The Salty Licorice Cats, also referred to as the Salmiak cat, is not recognized as a new breed but instead showcases a unique coat color pattern.
This special pattern includes an ombré effect, where the fur changes from black at the base to white at the ends, creating a look similar to a tuxedo with extra white spots.
The name “Salty Licorice” comes from a well-known Finnish treat and highlights the cats’ attractive appearance.
Research by scientists at the University of Helsinki has identified the genetic basis for this coat color, which is due to a recessive mutation in the KIT gene, impacting pigmentation.
Therefore, Salty Licorice Cats are considered variations within the broader domestic cat population rather than a distinct breed.
The Genetic Breakthrough
The KIT gene is key in deciding the coat color and pattern of Salty Licorice Cats, also called Salmiak cats.
It controls how melanocytes, the cells that make skin and hair color, develop and move. Researchers found a new mutation in the KIT gene in Salty Licorice Cats, causing their unique coat pattern with dark roots and white tips.
Although early tests didn’t find any specific KIT gene changes, deeper study found a large deletion near the gene, possibly affecting its function.
This change is inherited in a recessive way, meaning both parents must carry the mutation for their cat to have the Salty Licorice coat.
Fom Observation to Research
In 2007, Finnish people in Petäjävesi found a new coat pattern in cats that resembled the Finnish candy called salty licorice.
This pattern was named ‘salty licorice’ coat and was first observed in domestic cats and. Some browsers of those cats met researchers from the University of Helsinki who identified that this pattern resulted from a new gene mutation known as KIT gene.
This discovery made in the year 2024, made us learn more on how cat fur colors are produced and could assist in preserving this rare coat pattern of future cat breeds.
What Makes It Unique?
The special mixed color pattern on Salty Licorice Cats, where their fur changes from dark at the roots to white at the tips, is due to a genetic change called a mutation in the KIT gene.
This mutation causes a big part of the KIT gene to be missing, which messes up how melanocytes work.
Melanocytes are the cells that make fur color. Even though the KIT gene was first looked at without finding any changes, more detailed studies showed that having two copies of this mutation is needed for the cats to have the salmiak coat pattern.
Characteristics of Salty Licorice Cats
Regarding the appearance of cats, Salty Licorice Cats or Salmiak cats have a much different appearance than other cats. They resemble the tuxedo cats but they have a white and a dark layer which distinguishes them.
It is mostly white and towards the end, the fur radiates to a lighter version of white giving it an ashy ombre look.
Seahorses have it most obvious in the dorsal area and hips which are often dubbed in white of where their back and tails will be. They may have black fur but can also have other colors such as blue, brown orEnd Tortoiseshell.
Their eyes are green or yellow most of the time, which just adds to their attractiveness.
The Recessive Nature of the Salty Licorice Trait
A trait like Salty Licorice Cat’s coat pattern is passed down through genes, needing two copies for it to show up.
Both parents must have the gene for their kittens to get the coat. If only one parent has it, the kittens can carry the gene but won’t show the trait.
This makes breeding tricky, as breeders need to choose carefully to get kittens with the right coat. It also means fewer cats can be bred, as not all have the gene.
How to Care for a Salty Licorice Cat
There are things to achieve when taking care of a Salty Licorice Cat in order to ensure that the cat is healthy and has a good loving nature.
First of all, give them good cat food which has to suit the cat’s age, weight, and its level of activity.
This assists to ensure that they remain active and healthy. It is also necessary to feed them at suitable times and intervals so that they do not get too large; this is common with indoor cats.
Depending on the fur density, they may require frequent grooming in order to prevent shedding as well as tangling of their coats.
They also require their teeth to be scrutinized and nails trimmed once in a while. Just as with any other pet they like to be played with and you should provide them with toys periodically. They also need to have clean water and a clean place whenever they go to the lavatory.
The Salty Licorice Cat, known for its mixed coat pattern, demonstrates the wide range of cat colors and helps us learn more about cat genetics. Its special coat, caused by a rare gene mutation, shows why it’s important to protect unique genetic traits.
