Cats come in a variety of colors, from black and white to orange and gray. However, the color red is quite rare in domestic cats. In this article, we’ll explore whether truly red-colored cats really exist.
What Makes a Cat’s Fur Red?
In most cats, the red/orange coloration comes from pheomelanin pigment. This is the same pigment that makes red hair in humans. For a cat’s coat to appear deep red, it needs to produce a lot of pheomelanin.
There are two genes that drive pheomelanin production in cats:
- The sex-linked orange gene. This is carried on the X chromosome and causes ginger tabby patterns.
- The recessive red gene. This suppresses the dark eumelanin pigment and makes the coat appear redder.
When a cat inherits two recessive red genes (one from each parent), its fur will be a brighter, richer red. Very few cats have this genetic combination naturally.
Breeds with Red Coats
While truly red domestic cats are extremely rare, some specific cat breeds are well-known for their red coats:
Turkish Angora
This ancient breed often has a red coat color. The gene for red coats likely originated in Angoras before spreading to other breeds. Their fur is long and silky.
Turkish Van
The Turkish Van can also have red-toned fur. However, it tends to be more white than solid red. The breed’s coat is semi-longhaired.
Abyssinian
Abyssinians exhibit a color called “usual red” which appears cinnamon. It comes from a sex-linked red gene, not two recessive alleles. So it’s not as bright as a true red coat.
Manx
Some Manx cats have golden red fur. Again, it tends to be lighter and browner than a vivid red. The breed has a short double coat.
| Breed | Coat Length | Red Color Genetics |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Angora | Long and silky | Two recessive red genes |
| Turkish Van | Semi-long | Two recessive red genes |
| Abyssinian | Short | Sex-linked red gene |
| Manx | Short double coat | Sex-linked red gene |
Red Cats in Popular Culture
While truly red cats are rare, they have made some noteworthy appearances in movies, cartoons, and books:
- Red from Disney’s “The Aristocats” – This animated children’s movie from 1970 features an orange-red Turkish Angora cat named Red.
- Crookshanks from Harry Potter – Hermione Granger’s pet cat Crookshanks has a red fur coat in the films.
- The Cat in the Hat – Dr. Seuss’ iconic 1957 book depicts the mischievous Cat in the Hat with bright red fur.
- Strawberry from “Sailor Moon” – This red cat advises Luna and Artemis in the Japanese anime series.
The vibrant red coat makes these cats iconic and memorable characters. Even if pure red isn’t genetically likely, it works visually for books, cartoons, and movies.
Genetically Engineered Red Cats
In 2020, scientists in South Korea used gene editing to create red cats. They disabled a gene called Tyrc, which normally codes for the enzyme tyrosinase.
Tyrosinase catalyzes key reactions in the production of melanin. By disabling it, cats could no longer produce black pigment. This left the red/orange pheomelanin unmasked, resulting in red fur.
The scientists performed gene editing on cat embryos using CRISPR technology. When the embryos were implanted and carried by surrogate mothers, two red kittens were born.
This research demonstrated that gene-editing could create designer cats with unusual fur colors and patterns. However, many experts criticized genetic tampering with pets for aesthetic purposes only.
Naturally Occurring True Red Cats
While breeds like the Turkish Angora come close, naturally occurring, deep red cats are extremely rare. But a few have popped up over the years:
- Rubble – In 2020, a red British Shorthair kitten was born in France. Named “Rubble,” he likely expressed two recessive red genes.
- Red – An adopted stray red cat went viral online in 2018. She was likely a Turkish Angora blend.
- Missy – This rescued cat from South Carolina had a striking red coat. Genetic testing revealed mutations causing excess pheomelanin.
These unusual red felines remind us that even rare genetic combos can occasionally occur naturally. Their unique coats captivate people online.
Conclusion
While some breeds like Turkish Angoras have red tones, truly vibrant red domestic cats are exceptionally uncommon. Their unusual color results from two recessive red genes suppressing melanin production. A few red cats have randomly popped up over the years, going viral for their distinctive look. For the most part, red coat coloration in felines is limited to cartoons and movies.
