Could be several factors. 1. It's genetic, and was simply ressesive in her/the father. 2. She mated with several cats. It does tend to happen, and if she was around other toms, it's a possiblity. But i'd discount that one in this case, as they seem to live with a human.
But the fur colour gene is co-dominant on the X chromosome, that's why all calicos and torties are female (except for chromosomal anomalies), because having one black/grey gene and one blonde/orange gene leads to both colours being expressed.
It shouldn't be possible for a pure-orange mom and an orange dad to have a grey kitten, unless I'm missing something.
"Cryptic torties" are a thing--you know how sometimes you see a cat that's like 75% black with some orange spots, or vice versa? A cryptic tortie is an extreme version of this where a female carries both the orange and black genes but for whatever reason the X-inactivation happened in a way where the vast majority of the fur is one color, with maybe a few scattered hairs of the other color.
But this is quite rare. Multiple fathers is a much likelier situation, but not 100% guaranteed.
because having one black/grey gene and one blonde/orange gene leads to both colours being expressed.
That’s what this part is saying. That orange wouldn’t be possible unless it is pure orange. Otherwise you’d see a combination; there’s never a hidden color.
A codominant gene is one where both alleles (versions of a gene) are fully and separately expressed in the phenotype (observable trait) of a heterozygous individual, meaning neither allele masks the other, resulting in a distinct appearance showing both traits, like AB blood type or spotted animals.
Blood type in humans is a good example. Both A and B are dominant over O, but they are co-dominant with each other, which is why type AB blood exists.
Papa cat showing up for moral support.
He’s on emotional support duty and napping overtime
Gotta love a suportive papa! He knows teamwork makes the dream work, especially with all those kittens around.
Papa cat’s emotional support game is strong today
Papa looking at the gray one like
It was the mailcat
It's like a starting young married couple .
A mom taking care of everyone at once — the kittens and the dad. That little one quietly nursing in the middle makes this moment feel so complete.
Got her babies and her mans.
Awww what a cutie cat family 😻 momma cats don't often let the male cats stay around the babies.. he must be super special to her. So cute to see 🤩
There are question to mother why one kitten is grey)
Could be several factors. 1. It's genetic, and was simply ressesive in her/the father. 2. She mated with several cats. It does tend to happen, and if she was around other toms, it's a possiblity. But i'd discount that one in this case, as they seem to live with a human.
Maybe the printer ran out of orange ink.
But the fur colour gene is co-dominant on the X chromosome, that's why all calicos and torties are female (except for chromosomal anomalies), because having one black/grey gene and one blonde/orange gene leads to both colours being expressed.
It shouldn't be possible for a pure-orange mom and an orange dad to have a grey kitten, unless I'm missing something.
"Cryptic torties" are a thing--you know how sometimes you see a cat that's like 75% black with some orange spots, or vice versa? A cryptic tortie is an extreme version of this where a female carries both the orange and black genes but for whatever reason the X-inactivation happened in a way where the vast majority of the fur is one color, with maybe a few scattered hairs of the other color.
But this is quite rare. Multiple fathers is a much likelier situation, but not 100% guaranteed.
You're assuming they're both pure Orange.
That’s what this part is saying. That orange wouldn’t be possible unless it is pure orange. Otherwise you’d see a combination; there’s never a hidden color.
Thank you. That's what "co-dominant" means.
Maybe one of their grandparents was a grey cat
Not possible, and addressed by my comment.
Blood type in humans is a good example. Both A and B are dominant over O, but they are co-dominant with each other, which is why type AB blood exists.
Oh, cat coat color genes are w e i r d .
Beautiful photo!! I've always been fascinated by cats with their eyes closed, I mean how they seem to be straining to keep them closed. 😸
I’ve never heard someone refer to it this way, but you’re 100% right
Cuties 😍
Yo, he needs to ask questions lmao.
Such an adorable family!
Very adorable family
Cute 🥰 family pic!!
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Beautiful
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I want to be adopted into this family 😭
This is so cute
This is so sweet :)
Give them extra treats from me.
🥹🥹🥹
wow he is double her size, lol! and where did the lone gray kitten come from?!
🫶🏻
Awww...🥰 look at those babies!!
I wanna get in there