And speaking of calico…
Been meaning to look up why calico cats are always female. Here’s the skinny: calicos are usually white, orange and black (or tabby or gray or…whatevs). About 70% white on average – that has nothing to do with the topic at hand, but I thought it was interesting.
The X chromosome carries the gene for either ginger or black (or a variety of non-white colors). One color per X chromosome. So only XX (that is, female) beasts can have both ginger and black.
Except those poor little bastards with Klinefelter syndrome. They have XXY, XXXY or even XXXXY chromosomes. I don’t think it creates much of a problem in cats, but it can produce the occasional a male calico.
The gene for white isn’t on a sex chromosome, but elsewhere in the genome, so any old cat can carry it.
“But wait, Stoaty, you magnificent beast!” I hear you say, “most gingers are male. How that be?”
Male gingers carry the ginger gene on their one X chromosome. Female gingers have to have the ginger gene on both X chromosomes. That makes the ratio is about 3 to 1 male to female, and I believe ginger girls must have ginger daddies.
I think ginger and black without the white is how you get a tortie, but I’ve about come to the end of my genetic education.
If you ever yearn to feel stupid and slow, try looking into the genetics of chicken colors. Here’s a look at the basics.
Posted: January 27th, 2021 under animals, cats.
Comments: 10
Comments
Comment from S. Weasel
Time: January 27, 2021, 9:34 pm
Reading people on the chicken groups try to breed their own true complex colors from scratch is wild.
Comment from Jeff Weimer
Time: January 27, 2021, 11:57 pm
Yes. Torties are almost 100% female.
Comment from Armybrat
Time: January 28, 2021, 1:44 am
I’ve had 2 orange females. My vets always told me that female oranges were very rare. They were almost identical with tiger stripes and cream and orange ringed tails. And the “softest” paws…a beautiful shell shaped paw with almost no claws…both of them. And both of them were almost dog-like. They had big personalities and were very social, came when their name was called and followed some basic commands. My last girl has been gone almost 8 years now. If I could find another girl like her I could be talked into another 18 year gig.
Comment from ron
Time: January 28, 2021, 4:14 pm
Comment from BJM
Time: January 28, 2021, 4:42 pm
Hey, youse guys following #stonks? Whee!! what a ride.
Comment from Anonymous
Time: January 28, 2021, 7:50 pm
Totally amazing, BJM. The latest rumor is that Robinhoodapp is selling stocks *for* customers “for their own good.”
Awaiting confirmation.
Comment from drew458
Time: January 28, 2021, 8:13 pm
Good, spend your time looking at chicken genetics. I hear you had some snow there. DON’T LOOK AT IT !!!! It could cost you £200 fine. And don’t even think of throwing a snowball.
Comment from S. Weasel
Time: January 28, 2021, 8:30 pm
Anonymous is me. I’m watching Twitter with slack-jawed amaze.
Comment from BJM
Time: January 28, 2021, 8:46 pm
@Stoaty…hop over to WSB. According to WSB-ers Robinhoodapp is force selling.
WH thumb on the scales or no…Robinhoodapp is toast.
Charles Payne: “Pro Tip
Don’t call yourself Robin Hood if you are going to turn your back on the folks in Sherwood forest after one phone call from the Sheriff of Nottingham.”
Heh.
Comment from Syracuse1989
Time: February 8, 2021, 8:36 pm
I am currently owned by three cats, two orange girls and a sweet lady calico. All are delightful and friendly. Lucky I am to have such rare beauties.
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