The Arhgap36 gene has known roles in development, but in cats, it seems to only activate in skin pigment cells—not the brain. That means orange fur isn’t linked to intelligence or behavior.

A deletion at the X-linked ARHGAP36 gene locus is associated with the orange coloration of tortoiseshell and calico cats. Current Biology. Published online May 15, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2025.03 ...

The bobtail trait was the result of a random genetic mutation among domestic shorthaired cats. Starting in the 1960s breeders began selectively breeding these stubby-tailed cats, resulting in an ...

For starters, orange cats are not a breed, like British shorthair or Siamese. Cats of many breeds, from Maine coons and ...

Body size. The Kurilian Bobtail size is larger than some cat breeds. They’re generally classified as medium to large animals. The males tend to be noticeably larger than the females.