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Scientists have finally discovered the gene mutation that makes most orange cats male

For decades, the gene that results in only 1 in 5 ginger kitties being female has eluded researchers.

Photo credit: Canva

We know 80% of orange cats are male, but until now we didn't know the specific gene mutation that causes orange fur.

If an orange cat were to show up at your doorstep and you had to wager whether it was male or female, the odds would definitely be in your favor if you bet male. Only around 20% of orange cats are female, making them fairly rare (though not as rare as a male calico cat, as 99.9% of calicos are female).

Up until now, scientists assumed that the male-to-female ratio for orange cats was due to an X chromosome gene mutation. Since male cats have XY chromosomes, having the gene mutation on the X chromosome makes a male cat orange. But since female cats have two X chromosomes, they have to inherit the mutation on both of them, making it statistically less likely for a female cat to come out with orange fur. While the fact that a sex-linked gene causes orange coloring in cats was understood, which specific gene and what kind of mutation have been an elusive mysteries for decades.

orange cat, ginger kitty, male orange cat, female orange cat, genetic mutationA genetic mutation deletes a piece of DNA that usually suppresses a specific gene in orange cats.Photo credit: Canva

Not anymore. In two studies published simultaneously in the journal Current Biology in May 2025, geneticists at Stanford University in the U.S. and Kyushu University in Japan have pinpointed the exact gene mutation that causes orange pigmentation in cats. The gene is known as Arghap36, and the mutation appears to delete a section of DNA that normally suppresses the expression of the gene, allowing it to remain active.

But the finding was surprising in a few ways.

“At the time we found it, the Arhgap36 gene had no connection to pigmentation,” said Stanford geneticist and lead author Christopher Kaelin, PhD. in a statement. Arhgap36, which has been studied in cancer and developmental biology research, is normally expressed in neuroendocrine tissues. Overexpression there can lead to tumors, but the increased activity of the gene in orange cats causes their unique pigmentation.

orange cat, ginger kitty, male orange cat, female orange cat, genetic mutationMost orange cats are male.Giphy by UC Davis

“In a number of species that have yellow or orange pigment, those mutations almost exclusively occur in one of two genes, and neither of those genes are sex-linked,” Kaelin said. “The mutation in orange cats seems to turn on Arghap36 expression in a cell type, the pigment cell, where it’s not normally expressed.”

Notably, this seems to truly be specific to orange cats and only orange cats.

“Arghap36 is not expressed in mouse pigment cells, in human pigment cells or in cat pigment cells from non-orange cats,” Kaelin said. “The mutation in orange cats seems to turn on Arghap36 expression in a cell type, the pigment cell, where it’s not normally expressed. Certainly, this is a very unusual mechanism where you get misexpression of a gene in a specific cell type."

orange cat, ginger kitty, male orange cat, female orange cat, genetic mutationOrange cat pigmentation is due to a unique gene mutation. Photo credit: Canva

The development of genomic research over the past five to ten years is what enabled the scientists to pinpoint the way the gene mutation works. Hiroyuki Sasaki, a self-proclaimed cat-lover and geneticist at Kyushu University’s Medical Institute of Bioregulation and the Institute for Advanced Study, organized a crowdfunded effort in Japan, raising $70,000 so he could fund his study.

“Identifying the gene has been a longtime dream, so it’s a joy to have finally cracked it,” Sasaki said in a statement. "Arghap36 is essential for development, with many other roles in the body, so I had never imagined it could be the orange gene."

Sasaki points out that the DNA deletion lies in a non-coding deletion region of the gene, so the protein itself doesn't change. Arghap36 is also active in many areas of the body, including the brain and hormonal glands, which means the activation of it could theoretically affect more than just fur color in orange cats.

“For example, many cat owners swear by the idea that different coat colors and patterns are linked with different personalities,” laughs Sasaki. “There’s no scientific evidence for this yet, but it’s an intriguing idea and one I’d love to explore further.”

One thing the scientists don't know for sure is when along the line of evolution this mutation first occurred. Kaelin says it probably occurred early in the domestication process, but Sasaki has ideas for figuring it out.

“One idea is to study ancient Egyptian cat paintings—or even to test DNA from mummified cats—to see if any cats back then were orange,” he says. “It’s ambitious, but I’m excited to try.”

You can read more about the study from Stanford University here and the Kyushu University study here.

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Severely traumatized dog has breakthrough 13 days into foster care and everyone's bawling

Tiki was almost completely shut down and even experts worried he wouldn't be able to heal.

