In 2007, a unique type of cat was discovered in Central Finland. This cat had a distinctive fur pattern that started with one color on its back and gradually turned into another at the tips due to a genetic mutation. The cat was named salmiak, after a Finnish licorice, and had white or nearly white tails and yellow or green eyes. Besides its unique fur pattern, salmiak cats come in various colors like black, brown, and tortoiseshell.
A research team comprised of scientists and animal welfare advocates conducted a study published in the journal Animal Genetics to better understand this unique cat color. DNA tests on the cats revealed a deletion in the KIT gene, which is connected to the expression of white fur in various animals. This deletion may be responsible for the salmiak coat color in cats.
The discovery of this unique cat has won a place in the hearts of cat lovers worldwide, raising interesting questions about coat color genetics in cats. While it’s uncertain whether the salmiak cat will be recognized in pedigreed cat registries, this genetic research highlights the fascinating genetic diversity found in feline populations.