We Finally Figured Out Why Orange Cats Are Orange

Orange cats captivate us with their confident, sometimes absurdly stupid appearance, and now researchers have cracked the code behind their unique color. A mutation in the Arhgap36 gene causes them to produce more orange-red pigment than black-brown, giving them a standout look. However, it’s unclear if this genetic trait has any connection to their intelligence or behavior—whether they’re simply duds when it comes to “understanding” us, remains a mystery.