Courtesy of Isabel Klee (@simonsits/TikTok)

Tiki's healing journey is bringing people so much hope.

If someone were to walk into the shelter where Tiki the rescue dog was taken, he might be the last dog who would ever be chosen for adoption. Obviously traumatized from whatever abuse he had endured, Tiki was totally shut down and not in a "please pet me I just need some love" kind of a way. He was paralyzed with fear, wouldn't leave his bed, would sometimes bite, and would lose control of his bowels. Not exactly a dog you'd bring home for the kids.

Foster mom Isabel Klee (@simonsits on TikTok) shared that Tiki came to the shelter through the ASPCA, which handles sensitive and sometimes criminal cases that don't allow for background information to be shared. While she couldn't share the details of what Tiki has been through, it clearly wasn't good.

tiki, isabel klee, simon sits, rescue dog, shelter dog, animal abuseTiki was in bad shape when he was rescued, and people were worried he wouldn't be able to be rehabilitated.Courtesy of Isabel Klee (@simonsits/TikTok)

Experts who saw Tiki weren't sure about whether or not it was even possible for him to get better. Some behaviorists said he wouldn't. Some said getting him out of the shelter might help. Either way, it wasn't going to be an easy attempt, but Isabel was determined to give it a shot.

"I believe all dogs should be given a chance," she said. "Were gonna take it real slow and see what happens."

@simonsits

We’re so ready for you, Tiki. Thank you to @Muddy Paws Rescue and the @ASPCA for giving him a chance 🥺

Sure enough, Isabel and her partner Jacob took it very slowly. In fact, on Day 3 of fostering, Tiki was only just coming out of his crate occasionally for short periods. Isabel would feed him cheese a few times a day to get him used to being near her and accustomed to her touch without being frozen with fear.

@simonsits

Day 3 with Tiki: we’re starting to get a little more comfortable with touch 🥲 @Muddy Paws Rescue @ASPCA


On Day 6, Isabel removed the gate from around Tiki's crate and left him free to explore the apartment. At first, he didn't want to come out, but slowly he grew more courageous and comfortable. In fact, he didn't even flinch when Jacob and their dog, Simon, came into the apartment and Simon barked.

Seeing that he seemed okay with it, the family moved closer to him—but not too close—and he stayed where he was outside his crate. A big step forward.

@simonsits

Day 6 with Tiki: he hung outside of his crate for 30 ENTIRE MINUTES 😭 @Muddy Paws Rescue @ASPCA

By Day 11, Tiki had explored the apartment and made friends with Simon. He was clearly growing more comfortable and starting to show his personality a bit, but still wasn't comfortable with touch.

At this point, it's clear that he really wanted it, though. He walked up and sniffed Jacob and his body language often appeared to want affection. But as soon as they'd reach their hand toward him, he'd suddenly cower away. It's like he's having an internal fight between him wanting to be loved on and being afraid.

@simonsits

Day 11 with Tiki: every day we get closer and closer ❤️ @Muddy Paws Rescue @ASPCA

On Day 12, Klee shared a video synopsising their time together, from the first day when he wouldn't leave his bed to the twelfth day when he was comfortable pouncing around the apartment. The healing has been slow and incremental, but he has very clearly been making excellent progress.

@simonsits

Day 12 with Tiki: a little celebration for how far our boy has come! ❤️ @Muddy Paws Rescue @ASPCA

And then, on Day 13, it finally happened. This fearful, shut down dog approached his foster parents to ask directly for affection, and hoo boy was it everything anyone could have hoped for.

Such a simple gesture, but so incredibly meaningful:

@simonsits

Day 13 with Tiki: to be loved is to be changed 🥹 @Muddy Paws Rescue @ASPCA

The way he looked right into Isabel's face as she scratched his ears and face. So much trust. So much courage. Such vulnerability. So beautiful.

People completely lost it after following his story for nearly two weeks. Even big TikTok accounts like YouTube, Chewy, and Columbia Sportswear are invested and chimed in with feelings about Tiki's progress.

"13 days. A lifetime of neglect, of learning humans are bad creatures. And it only took him 13 days to give humanity another chance. 😭😭😭"

"The way he stared at you!!! Please tell Tiki we are so proud of him!! 😩🥹"

"I’m crying. The look Tiki gives you is heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time. It’s 'I am going to trust you. Please don’t hurt me.' He has wanted this so much."

