This is my foolish attempt to try and explain why this Chinese cat, named Marigold, looks like a Red Panda (see picture below from Wikipedia Commons). I am told this is a hoax as this sort of coat is impossible (see Michele S’s comment). It is certainly possible that it is a hoax..
This is an interesting cat picked up in a pet market in Beijing, China by Vincent Tolley and described by him as an “undiscovered mutant cat”. People are unsure why this cat looks like she does. The coat type is certainly very rare and unusual.
Vincent says that he took her to a veterinarian for advice about why she looked like she did. The vet wasn’t sure and even thought that the cat might have been dyed that color.
The second photo above shows two kittens with the same markings, so Marigold is not unique. I don’t know if they are siblings and Marigold is one of them.
Between these cats, there is a difference in the density of the rusty/brown/orange colored fur, which is the unique aspect of this cat. The kittens in the lower picture appear to have lighter coloured rusty fur.
The remainder of the coat is black and white, fairly typical. It is the shape of the rusty colored markings which gives this cat her special appearance.
The shape of the pattern follows the extremities of the body; where the black fur is the body is cooler. The rusty/brown fur is in the warmer areas of the body (the center). This makes me believe that this is either:
- a calico cat (orange, black and white fur) which carries the Siamese gene, which is heat sensitive, and which has affected how the orange fur is positioned.
- Or, this cat has a hormonal imbalance (perhaps the pituitary gland) which affects the production of melanin (eumelanin), a dark pigment in the hair strands, which is converted from pheomelanin, a pigment which is yellow/red (see image below of a hair strand). The effect of the hormonal imbalance has been dictated by a gene which is heat sensitive.
- The “mitting” – white paws, is typical of the effect of the white spotting gene. It is very common in black and white cats.
See an extraordinary torbie cat, which is as unusual on appearance as Marigold.
i would agree that the cat is not a hoax but rather has the siamese gene or the Tyrosinase (TYR) gene, on a yellow/orange tabby base with white. it would make sense. this cat could have a homozygous siamese or two alleles of the same gene, therefore, causing it to show up on the cat(s). i work with genetics on rabbits and love messing around with lightening genes and darkening genes. and i have otten most of the enes down for the breeds i use. i think this is what is going on here. tyr x try x y/o t= a yellow/ orange cat with the siamese gene.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It is appreciated.
Its a “HOAX” for the simple reason that if genuine these kittens would be World “CAT CELEBRITIES” by now, splashed all across the media.
That is a decent point to make Rudolph. Mind you I don’t think the appearance is that strange. Remember the amazing torbie for example?
https://pictures-of-cats.org/worlds-most-extraordinary-cat-coat-pattern.html
No one cared less about this cat.
huh, I though those pix were photoshopped. Very cute little guys.
You wouldn’t be the first who thought they were Photoshopped but I think not. Hope you are well Dan.
Michael I immediately recognised the second photo as I’d seen it before on Sarah Hartwell’s web site.
She states it is a hoax because “It is genetically impossible to have colourpoints on a deeply coloured body.”
http://messybeast.com/indefinable-colours.htm
Well, thanks Michels S. Trust Sarah to spoil the fun 😉 LOL. I am not sure she is correct however. Although it is almost impossible to disagree with the master.
She is the “gene master” (lol)so I’m inclined to trust what she says as fact.
I find it rather strange that no further videos of that kitten have been posted. Yet two weeks ago the owners uploaded a video of one of their other cats. I hate to be a naysayer, but my gut tells me it is a hoax.
I’d be happy to be proven wrong though. I’m far more interested in new colours and coat patterns, than I am in new or quirky breeds.
I am, thank you. I hope you are as well.
They colour the cat with hair dye – its why its copper orange. The cat is regular tuxedo. They do this to puppies as well to make them more appealing. The animals can suffer burns and allergic reactions. They apply hair lightener to the cat. On a deep brown / black coat it pulls reddish copper tones. Thats why they avoid putting dye on the eyes / ears area – Its a very popular way of making money from some stray cats in China.
Excellent comment Riibee. Many thanks for contributing.
Dan I am now told it is a hoax! Could be. It may be a coat painting using vegetable dyes. If so they are black and white cats.
Ahhhh. Too bad. Cute kittens. Darn. Now that would have been a cute new breed, barring any medical issues.
Well, we are not 100% sure the cat is a hoax but could well be. Life is like that…
No Vegtable based dye unfortunately. Veg based ‘pet safe’ dyes cannot lighten – you’ll need a fair coloured or light animal to get the affect. This is hair bleach / lightener. What you see when ladies get highlights.
Thanks Riibee. Nice thinking and thanks for sharing.
Cute kitty.
Looks raccoonish to me too.
Wait, There are 2 of them?
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that reddish-brown coat on a cat before.
Love it.