intense, saturated red coat.
Do Red Cats Have Different Personalities?
There is no evidence that a cat’s fur color is linked to or influences personality traits. While cat owners may ascribe certain stereotypical qualities to red cats, these are likely just assumptions. Personality is shaped much more strongly by early life experiences and socialization than by genetics.
However, one interesting theory proposes that red coats could be linked with more aggressive temperaments. This is because orange gene alleles also promote male social dominance and territorial behaviors in some animal species. But current research has not found a clear correlation between coat color and personality in domestic cats. So red cats may exhibit any personality type, and be just as friendly, aloof, playful, or assertive as any other cat. Their vibrant fur color does not seem to dictate temperament.
Conclusion
Red coats are one of the more uncommon fur colors in the overall domestic cat population. But through selective breeding focused on the orange gene allele, vibrant red fur has become concentrated in certain breeds like Turkish Vans and Abyssinians. Red cats require two copies of the orange gene allele, but additional genes can influence the specific shade and patterning. While red is not common, cats with various amounts of phaeomelanin pigment and orange, red, or multi-colored coats continue to occur due to inheritance and interbreeding. So yes, domestic cats can sometimes have rich, beautiful red fur. With the right genetic makeup, this striking coat color remains a possibility.