"Thank god this happened on a Friday so I have two days to recover before work on Monday."

"56 year old mechanic crying on his couch."

"I love knowing thousands of us are crying at the same time."

"The level of vulnerability in his eyes is so touching. As they say, we don’t deserve dogs."

"Crying like everyone, but also realizing Tiki is a motivation to me and possibly others to be brave and move through our fears. Our pasts traumas do not define us. Thank you for sharing him."

OOF. Tiki still has a long way to go in his healing journey, but this milestone was huge. Kudos to Isabel and Jacob and Simon for giving Tiki the loving home and patient, tender care he needs to become the dog he's meant to be. You can follow Tiki's ongoing journey on TikTok.


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Videos of dogs acting guilty and snitching have people convinced dogs feel shame

Research doesn't fully support the idea, but the video evidence is hilariously hard to deny.

Photo credit: Canva

Do dogs really feel shame and guilt?

Have you ever seen a dog get caught in the act of doing something they know they're not supposed to do? Some pups get the sad eyes with the raised eyebrows. Some dogs refuse to make eye contact altogether. Some put their tail between their legs and hunker down in a submissive stance. Some do their darnedest to appear all cute and innocent as if nothing actually happened, but slowly their guilty tells start creeping in.

One of the biggest differences between cats and dogs is that cats will do whatever they want with zero concern over whether their owners like it or not, while dogs (at least most dogs) can be trained to do or not do things with vocal commands. While cats exhibit no shame or guilt, staring right at you while defying you, dogs are eager to please and can't seem to help telling on themselves when they've done something wrong. Some dogs will even tell on each other.

guilty dog, dog guilt, dog shame, dogs, pupsThat is a guilty face right there.Photo credit: Canva

Compilations of dog guilt videos often go viral because they are downright hilarious. Owners don't even have to get mad or yell or anything, and dogs will rat themselves or their friends out every time.

Case in point:

@funnypetsoftiktok59

It wasn’t me. I swear 🐶🦴#dog #funny #foryou #fyp #foryoupage #dogsoftiktok #doglover #funnyvideo #dogs #funnydog #tiktokdogs #pet #puppy #usa🇺🇸 #funnymoments


Sometimes dogs will cower if they've been mistreated or abused, and that's definitely not funny, but none of these owners are even raising their voices much. Just a simple, "Who did this?" question, with some of them even laughing when they ask, and it's enough for the pups to come clean.

Some dogs even exhibit guilty behaviors when they do something they have never been scolded for before, and when they get nothing but encouraging words from their owner, like this pup who puked in his owner's truck for the first time. Listen to how patient and sweet the owner is, and yet how guilty the dog looks:

@southernsam4

oh that guilty fave! poor puppers!#Truckerpuppers #DogsOfTikTok #Keneorthcadburylucas #Labranavigator #zoomiesking #Trucker

Some dogs are just super conscientious, apparently. As one commenter wrote, "I’ve NEVER punished my dog for throwing up. But when he does he acts like he’s been sentenced to death row lol he’s gets extra lovies those days tho."

Some of the funniest ones are the "guilty smile" dogs who exhibit the almost-human trait of nervous smiling when they know they've done something wrong. This dog mama asks in the sweetest voice about the torn up bed, and doggo just guilty grins away.

@emilymacdermottttttt

Guiltiest face I’ve ever seen #goldenretriever #dog #naughtydog


Then there are the huskies, who just argue with you louder and louder until you give up any guilt trip you were attempting.

"Who did this?"

"Owrrrowwwrr owrrr."

"Did you…"

"OWRROWRRRR OWWWRR"

"But…"

"OOOOWRRRR!!! OOWWRR!! OOOWWWRRRR!!!!"

@guiltydoghouse

Blu didn’t do it. #guiltydog #naughtydog #husky #howlinghusky #fyp


And then there are the "If I don't look at it, it doesn't exist, therefore I didn't do it" doggos. In this video, the owner even sets a positive scene, prepping her dog to go for a walk and getting her excited, then just shows her the thing she chewed up and the guilty reaction is instantaneous.

@urfavchickennuggie

The chronicles of Lily 😂 #dog #guilty #guiltydog #guiltydogsoftiktok #shedidthat #shedidit #colgate #funny #funnydog #HPSustainableSounds #PassTheBIC #fyp #foryou #nba #outfitinspo #passover #couplestiktok #gamingskills #perfect #ecofriendly #siblings #petsoftiktok #projectbroadway #familia #PGAtour

Due to evidence like this and people's own experiences with their own dogs, many are convinced that dogs inherently have a sense of shame and guilt when they do something wrong. Is it true?

