HELSINKI, Finland — Researchers at the University of Helsinki have identified a genetic mutation responsible for a striking new coat pattern in domestic cats, dubbed “salmiak” after Finland’s beloved salty licorice candy.
Published in Animal Genetics in May, the study reveals that the “salty licorice” pattern—first observed in Finnish cats in 2007—features dark facial markings with a gradient of white spots along the body, culminating in a predominantly white tail.
The team traced the trait to a rare variant of the KIT gene, which regulates melanocyte distribution and often influences white coat patterns in animals. DNA analysis of five salmiak-patterned cats and 180 standard Finnish domestic cats confirmed that all five salmiak cats carried two copies of the mutation, while only three non-salmiak cats had a single copy.
“This discovery highlights how community engagement drives our research,” lead researcher Hannes Lohi told CNN, noting that cat owners and breeders first brought the unusual coloring to scientists’ attention.
The mutation’s effects are most visible in black cats but can appear across coat colors. Initial genetic screening failed to detect the variant, but deeper analysis revealed a large deletion in the KIT gene—a breakthrough underscoring the complexity of feline genetics.
Shorter Lifespan in Sphynx Cats
The study follows recent research by the Royal Veterinary College and National Chung Hsing University, which found that hairless Sphynx cats live an average of 6.7 years post-kittenhood—significantly shorter than other breeds. Their findings were published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.
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