Do dogs really feel shame and guilt?

While it may seem obvious that the dogs in these videos feel guilty, the research isn't quite so clear. A study of guilty dog looks by dog cognition scientist Dr. Alexandra Horowitz in 2009 found that dogs tend to display "guilty" body language more often when their owners scolded them than if they remained neutral, whether the dog actually did anything wrong or not. “A better description of the so-called guilty look is that it is a response to owner cues, rather than that it shows an appreciation of a misdeed,” Dr. Horowitz concluded.

That would make sense, except for what we see in some of these videos. Clearly, some dogs are not responding to their owners' cues because some owners are simply laughing or even offering words of encouragement.

However, Horowitz clarified that the results of her study do not mean that dog's don't feel guilt.

“My study was decidedly not about whether dogs ‘feel guilt’ or not. I would feel dreadful if people then thought the case was closed on dogs (not) feeling guilt, which is definitely not the case,” she said.

The truth is, we don't know whether dogs feel shame or guilt and we probably never will because we can't get inside their heads. All we can go by is their behavior, which in many case seems to point to at least some sense of understanding they've done something wrong and feel some way about it. Either way, as long as a dog is being well cared for, it's quite entertaining to see.

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Couple includes 19-year-old dog in emotional wedding ceremony days before crossing rainbow bridge

"As much as it's our celebration, it's a celebration of Jack as well so everyone we love can say goodbye."

jamierossweddings/Instagram (used with permission)

Senior dog Jack is part of his owners' wedding ceremony days before he will cross the rainbow bridge.

Dogs are more than pets—they are family members. They are there for big life events and the mundane days. For couple Ryan and Libbee, their wedding day would not have been complete without their 19-year-old dog, Jack. It was a bittersweet day of celebration—and one of Jack's last with them.

Wedding videographer Jamie Ross (@jamierossweddings) shared in an emotional video on Instagram the story of how Ryan and Libbee chose to honor their pup Jack on their big day, allowing family and friends to say their final goodbyes (and "good boys") at their ceremony.

"I don’t usually get emotional at weddings these days—I stay pretty focused on filming, but this story got me," he captioned the video. "When I arrived on the wedding day, it was immediately clear how much Jack meant to his Ryan & Lib, and I knew I had to capture whatever I could."

In the video, it begins with bride Libbee sharing about Jack. "So Jack, he's 19. He turned 19 three weeks ago. And he's going to go to Heaven on Monday. So this weekend, as much as it's our celebration, it's a celebration of Jack as well so everyone we love can say goodbye to him," she says. Scenes from the wedding day are played as the couple cuddle and kiss Jack together.

She explains that Jack traveled everywhere with them all over the world. "I feel like he's touched a part of everybody's lives in his 19 years, so celebrating him," she added.

In another clip, Ross captured the couple's vows, which included a special anecdote about Jack. Groom Ryan says, "And even though our trio is about to become a duo, I know it won't be long until we are filling the backseat again," he says through tears.

Groom Ryan (@ryandyer21) shared more about what it meant for Jack to be a part of their special day in the video's comment section. "@libbeedyer and I are so blown away by all the love and amazing comments from so many people! I’m sure Jack would be absolutely thrilled by all the attention. We hope he’s watching us from up above while working through an endless pile of bones 🦴 🤍," he wrote.

Following the wedding, Ryan shared a post following up on Jack's final journey. "Earlier today we had to say the hardest of goodbyes to our beautiful boy. Over 19 years of the most amazing memories that we’ll cherish forever. So incredibly grateful for the time we had but it will never be enough," he wrote.

In the carousel, he shared a photo of them holding Jack's paw in his final moments. "Navigating through this next phase of life won’t be the same without you. You’ll always have a piece of our hearts 💔 Rest easy our forever best friend ❤️," he added.

The couple's emotional wedding video got an overwhelming response from viewers in the comment section. "Crying 😭 this is such a beautiful tribute to Jack. Rest easy sweet boy 🤍," one wrote. Another shared, "This has ruined me 💔🥺🥺 what a special family ❤️." Another viewer commented, "Jack said: my life is complete, these two are going to do so well together and they will have lots more pups in their life, approved and sent by me 🥹🥹🥹🥹."

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